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)

A series of workshops will be held to help the public understand the expedited review.

Dates for the workshops are listed below:

Pittsburgh area – Tuesday, March 16
Holiday Inn Meadowlands, 340 Racetrack Rd., Washington, PA

Huntington area – Wednesday, March 17
Pullman Plaza, 1001 Third Ave., Huntington, WV

Cincinnati area – Tuesday, March 23
Holiday Inn Airport, 1717 Airport Exchange Blvd., Erlanger, KY

Evansville area – Wednesday, March 24
Aztar Hotel, 421 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, IN

For further information, contact ORSANCO at 513-231-7719, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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.

How to Submit Comments

You may submit your comments by writing to ORSANCO headquarters, 5735 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 42530, or by emailing Peter Tennant at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Comments will be accepted through April 16, 2010.