Ohio EPA to Study Stillwater River Quality (USA)

As part of Ohio EPA’s continuous effort to monitor and report on the quality of rivers and streams throughout Ohio, the Agency is launching a study this year of the Stillwater River Watershed.

The Stillwater is a state scenic river that is part of the Great Miami River watershed. Information specific to the Stillwater can be accessed through a tab on Ohio EPA’s Great Miami site.

The Stillwater River flows 67 miles from its headwaters in Indiana and northern Darke County through Miami County to a confluence with the Great Miami River in Dayton (Montgomery County). Major tributaries include Greenville Creek, also a state scenic river, Ludlow Creek, Painter Creek, Swamp Creek and North Fork Stillwater River. The watershed covers approximately 673 square miles (about 32 square miles in Indiana) and is drained by 280 miles of streams.

This sampling will determine or verify the appropriate classification for significant streams in the area and where streams are meeting their classifications. These classifications, which indicate the quality of water and aquatic life, are used by Ohio EPA when reviewing whether to permit projects that may lower water quality.

Sampling Protocol and Purpose

Ohio EPA employees will collect water and stream sediment chemistry samples, survey aquatic communities and evaluate stream habitat from dozens of sites throughout the watershed. Ohio EPA employees all carry a photo ID and may request private property access from landowners if needed.

The Agency has one of the most advanced water quality monitoring programs in the nation, determining the health of rivers and streams by sampling aquatic biology and habitat in addition to water chemistry. Biology and habitat information can be used to show long-term trends in the quality of the water resource.

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Press Release, July 4, 2013