Central Ohio is home to a valuable natural resource-Alum Creek! The Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries (FACT) and others are initiating work on an Action Plan for the lower Alum Creek watershed. The plan’s goal, as determined by Ohio EPA, is to address and improve water quality in the watershed, and yield real solutions at the local level. The lower Alum Creek watershed is the area that drains into the creek between the Alum Creek Dam in southern Delaware County and the confluence of Alum, Blacklick and Big Walnut Creeks at Three Creeks Metropark in southeastern Franklin County.

Large sections of the lower Alum Creek meet water quality standards and are in attainment, meaning they meet standards for the creek’s aquatic use designation as Warmwater Habitat. Over 8 miles are in partial attainment, and one mile in the heart of urban Columbus is in non-attainment.

A major cause of point source pollution identified by Ohio EPA for Alum Creek is sewer overflows. Bacteria associated with human excrement such as fecal coliform pose health risks and severely limit the use of water for recreation. Discharges also introduce excessive amounts of nutrients, which offset the natural balance in aquatic systems and start a chain reaction that negatively affects river life.

FACT invites those interested in working with local organizers to maintain and improve Alum Creek’s health, beauty and wildlife habitat to attend Action Plan meetings. The first meeting will be held on Wed., Jan 15 from 1-4:30 PM at Wolfe Park Shelter House on E. Broad St. in Columbus.

Visit www.friendsofalumcreek.org. For more information or to learn of other meetings, email .

Sunset over Alum Creek north of Schrock Road
Courtesy Friends of Alum Creek