A potential environmental crisis is brewing in Cincinnati, and it's time to sound the alarm! The future of Mill Creek hangs in the balance, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes a controversial change that could impact its federal protections.
The EPA, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, has put forth a proposal to redefine the term 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS), which determines whether a water body is federally protected under the Clean Water Act. This proposed change has sparked concern among environmentalists, especially those dedicated to the restoration of Mill Creek.
But here's where it gets controversial... The EPA's new definition could exclude approximately 80% of wetlands in the U.S. and thousands of miles of rivers and streams from federal protection. Dave Schmitt, Executive Director of the Mill Creek Alliance, warns that this could lead to a detrimental impact on water quality, not just in Mill Creek but across the country.
Mill Creek has a long and troubled history with pollution. Spanning 28.5 miles, it flows through Butler and Hamilton Counties into the Ohio River, and was once considered one of the most polluted waterways in the nation. Schmitt explains that the creek suffered due to the growth of major companies like Procter and Gamble, with pollution wiping out species like freshwater mussels and fish.
However, significant progress has been made over the years. Today, Mill Creek is home to a diverse range of species, including fish, beavers, muskrats, and even bald eagles and osprey. It has become a beloved natural haven for residents, offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming.
And this is the part most people miss... The EPA's proposed change could potentially impact these recreational activities and the overall health of the creek. Schmitt emphasizes that the new rule could allow developers to build in previously protected areas, drain wetlands, and bury streams, leading to a significant decline in water quality.
The EPA argues that this change will reduce red tape for businesses and farmers, and that Americans don't have to choose between economic prosperity and clean water. They believe it's possible to have both. However, local environmental advocates like Alison Pifer, Executive Director of the Little Miami Watershed Network, point out that the Ohio EPA has previously removed protections, such as the requirement to obtain a permit to fill in certain streams.
Pifer stresses the importance of state-level action to ensure clean water and protect vital wetland ecosystems. She warns that removing regulations could make it easier and cheaper to fill wetlands, potentially impacting flood protection and pollution filtration, which are crucial ecosystem services provided by wetlands.
The U.S. EPA is currently reviewing public input on its proposal, and the final rule will take effect after interagency review and publication in the Federal Register.
So, what do you think? Is the EPA's proposed change a necessary step to reduce regulatory burden, or does it pose a threat to our environment and the progress made in restoring waterways like Mill Creek? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
