The Black River Area of Concern is located in Lorain, Ohio and portions of its surrounding communities. It encompasses approximately 74 square miles including the outer harbor adjacent to the mouth of the river, the near Lake Erie shoreline, the lower 15 river miles, and the French Creek watershed. The current boundary of the Black River AOC was updated from its original in 2015. As an urban and industrial watershed, the Black River had been impacted by these uses with diminished conditions in the past. Over the years, through federal, state, and local investments, the Black River is now revered for its economic revitalization, its expansion of public space along the river, and increased use of the river for recreational activities. 

The Black River Area of Concern established a Management Action list in 2017 and through state, local and federal partnerships, the six actions were completed by 2024. The Black River community involvement is led by the Black River AOC Advisory Committee. 

• Black River AOC Boundary Map  

Public Comment Open for Two BUI Removals
The public is invited to comment until August 20^th on the Draft BUI Removal for the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUIs for the Black River Area of Concern. The removal recommendation is based on meeting BUI restoration targets in the Black River mainstem (free-flowing) and lower French Creek, as well as the identification and implementation of actions to improve water quality and fish habitat throughout the Black River watershed. Evaluations showed that many sections meet removal criteria, there are some sections that do not meet restoration targets. Overall, conditions within the Black River AOC continue to improve with work funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and other state, local, and federal partners.

• Draft Removal Recommendation for the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations and Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat BUIs in Black River AOC

Black River Area of Concern Beneficial Use Impairments

• Restrictions on Fish and Wildlife Consumption - BUI removed in 2017
• Fish Tumors or Other Deformities - BUI removed in 2023
• Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations
• Degradation of Benthos
• Restrictions on Navigational Dredging Activities - BUI removed in 2022
• Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae- BUI removed in 2017
• Beach Closings - BUI removed in 2024
• Degradation of Aesthetics - BUI removed in 2021
• Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat —  Report 

Black River AOC Information from Primary Partners

• U.S. EPA Black River AOC 
• Black River AOC Advisory Committee