The ORSANCO 2011Annual Report Chairman’s Message

Table To the President and Governors* of Contents The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is an interstate control Chairman’s Message...... 2 agency created in 1948 by the State of Illinois, the State of Indiana, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the State Departing Message from Alan H. Vicory, Jr...... 3 of New York, the State of Ohio, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Protecting the River’s Many Uses...... 5 State of with approval of the Congress of the United States. The Commissioners of ORSANCO Managing Water Resources...... 6 respectfully submit the following report of activities for a water resources program to Among emerging issues in the Ohio “The only constant is change, 2011 to: coordinate the management of River Basin are new methods of Assessing Water Quality...... 7 continuing change, inevitable both water quality and quantity. In extracting and processing energy change; that is the dominant 2011, the Commission began the sources and the water quality issues Special Projects...... 9 The Honorable Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois factor in society today. No process of acquiring foundation surrounding them. Coal, natural sensible decision can be made grants to provide operational gas, and hydropower all present Reducing Nutrients...... 11 The Honorable Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., Governor of Indiana any longer without taking into support to its newly-formed Water both opportunity and concern. For account not only the world as it Resources Committee. Through years ORSANCO worked to lessen Protecting Drinking Water...... 13 is, but the world as it will be.” The Honorable Steven L. Beshear, Governor of Kentucky the collaboration of its River the water quality impacts of coal — Isaac Asimov Users program, ORSANCO began mining and coal-fired power plants. Protecting Aquatic Life...... 15 a study of total dissolved solids Now with the new methods of The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of New York Change is constant. The river to provide the scientific basis for shale natural gas extraction, the Public Information and Outreach...... 17 changes, technology changes, regulatory decisions that the states Commission will work with industry The Honorable John R. Kasich, Governor of Ohio leadership changes. For ORSANCO could not acquire on their own. as well as regulatory agencies to Advisory Committees...... 19 to stay relevant, it must strive to be The Commission also continued ensure that the waters of the Ohio flexible in its policies, cutting-edge to collaborate on developing a River Basin are protected. The Honorable Tom Corbett, Governor of Pennsylvania Financial Overview...... 20 in its science, and forward-thinking nutrient trading program to protect in its leadership. watersheds at lower costs, a benefit Finally, the Commission ORSANCO Staff...... 21 The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell, Governor of Virginia in this time of tight state budgets. experienced a change in leadership I have lived near the headwaters in 2011 with the retirement of Members of the Commission...... 22 The Honorable Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor of West of the Ohio River my entire As the technology supporting its Executive Director and Chief life. Through my career as an our knowledge of water quality Engineer, Alan Vicory. ORSANCO Virginia environmental regulator, I take continues to evolve, so must our has achieved a multitude of water pride in the role I have played in reactions to it. Changes in the quality milestones during his 24- and improving the lives of the people detectable levels of pollutants, and year tenure, which are highlighted of the Ohio River Valley. In my changes in our understanding of on the following pages. I have The Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United position as ORSANCO Chairman, I the effects of pollutants on human the utmost confidence that the have witnessed the expansion of health and the environment, Commission and its competent States the organization’s mission and its inform ORSANCO’s decision- staff will continue to champion the continued collaboration with other making. Through its Pollution water resources of the Ohio River entities on issues of mutual interest. Control Standards the Commission Valley for years to come. addresses such issues, including, in *As of December 31, 2011 In addition to its traditional role, 2011, adopting a criterion for total ORSANCO continued to expand its dissolved solids, and considering mission while providing service to a variance request relating to a its member states by developing discharge of mercury in the upper 1 river. 2 Departing Message from Alan H. Vicory, Jr.

To the Governors of the States wastewater treatment in all Ohio history -- I see the Commission Signatory to the Ohio River River communities, and the perfectly positioned and ready to Valley Water Sanitation Compact, emergence of the information assume the coordinating role that ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING ALAN VICORY’S TENURE Commissioners of ORSANCO, and technology revolution, which will be indispensably necessary. 1987 Alan Vicory, Jr., became the 4th Executive Director of the almost 40-year-old Commission citizens of the Ohio River Valley: has provided powerful new 1988 Ashland occurred; ORSANCO served as a central clearinghouse for spill information tools for communications, The opportunity to serve the and provided on-river monitoring of the spill Upon my retirement from 32 years measuring and analyzing water states and play a part in improving 1989 Ohio River Sweep began as a pilot project; the following year 14,000 volunteers participated of service on ORSANCO’s staff, quality, modeling to support the waters of the Ohio River Valley in first river-wide Sweep including 24 as Executive Director program design, and decision has indeed been a professional 1992 ORSANCO began a Volunteer Monitoring pilot project, later formalized as the RiverWatchers and Chief Engineer, I express my making. Indeed, ORSANCO dream and privilege. Program heartfelt personal thank you for has dramatically increased its 1993 ORSANCO moved into its new headquarters building the opportunity to assist in the capacities for program delivery 1993 ORSANCO developed biocriteria for the Ohio River advancement of clean streams in over the past two decades, 1995 ORSANCO initiated the Watershed Pollution Reduction Program this blessed region of the United while retaining the same level of 1995 ORSANCO reached a milestone in wastewater treatment: all Ohio River municipalities attained States, rich in our most precious of staffing since 1975! secondary treatment natural resources, water. 2000 ORSANCO consulted with the Baltic countries to implement transboundary watershed Today, the importance of management practices through the Great Lakes/Baltic Sea Partnership I am a personal witness to the ORSANCO’s services to the 2002 ORSANCO designed “Life Below the Waterline,” a 2,200-gallon mobile aquarium improvements in water quality Compact states, and to 2004 ORSANCO purchased the historic paddle wheeler, P A Denny, as a floating classroom and and the power and effectiveness the citizens and industries formed the program now known as the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE) of partnerships and collaboration, dependent on clean, safe water 2008 ORSANCO celebrated its 60th anniversary without which ORSANCO could not for their life, recreation and 2009 The Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus was established by U.S. Congressional have spearheaded its successes so business needs is greater than Representatives to enhance recognition of Basin-wide issues cost-effectively. ever. And, as large geographic- 2010 ORSANCO initiated a full refurbishment of the Organics Detection System scale programs will be necessary 2010 ORSANCO investigated expanding its mission to include water resources management In my tenure, I have administrated going forward -- to continue 2011 ORSANCO worked with public and private interests to form the regional Water ORSANCO’s daily activities through the progress recorded over Technology Innovation Cluster, a partnership seeking to advance environmental protection in the completion of secondary ORSANCO’s illustrious 63-year tandem with economic development

3 4 Protecting Managing the Water Resources River’s throughout Many Uses the Basin

Under the authority of its Compact, to be applied at water withdrawal the Standards. Issues under Recognition of the increasing February 2011. This meeting was ORSANCO maintains pollution intakes. This was deemed necessary consideration include water threats to the water resources an important step in facilitating control standards for the treatment to address an emerging water quality criteria for pathogens, of the Ohio River Basin, and a a more effective and coordinated of sewage and industrial wastes quality issue in the Ohio River selenium, bromide, mercury, growing understanding of the approach to water resources discharged to the Ohio River. Basin. and temperature. interconnectedness of water management in the Basin. These standards ensure that the quality and water quantity, have water quality of the river is suitable ORSANCO also received a prompted ORSANCO to expand ORSANCO’s initial water resources for the uses designated by the request for a variance from the its services to the states toward efforts will focus on building the Compact: public and industrial Commission’s prohibition of more holistic interstate water inherent capacity necessary to water supply, recreational use, and mixing zones for bioaccumulative resources management. achieve an integrated approach aquatic habitat, as well as other chemicals of concern pertaining to regional water resources legitimate uses. The standards to a discharge of mercury in the As an initial step, the Commission management. To develop this recommend stream criteria to upper Ohio River. An initial public established a new standing capacity, a series of preliminary assure that these uses will be comment period was held and committee, the Water Resources studies will be conducted to achieved, and set wastewater several thousand emails were Committee, to guide the provide a general characterization discharge requirements to attain received from the public voicing development of a water resources of the Basin’s water resources these criteria. opposition to granting a variance. program and recommend and to define assessment and Several comments were received appropriate action with respect management needs. This three-year In 2011, the Pollution Control in favor of granting a variance. to water resources management effort, which is set to begin in early Standards Program addressed The request will require careful and policy issues. The committee, 2012 and provides operational several significant issues. The consideration due to the complex with representatives from nine support to the Water Resources Commission adopted a water issues involved. states and three federal agencies Committee, will be externally quality criterion of 500 mg/L for (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, funded through philanthropic Total Dissolved Solids for the Finally, the Commission is U.S. Geological Survey, and the grants from foundations protection of public water supplies undertaking a new review of Tennessee Valley Authority), throughout the Basin. held its inaugural meeting in

5 6 data from the Ohio River and its water quality criteria applicable 2011 E.coli Monthly Geometric Mean Assessing major tributaries. The program to the Ohio River were also found collects data six times per year at most monitoring stations in the highest flows. No violations of at 15 locations on the Ohio 3000 main stem and near the mouth human health criteria were found Water of 14 tributaries. Using “clean in 2011 for six other monitored techniques,” water samples are pollutants: arsenic, barium, collected bimonthly at each of chloride, nitrite-nitrate nitrogen, 2500 Quality the 15 Ohio River locations and silver, or sulfate. analyzed for concentrations of 18 metals in both total recoverable Ensuring water quality in a DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND 2000 and dissolved form. ORSANCO May multi-state river system requires TEMPERATURE MONITORING adopted dissolved metals criteria in June consistency and efficiency. 2000 because the dissolved portion Because fish and other aquatic ORSANCO achieves this by of metal contaminants is more life depend on dissolved oxygen 1500 July operating monitoring programs toxic and more easily taken up by (DO) in water, ORSANCO monitors o- Mean, CFU/100mL on behalf of its member states to Aug organisms. DO conditions in the Ohio River. Ge check for pollutants and toxins that From May through October, Sept

E.coli 1000 may interfere with specific uses of Bimonthly sampling indicated the Commission receives data Oct the river, and conducting special that higher than average flows in from electronic monitors at nine studies to address specific water March through May and November navigational dams and hydropower quality issues. through December of 2011 plants. 2011 saw a very wet spring 500 and early summer throughout the yielded violations of ORSANCO 130CFU/100mL BIMONTHLY AND CLEAN METALS total mercury and phenolics Ohio River Valley, followed by hot, SAMPLING PROGRAM water quality criteria. Violations dry conditions, and ending with of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, a wet fall season. This resulted in 0 Since 1975, ORSANCO has collected Kentucky, and Indiana total iron several violations of both DO and Wheeling Huntington Cincinnati Louisville Evansville nutrient and ion concentration Downstream Site

temperature criteria. However, there were fewer violations compared to past low-flow years, indicating improved water quality. Montgomery, Racine, Kyger, Greenup, Markland, JT Myers and Smithland had average temperature exceedances, while Racine, Kyger, Greenup, Markland and Smithland had DO exceedances.

CONTACT RECREATION BACTERIA MONITORING As shown in the graph above, all six urban areas were unsuitable During the recreation season for contact recreation for some (May-October), ORSANCO period of the contact recreation monitors bacteria levels in six season, due to frequent rainfall urban areas with combined throughout 2011. sewer systems on the Ohio River. Bacteria, including E.coli and fecal coliform, indicate the presence of fecal contamination that can cause people to become ill after swimming, jet-skiing, or other activities in which they come in contact with the river.

7 8 Special Projects

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS In addition, the Commission mercury levels in the river. Methyl LOWER WABASH RIVER continued to play an active role mercury is a concern due to its Total dissolved solids (TDS) refer initiated a new sampling Under a grant from The in developing bacteria total accumulation in fish tissue and the to the sum of all minerals, salts, program in December through American Recovery and maximum daily loads (TMDLs) potential human health effects from metals, and charged ions dissolved its Ohio Rivers Users Program to Reinvestment Act, through for the Ohio River. A TMDL is eating fish. in water. Primary constituents better understand the dynamics the Indiana Department of the maximum amount of a of TDS include sulfate, chloride, of TDS in the Ohio River and Environmental Management, pollutant that a waterbody can Results of that study show methyl calcium, magnesium, potassium, to substantially enhance the ORSANCO is engaged in a receive while still meeting water mercury concentrations in water sodium, bicarbonates, and to a existing data set. The one- study of the output from the quality standards. This effort is are one to two percent of total lesser extent, bromide. TDS is year study entails collecting Wabash River. The study has two being led by U.S. EPA Region 5 mercury concentrations, and that not believed to pose a human weekly samples at 13 Ohio River objectives: estimate the total with guidance from ORSANCO’s ORSANCO’s standard grab sample health concern, but is regulated locations and four tributary annual load of total nitrogen and TMDL Work Group. from a lockwall is not appropriate due to its potential to degrade sites, including water utilities, total phosphorous exiting the for analysis of photosensitive methyl taste and aesthetics of drinking industries, and power plants. Wabash River; and determine In August 2011, ORSANCO mercury. ORSANCO’s continued water. High levels of TDS can Samples are analyzed for TDS and the Wabash River’s contribution began sampling 37 tributaries of efforts to quantify methyl mercury also cause industrial water users ten individual dissolved solids and causes of low dissolved the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, in the Ohio River will employ an problems with scaling in pipes constituents. The information oxygen in the Smithland Pool of PA to Cairo, IL. Sampling will appropriate sampling methodology and boilers, and can reduce water generated by this effort will the Ohio River. continue into 2012 and include used by the USGS. filter efficiency. Bromides in source provide valuable insight into the some non-recreation months, water can also create difficulties for nature of dissolved solids in the The initial data collection was for a total of 15 rounds. The Concurrently, methyl mercury drinking water utilities in meeting Ohio River and will strengthen concluded in 2011, with the data generated from this survey analyses in fish began in 2010 to disinfection byproduct standards. the scientific basis for regulatory final report to be completed will help characterize tributary determine the concentrations, as decision making. in early 2012. A three-year loadings and will aid in the well as the relationship with total In recent years, increasing trends continuation of the project has TMDL modeling effort. The mercury. Although most studies of dissolved solids have been been authorized for monitoring TMDL model will address the assume there is a 1:1 methyl- to total observed in the Ohio River and its METHYL MERCURY STUDIES the nutrient load of the sources, fate, and transport of mercury ratio, preliminary results tributaries. The underlying causes Ohio River methyl mercury Wabash River. water and pathogen indicators. indicate this ratio in the Ohio River for these increased levels, however, investigations began in 2010 Modeling is expected to begin may be less. Of the 19 fish samples are not well understood. In light through a cooperative study with in 2012-2013. submitted for methyl mercury of this uncertainty, ORSANCO the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) OHIO RIVER BACTERIA analyses, only one (striped bass from proactively adopted a 500 mg/L to investigate the relationship TMDL the Cannelton Pool) yielded results water quality criterion for TDS in between methyl mercury in violation of the human health Fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria the Ohio River to protect public concentrations in the water and criterion. are indicators of the presence drinking water supplies. in fish tissue, and to evaluate of human sewage and other whether ORSANCO’s monitoring warm-blooded animal feces in stations adequately represent water. In 2011, the Commission

9 10 Reducing Nutrients in the and River Beyond

Nutrients have been identified criteria for the Ohio River. To (EPRI) to develop a nutrient GULF OF MEXICO HYPOXIA Conservation Districts), identify as the third most common cause support this effort, samples are trading program for the Ohio Nutrients from the Mississippi priority watersheds within each of impairment to waters of the collected twice per month at River Basin. This program will River watershed (including the state, and identify reduction United States. Excess nutrients seven water utilities covering the produce water quality credits for Ohio River) flowing into the Gulf goals. Work on these strategies can cause algae-related taste upper, middle, and lower reaches nitrogen and phosphorus aimed of Mexico contribute to a large began in 2011 and is expected to and odor problems for drinking of the river, and tested for both at protecting watersheds at hypoxic zone, where depleted be completed in 2012. water utilities, contribute to low algae and nutrients. Data from lower overall costs. The program oxygen levels in the water dissolved oxygen levels that other Commission programs may also benefit receiving water cannot fully support marine life. can have a negative impact on are also used in this project, bodies as far away as the Gulf of ORSANCO coordinates the Ohio wildlife and habitat, and produce including biological data and water Mexico. This will be a first-of-its- River Sub Basin Committee of toxins that can cause illness in chemistry. ORSANCO has been kind interstate trading project in the Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. The people. ORSANCO has been seeking technical support from terms of scope and magnitude, Task Force identified the need working with federal, state and U.S. EPA to perform an in-depth and represents a comprehensive for states to develop nutrient local agencies to address the analysis of the data. In addition, approach to designing and reduction strategies to prioritize causes and effects of excess the Commission is convening a developing credit markets for the on-going efforts within the nutrients both within the Ohio panel of experts, which will review nitrogen and phosphorus. Mississippi River watershed, River Basin and in downstream the collected data and propose a with the goal of accelerating waters. plan for in-house data analysis and In 2011 advisory committees the reduction of nutrient loads development methodology. The of interested participants without the need for a specific NUTRIENT CRITERIA culmination of these two efforts were formed to help guide the water quality standard. will provide the best chance for development of the program. In order to limit the problems successfully developing numeric Pilot trades are being scoped associated with algae blooms These strategies identify nutrient criteria. for implementation in 2012 and on a national scale, U.S. EPA has programs designed to reduce 2013, which will allow testing asked the States to develop nutrients and responsible of program elements prior numeric nutrient criteria for NUTRIENT TRADING entities (e.g. Soil and Water to activating the full trading lakes, rivers, and streams. ORSANCO is collaborating with the program. ORSANCO is developing these Electric Power Research Institute

11 12 Protecting Drinking Water

Breakaway barge at Emsworth Dam Algal bloom on the Little Miami River stations, this system is responsible Over five million people rely on accidental discharges are reported gallons of benzene which, if it had for detecting, identifying, and the Ohio River as a source of to the Commission. ORSANCO gone over the Emsworth Dam, tracking chemical spills and releases. drinking water. ORSANCO’s Source receives from 30 to 60 reports could have been disastrous for The Commission recently undertook Water Protection Program is a each month, most of which have both drinking water safety and a complete upgrade that will bring cooperative effort among the only localized adverse effects. All aquatic life. However, the barge the ODS up to current technological states, industries, and drinking spill reports received by ORSANCO was secured before any damage and analytical standards. A website water utilities that border or use staff are evaluated to assess their was sustained. will provide near real-time access to the river. A primary objective of potential impacts to downstream data, and online analyzers will allow source water protection is multi drinking water utilities and the n A fish kill was reported in the automated sampling and analysis agency/industry communication environment. ORSANCO notifies summer near Louisville; affected when operators are not available. regarding issues of concern. This appropriate personnel, and may species were predominantly silver is achieved through meetings like also assist in locating or tracking the and big-head carp (both invasive the one convened in April for the spill and analyzing and interpreting species). Commission biologists 15 drinking water utilities along water quality data. supported the efforts of the Specimen from Louisville fish kill the 137 miles from Pittsburgh, PA Kentucky Division of Wildlife and to Sistersville, WV, during which While no major spills were reported emergency response personnel to water quality issues associated in 2011, there were several incidents identify the cause and source of the with shale gas development were that illustrate the range of situations spill. ORGANICS DETECTION SYSTEM discussed. that occur on the Ohio River and its The Organics Detection System tributaries to which the Commission n Algal blooms have been (ODS) is a unique partnership SPILLS AND EMERGENCY responds: reported more frequently in recent among ORSANCO, drinking water RESPONSE years. ORSANCO responded to algal utilities, and industries along the n In April, a potentially catastrophic blooms on both the Little Miami Ohio River and major tributaries. The Ohio River is one of the most incident occurred when several and Licking rivers in the summer The ODS was initiated in 1978 to heavily industrialized rivers in the barges broke away in a strong of 2011. Results of Commission protect drinking water utilities from United States, with hundreds of current, in a highly populated area water analysis were used to reopen contamination due to river-borne industrial discharges and millions five miles downstream of Pittsburgh. a drinking water intake on the organic chemicals. By collecting and of tons of cargo transported each One barge was loaded with 378,000 Licking River. analyzing water samples daily at 14 year, yet relatively few spills and

13 14 Protecting Aquatic Life

Improvements in Ohio River water Island, Greenup, and Cannelton working to understand these Advisory Protocol to provide surveys were recently added to the NEW AND NOTEWORTHY quality over the past 40 years have pools were assessed. These surveys differences, which may be more consistent information for study, making them the last to be ORSANCO biologists use provided a cleaner River for aquatic continued the second round of associated with annual variation people who consume Ohio River intensively sampled as part of the electrofishing techniques in life. Population data collected during ORSANCO’s five-year rotation, (flows, increased submerged fish. At this point, two states program. The Commission can now different areas of the river to obtain ORSANCO’s yearly fish population allowing biologists to compare aquatic vegetation, etc.) or have adopted the protocol into focus on assessing the data and a representative sample of the fish their advisories for 2012, with developing a final study report in studies evidences this progress. The multiple assessments of the same changes in land use patterns, community. During the 2011 field other states to follow soon. While the fall of 2012. Commission’s biological monitoring pools. and not with decreased water season, electrofishing crews collected the protocol addresses the two five striped mullet near Paducah, KY, programs allow scientists to quality conditions, as no water major contaminants of concern OHIO RIVER BASIN FISH measure and interpret the overall The results of all pool surveys to quality parameters measured and observed several schools with (PCBs and mercury), the program HABITAT PARTNERSHIP approximately a dozen fish in each. health of the Ohio River’s aquatic date can be seen on the graph by ORSANCO reflected similar continues to screen for both ORSANCO is also involved with These and similar observations could community. below. Of the pools sampled changes. legacy (e.g., DDTs, chlordanes, another basin-wide assessment indicate an increase in this primarily in 2011, New Cumberland and lead) and emerging contaminants of fish habitat conditions being marine species in the lower Ohio POOL ASSESSMENTS Willow Island were both found to FISH TISSUE such as polybrominated diphenyl conducted on behalf of the River. In addition, silver carp were ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated ORSANCO conducts biological be in “fair” biological condition, CONTAMINANTS Ohio River Basin Fish Habitat observed upstream of the McAlpine Greenup was found to be in compounds (PFCs). Biologists Partnership. This assessment tool surveys in different parts of the Because people consume fish Locks and Dam near Louisville, KY. have also used the results uses landscape-scale variables to “good” biological condition, and from the Ohio River, ORSANCO Often referred to as flying carp, this river each year, assessing several of recent mercury studies to predict biological measures (fish Cannelton was determined to be examines fish tissue for the invasive species competes with of the 19 segments, or “pools,” with incorporate the analysis of and mussel indices and metrics) in “very good” biological condition. presence of certain chemicals native fish and presents a hazard 15 random sites sampled in each. methylmercury into routine tissue for every stream in the basin. Due When compared to past surveys, that may be harmful when to boaters. This was the first time Typically, four pools are assessed contaminant monitoring. to be completed in early 2012, this ORSANCO had observed these fish New Cumberland and Willow eaten. Yearly results are sent each year, achieving a complete study will give the Commission to the states bordering the above the Falls of the Ohio, and Island scored lower, while scores a data-driven assessment river-wide survey every five years. River. The states are moving may indicate a significant upstream for both Greenup and Cannelton Research pinpointing the most intact areas In 2011, New Cumberland, Willow toward a standardized Ohio movement by the species. increased slightly. Biologists are of the basin, as well as highlighting River Fish Consumption GREAT RIVERS STUDY those areas most impacted by Since 2004, the Commission human disturbance. Striped mullet has participated in one of the most comprehensive scientific OHIO RIVER FISH GENETICS surveys ever conducted on PROJECT the great rivers of the central ORSANCO has been working closely United States. The U.S. EPA’s with a Marshall University graduate Environmental Monitoring and student on a project funded by the Assessment Program (EMAP) Electric Power Research Institute in Great Rivers Ecosystems (GRE) an attempt to quantify the barrier study will provide information potential of mainstem navigation on the health of the Missouri, dams on fish movement. The study Silver carp Mississippi, and Ohio rivers. analyzes the genetic structure ORSANCO has been instrumental of populations of longnose gar, in developing and implementing bluegill, and sauger from different the GRE study. Thanks to a recent sections of the river to identify one year, no-cost extension to patterns of gene exchange across the agreement, the 2011 pool navigational pools. The project will be completed in 2012. 15 16 Public Information and Outreach

ORSANCO provides the public Moinudeen, an 8th grader from Duquesne Light Company appeared in Cincinnati and with educational materials and Jackson Middle School, Vienna, Gallatin Steel Marietta, OH; Wheeling, WV; opportunities for hands-on WV. The T-shirt winner was Illinois SCALE Grant Louisville and Paducah, KY, and involvement in water quality Haven Carter, a sophomore from Kentucky American Water Madison, IN. stewardship through programs Benjamin Bosse High School, Koppers like River Sweep, RiverWatchers, Evansville, IN. Both were honored LaFarge RIVERWATCHERS and Life Below the Waterline. by their schools and received a Louisville and Jefferson County MSD Since 1992, ORSANCO has $500 U.S. Savings Bond. LG&E and KU promoted stewardship of Louisville Water Company the Ohio River Basin and Luhr Bros., Inc. RIVER SWEEP real science in the classroom Marathon Petroleum Company For over 22 years, volunteers CORPORATE SPONSORS through the RiverWatchers Massac County SWCD from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, CSX Railroad volunteer monitoring program. McGinnis, Inc. IL have dedicated the third Duke Energy The program began with five Mead Johnson Nutrition Saturday in June to picking Toyota participating schools and has Neville Chemical Company up trash and debris from the AEP River Operations expanded throughout the Ohio PPG Industries shorelines of the Ohio River and AK Steel River Watershed. In 2011, the Rumpke its tributaries. In 2011, more than American Commercial Lines Sweep Manager Jeanne Ison’s photo won the program included groups in six SABIC Innovative Plastics 2011 American Rivers “National River Cleanup 19,000 volunteers at 511 cleanup ArcelorMittal Photo Contest.” states testing their communities’ Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern sites collected tires, plastics, Arkema, Inc. water quality. Data are available Kentucky appliances, and other items Babst Calland to the public via ORSANCO’s Talisman Energy USA LIFE BELOW THE WATERLINE along 3,000 miles of shoreline. Calgon Carbon website. West Virginia American Water Life Below the Waterline, Cargill XCG Consultants ORSANCO’s 2,200 gallon mobile Prior to the Sweep, ORSANCO Casino Aztar aquarium, continued to draw conducts a poster and T-shirt Childers Oil Company record crowds in 2011. The contest for students in Dayton Power and Light aquarium is used to demonstrate kindergarten through twelfth Dominion Foundation the abundant and diverse aquatic grade within the Ohio River Domtar Corporation life of the Ohio River. Fish for the Basin. In 2011, the grand Dow Corning Foundation aquarium are caught locally so prize poster winner was Sarah DuPont Washington Works residents can see the variety of aquatic life that thrives in their area. In 2011, the aquarium 17 18 Advisory Financial Committees Overview

EXPENDITURES BY MAJOR PROGRAM AREA

Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment $1,844,302 Biological Assessment & Research $744,760 Drinking Water Security $515,994 Public Outreach / Education Programs $405,934 Capitol Improvement $95,834

TOTAL $3,606,823

11% 14% 3% Water Quality Monitoring & Assessment Biological Assessment & Research 21% Drinking Water Security 51% Public Outreach / Education Programs ORSANCO employs a cooperative WATER USERS ADVISORY exemplary wastewater treatment Capitol Improvement approach to improving water COMMITTEE operators through the Registry of quality, working with both public Distinguished Operators. The oldest advisory committee, and private Ohio River Basin this group comprises drinking stakeholders. The Commission water utilities along the Ohio River POWER INDUSTRY ADVISORY seeks input from advisory and its tributaries. The committee COMMITTEE committees representing various REVENUES BY MAJOR SOURCE 34% discusses water quality issues Throughout its history, ORSANCO water-related interests. Federal and provides input on ways to has worked with numerous Federal $2,206,955 improve the river as a source of industry advisory committees to State Funding $1,363,500 11% State Funding WATER RESOURCES find cooperative approaches to drinking water. It also recognizes Other Program Funding $434,253 55% Other Program Funding COMMITTEE exemplary water treatment improving water quality. As the The Water Resources Committee operators through ORSANCO’s largest water user on the Ohio TOTAL $4,004,708 guides the development of a Registry of Distinguished River, the power industry has a water resources program and Operators. great reliance on water, and has recommends appropriate action been the most active industry Detailed financial information can be found in the June 30, 2011 audited financial statements. regarding water resources PUBLICALLY OWNED committee in recent years. management and policy issues. TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) Committee membership is open ADVISORY COMMITTEE PUBLIC INTEREST ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PIACO) to all Ohio Basin states, and ORSANCO’s POTW Advisory includes representatives from Committee encompasses PIACO members represent federal agencies such as the U.S. municipal wastewater treatment various river-based recreational Army Corps of Engineers and the utilities along the Ohio River. It and entertainment interests. With U.S. Geological Survey. seeks to improve the operation the perspective of those who of POTWs through technology are on the river, this committee transfer, and provides input provides valuable feedback on on wastewater treatment Commission programs, including issues. Members also recognize communicating issues to the public. 19 20 Members ORSANCO of the Staff Commission* Chairman: Charles Duritsa OHIO Vice-Chairman: Kenneth Scott Nally, Director, Ohio Komoroski Environmental Protection Secretary/Treasurer: Toby Frevert Agency Executive Director and Chief Paul Tomes Engineer: Alan H. Vicory, Jr. PENNSYLVANIA ILLINOIS Michael Krancer, Secretary, John J. Kim, Interim Director, Pennsylvania Department of Illinois Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency Greg Phillips, District Manager/ Toby Frevert CEO, Westmoreland Alan H. Vicory, Jr., P.E., BCEE, SOURCE WATER PROTECTION Joe Gilligan, Comptroller Phillip C. Morgan Conservation District Executive Director & Chief & EMERGENCY RESPONSE Lisa Cochran, Administrative Charles Duritsa Engineer PROGRAMS Assistant, Part-time INDIANA Peter Tennant, P.E., BCEE, Deputy John Klear, Data Systems Jerry Schulte, Manager Thomas Easterly, Commissioner, VIRGINIA Executive Director Administrator of Source Water Protection & Indiana Department of Tracey Edmonds, Administrative Matt Glazer, Maintenance, David Paylor, Director, Emergency Response Environmental Management Assistant Part-time Virginia Department of Travis Luncan, Environmental Joseph H. Harrison, Sr., Bowers Environmental Quality Chemist Harrison, LLP WATER QUALITY MONITORING YEARS OF SERVICE David Johnson, Director, Lila Xepoleas Ziolkowski, Analytical Vasiliki Keramida, Ph.D., President Department of Conservation AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS Tracey Edmonds – 15 years and Environmental Chemist and Chief Executive Officer, and Recreation Eben Hobbins – 10 years Jason Heath, P.E., BCEE, Manager Keramida Environmental, Inc. Robert H. Wayland III, Virginia John Klear – 5 years of Monitoring, Assessment & Water Control Board WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMS Melissa Mann – 5 years Standards Programs KENTUCKY Sam Dinkins, Project Coordinator, Steve Braun, Environmental Research, ORSANCO/Ohio River Leonard Peters, Kentucky Energy WEST VIRGINIA Specialist Users, Water Resources and Environment Cabinet Randy C. Huffman, Cabinet Stacey Cochran, Environmental Jerry Abramson, Lieutenant Secretary, Department of Specialist Governor Environmental Protection Eben Hobbins, Environmental PUBLIC INFORMATION Jeff Eger, Water Environment David Flannery, Jackson Kelly, Specialist PROGRAMS Federation PLLC Greg Youngstrom, Environmental Jeanne Ison, Manager of Public Ronald R. Potesta, President, Specialist Information/Education Programs NEW YORK Potesta and Associates Jamie Wisenall, Contractual Melissa Mann, Public Information/ Environmental Specialist Education Specialist Joe Martens, Commissioner, Alexandra Stevenson, Publications, New York Department of FEDERAL Environmental Conservation BIOLOGICAL & RESEARCH Part-time Stuart F. Bruny Douglas E. Conroe, Director Kenneth Komoroski, Partner, PROGRAMS of Operations, Chautauqua ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS & Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P, Jeff Thomas, Manager of Biological Institution Pittsburgh, PA Programs HUMAN RESOURCES Michael P. Wilson, Professor, State Ryan Argo, Aquatic Biologist David Bailey, Director of University of New York Fredonia *As of December 31, 2011 Rob Tewes, Aquatic Biologist Administration and Human John Spaeth, Contractual Aquatic Resources Biologist Donna Beatsch, Data Processing Specialist, Part-time

21 22 Follow us on on Facebook and Twitter Follow us on

5735 Kellogg Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45230 513-231-7719 www.orsanco.org

Follow us on on Facebook and Twitter