Final H2Ohio Technology Assessment Program Reports

September 12, 2022 – As part of Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio water quality initiative, Ohio EPA today released the final reports for 10 emerging technologies that could play an important role in the reduction of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie. The technologies were chosen for evaluation through the H2Ohio Technology Assessment Program (TAP) by the TAP Advisory Council which was created by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) to guide Ohio in addressing HABs in Lake Erie.

The TAP Advisory Council considered 40 technology proposals to recommend for evaluation by an independent, third-party partner with the expertise to consider the wide-ranging technologies. Ohio EPA selected Tetra Tech as a third-party technology vendor to analyze and evaluate the 10 most promising technologies recommended by the TAP Advisory Council, and the reports released today contain Tetra Tech’s findings.

“With the help of third-party experts, this program has provided insights on how these 10 innovative technologies could help to address harmful algal blooms and reducing nutrient loading in Lake Erie and other lakes in Ohio,” said Ohio EPA Director Laurie A. Stevenson.

These reports provide an in-depth analysis of emerging technologies that reduce nutrient loading and remove nutrients from rivers, streams, and lakes; reduce the intensity or toxicity of algal blooms; recover nutrients from manure and improve nutrient removal in wastewater treatment plants.

Initial funding for demonstration projects for these 10 promising technologies was offered through Ohio Water Development Authority’s (OWDA) Research and Development Grant Program.

“These demonstration projects will provide innovative solutions to the harmful algal concerns facing our state,” said OWDA Executive Director Ken J. Heigel.

Additional information about the Technology Assessment Program and the process can be found in the program’s fact sheet.

Launched by Governor DeWine in 2019, H2Ohio is a collaborative water quality effort to provide clean and safe water to Ohio. ODNR, ODA, Ohio EPA and OLEC each has a significant role in H2Ohio through the natural infrastructure of wetlands, the reduction in nutrient runoff, and increased access to clean drinking water and quality sewer systems. To learn more, go to h2.ohio.gov.