Environmental Overview

The Allen County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (OHSEM) is an active participant in the environmental health and safety of the local community. In 2003, the Allen County OHSEM was honored by the Ottawa River Coalition as the “Watershed Partner of the Year.”  The agency’s interests and involvement in environmental issues include:

Ozone Alerts – The Allen County OHSEM partners with the Allen County Health Department and other organizations to promote clean air and reduced ozone emissions through the dissemination of ozone educational materials and the issuance of official “Ozone Alert Days” when circumstances warrant within Allen County.

Illicit Discharges – The Allen County OHSEM is a cornerstone agency in the county’s Illicit Discharge Policy and coordinates the countywide “community hotline” and investigations into public complaints of unlawful spills and dumping of hazardous waste and other materials into storm sewers, creeks and other waterways within the county.

Hazardous Materials Releases and Spills – The Allen County OHSEM handles environmental enforcement issues associated with Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3750, dealing with the unregulated release or spills of hazardous substances into the air, water and land.

Mercury Pick-up & Recycling Program – The Allen County OHSEM partners with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Bowling Green State University in a program that offers free pick-up and disposal of harmful mercury.

Household Hazardous Waste Day – Every fall, the Allen County OHSEM teams up with the Allen County Solid Waste District to host an annual “Household Hazardous Waste Day” at the Allen County Fairgrounds. This event encourages county residents to properly dispose of harmful household products including old paints, pesticides, oils, fuels, ammunition, tires, batteries, etc.