Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II Mandate
The Federal EPA has mandated that all urban communities comply with Phase II of the Clean Water Act of 1972. A 5-year plan was required to be submitted to the Ohio EPA by March 10, 2003. Summit County Engineer, Greg Bachman, coordinated the formulation of a joint application that included all of the townships and smaller communities in Summit County.
In simplest terms: the water you use today may be the same glass of water your great-grand children will drink. There is a limited amount of fresh water on our earth.
Measures
The six minimum control measures that are required to be addressed are as follows:
Public Education and Outreach
Public Participation/ Involvement
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Construction Site Runoff Control
Post-Construction Runoff Control
Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping
The first three measures involve the entire community.
Public Education
The first measure is self-explanatory. We are required to educate our residents to create awareness in our homes and everyday activities. The type of requirements from the residents are as simple as:
Maintain your septic system. Bacteria from human waste in ground water is found all over the county. It may even be in yours. Contact the Summit County Health Department to check your system.
Do not dump any petroleum products or antifreeze on the ground or in any storm water system. Please take the time to dispose of these products properly. Petroleum products pollute ground water, rivers and streams.
Reduce or eliminate the use of all insecticides, fertilizers, and pesticides from lawn care. These chemicals also make there way to the rivers, streams, and also ground water.
Public Participation
The second control measure is already underway!
Help by just picking up litter and keeping your ditches free from debris.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
The third control measure is also one that needs your help! Illicit discharge is simply the release by dumping or run-off of liquids or other substances that are not permitted into streams, storm sewers, and ditches and on the ground. Please report the following situations:
If you witness anyone or know of any corporation generating a polluting discharge such as petroleum waste or by-products from industrial production.
Individuals or corporations improperly discharging septic systems.