Mill Creek MetroParks working with U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan's office on sewage issue

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The office of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th, is looking into possible federal funding options to help the city fix its sewer system that discharges into Mill Creek Park bodies of water.

“I know my boss is very, very concerned about it,” said Rick Leonard, director of Ryan’s district offices, of the sewage discharges into park water.

A discharge at the end of June caused a massive fish kill in Lake Newport, and led the park leadership on Friday to close lakes Newport, Cohasset and Glacier until further notice due to elevated E. coli levels in the water.

During a phone call Tuesday with Mill Creek MetroParks board President Lou Schiavoni, Leonard outlined the avenues Ryan’s office will explore. He said the office doesn’t have a specific federal agency or program it will target; staff members are compiling a list, and he plans to talk to city officials about local funds that might be available to put toward a fix.

“Let’s cast a wide net. Let’s throw the line out there and see if we get any nibbles,” Leonard said. “If there’s anything out there, we’re going to find it, and hopefully we can be part of the solution.”

Discussions with Ryan’s office began after the park leadership said the city’s 18-year timeline for a fix isn’t good enough.

“I’m just glad that people are up in arms about it. I think we have to get it done. I just don’t think there’s a choice,” Schiavoni said.

“We won’t have a park. There won’t be a need for a levy if we don’t get this cleaned up,” he said.