The Olentangy River might have to wait a while for a long overdue cleanup. A plan by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to give additional protection to the Olentangy River has just been shelved, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The plan included a restriction on construction and development within a few hundred feet of the river in certain areas, among other things.
According to the Ohio EPA Web site, sediment runoff from construction sites is one of the leading causes of pollution and damage to the river. The very rapid development of Delaware County – the state’s fastest growing county – is contributing greatly to this problem. For the last few months, the EPA has asked for local opinion about the plan.
While some agencies, such as the Ohio Environmental Council, support the proposal, developers in Delaware County have not been so enthusiastic, according to Columbus Business First. Although developers worry primarily about residential construction, other projects such as upgrading Delaware’s water treatment plant might be hurt because of its proximity to the river.
The Lantern believes that additional protection to the river is more important than most developmental concerns. Most complaints stem from Delaware County, which has benefited greatly from recent soars in population and development. Anyone who lives in Delaware County, however, can clearly see that development will continue to benefit the county’s economy without additional construction by the river.
According to the Ohio EPA, the Olentangy River runs for 93 miles throughout six central Ohio counties. Although 46 percent of the river meets standards for the quality of aquatic life, there is evidence that continued development is hurting the habitats of the river’s fish and mussel populations. It would be easier to implement better standards now before water quality plummets, than to try to clean up the mess a decade down the road.
The Lantern also believes this river protection plan reflects more than just the quality of water in central Ohio. It reflects the state’s willingness to improve environmental standards in general and its priorities. Ohio has lagged behind other states in environmental standards for years and needs to take the initiative to cleanup its act.
