We are proud to announce that Samantha Martin, Cleveland Water Alliance’s Director of Communications and Engagement, has been re-elected to the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern (AOC) Advisory Committee for a second term.

The History: Why is the Cuyahoga River an Area of Concern (AOC)?

In 1987, the United States and Canada identified 43 Areas of Concern (AOC) across the Great Lakes, including the Cuyahoga River. The Cuyahoga River AOC includes the lower 46.5 miles of the river, as well as 21 subwatersheds and 10 miles of Lake Erie.

This designation was the result of decades of industrial pollution, habitat loss, and poor water quality that impacted both wildlife and human use. These legacy issues hindered the river’s health for many years. Today, the AOC program serves as a roadmap tackling these historical challenges and restoring the river to its full potential.

What is the AOC Advisory Committee?

The Advisory Committee is made up of local leaders from community groups, park systems, businesses, institutions, utilities, and government agencies working to “de-list” the river. “De-listing” is the official process of completing designated management action plans to meet specific environmental health and safety standards.

Facilitated by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, the committee works with the Ohio EPA and Ohio Lake Erie Commission to:

• Set Remediation Standards: A Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI) is a designation used by the EPA to identify specific types of severe environmental degradation; each AOC determines their goals for remediation.
• Coordinate Improvements: Oversee projects that restore natural habitats, improve community access, and make river ecosystems healthier. 
• Track Recovery: Once restoration projects are completed, partners collect data to determine if environmental health has recovered enough to meet "removal targets" for each impairment.

Strengthening Our Region through Watershed Restoration

"I am honored to serve a second term on the Cuyahoga River AOC Advisory Committee. This watershed is the heart of our region: the health of our economies, our ecosystems, and our communities rely on it. It runs through our National Park, it’s a channel for international shipping vessels, and it’s home to the returning river otters. I look forward to continuing to work with this group of dedicated individuals to make sure the Cuyahoga is a vibrant, healthy resource for all." - Samantha Martin

Samantha’s role on the committee bridges the gap between regional policy and community-level engagement. Cleveland Water Alliance understands that the official delisting of the Cuyahoga River is a vital milestone for our region’s economic and environmental future.

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