The National Competitive Grants Request for Proposals (RFPs) has been announced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Three distinct funding opportunities have been announced: National Competitive Grants (General), Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The goals of the National Competitive Grants programs include encouraging collaboration between the USGS and university scientists in research on substantial national and water resources issues, promoting the distribution of research results from projects funded under the program, and assisting in the training of scientists in water resources.

The Water Resources Research Institutes hosted a webinar that focused on the full proposal process and funding priorities. A recording of the webinar is available.

Please note the May 30th deadline listed on the RFPs is for institutes, such as the Ohio Water Resources Center (Ohio WRC), to apply. For Ohio investigators, project proposals must be submitted via email to the Ohio WRC (ohiowrc@osu.edu) by May 16th, 2024 at 5 p.m. To allow us to plan, researchers interested in applying are highly encouraged to reach out to the Ohio WRC as soon as possible.

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

Proposal of section 401 and Wetlands Water Quality Standards Rules (OAC Chapters 3745-1 and -32)

The Ohio EPA proposes to amend the following rules of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC): Water Quality Standards (WQS) rules package and Section 401 rules package. The Agency invites all interested parties to comment on these rules and will hold combination in-person and virtual public hearing per package. During the hearings, the public may submit written and/or oral comments on the record about the proposed rules. Both hearings will be held on May 9, 2024. The Wetlands WQS package hearing will be held at at 1:30 p.m., with the Section 401 hearing to follow at 2:15 p.m. The in-person hearings will be located at the State Library of Ohio, 274 E. 1st Ave., Columbus, OH 43201. Virtual attendees must register in advance for the WQS and Section 401 hearing separately. All comments received at the hearing or via email must be submitted to dsw_rulecomments@epa.ohio.gov by close of business on May 9, 2024.

Ohio EPA: Rulemaking Governing Maximum Contaminant Levels and Point-of-Entry Devices

Ohio EPA Division of Drinking and Ground Waters (DDAGW) is soliciting comments on rules within OAC 3745-81 of the Ohio Administrative Code. DDAGW has reviewed these rules to satisfy the five-year rule review requirements. Comments can be submitted by email to ddagw_rulecomments@epa.ohio.gov. Comments should be received at the above address by the close of business, May 15, 2024.

Ohio EPA: Draft TMDL Modification for Upper Sandusky River Watershed

Ohio EPA has released a draft modification of the Upper Sandusky River Watershed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) document for public review and comment. The Upper Sandusky River Watershed TMDL document was approved by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on September 29, 2004. Total phosphorus and fecal coliform TMDLs for Upper Sandusky assessment unit are being modified to account for a new discharger. Total phosphorus TMDL for the Lower Tymochtee Creek assessment unit is being modified to account for a new discharger. Comments are due by 5:00 P.M. on May 20, 2024 by email to EPATMDL@epa.ohio.gov.

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

Conference: 2024 Ohio Stormwater Conference

May 8-10, 2024 • Sandusky, OH

The conference will be held at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center located in Sandusky, Ohio. Environmental issues, new technologies, regulatory information and pollution prevention will be covered during the conference. The conference is built for those who are working to comply with municipal, industrial, and construction NPDES stormwater permits. Registration information can be found at their website.

Webinar: Diversity in Water event

May 9, 2024 • Virtual

The Diversity in Water Speaker Series invites leaders in Ohio's water industry from diverse backgrounds to discuss their careers. The next speaker is Tya Darden, Environmental Manager with the Ohio EPA, Division of Drinking and Ground Waters. Register to attend the virtual event held on May 9, 2024 from 5:30-6:30pm.

Webinar: Freshwater Science - Discovering a Potential Treatment for Health Effects of Algal Toxin Exposure

May 16, 2024 • Virtual

Hosted by Ohio Sea Grant, Stone Lab and the Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative, Dr. Steven Haller and Dr. David Kennedy will be discussing their research involving a potential treatment for microcystin exposure through probiotics. Microcystins are a health concern due to the potential to cause severe organ injury. Register in advance to attend the webinar.

Conference: 2024 AWRA/UCOWR/NIWR Water Resources Conference

September 30-Octobter 2, 2024 • St. Louis, MO

Hosted by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA), the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR), and the National Institutes for Water Resources (NIWR), the conference will be held in St. Louis, MO focusing on water-related research, management, extension, and education topics. Registration will open soon.

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