OHIO EPA: RIVERS IN BAD SHAPE

OHIO EPA: RIVERS IN BAD SHAPE

More Ohio waterways are imperiled by pollution than two years ago, and
only one river in the state meets federal clean water standards for
swimming, fishing, boating and other recreational uses.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's analysis, released last
week, said the majority of the state's rivers, streams and lakes are
considered "impaired" because of high concentrations of bacteria from
raw sewage and heavy metals.

Officials have warned that people should not eat more than one fish
meal a month out of the Ohio River because of mercury and other
contaminants that can cause cancer or other disorders. Authorities also
say that on most days the water is not safe for recreational use - like
water skiing or swimming - because of high bacteria counts.

Linda Oros, spokeswoman for the Ohio EPA, said this year's analysis was
tougher. Previous reports, she said, did not account for bacteria
levels from sewage, or advisories against eating too much fish from
polluted waterways.

The agency compiles the report every two years.

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