9/8/2024
WT Staff
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September 8, 2024 842 am EDT
Lower Maumee River watershed: Drought steps up to severe
Streamflow Situation from the network of USGS streamflow gauges in Ohio
Lower Maumee River watershed has escalated from moderate to severe drought over the weekend. Adjacent Tiffin River and Auglaize River watersheds head into moderate drought, the dry area expanding in the Lake Erie drainage basin. Across the divide, Upper Great Miami, Little Miami River and adjacent Lower Scioto River watersheds are rated below normal. Severe drought remains on the Ohio River minor tributary Raccoon-Symmes watershed and adjacent Muskingum River basin's Hocking River watershed through Hocking and Athens Counties. Wills Creek watershed is tagged with moderate drought, impacting Guernsey County. Tuscarawas and Mohican River watersheds are rated below normal Sunday. Shade River Meigs County is relieved, no drought rating applied.
HAB Tracker from satellite monitoring program of the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Lake Erie west basin image is mostly cloud obscured in the latest upload from NCCOS, captured Saturday Sept 7 at a high wind speed, 24.2 mph. The Maumee Bay is visible at Toledo, extreme high concentration 1 to 2 million cells per ml. Ohio HAB Tracker update, here.
Environmental Protection
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) issues permits to industrial and municipal operations for discharge of treated wastewater to the waterways of the state in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and local laws. WTOH.us plots emergency spill incidents with potential to impact drinking water sources, tagged in pink on the map to the right along with drinking water advisories, high flow and flood incidents. Switch on the watershed layer and directional arrows to see where impact may be felt downstream.
OEPA monitors compliance with NPDES. When discharge permits are violated through intent or negligence, criminal charges can be laid under the Clean Water Act. The US EPA Criminal Enforcement Forensics and Training Unit has the full powers of investigation and enforcement for the Clean Water Act, working with State authorities for environmental justice. Case brief for a paint company sentenced for dumping hazardous material, here.
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