Helping communities and businesses access compliance, technical and financial assistance for their environmental needs
December 11, 2017 Success Story Inside this Issue The City of Avon Lake Lateral Funding Assistance • Avon Lake Loan Program — 1 Loan Program: Helping • Blueprint Columbus — 8 Homeowners Finance Sewer Pollution Prevention Assistance Repairs • Life Cycle Assessment — 3 • Circular Economy — 3 Challenge Compliance Assistance The City of Avon Lake is a combined • Asbestos Program Transfer — 7 sewer (sanitary and storm) community • New C&DD Registration working through its Long-Term Control Requirements — 7 Plan (LTCP) to separate its sewers by Encouraging Environmental Excellence 2020. While working through sewer Awards separations, the summer of 2011 • Honda R&D Americas, Inc. — 4 became the wettest on record and led • 2017 Winners Recognized — 5 to numerous basement backups. A Features and Other News major contributor to the sewer • Learn the Lingo — 2 surcharges were house laterals with • Training Opportunities — 6 foundation drains that were still Project Specifics • First Sustainability Conference connected and discharging into the a Success — 8 sanitary sewer. To address this issue, Location • Publications — 9 Avon Lake Regional Water is requiring City of Avon Lake that customers eliminate all existing 201 Miller Road For more information go to foundation drain connections and Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 epa.ohio.gov/defa prevent clear water sources from Details Articles in this newsletter may be entering sanitary laterals by 2018 or WPCLF 10-Year Lateral reprinted. As a courtesy, please 2019, depending on their location. Program Loan contact Helen Miller at (614) 644- Solution Cost 2817 or [email protected]. $5 million loan at zero percent In 2017, Avon Lake Regional Water interest. implemented a low-interest Lateral Loan Program to assist private property owners in repairing/replacing their sewer laterals. This program will be another Environmental Impacts tool to help the city comply with its long-term control plan and improve water Removes clear water from the quality in the area. Initially, the city provided some of its local funds to start the sewer system. Reduces program; however, a larger infusion was necessary to fully implement a city-wide basement backups and sewer program. overflows. To assist the city with achieving its goal, Ohio EPA provided a $5 million Economic Impacts capitalization loan at zero percent interest to Avon Lake through its Water Improves project affordability, Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) program. The city, in turn, will offer significant loan savings. qualifying residents loans up to $4,000 at a two percent interest rate. This loan will
The Resource 1 December 11, 2017 be added to residents’ sewer bills to be paid back over a 10-year period. The residents will pay back the city, and the city will repay the loan from Ohio EPA. This program is innovative and differs from a conventional WPCLF loan in that it allows the borrower to create its own revolving funding program, enabling Avon Lake to re-loan the money to private individuals who need financial assistance. Loan repayments, along with the nominal two percent interest rate, will be placed into a revolving fund to be used for future, local wastewater funding needs. Since Avon Lake is the first Lateral Loan Program to be implemented through the WPCLF, a new loan agreement and modified program structure was put into place. Ohio EPA worked in partnership with the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) and the city while developing a new loan agreement. Although the process was challenging, the interagency coordination allowed it to proceed relatively smoothly. The Outcome - Community and Environmental Benefits The Avon Lake Lateral Loan Program allows for the successful repair or replacement of residential laterals, which helps keep rain water out of sanitary sewers. In addition, the program’s low-interest financing provides significant financial relief to the residents and thus makes it more affordable. This initiative also strengthens the city's ability to complete more private property sewer and storm water separation projects, while maintaining compliance with existing permits and its LTCP. From an operational standpoint, the lateral repair/replacement efforts help prevent clear water from entering the sewer system, thus eliminating unnecessary wear and tear on the wastewater treatment plant, as well as the cost for treating clear water. Reducing or eliminating basement backups and overflows of untreated sewage helps protect human health and waterways in Avon Lake and, in turn, Lake Erie. Resources The WPCLF low-interest loan program was created in 1989 as a revolving fund designed to operate in perpetuity and provide below- market interest rate loans as well as other forms of assistance for water resource protection and improvement projects. Specialized services are provided statewide for small and hardship communities. Ohio EPA’s Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance staff have extensive experience providing technical and financial assistance. Our mission is to benefit Ohio’s water resources, drinking water supplies and public health by providing lower-cost financing, economic incentives and project assistance statewide for public and private organizations and individuals. For more information, please contact our office at (614) 644-2798 or visit our website at epa.ohio.gov/defa/ofa.
Learn the Lingo Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) — A tool to assign a value to the environmental impact of a product, process or activity through its entire life cycle. Organizations can use it to help label their products or services and educate consumers about their environmental impacts. LCA can also help organizations strategically plan and design products with less environmental impact. Zero Waste to Landfill — A philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused. No trash is sent to landfills or incinerators.
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Life Cycle Assessment – A Tool to Improve Your Environmental Impacts Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool to assign a value to the environmental impact of a product, process or activity through its entire life cycle. Organizations can use it to help label their products or services and educate consumers about their environmental impacts. LCA can also help organizations strategically plan and design products with less environmental impact. LCA analyzes the impact of the product from cradle to grave or until it becomes a feedstock for another product. It reviews a product or service, including the energy and material inputs and outputs, accounting for material wastes, recycling and reuse. Even completing a partial LCA can provide a company insight on opportunities to improve a product or service. LCA examines and provides information about: • Extracting, transporting and processing raw materials that go into a product or service. • Processing, manufacturing and fabricating a product or service. • Transporting or distributing a product or service to the consumer. • Using a product or service by the consumer. • Disposing or recovering a product after its useful life. • Quantifying product and service inputs and outputs. The analysis provides an understanding of each stage of product life. It can help identify inputs or processes that have more harmful impacts. You can use the LCA technique to make choices about specific feedstocks or processes, resulting in a more sustainable product or service. These assessments may help an organization identify where substituting a less hazardous material or improving the energy efficiency of a process can reduce the overall environmental impact of a product or service. When companies use similar LCA techniques, customers can identify preferred products and services by comparing scores to make an informed decision. Completing an LCA can improve a business’ products and services and attract new customers interested in using environmentally preferable products.
For more information, go to: • epa.gov/saferchoice/design-environment-life-cycle-assessments • brevard.ifas.ufl.edu/communities/pdf/chapter1_frontmatter_lca101.pdf
What is the Circular Economy and How Can Ohio Support It? The circular economy is a system for regenerating and restoring by design. By optimizing resources through reuse and recycling, waste is designed out of the process. Using this business model decreases or eliminates landfill and waste disposal fees, generates new products and services, and provides energy savings. Designers, engineers and business employees at all levels can achieve these goals. Unlike the take, make and dispose model of the linear economy, the circular economy focuses on designing waste out of products and by-products with the intent of being repurposed or reused (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). MillerCoors Brewing in Trenton is an example of a large Ohio manufacturer leading in the circular economy. Landfill free since 2009, MillerCoors recycles or reuses more than 99 percent of the materials involved in its production process. More than 200 million pounds of waste per year is recycled from the brewery. For every five truckloads of beer shipped, one truckload of materials is sent out for recycling, reuse or other beneficial use. For example, MillerCoors sends its spent grain from the brewing process to local farmers for use as animal feed.
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This spring, Ohio EPA launched a free online platform for Ohio businesses to take steps toward transitioning to the circular economy. The Ohio Materials Marketplace is a free, easy way for Ohio businesses to exchange by-products and waste materials with other businesses. Businesses post available or wanted materials, then communicate through a messaging system to determine transportation and logistics. The goal of the Marketplace is to help Ohio businesses reduce their landfill waste and to encourage more reuse and recycling in business practices. OMM now has more than 400 member organizations and lists 100 available materials and 45 wanted materials. Narrowing the gap between reuse and disposal/pollution for waste generation brings businesses in Ohio closer to the ideal circular economy model. Becoming a member of the marketplace can help you achieve your sustainability goals. For more information, watch our introductory webinar at youtube.com/1YfFIMGq4_I, and go to ohio.materialsmarketplace.org to join today. For questions, please contact Joseph Klatt at [email protected] or (614) 705-1147. Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Gold Award Winner Honda Research and Development Americas, Inc. The Honda Research and Development (R&D) Americas, Inc., facility in Raymond, Ohio was awarded the E3 Gold Award in August 2017. At the facility, approximately 1,300 employees develop and test Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power sports and Honda power equipment products. They lead in advancing safety and environmental technologies with other global R&D centers. They work to develop environmentally friendly products, striving to minimize the impact of daily operations on the environment. Honda R&D Americas has a zero-waste-to-landfill policy, which is part of a broader goal to reduce the environmental impact of all Honda's operations. The Honda R&D Americas Raymond facility is the first Ohio facility designated as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2006. Some of the green building features used at the Honda R&D Americas Raymond facility include: • Using an ice chilling system, which is more energy efficient, costing less The E3 program provides four recognition levels: Achievement, than conventional air conditioning systems. Silver, Gold and Platinum. Any • Reducing emissions by 75 percent using a biodiesel emergency organization in Ohio may apply for generator. membership. Applications are • Optimizing lighting using occupancy sensors and installing energy accepted annually and include both efficient light bulbs and ballasts. written and on-site evaluations. To • Using a smaller footprint catalytic technology thermal oxidizer, be eligible, applicants must be in achieving faster warm-up time and lower operating temperature. compliance with environmental laws and regulations. • Installing a waste oil furnace in the car wash. If you’re interested in applying The following environmental factors are considered in each product for an E3 award, visit design/development: epa.ohio.gov/ocapp/ohioe3.aspx • Reducing the environmental footprint, from design and selection of or call (800) 329-7518. We would materials, to the end of life. be glad to help guide you through • Considering the dismantling complexity, remanufacture of components the process and get your and minimizing substances of concern. organization the recognition it deserves. • Encouraging suppliers to reduce packaging waste and adopt more energy-efficient processes. • Integrating environmental management accounting on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Environmental is a core business element along with Quality, Delivery and Cost. • Implementing zero-waste-to-landfill, starting with their associates/work force. • Encouraging associates to participate in philanthropic events and seeking new volunteer opportunities in communities. The Resource 4 December 11, 2017
“As the first R&D center of a major auto maker to receive a gold level E3 award, Honda R&D Americas sets an example for others to follow to improve operational and disposal efficiency while implementing environmentally beneficial programs,” Director Butler said. Ohio EPA Recognizes 2017 Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) Award Winners Ohio EPA Director Butler presented 18 Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) awards on Oct. 3, 2017 at the Sustainability Conference in Columbus. Ohio’s E3 program recognizes businesses, nonprofits and governmental agencies for going above and beyond compliance with requirements while demonstrating environmental excellence. This is the first year of awards for our fourth level of recognition, Platinum, which recognizes organizations that have expanded their environmental programs beyond their own facility, to make a positive impact on the surrounding community. The E3 program also provides Gold, Silver and Achievement levels of recognition. An organization can work through levels of recognition including Achievement at the base level; Silver level recognizing outstanding accomplishments in environmental stewardship; and Gold level recognizing comprehensive environmental stewardship programs. All levels require a commitment to meet or exceed environmental regulatory requirements. We will feature more in-depth articles on these award winners in future newsletters. Congratulations to all the 2017 winners! If you are interested in applying for recognition for your organization under the E3 program, please visit epa.ohio.gov/ohioe3 or call (800) 329-7518. We are glad to help guide you through the process and get your organization the recognition it deserves. Two organizations were recognized at the Platinum level: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Powell) — The Columbus Zoological Park Association (Columbus Zoo) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation located in Delaware County. The mission of the Columbus Zoo is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. They adopted a sustainability policy in 2008. Washing Systems (Loveland) — Washing Systems is the leading provider of environmentally sustainable products and services to the North American and European laundry processing industry. Product formulas are developed that reduce or eliminate chemicals of concern and reduce energy and water use. Nine organizations were recognized at the Gold level: Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland) — The Cleveland Clinic (Main Campus) is a nonprofit academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital healthcare services with research and education. The clinic is an Energy Star partner, a Practice Greenhealth member, a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, and part of the region’s Sustainable Cleveland 2019. Crown Minster (Minster) — Crown Minster is an ISO 14001 certified manufacturer and assembler of wire harnesses and sub-assemblies used in the manufacturing of material handling equipment for the Crown line of lift trucks. The company incorporates the use of cross-functional teams and continuous improvement into its operating practices. Ford Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 (Cleveland) — Started in 1952, the plant produces internal combustion engines (currently 3.5 L EcoBoost and 3.7 L Duratech) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles. Operations at the facility include metal machining and assembly areas. Recycling and sustainable packaging reduce waste generated. Frito-Lay (Wooster) — The Wooster Frito-Lay facility has been operating for 69 years making snack foods. Some of their innovative projects and technologies include: installing energy efficient lighting; installing new Energy Star roofing material exhibiting solar reflectance; installing quick charge systems for forklift batteries; replacing motors and gear boxes with high efficiency units; installing pressure regulators to reduce water use; and water recycling. GM Toledo — The GM Toledo transmission operation plant manufactures and assembles GM’s six-speed and eight- speed rear-wheel-drive and six-speed front-wheel-drive transmissions. The site continues to be landfill free, per GM’s internal criteria, and achieved a recycling rate of 90.05 percent for all waste generated in 2015. Honda Anna Engine Plant (Anna) — The Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. Anna Engine Plant (Honda AEP) annually produces more than one million four-cylinder, V-6 and turbo engines for Honda auto plants throughout North America. The plant also produces high-precision pulleys for continuously variable transmissions used in the Honda Accord and CR-V. Honda AEP maintains a third-party certified environmental management system and continues the Honda of America-wide zero landfill waste status.
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Honda East Liberty Plant (East Liberty) — The Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. East Liberty Plant produces the Acura RDX, a compact SUV. It’s also the U.S. home of the Honda CR-V. Their environmental stewardship activities include receiving a 10th consecutive U.S. EPA Energy Star award; maintaining a third-party environmental management system and continuing zero landfill waste status. Honda Marysville Auto Plant (Marysville) — Opened in 1982, the Marysville assembly plant produces the Honda Accord sedan and coupe along with the Acura TLX and ILX for customers in more than 100 countries around the world. Operations include: stamping; plastics injection molding; welding; painting; sub-assembly; and assembly. Environmental stewardship activities include receiving the U.S. EPA Energy Star award for the 10th consecutive year, maintaining a third-party certified environmental management system and continuing zero landfill waste status. Ohio University (Athens) — Ohio University (OU) is a large, primarily residential, public research university. Ohio University’s main campus in Athens serves 23,000 students and has close ties to the city. OU’s Office of Sustainability coordinates efforts to meet its sustainability and climate action plans and coordinates several programs, including Sustainable Ohio University Leaders. Seven organizations were recognized at the Silver level: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (Elyria) — Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems develops and supplies leading- edge active safety technologies, air brake charging, and control systems and components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and other commercial vehicles throughout North America. Approximately 80 percent of original product material (including brake shoes, air dryers, valves, and air compressors) is salvaged and reassembled with other salvaged and new components to meet current specifications. Kent State University (Kent) — Kent State University (KSU) is a large, primarily residential, public research university, serving more than 30,000 students at its Kent Campus. KSU maintains an Office of Sustainability to manage, plan and coordinate the overall university-wide sustainability efforts with the strategic goal of meeting present needs without compromising future generations. Kenworth (Chillicothe) — Kenworth Truck Company manufactures heavy- and medium-duty trucks. The first Kenworth truck rolled off the Chillicothe assembly line in 1974. The plant’s 500,000th truck was produced in February 2017. They participated in an American Electric Power program saving five million kilowatt hours over a two-year period. Kenworth became a Zero Waste to Landfill facility in March 2016. Nestlé (Dublin) — The Nestlé Quality Assurance Center is the lead quality assurance center for all Nestlé businesses in the Americas. It tests almost every Nestlé product, ingredient and manufacturing environment to verify conformance with all regulatory requirements, and that they meet Nestlé’s high quality and safety standards. They achieved ISO 14001 certification in 2014 and re-certified in 2016. They continue to invest in new equipment technologies and increase waste reduction. Oberlin College (Oberlin) — Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio. They established their Environmental Policy Statement in 2004. Oberlin is a pioneer in green buildings with its Living Machine (Adam Joseph Lewis Center), requiring new buildings to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards and has several LEED Gold buildings. ODOT (Cleveland), The George V. Voinovich (GVV) Bridge Eastbound Structure — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) GVV bridge team used INVEST (Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool), the voluntary sustainability rating system created by the Federal Highway Administration, to evaluate and integrate sustainability into their programs and projects. The tool helped the design team track waste reduction, recycled material used, energy efficiency, environmental commitments and sustainability principles. Tigerpoly (Grove City) — Tigerpoly Manufacturing, Inc. has been mass-producing rubber and plastic automotive parts in Grove City since 1987. They strive to continually improve their environmental management system, minimizing wastes and pollution. Recycling diverts more than 750,000 pounds of material from the landfill every year. Training • Jan. 4, 2018 — Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Health Asbestos Program Merger — Online Notification Form, Webinar, Ohio EPA. • Jan. 10, 2018 — DEFA Webinar: 2018-2019 WSRLA Program Update, Webinar, Ohio EPA.
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Asbestos Program Transferring from ODH to Ohio EPA On Jan. 1, 2018, the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) asbestos program will be transferred to Ohio EPA. The program transfer means that Ohio EPA will be the agency responsible for regulating asbestos training courses and professionals – including hazard abatement contractors, specialists, project designers and workers - currently regulated by the ODH. The goal of both agencies is to improve internal efficiency while making compliance easier for customers. The new combined asbestos program includes a few important changes for Ohio businesses. Although there will be no changes in fee amounts, all fees must now be paid at the time a notification form is submitted for it to be accepted and considered complete. Ohio EPA will also have the authority to suspend and revoke licenses. To assist customers, Ohio EPA is developing new software that will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1 will allow customers to submit online notification forms as of Jan. 5, 2018; Phase 2 is for the electronic submittal of licenses, certifications and course management in summer of 2018. For all online forms, the software will calculate applicable fees based on information provided in the form. Please note that the ODH online abatement project notification system will be turned off on Jan. 3, 2018. However, all other components of the ODH online system will remain active until the second phase of the Ohio EPA’s new software is made available. For more information about changes in the asbestos program, including upcoming webinars in December and January explaining these changes, go to epa.ohio.gov/asbestos. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (614) 466-0061. New Registration Requirements for C&DD Processing Facilities A construction and demolition debris (C&DD) processing facility is an offsite location used to process C&DD. Processing includes: receiving; sorting; handling; separating; moving; transferring; or recycling C&DD materials. Licensed solid waste transfer facilities and licensed solid waste facilities are not considered C&DD processing facilities and are not subject to these requirements. As of Oct. 6, 2017, owners or operators of C&DD processing facilities are required to submit a one-time application for registration to the licensing authority (approved health district or Ohio EPA). If the facility is located within an approved health district, the application must be submitted to both the health district and Ohio EPA. If the facility is not located within an approved health district, then the application only needs to be submitted to Ohio EPA. Both new and existing facilities (facilities operating prior to Oct. 6, 2017) are required to register, however existing facilities that register will be exempt from the new facility siting criteria that is currently under development. The registration form requires the owner/operator to provide a name, phone number and address of the processing facility, and a drawing of the facility layout. There is also a registration fee of $100 payable to the licensing authority. The new rules also require a C&DD processing facility to obtain a permit and annual license from Ohio EPA or the local health department. They also cover the location, design and operations, storage and accumulation of materials, the process for closure and financial assurance for C&DD processing facilities. All permit details and the siting criteria for new facilities will be part of the upcoming rule making process. Further, an owner and/or operator of a C&DD processing facility should be aware that there are additional Ohio EPA regulations that may apply to the operations. Materials crushing, grinding, shredding and processing typically requires an air permit through Ohio EPA’s Division of Air Pollution Control (DAPC). Roadways and storage piles may also require permitting through DAPC. Recycling and processing operations that are outdoors may also require a storm water permit through Ohio EPA’s Division of Surface Water. Additional regulatory obligations may be required for fluids and materials generated from general maintenance of your facility and associated equipment. For help determining regulatory requirements, contact Ohio EPA’s Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention at (800) 329- 7518. For more information about these new rules and requirements, please visit Ohio EPA’s C&DD Processing Facilities – New Rulemaking Authority and Application for Registration fact sheet.
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Ohio EPA Hosts First Sustainability Conference On Oct. 3, 2017, Ohio EPA held its first Sustainability Conference in Columbus. A mix of Ohio EPA staff, business and community representatives presented conference sessions for the 125 attendees. Director Craig Butler kicked off the conference with an inspiring keynote address and the Ohio Materials Marketplace was featured as a luncheon presentation. Director Butler also presented 18 Ohio organizations with 2017 Encouraging Environmental Excellence (E3) awards. Evaluations from the conference were very positive. Ohio EPA realizes many businesses, communities and other organizations are moving beyond compliance and incorporating sustainable environmental practices into their daily operations. The goal of the conference was to help attendees leverage sustainable practices and resources to strengthen Ohio communities and businesses. The agenda focused on ways to become a part of the circular economy, how sustainability can improve communities, how our water resources can benefit from sustainable approaches, and the resources and incentives that can help sustainability efforts. During the event, attendees also heard from business and community leaders who shared their insight on how they've gone above and beyond to implement sustainable practices. To learn more about the conference, go to: epa.ohio.gov/sustainability_conference. Some of the agenda items included: • Becoming a part of the circular economy. • Save money by saving energy. • Green chemistry. • Funding resources to help you install/retrofit for • Promoting recycling at big venues and events. cleaner air. • Integrating sustainable practices in your community. • Funding assistance for Ohio businesses and • Innovative approaches to protecting or restoring a communities to grow, create jobs and protect the community’s water bodies. environment. • Jump-starting your recycling efforts.
Success Story Blueprint Columbus In 2005, the City of Columbus entered a consent decree with Ohio EPA to address storm and sanitary sewer issues that cause sewage backups into homes and overflows of untreated sewage into rivers during rain events. To address these issues in accordance with the consent decree, the city devised a Wet Weather Management Plan. Project Specifics In 2015, as part of this strategy, Columbus received approval from Location Ohio EPA to add some non-traditional wet-weather control Columbus – Clintonville and Hilltop measures to its overall plan. According to the city, the goal of the neighborhoods Blueprint Columbus plan is to use today’s technology to address the source of the problem by keeping rain water out of the sanitary Details sewers and directing it to the storm sewer where it belongs. WPCLF 20-Year Construction Loans Cost Challenge Five projects totaling $16,232,898. Green Many larger cities like Columbus have combined storm and Project Discount .25 percent. sanitary sewer systems. Dated and deteriorating sewer systems Environmental Impacts develop cracks and leaky joints that allow for the infiltration of rain Reduction in CSO discharges and basement water. Foundation drains that connect directly to these sewers also backups, water quality improvements and contribute to the problem of rain water mixing with sanitary sewage. reduced impacts from storm water runoff. During rain events, the added flows exceed the capacity of the Economic Impacts combined sewer system, causing environmental and public health Reduced capital cost, significant loan savings, hazards like overflows of untreated sewage into rivers and backups in job creation. basements.
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Eliminating combined sewer overflows purely through traditional grey infrastructure methods such as separation of storm and sanitary sewers or the construction of large sewer tunnels can be very expensive, take a long time and pose many construction challenges in an urban setting. Solution To address these challenges in a more timely and cost-effective way, the city’s Blueprint Columbus plan approach blends traditional grey infrastructure methods with elements of green infrastructure solutions. Some of the blended options include the lining of service laterals from homes to the public sewer, redirecting roof water to a proper receiving pipe or to a special feature like a constructed rain garden, and a voluntary sump pump program where homeowners without sump pumps can receive assistance to purchase and install them, which helps to keep ground water infiltration out of the sanitary sewer system. To help finance the plan and reduce the need for increased user rates, the city is using low-interest loan funds from Ohio EPA’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) program. To date, the WPCLF has provided financing for five projects and expects to fund additional projects. Outcome - Community and Environmental Benefits The city has pinpointed areas where Blueprint Columbus and associated green infrastructure projects are likely to produce the most improvement to the sanitary sewer and storm water systems. The Clintonville and Hilltop neighborhoods were selected for the first round of projects to test out various green infrastructure approaches to determine those that work best under different conditions. Specific green infrastructure projects will include bioretention basins, rain gardens, infiltration galleries and pervious surfaces. Future projects will improve sanitary sewers and storm water runoff in the Fifth by Northwest and West Franklinton neighborhoods. The city envisions that the plan will help address sewer overflow issues, improve water quality, create additional green space and improve quality of life for neighborhood communities. Resources Created in 1989, the WPCLF provides below-market interest rate loans as well as other forms of assistance for water-related infrastructure, resource protection and improvement projects. For information, please contact our office at (614) 644-2798 or visit our website at epa.ohio.gov/defa/ofa. Publications Division of Environmental • Division of Air Pollution Control (DAPC) — Asbestos Program and Financial Assistance Transition from the Ohio Department of Health (DEFA) • DEFA Compliance Assistance Success Story — Helping Small Helping communities and Wastewater Treatment Plants Achieve Compliance businesses access technical and • DEFA Compliance Assistance Success Story — Helping a Small Business financial assistance for their Achieve Compliance Following an Emergency Event environmental needs. • DEFA Compliance Assistance Success Story — Meeting the Needs of Contact Us Amish Communities (614) 644-2798 • Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) — Winter Edition [email protected] of the Spigot News epa.ohio.gov/defa/
Compliance Assistance Hotline (800) 329-7518
50 W. Town St., Suite 700 Columbus, OH 43215
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