Harmful algal bloom (HAB) season is right around the corner, and there are various resources providing insight on the season’s potential forecast. One of these resources is a series of Western Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Early Season Projections issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Beginning in May, these projections estimate bloom severity based on measurements of phosphorus loading from the Maumee River along with long-range forecasts and historical records. The bloom severity depends on the input of total bioavailable phosphorus (TBP) from the Maumee River during March 1 through July 31. TBP is the sum of dissolved phosphorus and the portion of particulate phosphorus available for HAB development.

The early season projections are updated each week with new information until NOAA issues a comprehensive seasonal forecast on June 30th. Based on observations through May 22, NOAA expects a bloom that is likely less severe—running on a scale of 0 to 10—than 2021 (<6) with a maximum range slightly above 6. A smaller bloom, similar to 2020 (~3), is likely if precipitation for the rest of the spring matches the early season forecast of near average rainfall. However, larger rain events may produce larger TBP loads, resulting in a severity closer to 2021 (~6). Interested individuals can subscribe to receive the early season projections via email or view them online.

Have a news article you'd like us to feature? Email us at OhioWRC@osu.edu!

Ohio EPA DSW: Temporary Wastewater Discharges Permit Renewal

Ohio EPA has issued a final general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for temporary wastewater discharges in Ohio. The draft renewal permit is available for comment, which must be submitted to the agency by June 15. On June 8, 2022, Ohio EPA will hold a virtual information session and hearing to provide an overview of the Temporary Discharge General Permit renewal.

Ohio EPA DDAGW: Proposed ‘Amend’ Rulemaking Governing Primary Drinking Water Standards Rules

The Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Ground Waters seeks comments on proposed rulemaking governing Primary Drinking Water Standards. OAC Chapter 3745-81 contains rules critical to the protection of drinking water, including regulations regarding monitoring for disinfectants, MCL’s for organic contaminants, and public notification requirements. Comments are due to the agency by June 20.

To find more resources offered by Ohio WRC, please visit: https://wrc.osu.edu/resources

Conference: 2022 UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference

June 14-16, 2022 • Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC

Registration is now open for the Universities Council on Water Resources and National Institutes of Water Resources Annual Water Resources Conference. The conference has a focus on water resilience to encourage conversations about how watersheds, ecosystems, infrastructure systems, governance structures, and communities can adapt and transform in the face of current and future stressors.

Workshop: Ohio EPA Grant Writing Workshop 2022

June 16, 2022 • Locke Branch Library in Toledo, Ohio

Registration is open for a grant writing workshop hosted by the Ohio EPA. Topics include how to find the right funder, approaching different kinds of grantmakers, avoiding common mistakes applicants make, and developing realistic objectives, activities, and budgets.

Webinar: Forecast for Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie

June 30, 2022 • Virtual

Stone Lab and Ohio Sea Grant will host a live web event for NOAA’s annual HABs Forecast for western Lake Erie. In addition to the official forecast, the event will feature spring nutrient loading and projections along with expert commentary and recent research successes. Registration is open.

Conference: Climate Intersections Conference

July 11-14, 2022 • DECC, Duluth MN

Registration is now open for the North Central Region Water Network’s Climate Intersections Conference. The conference theme is “Taking Care of People, Water, and the Land” and will feature emergent research and key programming that can facilitate solutions for resilient and equitable agricultural systems, communities, and watersheds throughout the North Central Region and beyond.

Conference: One Water Technical Conference

July 25-28, 2022 • Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio

One Water is a joint effort between the Ohio Water Environment Association and the Ohio Section of the American Water Works Association. We join together to bring both water and wastewater professionals from around the state for training and networking. Registration is open.

Have an event you'd like us to feature? Email us at OhioWRC@osu.edu!