Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO)
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2015)
Reporting Period: 2015
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Protection
- Water Quality
- Public Health
- Aquatic Life
- Recreational Use
Environmental Achievements
- Completed biological assessments of four Ohio River pools, all in passing condition.
- Developed a report on temporal trends of mercury in Ohio River fish tissue.
- Completed a one-year scientific study of mercury bioaccumulation in fish tissue.
- Completed a three-year study of the Wabash River to quantify nutrient loadings and investigate causes of low dissolved oxygen in the Ohio River.
- Renovated the Organics Detection System (ODS), improving detection of unexpected chemicals in the river.
- Upgraded the spill model to improve spill response capabilities.
Social Achievements
- Monitored bacteria levels in six urban areas with combined sewer systems on the Ohio River.
- Collaborated with the Cincinnati Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and Sanitation District No. 1 of Northern Kentucky (SD1) to develop the Recr8OhioRiver application.
- Coordinated the Ohio River Sweep, a volunteer trash cleanup event.
- Reached thousands of teachers, students, and families through the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE) programs.
Governance Achievements
- ORSANCO is an interstate agency created by eight states with Congressional approval.
- The Water Users Advisory Committee provides input on water quality issues.
- The Water Resources Committee guides the development of water resources programs.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Mercury concentrations in fish.
- Nutrient pollution.
- Contamination of drinking water from chemical spills.
- Harmful algal blooms.
- Invasive species (e.g., bighead carp, silver carp, round goby).
- Limitations of the Commission’s spill tracking model.
Mitigation Strategies
- Scientific studies to set appropriate regulations for mercury in the Ohio River.
- Ohio River Basin Water Quality Trading Project for nutrients.
- Renovation of the Organics Detection System (ODS).
- Upgrading the spill model with US EPA funding and support.
- Monitoring and research on invasive species.
- Collaboration with state and federal agencies and drinking water utilities to address spills and protect drinking water.
Supply Chain Management
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- SDG 15 (Life on Land)
ORSANCO's work contributes to these goals through water quality monitoring, pollution control, and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
Awards & Recognition
- U.S. Water Prize (for the Ohio River Basin Water Quality Trading Project)