Ohio EPA will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, to accept comments on a proposal to stabilize the bank of the Sandusky River in Upper Sandusky. The meeting will be held at Upper Sandusky Council Chambers, 119 North 7th St.
The city plans to stabilize the river bank near the intersection of Indian Mill Road and Kimmel Court. The preferred alternative would place 1,100 cubic yards of material below the river’s ordinary high water mark. Ohio EPA also will consider alternative plans with less or no environmental impact.
During the information session, Ohio EPA representatives will present details about the proposed project. During the hearing, which follows the information session, the public can submit comments and questions for the record regarding the application.
The federal Clean Water Act requires anyone discharging dredged or fill material into Ohio waters to obtain a Section 401 water quality certification from Ohio EPA and a Section 404 certification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ohio EPA’s review is to ensure the project will comply with Ohio’s water quality standards. Ohio EPA will consider any comments received before making a decision.
The proposed discharge would result in a change from the current water quality conditions of the Sandusky River. The public hearing is mandatory because the project would occur in a section of the river that has exceptional ecological value.
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Press Release, July 26, 2013