Ohio EPA Stream Study
Summer 2024
From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, Ohio is defined in no small part by its waterways. Since the early1970s, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) has conducted stream surveys to measure the quality of Ohio's water resources. This summer (2024), crews will be in the Upper Scioto River and Olentangy River watersheds, sampling fish, bugs, water chemistry, and sediment to assess the health of the ecosystem. The study area includes Crawford, Delaware, Franklin, Hardin, Logan, Marion, Morrow, and Union counties. This survey will cover 47 watersheds, each with an average drainage area of 10-30 square miles.
As part of this year's survey, the sampling crews may need to access the stream from a nearby property. Sampling will occur from late May through October, typically between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Much of the sampling will occur from a bridge or immediately adjacent to it. The biology crews may work along the stream channel up to 500 yards from the bridge crossing. If a crew is spotted, you are encouraged to ask them about their work! They would love to tell you what lives in your stream and how that informs Ohio's water quality.
Under Ohio's Water Pollution Control Law (Ohio Revised Code Section 6111.05), Ohio EPA staff can enter public and private property at reasonable times to monitor waters of the state. However, Ohio EPA actively seeks consent to enter private property, and will refrain from sampling, should you object.
If access is needed close to a home, they will attempt to introduce themselves on the first day of the sampling. This is a great time to let them know of any concerns or questions you may have and any specific conditions of access. They will check to see if any instructions have been left on the front door.
Staff will honor all conditions upon which access is granted and will make every effort to minimize disturbance or disruption to any property. However, in the very unlikely event that property damage results, you may file a claim to recover your damages at the contact below.
If you intend to refuse Ohio EPA access to your property, please contact them or leave a note or sign on your front door.
Name: Marianne Piekutowskie Mansfield
Title: Assessment and Modeling Section Manager
Phone: 614.644.2876
This information was received from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 50 W. Town Street, Suite 700, Columbus, Ohio 43215 U.S.A. 614.644.3020. epa.ohio.gov.
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