The river has a mind of its own and, as it has been since the dawn of river travel, our sailing schedules must adapt to it. Or, you can take a milder pace and just kick back with a glass of sweet tea on your private balcony as you admire the indescribable beauty of rolling hills, steep bluffs, soaring bald eagles, regal blue herons, and sunsets reflecting on the water.Įvery cruise on the Ohio River is unique due to fluctuating river conditions that can have an impact on our itinerary. Meet new friends as you savor cocktails, culinary delights, and evening entertainment in the lounge. While in Louisville, we are treated to a behind the scenes tour of the Churchill Downs, the site of the famed Kentucky Derby, as well as the opportunity to sample the finest bourbon at the famous Jim Beam Distillery. Return aboard to be pampered by our enthusiastic all-American crew. In Henderson, visit the John James Audubon Museum, which features many original works and join our expert guide to learn about the sense of natural wonder that Audubon instilled in so many Americans. ![]() The Ohio River was pivotal in the development and exploration of the American West and along the way we highlight much that has defined our American roots from the Civil War to bluegrass music. Relax on the sun deck with a tasty beverage as the ship transits through 21 massive locks and dams and beside charming riverfront towns and beautiful, diverse landscapes.Įach port of call showcases a new element of Americana, each with a distinct story to tell. Three energy companies - Duke Energy, Hoosier Energy, and American Electric Power - purchased the first credits in March of 2014.In the perfect comfort of our well-appointed American Riverboat™, enjoy the idyllic countryside of the Ohio River and the wonder of the mighty Mississippi that inspired Mark Twain. ![]() We will look at how to expand the trading model to integrate other environmental benefits, such as greenhouse gases or wildlife habitat markets. They would meet all requirements should a compliance market develop. The purchase of stewardship credits is voluntary, has significant environmental benefits. However, many choose to participate and purchase credits as a stewardship benefit. Power companies and wastewater utilities do not yet need these credits since they meet current water quality standards for the Ohio River. We developed the water quality trading program to generate compliance-grade credits (i.e., credits that are compliant, pre-defined, and have monitored rule-sets) that are eligible to be used by buyers to meet regulatory requirements. Pounds of Phosphorus kept out of the Ohio River The Future Therefore, we expect real improvements in water quality over time. And the program is designed so that some of the credits farmers generate are not sold but are retired for the good of the basin. Since practices are implemented in multiple locations, the resulting benefits are felt throughout the watershed and not just at the point where the buyer is located. Farmers can try conservation practices without cost concerns. The result? Less runoff in the river and into the Gulf of Mexico. Power plants or other buyers purchase these credits, reimbursing farmers for their costs while improving the overall health of the river. How Water Quality Trading Worksįarmers implement conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and runoff, generating credit. ![]() The program connects buyers of nutrient credits (power plants, wastewater utilities, and corporations) with sellers (farmers) to benefit the environment. Since 2009, the Electric Power Research Institute and AFT, along with a strong collaboration of power companies, farmers, state and federal agencies, and environmental interests, have been developing an interstate water quality trading program in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Trading Project and AFTĪmerican Farmland Trust is part of an innovative, award-winning project reducing pollution and improving the health of the Ohio River. Water quality trading provides an option for businesses with high treatment costs to pay those with lower treatment costs to keep nutrients out of the water. The costs to reduce emissions from the different sources vary. Thousands of wastewater utilities, 46 power plants, and more than 230,000 farmers reside in an eight-state area within the Ohio River Basin.Īll of these sources can emit pollution that winds up in the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to the hypoxic zone (or “dead zone”) where the water is devoid of oxygen and unable to support life. The Ohio River flows from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois, and empties into the Mississippi River.
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