CANFIELD The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has approved a plan to post signs at a chemical spill site along Sawmill Creek near the Material Sciences Corporation facility in Canfield. The approval covers the plan submitted by August Mack Environmental, Inc. on behalf of MSC.

The signs are proposed to limit exposure to any potential impacts in the creek, following a July 2024 chemical spill.

The sign includes a "CAUTION! POTENTIALLY POLLUTED WATER" message and icons advising people to avoid recreational use and not to drink the creek water.

The signs, measuring 2 feet by 2 feet and placed on a 4-foot-high post anchored in concrete, will be located on property owned by Canfield High School and Mill Creek Metroparks.

 The signs, which are required to face both the north and south sides of Sawmill Creek, serve as an alternative to a previously planned fence that wasn’t feasible due to third parties denying access for installation.

MSC is required to visually inspect all signs quarterly to ensure they are visible and in good condition. Any maintenance needed will be reported to the Ohio EPA in monthly status reports.

The signs will remain in place until their removal is approved by the Ohio EPA.