AGP Executive Report

PFAS & drinking-water fight in Dayton: Dayton says PFAS from the city’s Fire Training Center near the Mad River Wellfield may be contaminating drinking-water wells, while the Air Force denies the claims; the city is seeking up to $300 million in damages. Local air-quality cleanup: Middletown moved a giant gravel pile from an abandoned Paperboard site to a landfill after residents complained about dust and city testing said samples met Ohio EPA cleanup standards. Public health alert—Cyclospora: A fast-growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea has sickened nearly 1,000 in Michigan and hundreds across Ohio, with Lucas County reporting 306 cases; officials still haven’t identified the source. Wildlife & rabies vigilance: Health officials warn rabies is rare but serious after bat cases in Butler County and urge anyone exposed to seek immediate care. Privacy in Ohio parks: Five Rivers MetroParks blocked immigration-related searches of its automated license plate reader database after reporting showed other jurisdictions used it for that purpose.

PFAS & Drinking Water: Dayton is facing fresh scrutiny over whether PFAS from its Fire Training Center near the Mad River Wellfield contaminated city drinking-water wells, after PFAS was detected near the training site and the city says it only reported results to Ohio EPA about a year later. Public Health: A fast-growing cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea has surged across the U.S., with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000+ cases and Ohio seeing hundreds, while investigators still can’t pinpoint the source; health experts stress careful food and water safety. Extreme Weather: Catastrophic flash flooding in southeastern Missouri killed at least one person and rescued hundreds, including campers trapped when roads washed out, as more storms threatened additional flooding. Privacy & Surveillance: Five Rivers MetroParks stopped outside agencies from searching its automated license plate reader database for immigration-related reasons after local reporting showed repeated queries. Energy & Industry: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured central Ohio highlighting chemical destruction and manufacturing tied to the agency’s push to accelerate cleanup and industrial capacity.

Water Quality & Wastewater: Youngstown City Council is set to consider property purchases and easements for a massive 80-million-gallon wet weather wastewater facility, part of a multi-phase, federally mandated upgrade expected to start this fall. Foodborne Illness: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak has surged to nearly 1,000+ cases and is spreading across state lines, with Ohio reporting hundreds in nearby counties as health officials investigate sources and urge prevention. Pollution Enforcement: Ohio EPA issued violations to two businesses in Toledo after liquid fertilizer was allegedly released into Huston Creek, triggering red water and cleanup efforts, with monitoring underway. Oil & Gas Impacts: ODNR says four injection wells in Washington County have stopped operating amid brine migration concerns, with a third-party study planned for nearby private water wells. Community Funding: Warren City Council approved shifting $1.425M to Inspiring Minds for a community center and added $50,000 for SESCA programming, while also approving other city budget and grant steps. Public Health & Safety: USPS launched a dog-bite prevention push after more than 5,200 carrier attacks in 2025, noting Ohio’s high ranking and urging pet owners to manage dogs during deliveries.

Water & Health: A fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak is hitting the Midwest, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases and Ohio seeing rising numbers too (including Lucas County and northwest Ohio). Health officials still don’t have the source pinned down, but they’re urging careful food handling—especially for raw produce. PFAS Watch: Ohio EPA sampling of Dayton’s sewer system found PFAS levels below aquatic-life thresholds for PFOA and PFOS, offering a clearer look at “forever chemicals” in local wastewater. Outdoor Safety: ODNR is recruiting for its next Natural Resources Officer class, aiming to boost wildlife and visitor protection across Ohio parks and waterways. Wildlife & Community: The Ohio Bird Sanctuary and an ODNR officer helped rescue a weak baby bald eagle, “Little Liberty,” after it fell from its nest. Energy & Industry: Ohio’s corn growers are eyeing new markets—from maritime fuel rules to sustainable aviation fuel and biobased plastics—after a record 17 billion-bushel crop. Land Use & Data Centers: Greenwood County advanced a data-center moratorium and zoning changes after a packed public meeting.

Public Health: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak keeps surging—992 cases reported in the state and more than 2,000 nationwide, with Ohio investigations underway and Lucas County reporting 306 cases as of Wednesday. Data Centers & Water: The Columbus Dispatch presses for local water-use numbers tied to data centers, while Ohio Democrats hit the campaign trail over tax breaks and rising electricity bills tied to the boom. Local Land-Use Fight: Piqua moves forward on a large data center plan, but residents raise alarms about water, power demand, traffic, incentives, and environmental impacts. Air & Climate: A West Nile season is ramping up earlier and harder than in 20+ years, and a northern-lights watch is in effect as a solar storm may bring aurora to many states. Environment & Wildlife: The Maumee River restoration project near Toledo is nearing completion to improve habitat for people and wildlife. Community & Environment: Columbiana County commissioners approve a 2027 budget nearly $1.5M higher than this year.

Public Health: Michigan’s Cyclospora outbreak has surged to 992 cases, with Ohio already reporting hundreds—Lucas County alone logged 306 by Wednesday and northwest Ohio has topped 500—while officials still can’t pinpoint the source; CDC-linked guidance emphasizes careful food handling and hygiene as symptoms can last weeks. Local Air Quality: Middletown residents near the SunCoke Energy plant say odors and black residue have worsened, raising fears about what they’re breathing. Water Pollution Response: Ohio EPA identified contamination in Henry County’s Huston Creek as coming from a fertilizer release tied to Triway Nitrogen, with cleanup underway and road closures still in place. Land & Biodiversity: Hartwood Acres Park in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania was inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network, highlighting protected old-growth habitat and biodiversity. Community Cleanup: Toledo groups held a firework-debris pickup at Glass City Metropark, warning that leftover debris can harm waterways, wildlife, and human health. Business & Environment Watch: Ohio’s top “states for business” ranking drew attention alongside ongoing national debate over data centers and their impacts.

Data Centers & Water Stress: A national day of protest against data centers is set for July 18, with Ohio-area organizers and rural residents warning about rising utility costs, heavy water demand, noise, and land-use impacts. Local Governance & Community Power: Ohio conservation advocates are pushing a state constitutional amendment to block very large data centers, arguing rural communities are being steamrolled with little say. PFAS Watch: Ohio EPA officials toured a Columbus PFAS destruction facility, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of “forever chemicals” and cleanup capacity. PFAS in Everyday Life: A new explainer breaks down why PFAS show up everywhere—from non-stick pans to rain gear—and why they persist in water, soil, and people. Public Health: A cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea has surged past 1,000 cases nationwide, with Ohio reporting hundreds near the Michigan border. Water Quality & Pollution: Ohio EPA identified Triway Nitrogen liquid fertilizer as the source of contamination in Henry County’s Hutson Creek. Outdoor & Wildlife: Volunteers are set to clean up Guilford Lake State Park’s shorelines and lake bed while water levels are low, and Ohio certified a new state record green sunfish from a Williams County farm pond.

Lake Erie Health: Lake Erie Foundation President James V. Stouffer Jr. will speak July 15 at Catawba Island Historical Society on the group’s push for a healthier Lake Erie and the 40% nutrient reduction goals. Public Park Plan: Avon Lake is moving to buy about 23 acres of the former power plant site to create a lakefront park, while rezoning the rest for mixed-use development. Data Center Fight (Ohio): A Trenton group filed a petition to block future data centers larger than 25 megawatts, aiming for a November ballot vote after residents raised concerns about neighborhoods, schools, water, and infrastructure. Energy & Jobs: West Virginia Gov. Morrisey announced PowerFlo Solutions will invest $20M in Wood County, creating 120–200 jobs building electrical infrastructure for data centers and AI. Health Alert (Cyclospora): A cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea is surging; Michigan has nearly 1,000 cases and Ohio’s border counties report hundreds as investigations continue across multiple states. Prison Oversight: A former Dayton Correctional Institution medical administrator resigned and says the state lacked adequate oversight and support amid staffing shortages.

PFAS Cleanup Tour: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Sen. Jon Husted toured Revive Environmental’s “PFAS Annihilator” units in Columbus, highlighting a push to destroy “forever chemicals” at commercial scale as new drinking-water standards loom. Air Monitoring After Fire: After a warehouse fire in Parkersburg, a local climate group deployed PurpleAir monitors around the area so residents can track fine particles and VOCs in real time. Drinking Water Worries: Cadiz issued a precautionary boil-water advisory while it investigates a water-quality operational issue, and in Flatrock Township an unknown substance contaminated Huston Creek, triggering road closures and health concerns. Sewer Connections Move Forward: Columbiana County awarded a contract to connect Hanoverton residents to a new sanitary sewer system, with work expected to finish in late 2026. Local Water Treatment Upgrade: Hamler council heard a new granular activated carbon plant is on track for completion by April to cut trihalomethanes. Agriculture Impacts: A large egg farm proposal in Defiance County is drawing scrutiny over groundwater, manure handling, and added truck traffic. Energy Costs & Grid Strain: Reporting on data centers points to sharp electricity bill spikes for Midwest manufacturers, with Belden Brick in Sugarcreek, Ohio, cited as seeing major increases tied to capacity charges.

PFAS Cleanup in Ohio: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured Revive Environmental’s Columbus PFAS destruction facility with Sen. Jon Husted and Ohio officials, highlighting commercial-scale destruction of “forever chemicals” instead of moving them to another medium. Data Centers vs. Power Bills: A Reuters look at Midwest factories says data-center demand is driving big electricity cost spikes, including a Sugarcreek, Ohio brick maker seeing capacity charges jump from $1,600 to $12,000 a month. Local Data-Center Fight in Beloit: In Wisconsin, a Beloit clean-air advocate says town meeting rules are stifling public comment as residents pack hearings over a proposed $1 billion data center campus. Public Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis (“explosive diarrhea”) continues spreading across the U.S., with Ohio reporting 177 cases this year and most in June. Wildlife in Ohio: A Xenia-area resident captured a black bear on video, prompting calls to local wildlife officials. Conservation Event: ODNR marks 50 years of natural areas and preserves at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve on July 25. Union Win: Columbus Metropolitan Library employees voted to unionize, with SERB reporting 86% support.

Data Centers & Power Costs: A Reuters look at Sugarcreek’s Belden Brick shows factory electricity bills jumping as AI data centers drive up demand and capacity charges, raising grid-stability and affordability concerns. Immigration Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Temporary Protected Status could affect about 1.3 million immigrants by making it easier to end protections. Public Health (Cyclospora): Health officials say the “explosive diarrhea” parasite Cyclospora is spreading across multiple states, including Ohio, as investigators work to identify the source. School Meals Funding: A major federal bill threatens access to free school meals by targeting SNAP and Medicaid, with families potentially paying thousands more each year. Ohio River Revitalization: Gov. DeWine joined mayors in Warren to celebrate progress on Mahoning River revitalization and discuss next steps for recreation and connectivity. Conservation Incentives (H2Ohio): Ohio Dept. of Agriculture and Indigo Ag announced added incentives for farmers using H2Ohio conservation practices, including carbon-credit support. Local Environmental Compliance: Records show Peoples Cartage’s sister site near an airport was cited for hazardous-waste handling violations, as crews work to contain a major fire. Energy Policy (Renewables): Ohio lawmakers are advancing a bill that would favor natural gas and nuclear while adding hurdles for wind and solar.

Contaminated Site Cleanup: New Richmond’s former bus garage on Front Street is set to be demolished and redeveloped into a public parking lot after petroleum contamination was found when underground diesel tanks were removed; the Clermont County Land Bank will handle soil and groundwater work with a $400,000 state grant. Data Center Backlash: Butler County commissioners approved a six-month moratorium on new data center developments in unincorporated areas, citing concerns about environmental impacts and utilities after developers couldn’t answer specific questions. Energy Costs & Heat: New analysis says Ohioans could see major summer electricity bill spikes in 2026, with demand pressure tied to climate-driven heat and data center growth. Public Health & Parasites: Ohio State researchers report a CRISPR-based leishmaniasis vaccine that protected animals and is moving toward human trials as cases rise in the U.S. Water & Wildlife: Licking Park District is advancing conservation and solar projects, plus trail and streambank repairs, while Ohio’s River Fire story highlights how clean-water rules helped restore fish diversity. Air Quality Incident: Wood County in West Virginia remains under a precautionary shelter-in-place near a warehouse fire as agencies monitor smoke-related particulates.

Supreme Court & Ohio Politics: A new Supreme Court shift could erase Democrats’ cash advantage in Senate races, including Ohio, by allowing more coordinated spending between candidates and national party committees. Ohio Wildlife: Richland County volunteers still logged sandhill cranes in Ohio’s 2026 Midwest Crane Count, with the state total at 344 despite weather disruptions. Outdoor Access: ODNR is bringing back its Women’s Outdoor Adventure Weekend (Sept. 25–27) at Salt Fork State Park, with beginner-friendly fishing, paddling, hiking, and more. Air & Water Safety: A major fire at Peoples Cartage in Wood County, West Virginia, triggered a shelter-in-place order and emergency monitoring for air quality and potential runoff impacts to the Little Kanawha River. Pollution Watch (Ohio): A semi-truck spill of about 40,000 pounds of Frank’s RedHot sauce shut down cleanup crews and raised concerns about acidic runoff into drains and waterways. Wildlife Encounters: A black bear was caught on camera in Pepper Pike, highlighting rising bear sightings across Ohio. Lake Erie Algae: Ohio researchers are developing algae-busting buoys aimed at stopping Lake Erie blooms before they fully form. Public Concern Over Plastics: Residents in southeast Ohio are pushing back on a proposed plastics plant, saying it could threaten local water and air quality.

Wildlife & Heat-Rescue: Ohio Bird Sanctuary in Mansfield says a juvenile bald eagle (“Little Liberty”) was rescued after falling from its nest in extreme heat and is now in critical condition. Wildlife Safety: Pepper Pike police shared a black bear sighting on Lawton Lane and urged residents not to approach or feed bears, plus to secure trash and bring pet food indoors. Water & Air Concerns: Residents in southeast Ohio are pushing back on a proposed plastics plant in Athens County, saying promises about impacts to the Hocking River and local air quality don’t go far enough. PFAS Accountability: Chemours agreed to pay $450M to settle a PFAS “forever chemicals” case. Permits Watch (Ohio EPA): Ohio EPA’s weekly update highlights draft and final environmental permits and regulatory actions across multiple counties, including air and water discharge items. Outdoor Planning (Ohio): Ohio Division of Wildlife is accepting applications for controlled hunts, with a July deadline for hunters. Heat & Power Costs: A new report says extreme summer heat is driving record cooling costs, with Ohio households among those hit hardest. Species Update: Ohio released 2026 sandhill crane count results: 344 cranes observed, with weather affecting survey coverage. Severe Weather: Forecasts point to scattered storms returning after a hot, humid stretch. Public Health: CDC and state agencies are investigating a growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to severe gastrointestinal illness. Industrial Fire Response (Region): A warehouse fire in Parkersburg, WV led to shelter-in-place orders and a state of emergency, with officials monitoring air quality and possible river runoff impacts.

Controlled Hunts Deadline: Ohio hunters have until the end of July to apply for controlled hunts for deer, waterfowl, small game, waterfowl blinds and dove, including ruffed grouse—applications are due via wildohio.gov and cost $3 per hunt. Firefly Season: After heavy rains and humid weather, Ohio’s firefly season is expected to be especially bright, with naturalists urging people to dim outdoor lights and let parts of yards grow wild to support populations. PFAS Accountability: Chemours reached a multi-state settlement over PFAS “forever chemicals,” agreeing to pay $450M total (including $22.5M penalty) and fund long-term mitigation and cleanup in West Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey. Heat & Public Safety: A brutal heatwave is stressing Ohio’s infrastructure and people—firefighters in Adams County cooled power transformers using thousands of gallons of water, while forecasts point to a brief cooldown before scattered storms return. Wildlife Watch: Mohican State Park reported multiple black bear sightings in the past week and reminded visitors how to stay safe and report encounters. Local Data Center Fight: In Urbana, residents’ pushback against a major AI data center is now headed to court after the city approved a moratorium tied to the proposal.

PFAS Settlement: Chemours agreed to a $450M settlement to resolve years of “forever chemicals” discharges, including major cleanup and drinking-water support in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Heat & Health: A Census Bureau analysis shows huge gaps in air-conditioning access during the July Fourth heatwave, with Alaska and Hawaii worst off—raising risks for vulnerable Ohioans during extreme weather. Ohio Wildlife: Mohican State Park reported multiple black bear sightings in Ashland County and urged hikers to stay calm, secure food, and report sightings. Data Centers vs. Power: In Urbana, Ohio, residents’ pushback against a massive AI data center is now headed to court after a moratorium—while federal emergency grid actions highlight how quickly these projects can strain electricity during peak heat. Spill Response: A semitruck leak of Frank’s RedHot on an Ohio highway triggered cleanup efforts to keep acidic sauce out of drains. Local Politics: Dayton gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton says she supports a ban on data centers and backs home rule. Outdoor Water Quality: Ohio researchers are testing algae-busting buoys aimed at reducing Lake Erie blooms before they spread.