O’Brien seeks meeting with OEPA chief

O’Brien seeks meeting with OEPA chief

WARREN

State Rep. Sean O’Brien of Brookfield, D-65th, today requested a meeting with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Scott Nally to discuss a proposed water-quality permit for the City of Warren.

“Trumbull County residents, especially those residing in the 65th House District, rely on local industry for economic vitality,” O’Brien said in a statement. “The OEPA regulations regarding [total dissolved solid] levels appear to be too stringent for our current operations. I want to ensure that Trumbull County can remain competitive and hope Director Nally is willing to work with us to find a proper and balanced solution.”

OEPA in December submitted a draft water-quality permit renewal to Warren, proposing a maximum TDS dispersion limit of 622 milligrams per liter, one-third the state standard of 1,500. OEPA says that standard allows water in the Mahoning River to meet the 500 milligrams per liter standards for Pennsylvania waterways. The river flows into Pennsylvania.

Under Ohio law, a water-related permit can be revoked or not renewed if water does not meet quality standards of a nearby state. Tom Angelo, city water pollution control director, said the restriction will hinder Mahoning Valley’s business climate; many businesses disperse TDS, including General Motors Lordstown and RG Steel.