The stream, its water power and valley, were important to the development of Cincinnati.
Then, for a time, the steep hillsides that surround it limited expansion, and gave impetus to the free growth of surrounding communities that were over that barrier.
Finally, inclined railed lifts solved the problem, before trucks and automobiles eliminated it.
Polution Problem
Over a half million people live in its drainage basin. Canalization, by the Army Corp of Engineers has added to sewage and run off problem caused by intense urbanization.
Industrial plants line its banks, including Proctor and Gamble, Formica, and the Ford Motor Company.
Its drainage comes from over 30 governments (towns, cities, and townships), and includes five superfund sites.
Studies and efforts are underway to clean it up, but little progress has been made.