"New OHA rules endanger county staff, program participants, visitors, and neighbors," said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “It is unacceptable that OHA refuses reasonable safety protections. We will not stop fighting to ensure our staff and the residents in these facilities they serve are safe from the harm OHA’s policies would needlessly cause."

“Risking the drinking water of our communities while harming thousands of fish is patently absurd” said Commissioner Colm Willis, Chair. “Since the Army Corps refused to listen to reasonable requests from the county, cities, and schools, this lawsuit is the strongest means we have to protect our downstream communities as well as recreation at Detroit Lake.”

“We welcome the City of Salem joining the County in fighting to protect the drinking water of our communities. Clean, reliable drinking water should never be thoughtlessly put at risk anywhere in the County.”