COMMERCIAL POINT, OH — A newly released 81-page draft permit from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed a troubling pattern of wastewater violations at the Commercial Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, raising alarm across the Teays Valley region over public health, environmental safety, and transparency.
According to the EPA’s May 8, 2025 draft permit, the facility has recorded 128 effluent violations between 2019 and 2024, along with four documented sewage overflows (SSOs) in the past three years. Perhaps most concerning, the Scioto River — which receives discharge from the plant — is officially listed as impaired for recreational use and human health due to contaminants like E. coli and PCBs.
These revelations are drawing intense scrutiny, especially as Commercial Point officials continue advocating for major annexation projects and expanded housing developments.
“The timing is deeply troubling,” said Cory Wasmus, director of Teays Valley Against Overgrowth, a local watchdog group. “How can residents and local governments make informed decisions about growth when key information is withheld?”
Key Findings from the EPA Draft Permit:
- 128 confirmed effluent violations from 2019–2024 (Page 71)
- 92 violations for Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
- 24 violations for Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD5)
- Four sewage overflows reported in the last three years (Page 60)
- The Scioto River near the outfall remains impaired for both recreation and human health (Pages 61–62)
- System frequently overwhelmed: daily flows have exceeded design capacity (Page 60)
- Sludge overflowed from clarifiers due to overwhelmed treatment systems (Page 60)
Despite upgrades, the Scioto River’s impairment status remains unchanged, calling into question the effectiveness of current treatment operations.
The draft permit also states that, barring significant public input or objections, it will be finalized by the EPA. Residents have 30 days from the date of the public notice to submit written comments or request a public hearing.
The permit and related materials are available on the Ohio EPA’s Surface Water Division website:
👉 https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/permitting/list-of-draft-permit-public-notices
Public comments may be sent to:
📧 [email protected]
📬 or mailed to the addresses listed in the EPA’s public notice.
Community Response and Transparency Concerns
Local township and school officials have also voiced concern about the lack of long-term infrastructure planning, noting the potential strain on public resources from continued residential growth. Many are calling for a pause on new development until existing infrastructure deficiencies are addressed.
“Our community deserves honesty and accountability,” Wasmus added. “This isn’t just a paperwork issue — this is about public health, environmental protection, and trust in our local leadership.”
