The Nimishillen Creek Watershed TMDL
Background
The Nimishillen Creek Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report was approved by U.S. EPA on December 16, 2009, under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. TMDL reports identify and evaluate water quality problems in impaired water bodies and propose solutions to bring those waters into attainment with water quality standards.
The Nimishillen Creek watershed is located in northeast Ohio, and drains 188 square miles. Larger municipalities in the watershed include the cities of Canton, Louisville, North Canton, East Canton, and Green. Row crop agriculture is dominant in the north and northeastern portions of the watershed. The City of Canton and several industries are located in the center of the watershed; significant point source discharges include the Canton WWTP, Marathon Ashland Oil, and the Timkin Corporation. Land development in the rural and undeveloped portions of the watershed is occurring at a slow rate.
Ohio EPA conducted a comprehensive physical, chemical and biological survey of the Nimishillen Creek watershed in 2003 and 2004, and several problems were identified. Major causes of impairment are nutrients, bacteria, organic enrichment, flow alteration and degraded habitats. Major sources of impairment include municipal and industrial point sources, urban run-off, home septic systems, and nonpoint source pollution and habitat degradation associated with farming practices and drainage improvements. TMDLs were prepared for phosphorus, habitat, and bacteria. TMDL recommendations include:
- total phosphorus limits for wastewater facilties discharging more than 100,000 gallons per day
- agricultural conservation practices for abating sediment, nutrient and manure pollution
- local health departments identify and address septic system failures and provide educational opportunities
- stream setbacks, controls for subsurface drainage, less damaging channel maintenance, and stream restoration to improve or protect habitat quality.
Ohio EPA first submitted the Nimishillen Creek TMDL report for approval in 2008 and U.S. EPA approved the TMDLs for sediment and bacteria . They requested that Ohio EPA revise the report to clarify the discussion of phosphorus loadings. After public review, the revised TMDL report was approved by U.S. EPA on December 16, 2009. This report is the final approved version.
The TMDL Report
Many of the documents referenced in the TMDL report can be found under Forms and Publications on the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water Web page.
Supplemental Information
For more information contact:
Bill Zawiski
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Northeast District Office
2110 East Aurora Road
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
e-mail: bill.zawiski@epa.state.oh.us