State senator blocking lakes pact

SANDUSKY

A state senator seeking revisions in a pact that would protect the Great Lakes says he's trying to protect property rights for Ohio residents.

State Sen. Timothy Grendell, R-Chesterland, spoke to members of Erie County Republican Women Monday night at the Sandusky Yacht Club and answered questions Wednesday.

Grendell's setting at the Yacht Club within sight of Lake Erie was appropriate, as the senator has been heavily involved this year in numerous issues involving the lake, including the new Great Lakes compact and a bill to further regulate commercial fishing in Lake Erie.

Grendell said he objects to a provision in the Great Lakes -- St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact that says that the waters of the Great Lakes basin, including the northern Ohio watersheds which feed into the lake, "shall be held in public trust." That threatens the ability of private landowners to have control over private wells on their property, he said.