In the early 1970’s the Governor of Ohio designated Eastgate as the designated Water Quality Management Planning Agency for Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. In turn, Eastgate is required to keep the 208 Plan current and update the plan as necessary.
The 208 Water Quality Management Plan is the regional wastewater plan for Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. The 208 Plan is a requirement under Section 208 of the federal Clean Water Act to identify and address pollution problems within Eastgate’s metropolitan planning area. The plan concentrated on the design and construction of wastewater treatment facilities and related infrastructure. The original 1977 plan laid the groundwork to ensure public investments in the facilities were planned according to growth trends and effective at enhancing water quality.
Today, the 208 Plan assesses existing water quality conditions and population trends, identifies regional critical resources, addresses non-point source pollution trends, and reassesses wastewater facility planning via the region's wastewater treatment planning prescriptions. Eastgate’s current 208 Plan was updated and adopted in 2018. By federal law, the state cannot issue a permit to install for wastewater infrastructure if it conflicts with the plan.
The public is encouraged to comment on the draft 208 Water Quality Management Plan until close of business on Monday, August 8th, 2022. Comments can be submitted by email to Stephanie Dyer, Environmental Program Manager, at sdyer@easgatecog.org, by phone at (234) 254-1520, or in-person during normal business hours at Eastgate’s office (10th Floor, 100 East Federal Street, Youngstown).
Read The Draft