Ohio EPA explains scrap-tire cleanup rules; board approves grants and amnesty program

Ohio EPA staff told the State Controlling Board that scrap-tire cleanup funding targets "no-fault" sites — locations where tires were illegally dumped or property owners inherited piles of tires — and supports municipal collection and amnesty events.

Senator Kaler asked how sites are identified and whether the state cleans up land bought by new owners; Kelly Jeter, who manages the scrap-tire contract, said the statute (originally enacted in 1996) covers people who were dumped on and those who inherited problem properties, as well as local governments conducting roadside or park collections. "We actually do not, under the statute, do people who have purchased property," she said, clarifying which circumstances the program covers.

The board heard that some municipalities use grant money to support local collection days and that other communities fund drop-off events from local budgets. The item was approved without objection.

What happens next: Ohio EPA will continue to manage the cleanup contract and grant program; local governments may apply for assistance or run amnesty events under established guidelines.