Ohio EPA director tours Euclid facilities

In the wake of major improvements to Euclid’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plant, Ohio's Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Director Craig Butler visited the city Monday to honor its efforts toward protecting Lake Erie.

Euclid's success in improving the lake’s water quality served a double purpose, positively impacting the local environment and showing how the Ohio EPA’s financial assistance can help local municipalities.

“Low cost loans will help ease the burden on our ratepayers and the Ohio EPA’s zero percent loan program will assist in reducing the cost to install (membrane bioreactor) MBR treatment technology to reduce nutrients to Lake Erie,” Mayor Bill Cervenik said. “[The Ohio EPA has] supported us every step of the way to help achieve the goal of cleaner water.”

Through the Ohio EPA, Euclid has received low-cost financing for six years, borrowed more than $30 million for wastewater system improvements, and will receive up to $25 million in 2015 to manage harmful algal blooms. This financing is part of a suite of services offered by the Ohio EPA, which also include technical assistance and recognition for outstanding efforts.

“Today’s event highlights the new division I have created to provide a one-stop shop in Ohio EPA for all businesses and communities needing assistance with our technical and financial resources to help them achieve compliance,” Butler said. “It is important that our regulated entities not only understand what resources are available, but that we actively reach out to guide them through the process of getting help, so we can more fully meet their needs.”