Port Clinton, Ohio, exits wastewater settlement after $15 million upgrades
(UI) — Federal and state environmental regulators have agreed to end a long-standing wastewater settlement with Port Clinton, Ohio, after the city completed approximately $15 million in system upgrades aimed at reducing combined sewer overflows and improving water quality.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio EPA said the city fulfilled all requirements under a settlement originally reached in 1999 over alleged Clean Water Act violations tied to frequent combined sewer overflows into local waterways and the Lake Erie watershed.
The agreement required Port Clinton to implement a long-term control plan, upgrade its wastewater treatment infrastructure and construct improvements designed to reduce overflows that can occur during heavy rainfall. These events can send untreated wastewater and stormwater into nearby waterways when sewer systems exceed capacity.
According to regulators, the city completed all projects required under the plan and eliminated all but one combined sewer overflow location. For the remaining outfall, Port Clinton installed a duckbill valve designed to prevent discharges except under conditions allowed by permit.
EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel said the improvements have significantly reduced sewer overflows and strengthened protections for Lake Erie.
“By dramatically reducing combined sewer overflows and strengthening safeguards for the remaining outfall, the city is delivering cleaner water, safer beaches and healthier habitats for the people and wildlife that depend on the lake,” Vogel said.
Ohio EPA Director John Logue said the project reflects decades of investment in wastewater infrastructure and included more than $15.6 million in low-interest financing support from the state.
Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider said the completion of the project positions the city for future growth while maintaining its commitment to protecting Lake Erie.
Regulators said the city has achieved and maintained compliance with the consent decree and wastewater permit requirements, meeting the conditions necessary to close the settlement.
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