In the Black River watershed, as well as in  many of Ohio's streams,  water quality problems are the direct result of  nonpoint source pollution problems.  Poor storm water management planning, the lack of soil erosion and sedimentation control measures; encroachment upon the  riparian corridor and destruction of streamside vegetation; and the continual  problem of failing sewage disposal systems are a few of the major contributors  to water quality problems in the Black River.

Learn about the Black River's problems on a subwatershed basis: Mainstem, East Branch, or West Branch.

What is the LARGEST problem plaguing the Black River?
The lack of understanding nonpoint sources of pollution  and knowing what remedial actions to take.

What is being done to address this problem?
A wide variety of informational and voluteer activities have been developed and scheduled with the watershed community in mind.  Activities have been planned for the media, developers/builders, realtors, the farming community, local elected officials, the web surfer, civic organizations, grade school children and watershed volunteers.   See what's happening and discover what's being planned for you

Other Efforts:
In addition, 319 Grant monies were provided to the Lorain County Soil & Water Conservation District to sponsor pilot implementation of Precision Farming techniques an example of alternative practices to the agricultural community. 

Funding was provided to the Lorain County General Health District to evaluate known problematic sewage disposal systems and to develop better management practices (BMPs).

This project was financed in part through a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency  and the United States Environmental Protection  Agency, under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.  These grant  monies were matched in part or totally through funding by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency  (NOACA) and in-kind contributions from local agencies.