"The Ohio River once again leads the nation for industrial pollution.

That's even as the eight-state commission that sets the river's water quality standards recommends relaxing rules on mercury and certain other toxic chemicals.

By all accounts, the river that marks Kentucky's northern border and Indiana's southern flank is much cleaner than it was a generation or two ago.

But recent numbers — compiled by Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and the commission's latest proposals for changes and variances to water quality standards — show the Ohio very much remains a working river that cuts through the heart American industry."

James Bruggers reports for the Louisville Courier-Journal March 16, 2015. [2]