Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Publication Title

Journal of Great Lakes Research

Abstract

Local governments can play an important role in protecting surface water resources through their compliance with federal and state regulations and through their own land use planning and management practices. Despite 30 years of water quality initiatives in the Lake Erie basin, nonpoint source runoff from urban and urbanizing lands remains a problem. Loss of riparian corridor integrity is increasing as urban areas in the Lake Erie basin experience areal growth. The use and management of land, predominantly a local responsibility, directly affects surface water resources. The role that local governments play in protecting surface water resources was studied in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the core of the greater Cleveland area. Zoning, building, subdivision, and health ordinances of local governments were reviewed and analyzed. Local governments were then asked to indicate their current planning and management techniques for surface water protection. Overall, protection of surface water resources in the county is inadequate. Local jurisdictions infrequently use the innovative planning mechanisms and water resource management practices suggested by state and federal water resource agencies and organizations. The uneven and fragmented land management system, if replicated in adjacent counties that are now urbanizing, bodes ill for Lake Erie’s near-shore water quality.

Original Citation

Kellogg, W. A. (1997). Metropolitan Growth and the Local Role in Surface Water Resource Protection in the Lake Erie Basin. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 23(3), 270-285. doi:10.1016/S0380-1330(97)70911-0

DOI

10.1016/S0380-1330(97)70911-0

Version

Postprint

Volume

23

Issue

3

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