US EPA, State of Ohio remove Fish Tumors or Other Deformities BUI from Black River Area of Concern
Conditions in the Black River Area of Concern (AOC), have vastly improved over the last 30 years, bringing the Black River AOC one step closer to recovery. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has approved the removal of the Fish Tumors or Other Deformities Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI).
These improved conditions are the result of reducing sources of contamination and restoration actions by many organizations. The Ohio Lake Erie Commission and Ohio EPA requested the removal of this BUI earlier this year. BUIs identify specific problems that can prevent a body of water from meeting its water quality potential.
“The Black River AOC Advisory Committee is pleased that the Black River continues to improve,” said Don Romancek, Black River AOC Chairman. “Much work is yet to be realized, but it is important to recognize how far our river has come. The removal of the fish tumors or other deformities beneficial use impairment is just such an occasion, being the fifth BUI to be removed. The Committee wishes to thank and congratulate Great Lakes National Program Office, USEPA, Ohio EPA, Ohio Lake Erie Commission, City of Lorain, Lorain County Board of Commissioners, and all other agencies, partners and citizens that have made our progress possible.”
“The restoration progress over the last several years on the Black River is something to celebrate,” said Joy Mulinex, Executive Director of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. “Water quality, wildlife habitat, and sedimentation have improved so that the community is able to enjoy the river again. Congratulations to the partners who helped get the fifth BUI removed.”
In 1990, the Black River AOC Advisory Committee identified nine BUIs that needed to be addressed as an Area of Concern. With the removal of the Fish Tumors or Other Deformities impairment, five BUIs have now been addressed and removed. These BUIs have been removed because of restoration goals being met in the lower 15 miles of the Black River and various points in French Creek.
In July 2023, OLEC and Ohio EPA invited public comments as part of the removal recommendation process. A response to the public comments is provided in the final BUI removal recommendation along with a letter of support by the Black River AOC Advisory Committee. OLEC and Ohio EPA will continue to work toward the removal of the remaining four BUIs with local AOC partners. As each BUI removal goal is met, OLEC, in partnership with Ohio EPA, will notify the community to seek public input and submit additional BUI removal recommendations to U.S. EPA.
More information about the improvements and remaining impairments in the Black River AOC is available online at https://lakeerie.ohio.gov/programs-and-projects/areas-of-concern/03-Bla….