First Posted: 1/28/2015
LIMA — The city of Lima is working to do some good for the Ottawa River and save some money at the same time.
Crews have started work on a supplemental environmental project clearing out trees and brush along the banks of the portion of the river running from Main Street to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This initiative was negotiated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the consent decree issued against the city last year regarding sewer overflow into the river.
“We started out negotiations at well over $400,000 [in penalties] would go into the state and federal treasury with no benefit to the city,” Utilities Director Gary Sheely said. “What we agreed to is a supplemental environmental project, which is an environmentally beneficial project that involves the community but is not something that we are mandated or required to do.”
Instead of $400,000, this project runs with a pricetag of just more than $218,000, with the money going to local contractor 1st Choice Tree Service.
“We’ve been able to turn a potential liability into an asset for our community,” Public Works Director Howard Elstro said.
By removing dead trees and plants as well as invasive species and undergrowth, wildflowers, switch grasses and native trees can be planted, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits to the river.
“Grasses at the water’s edge assist in cleaning impurities from runoff before it reaches the Ottawa River,” Elstro said. “Trees have a positive influence on the environment by way of oxygen production, air filtration and shading the water, which improves water quality.”
This project must be completed by November or the city could face a $150,000 fine. Additionally, crews face another deadline in their work.
“We are taking down all the dead and undesirable trees prior to a March deadline to comply with another section of the EPA,” Elstro said. “We cannot affect the Indiana bat and another endangered species of bat. We have to eliminate this habitat before the bats come out of hibernation and begin nesting in these trees.”
Elstro also said that when work begins on the portion of the river running from Pierce Street to Collett Street, that portion of North Shore Drive will be closed to traffic to accomodate the work. The public will be notified in advance of the closure.
