*Above photo is similar type plant in Chillicothe*
(Columbus) – Ohio EPA has concluded that the proposed wastewater collection and treatment plant project for the Village of Bainbridge, saying it should not result in significant adverse environmental impacts.
The Village of Bainbridge has requested financial assistance from the Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) for the Gravity Collection Sewer System and WWTP project. Work for this wastewater collection and treatment project will primarily include the construction of new gravity sewers and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to correct environmental and public health issues related to failing household sewage treatment systems (HSTS) in the community.
The total estimated amount for the project is $13,510,671, and Bainbridge expects to receive grants and funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Community Development Block Grant program, H2Ohio, Ohio Public Works Commission, and Ohio Water Development Authority for a portion of this total.
The estimated loan amount is $9,477,501; Bainbridge is eligible for up to $4 million in principal forgiveness, which will not need to be repaid. Debt for the project will be repaid from monthly sewer fees. The project is scheduled to begin in autumn 2022 and be completed in 23 months.
Any comments on the preliminary determination should be sent to R. Eric Schultz Division of Environmental & Financial Assistance Ohio Environmental Protection Agency P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 E-mail: eric.schultz@epa.ohio.gov
COLUMBUS – A new litter control program that brings in the business community to help in the effort is now under way in Ohio.
Photo submitted by ODOT
Over the past few weeks, the first signage related to the Sponsor-A-Highway program has been installed along highways in the northeast Ohio area. The statewide program allows businesses and groups to fund litter removal services along one-mile, one-direction segments of state highways. In exchange for their sponsorship, the name of the business or group is displayed on a sign within their sponsored segment.
The program is administrated through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) but at no cost to the state. The financing of the program is through the sponsorships of the businesses who choose to become involved.
“The need to do more regarding litter prevention and abatement came at the direction of Governor Mike DeWine. The appearance of our highways is important to Governor DeWine, and to us as the state agency charged with maintaining highways and interstates,” said Jack Marchbanks, ODOT director. “This new program provides support to us in our litter control efforts and allows area businesses the opportunity to promote their advocacy for cleaner highways in their communities,” he said.
Segments are cleaned a minimum of once per month by employees working for two separate vendors who were awarded the contracts for the state. Similar programs are in place in over half the states in the nation.
The program complements ODOT’s existing Adopt-A-Highway program, where volunteer groups adopt a two-mile segment of two-lane highway. “With this program, area businesses may share in the task of litter removal along our highways,” said Marchbanks.
Businesses interested in sponsoring a section may contact either vendor:
(Columbus) – The excitement of the great outdoors is back at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Families can find fun and free activities at the Natural Resources Park open to all in the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, every day from 10am until 7pm.
“People at the state fair may not realize how much outdoor adventure we have here in Ohio,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “That’s why we put it all in one place at the fair, letting people test their skills with a fishing rod or on the pond – and I hope this experience will inspire families to go out and discover all the amazing places we have all over the state!”
Children can stop by to receive a personal greeting from Smokey Bear before they go exploring. The current Smokey animatronic character was installed in 2015 and continues his mission to teach fairgoers how they can prevent wildfires. Directly behind Smokey is the 71-foot-tall fire tower, emphasizing the importance of fire safety.
A new attraction at the park will highlight Smokey Bear’s legacy at the Ohio State Fair, among other Ohio facts. The History Room, found at the pavilion, will take visitors on a journey through time – telling the stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps, notable women in ODNR’s history, and Ohio’s newest state park, Great Council State Park.
The Division of Parks and Watercraft is introducing a new Virtual Reality exhibit allowing visitors to paddleboard or kayak through some of Ohio’s most breathtaking water features. Participants will begin by choosing their watercraft and between the locations of Alum Creek, Lake Erie, Miami River, and the Ohio River. Guests will be fitted with life jackets, an Oculus headset and two controllers which simulate paddles. Video monitors will allow viewers to see what the participants are experiencing.
The Division of Parks and Watercraft has also added a brand-new nature center. Like what you’d see when visiting one of Ohio’s 75 state parks, the nature center will be home to live animals, interactive games, and educational information about Ohio’s wildlife. Located near the Division’s camper, yurt, and display about state park lodges, the nature center will be open to visitors throughout the day.
This year also marks the Ohio State Fair debut of the ODNR Division of Oil and Gas fully accessible playground. Children can navigate through a maze of towering barrels or search for fossils at this easy-access area that will provide amazing, and low impact entertainment.
Other new sights and sounds inside the Natural Resources Park this year include upgraded structures along the Division of Wildlife boardwalk and a restored wetland area where families can learn about Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative.
Visitors to the Natural Resources Park will get an up-close look at the park’s newest resident, a life-size sculpture of Dunkleosteus terrelli, Ohio’s State Fossil Fish. This sculpture, affectionately known as “Daphne,” is a recent addition to the Geological Walk-Through Time exhibit.
Popular attractions, including the kayak pond and youth fishing, will be brought back this summer. The amphitheater will come alive with free shows every day of the Ohio State Fair. Guests can anticipate the must see, Great Lakes Lumberjack Show, featuring chainsaw carving, log rolling, and a whole lot of laughs.
Educational opportunities are located throughout the Natural Resources Park. At the Scenic Rivers Touch Pond, visitors can learn about crayfish and small stream fish found throughout Ohio’s streams and rivers. Head over to the Butterfly House and witness the life cycle of around 400 butterflies. Or just walk along the pathways to learn about varieties of native trees found across the Buckeye State.
The ODNR information booth will offer natural resources literature, and the gift shop will showcase a wide array of souvenirs, clothing, and toys available for purchase including our State Parks Passport.
On the fair’s opening day will honor 11 people for their commitment to conservation of Ohio’s natural resources. The Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame program honors people – past and present – who have made significant contributions to preserving and protecting the state’s water, soil, woodlands, wildlife, and mineral resources. ODNR will also be handing out cardinal awards during a ceremony at the Natural Resources Park amphitheater. The public is invited to attend this event on July 27, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
(ODOT) – Motorists driving through parts of Fayette County will start seeing some lane restrictions due to a couple of Ohio Department of Transportation projects beginning Monday, July 25th.
State Route 41 between Carrs Mill-Jamestown Road and State Route 323 will close starting Monday, July 25 through Friday, August 5 for culvert replacement. Detour: SR 41 to I-71 to SR 38 to SR 323 to SR 41 or reverse.
U.S. 62 between North St. and Duffy Dr. within the city of Washington Court House will have daily lane restrictions (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.) starting Monday, July 25 through September 2022 for resurfacing.
A resurfacing project that began July 18th involves U.S. Route 35 northbound and southbound between State Route 753 and the Ross/Fayette County Line will have various daily lane restrictions (7am–7pm) through Summer 2022.
