ORSANCO sets Pollution Control Standards for industrial and municipal waste water discharges to the Ohio River, and tracks certain dischargers whose effluent can seriously impact water quality. The standards designate specific uses for the Ohio, and establish guidelines to ensure that the river is capable of supporting these uses. To keep pace with current issues, ORSANCO reviews the standards every three years. As part of the review process, workshops and public hearings are held for public input. For frequently asked questions about the Pollution Control Standards, click here: FAQ's

NEW- 2010 Expedited Review of Pollution Control Standards (.pdf)

Current Adopted Standards

The Commission adopted the 2009 Revised Standards on October 22, 2009.

Click here for the Pollution Control Standards (2009 Revision) - (.pdf version)

Review Process for Ohio River Pollution Control Standards

The Commission conducts a review of its Standards every three years. Each review consists of the following steps:

1. An initial comment period, in which comments are sought an all aspects of the Standards.
2. Consideration of the comments received and formulation of responses, including proposed revisions to the Standards.
3. Public review and comment on proposed revisions.
4. Consideration of comments on proposed revisions and Commission adoption of revisions.

Because the Commission carefully considers all comments received, in collaboration with its member states through several committees and technical work groups, the entire process usually takes approximately 20 months.