ADDRESSING POLLUTION ABATEMENT NEEDS IN THE OHIO VALLEY THROUGH PUBLIC/PRIVATE COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is an interstate agency, formed in 1948 by a Compact between eight states and recognized by the Federal government, which pledges the states to cooperate in the abatement of interstate pollution. The Commission has a small staff that administers the Compact and carries out its mission.Throughout its history, ORSANCO has been involved in watershed management utilizing public-private partnerships to achieve integrated water quality management for the Ohio River. This began with the formation, in the 1950s of “Industry Action Committees” to assist and advise the Commission on their respective industries' issues and problems, and to review proposed regulations. Several continue to this day.ORSANCO also partners with private entities in connection with its role in spill detection, applied research, and public involvement/education.The Commission, comprising 27 gubernatorial or Presidential appointees, includes individuals from both public and private sectors. Thus, it follows that ORSANCO seeks such partnerships to achieve it's objective of abatement of interstate water pollution of the Ohio River and its tributaries.