Safety Service Director Bill Jones, City Council President John Torma, Mayor Bobby Smith and Safety Service Deputy Director Dan Galeotti cut the ribbon for East Liverpool’s new grant-funded salt barn. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

EAST LIVERPOOL — The ribbon cutting held by Mayor Bobby Smith, Safety Service Director Bill Jones, City Council President John Torma and Safety Service Deputy Director Dan Galeotti on Thursday checked the final box of requirements set by the State of Ohio for the city’s new salt barn to be fully funded by a state grant.

The structure, which cost $75,000 to construct, was paid for with a no-cost match $75,000 grant awarded to East Liverpool through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s H2Ohio Rivers Chloride Reduction Initiative.

To qualify for the funding, the city had to show a need for the funding for a new structure, provide an educational piece on it, publicly publicize it and hold a ribbon cutting.

“This vital infrastructure upgrade supports both public safety and environmental protection,” a media release issued by the city said.

According to the release, the structure replaces the city’s current salt storage facility which is aging and deteriorating, with significant structure damage and holes in the roof, and was located adjacent to a storm sewer.

Jones noted that the deterioration of the structure posed a safety risk for city employees and the location of it allowed chloride to runoff and enter the river during periods of rainfall, posing a risk to local water quality.

“The new facility brings the city into compliance with its Municipal Separate Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements and ensures responsible salt management moving forward,” the release said.

Municipalities across Ohio have benefited from the statewide H2Ohio Rivers Initiative which aims to improve water quality by funding projects such as salt barns to help reduce pollution and protect Ohio’s drinking water sources.

“East Liverpool’s new salt barn will securely store salt in an environmentally sound manner, significantly reducing the potential for contamination of nearby rivers and streams,” the city’s media release said.

“This funding represents a significant step forward in our commitment to both public safety and environmental stewardship,” Jones said. “We are grateful to the Ohio EPA for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in the health of our community and its natural resources.”

The city is beginning to prepare for the upcoming winter season with the salt barn which was completed in August and will soon be placing the orders for the city’s road salt supply.

The structure, which is located at 1443 Pennsylvania Ave., was strategically located to optimize access for city crews while ensuring compliance with environmental best practices.

For additional information on the H2Ohio Rivers Initiative, visit www.epa.ohio.gov.