EPA study looks to reduce E. coli in Ohio River

Six states that border the Ohio River are joining an Environmental Protection Agency study which is trying to identify and reduce unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria in the river. "The analysis, which officials plan to finish next year, will identify how much bacteria sewage treatment plants, factories and farms, among others, can discharge into the river without exceeding safety standards," reports Bob Driehaus of The New York Times.

Limiting the release of pollutants into the river could be challenging. "In 49 cities and towns, combined sewer and storm water systems release untreated sewage directly into the river during heavy rains," writes Driehaus. "Upgrading those systems will cost billions of dollars, officials said, and federal regulations require sewage treatment plant operators to assemble long-term improvement plans, which will be taken into consideration in the new study." Fertilizer runoff for nearby farms is also thought to be a contributing factor, but states have little power in regulating its use.

"Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are participating, as well as the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, which has collected weekly water samples during the recreational season, May through October, since 1992," adds Driehaus. (Read more)