Northeast Ohio’s Black River is showing significant improvement, thanks to decades of environmental cleanup efforts. This summer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Ohio removed the “beach closings” Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) from the river, a crucial step in restoring the waterway. This marks progress toward removing the Black River from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC), a designation it received due to severe pollution caused by industrial activity.
The Black River, located in Lorain County, has long served as both a recreational spot and an industrial hub. However, years of steel production and lax environmental regulations left the river heavily polluted. In the 1980s, the International Joint Commission classified the Black River as an AOC, signifying a part of the Great Lakes basin where human activities have significantly degraded the environment.
Over the years, federal, state, and local efforts have been working to rehabilitate the river. According to Kris Patterson, a program administrator with the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, these collaborations have made steady progress in addressing various environmental concerns. “A lot of people have worked hard to improve the areas where industries used to be,” she explained.
In 1990, the Black River AOC Advisory Committee identified nine BUIs that needed attention. The removal of the “beach closings” impairment is a significant milestone, becoming the sixth BUI to be addressed after successful bacterial containment efforts. The progress in the lower 15 miles of the Black River and parts of French Creek has led to improved water quality, making beaches along the river generally safe for swimming and recreation.
Patterson emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts, ensuring that both wildlife and human communities benefit from a healthier river. “We want the river to be healthy for everything—from the bugs living in the sediment to the people enjoying the beaches,” she said.
Local residents, who regularly use the river for fishing and relaxation, have noticed the improvements. “It’s a nice place to come and relax and catch fish. I just hope things keep getting better,” said Cheryl Fraher, a Lorain County resident.
While six BUIs have been removed, three more related to fish and wildlife populations remain. Efforts are already underway to restore these habitats, and Patterson is optimistic that the Black River could be removed from the AOC list within the next few years if the current pace of restoration continues.
Local community members are also optimistic about the future of the Black River. “I hope it continues to improve and that more people come out to enjoy it,” said Tully, a frequent visitor. Wiley, another local resident, added, “It’s up to everyone to respect the river and help keep it clean.”
For more information on the ongoing efforts to restore the Black River and other conservation initiatives, visit the Black River Area of Concern website or the Ohio Lake Erie Commission’s webpage.