Ashtabula in Ashtabula County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Ashtabula River
From Shipping Mecca to Contaminated Waterway to Revitalized Harbor
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2019
The Ashtabula River became a shipping hub over the following centuries. Expanding industrial uses brought environmental degradation that reduced harbor activity.
Up to 19 industrial facilities operated near Fields Brook during the height of the industry in the 1950s, producing metal products and chemicals. A lack of environmental regulations led to unregulated discharges of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) into Fields Brook, seriously contaminated the Ashtabula River.
In the 1970s, passage of the Clean Water Act improved water quality considerably, but sediments remained contaminated in both waterways. Fields Brook was remediated in 1996 under the federal Superfund program, but safe removal of the contaminated Ashtabula River sediments remained a challenge. Ashtabula River was named one of the 43 most contaminated areas of concern in the Great Lakes. The Ashtabula River Remedial Action Plan (RAP), organized in 1988, continued to work on the river contamination.
Erected by The Ashtabula River Partnership.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1996.
Location. 41° 54.027′ N, 80° 47.892′ W. Marker is in Ashtabula, Ohio, in Ashtabula County. Marker is at the intersection of Bridge Street (Ohio Route 531) and Morton Drive, on the right when traveling west on Bridge Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ashtabula OH 44004, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ashtabula Harbor Commercial District (a few steps from this marker); 1001 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1003 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1005 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1006 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1009 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1012 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1010 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ashtabula.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 13, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 17, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.