The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments’ agenda for Lake Erie received a thumbs up from Metroparks Toledo commissioners on March 24.
At the park board’s monthly meeting, Kari Gerwin, TMACOG director of water quality planning, provided an overview of the 20- page document adopted by TMACOG in December.
“The agenda for Lake Erie is a water quality policy that details the policies, practices and funding actions intended to make meaningful progress toward phosphorus reduction in Lake Erie, support a robust water recreation industry, and provide safe, reliable drinking water to the region’s citizens,” she said.
First developed in 2018 following the algal bloom water crisis, the document is updated biannually. It is meant as a guide in determining the types of programs and projects that should be considered and prioritized for funding, she explained.
The agenda is broken down into eight areas: an overview of legal tools; Lake Erie’s total maximum daily load and supporting policies; H2Ohio; agriculture; restoration and protection of natural drainage system’s, drinking water and wastewater treatment; onsite sewage treatment, and stormwater management.
Ms. Gerwin noted the bulk of the issue with runoff occurs in the Ohio watershed. To fulfill a commitment to reduce the total maximum daily load for the lake requires frequent sampling and monitoring.
In addition, farming–particularly livestock production– must be monitored.
“Agriculture, both cultivated crops and livestock production, is a critical regional industry and the single-largest contributor of nutrients to Lake Erie,” she said.
TMACOG’s agenda calls for funding to support agricultural nutrient reduction programs.
The document also recommends funding to maintain H2Ohio, which offers incentives for nutrient management plans, supports wetland and riparian restoration projects and offers farmers in watersheds with the highest nutrient loading areas funding for exercising nutrient reduction practices.
For drinking water and wastewater, TMACOG’s agenda recommends state and federal agencies support research and guidance to drinking water providers with regard to emerging contaminants in water.
TMACOG also believes there is an urgent need to develop phosphorus and nitrogen National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System effluent limits on all sewage plants and wastewater treatment facilities in the western Lake Erie basin, Ms. Gerwin said.
Regarding sewage, the agenda seeks enforcement of regulations currently in place by local heath departments that require sewage treatment systems to have an operation and maintenance permit.
“Local governments should require inspections of septic systems upon transfer of real estate,” she added.
“We also oppose legislation that would allow opt out of [sewage] requirements.”
Lastly, the agenda addresses stormwater management and the need to inspect and enforce sediment and erosion control measures on construction sites.
She noted there also is a need to ensure long-term maintenance and function of privately owned stormwater infrastructure by requiring maintenance plans and periodic inspections.
Following the presentation, Commissioner Fritz Byers reflected on the number of local governments that are supporting the agenda. “This focus is not on politics but on science and the health of Lake Erie,” he said. “We feel very motivated to lock arms with you on this initiative.”
Ms. Gerwin pointed out several governmental agencies in support of the agenda. They include Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood counties, the City of Toledo and the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments.
Mr. Byers recommended supporting the Lake Erie agenda and authorizing that a formal resolution be created for next month’s meeting.
Board president Scott Savage agreed, “Clean water and clean air are something everyone can agree on.”
He encouraged Ms. Gerwin to reach out to any of the park commissioners “if there is anything we can do to be helpful.”
Other Business,
In other business, the park board:
•Contracted with Hull & Associates for professional construction administration services for the second phase of Howard Marsh park in Jerusalem Township. The $195,000 contract entails laboratory testing, construction documentation and field testing associated with class two dam certification in the new section of the park west of Howard Road.
Tim Schetter, director of natural resources, said the work is being funded from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) grant coordinated through a partnership the park district has with Ducks Unlimited and NOAA.
He believes the new section will open in 2021. “Barring anything unforeseen, it will be done this year.”
•Authorized the purchase and installation of playground equipment from American Athletix for the White Oak campground at Oak Openings park. “Park staff will prepare the site with curbing and installation of engineered wood fiber safety surfacing to minimize cost and elevate the quality of the finished product,” explained Joe Fausnaugh, chief of operations.
He noted the play equipment was selected for its size and wood aesthetic, allowing it to blend with the campground.
The decision to purchase it was predicated on a visitors survey. “We consistently heard that campers would come more often or stay longer if a small playground was installed,” he added.
•Approved the purchase of three 2021 Ford interceptor SUV patrol vehicles for the ranger’s department at a cost of $132,108 through state term pricing contract.
Mr. Fausnaugh said the vehicles will be delivered “road ready” with all lights and equipment installed.
•Agreed to seek grant funding of $500,000 through the National Recreation and Park Association. Allen Gallant, chief of community development, said the funds will be used to advance diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the park system.
“I think this is a very wonderful opportunity for us,” said park commissioner Lera Doneghy.
Mr. Byers agreed, adding, “It aligns with Metroparks’ recently adopted vision statement.”
•Increased by $5,400, a contract with New Era Technology for services related to Metroparks’ expansion of IT technology needs.
“We have had a great relationship with them,” said Heather Mosqueda, information services manager. “They do a great job helping us out.”
•Amended 2021 appropriations to $50.25 million and revenues to $61 million to reflect grant programs. The funds will be used toward the Glass City park’s second phase of development and Secor park’s expansion and restoration.
•Agreed to accept funds from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s road improvement fund, designated for improvements to public park roads.
•Paid bills for February totaling $3.98 million.
The next park board meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 21. It will be conducted remotely and can be viewed livestream at metroparkstoledo.com.
“This focus is not on politics but on science and the health of Lake Erie. We feel very motivated to lock arms with you on this initiative.”
–Metroparks Commissioner Fritz Byers
