Daniel Groves
Environmental Geology Case Study
November 22, 2011

Cuyahoga River Fires
“In the United States, a concerted effort is underway to reduce water pollution and thereby improve water quality.” (Keller) A case history of river pollution is the Cuyahoga River located in Northeastern Ohio. The river is 100 miles long flowing south to Cuyahoga Falls where it then turns north until it empties into Lake Erie. Cleveland and Akron are two major cities located along the river. The Cuyahoga is known as an infant glacial river, this is because it is one of the youngest river created from the melting of the glaciers. It is estimated that the river is about 13,000 year old. The story of the Cuyahoga is one with many lows and highs. The …show more content…

It also includes many objectives and processes to maintain the integrity that was outlined in the document. According to the 13th biennial reports on Great Lakes Water Quality December 2006, “We further believe that such progress depends, to a very substantial extent, on whether the Parties and other levels of government, working together, create the means by which they can be held accountable for progress toward achieving the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.” (Commission) Another Organization that was formed as a result of the Cuyahoga River fires is the “Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan” or RAP. RAP was created in 1988 by Ohio EPA as a community based program aimed at restoring the Cuyahoga River. Their goals are to inform the community of the effects of pollution and to work with industries to stop the pollution of the river. “The RAP is a proven resource for bringing together technical knowledge, stakeholders and local officials in a supportive setting to develop and implement effective solutions for restoring our local streams.” (Erie Brand Streams and Rivers) It is amazing how a river catching fire opens the eyes of so many people. It took Time Magazine to scare a nation into do something about individuals and companies dumping untreated waste into rivers and lakes. When more people realized what