Speaking

Wetland treatment system design is an effective method to capture and treat high nutrient loads after a storm event. Through utilization of river flow data, key flood elevations can be calculated and used to design the wetland flooding frequency. Native plant species and residence time facilitate the removal of nutrients and turbidity. Hydraulic modeling of the treatment wetland ensures that it is functioning and flooding as intended. This case study showcases a project undertaken by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks at their Walnut Woods Metro Park along Walnut Creek, which was identified to be an at-risk waterway for high nutrient loads and selected to receive the H2Ohio grant. It outlines the methodology employed in the wetland design and modeling of the stream and wetland to increase flood frequency. 

Accounting for nearly 70% of the Village of St. Henry’s water use, Cooper Farms poultry processing plant presents both opportunities and challenges for the community. With planned growth at the facility, the Village has been evaluating expansion of its water and wastewater systems, yet both groundwater availability and wastewater discharge are limited. The wastewater treatment plant is a lagoon system discharging to Coldwater Creek under an intermittent National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Coldwater Creek’s Total Maximum Daily Load sets a phosphorus allocation of essentially zero and requires a 5:1 creek-to-effluent flow ratio, leaving little flexibility for growth.

An alternatives analysis conducted with support from Ohio EPA evaluated several alternatives, including nutrient trading, groundwater recharge, enhanced mechanical treatment, alternative discharge locations and wastewater reuse. Each option had trade-offs, but wastewater reuse emerged as a promising long-term strategy to meet TMDL limits while supporting industrial growth.

This presentation will highlight St. Henry’s efforts to balance regulatory compliance with economic development and provide an update on the village’s path forward. It will also discuss planning for potential water reuse in light of existing regulatory constraints and the absence of state guidance while illustrating how this case study can inform Ohio EPA as it develops rules for water reuse.