Warren County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Warren County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
PFOS 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
Warren County joined settlements with four more chemical companies over PFOS contamination traced partly to fire-training foam, including at the Wilmington airport area. The county has already collected about $4.5 million and its treatment plant now fully meets federal PFOS regulations — the first in Ohio to do so.
North water plant expansion and wholesale water future
The north treatment plant is running at 90% of its 9.7 million-gallon-per-day capacity in summer peaks. The county plans to drill three new wells (about $1 million) en route to a $30 million expansion to 17 million gallons per day — positioning Warren County to sell wholesale water to other jurisdictions.
Lead and copper testing waiver for Socialville water customers
Warren County joined settlements with four more chemical companies over PFOS contamination traced partly to fire-training foam, including at the Wilmington airport area. The county has already collected about $4.5 million and its treatment plant now fully meets federal PFOS regulations — the first in Ohio to do so.
Alta Fiber broadband contract shortfall
Alta Fiber is way behind on a $4 million county broadband contract, and the ARPA money backing it expires December 31. The county is weighing termination and redirecting $3.2 million to jail salaries.
Emergency tree removal at Nunner Road Lift Station
Rotting trees at the Nunner Road Lift Station were slated for emergency removal to protect the wastewater facility. Lift station failures can mean sewer backups and service disruptions for nearby residents.
Water and sewer connection fee reset
Connection fees in the Carlisle and Hunter areas were reset to $1,230 for the year, using inflation adjustments.
Bear and Salt Run sewershed study and Village on the Green lift station
The county is paying an engineering firm to study the Bear and Salt Run sewershed and plan lift station upgrades. It's early-stage work that could shape future sewer service and rates in that area.
Franklin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant assumption
The county took an emergency step — buying software licenses and migration services — as it assumes operation of the Franklin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. That transition matters for sewer customers in the western part of the county.