Cuyahoga River comeback continues
by Jean Chapman

(Plain Press, January 2008) For the first time ever, the lower Cuyahoga River which runs through the center of the City of Cleveland has attained one of the State of Ohio’s expectations for an “Exceptional” warm-water habitat, another sign of health and vitality returning to a once highly- polluted river.

Final results from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s most recent electro-fishing surveys indicate that the fish community has achieved the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Modified Index of Well-Being (MIWB) score for an  “Exceptional” warm-water habitat. The index is a specific water-quality indicator. Scores range from “Very poor” to “Exceptional”.


Fish health indicates improvements

The health of species found in local fish communities help testing agencies like the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) determine water quality. The 2007 biological survey of the lower Cuyahoga River used electro-fishing methods to collect fish for study. An electric current released into the water at designated locations stunned fish, bringing them to the surface for examination of species, length, weight, and other criteria before being returned to the river. The results were charted and gave indications to further improvements in the river’s water quality.


Water quality on the rise

The lower Cuyahoga River’s MIWB scores have been on the rise since surveys began in 1990. The MIWB is one of many water-quality indicators that consider aquatic life and its relationship to the environment. “[These] findings bode well for future full attainment of bio-criteria in the river,” said NEORSD Environmental Specialist Keith Linn prior to Ohio State University’s verification of the District’s findings last month.

For additional information, contact NEORSD’s Communications & Community Relations Department (216) 881-6600 or visit http://www.neorsd.org.

Editor’s Note: Jean Chapman works for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

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