Onondaga Lake: Pollution's Lingering Legacy?

Onondaga Lake, located in Central New York, has historically been one of the most polluted lakes in the United States. Pollution from industrial waste, sewage, and stormwater runoff severely degraded the lake's water quality and ecological health. However, in recent years, the lake has undergone a remarkable transformation due to extensive cleanup efforts and pollution control initiatives. While it is now considered safe for fishing and swimming in certain areas, with improved water clarity and biodiversity, concerns about residual toxins and inadequate remediation persist among local residents and environmental organizations.

Pollution sources: industrial, wastewater, and runoff

Onondaga Lake has been severely polluted by industrial waste, wastewater, and runoff. The lake, located in Central New York, has been a dumping ground for various industries since the late 1800s. These industries discharged waste, including mercury, salt processing residue, ammonia, organic compounds, and PCBs, contaminating the lake's water and sediment. The pollution was so severe that fishing was banned in 1970 due to mercury contamination, and the lake remained one of the most polluted lakes in the United States even after the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1973.

Industrial Pollution

The primary source of industrial pollution in Onondaga Lake was the Solvay Process Company, which merged with other chemical companies to form the Allied Chemical and Dye Corporation in 1920. This corporation began producing chlorine by mercury cell in 1950, and it is estimated that they dumped approximately 11 kg of mercury into the lake. Other toxic chemical materials were also released into the lake, causing severe contamination.

Wastewater Pollution

The county’s Metro wastewater plant contributes 20% of the inflow to Onondaga Lake. The plant releases nutrient concentrations and bacteria into the lake, which has impacted water quality. Combined sewer overflow (CSO) also contributes to pollution, as during heavy rain or melting snow, the sewers overflow and discharge a combination of runoff and sanitary sewage into Onondaga Creek and Harbor Brook.

Polluted Runoff

Stormwater runoff carries various pollutants into Onondaga Lake and its tributaries, including sediment from the Tully Valley mudboils, salt from highway ice removal, fertilizers and pesticides from lawns, gardens, and farms, animal waste, and debris and trash from nearby streets. These pollutants have a significant impact on the lake's ecosystem and water quality.

While Onondaga Lake is now the cleanest it has been in over a century, with pollution, toxicity levels, and algal growth decreasing, there is still work to be done. The lake's revitalization has exceeded expectations, but ongoing projects aim to continue improving water quality and reducing pollution from industrial, wastewater, and runoff sources.

Pollution history: over 100 years of contamination

Onondaga Lake, located in Central New York, has a long history of pollution that dates back over a century. The lake, which is surrounded by the city of Liverpool and adjacent to Syracuse, has faced significant contamination issues due to various human activities.

The pollution of Onondaga Lake began in the late 1800s when the Solvay Process Company, a chemical manufacturer, started dumping its waste directly into the lake. This company merged with other chemical companies over time, eventually becoming the Allied Chemical Corporation. The production of chlorine by mercury cell in 1950 further exacerbated the problem, with mercury-contaminated waste being released into the lake. The result was devastating for the lake's ecosystem and human recreational activities.

As Syracuse's population grew in the 20th century, the lake became a convenient dumping ground for various pollutants. In addition to industrial waste, the lake received sewage, exhaust fumes, and other discarded products. This surplus of pollution led to a decline in the lake's popularity for fishing and swimming. The federal and state governments were forced to ban fishing in 1970 due to unsafe levels of mercury contamination in the fish. The US Attorney General also took legal action against the Allied Chemical Corporation to stop the dumping of mercury.

The passage of the Clean Water Act in 1973 and the closure of the major industrial polluter in 1986 were significant steps towards addressing the pollution. However, Onondaga Lake remained highly contaminated, and it was not until the late 2000s and early 2010s that substantial progress was made. Dredging of the lake bottom, capping of toxic sediments, and modernizing the wastewater treatment plant were key measures that improved water quality.

Despite these efforts, some concerns remain about the lake's safety. While mercury levels have decreased significantly, allowing for fishing and limited swimming, local residents and environmental organizations believe that more needs to be done. The lake's history of industrial waste and sewage pollution has left a lasting impact, and ongoing monitoring and remediation are necessary to ensure the lake's long-term health and ecological recovery.

Cleanup efforts: dredging, capping, and modernisation

Onondaga Lake, located in Central New York, has undergone significant cleanup efforts over the years to address its history of pollution. The lake, surrounded by a mix of industrial areas, expressways, parks, and museums, has been impacted by various sources of pollution, including industrial waste, sewage, and runoff.

Dredging

Dredging of the contaminated lake bottom was completed in 2014, removing 2.2 million cubic yards of toxins from the lake. This process aimed to reduce toxin levels in aquatic life and improve the overall health of the lake. However, some critics argue that a significant amount of toxic chemicals remain in the lake sediment, requiring ongoing management.

Capping

Along with dredging, capping has been employed to manage the toxic lake sediments. This involves putting a layer over the remaining toxins as a barrier, preventing their exposure and potential impact on the lake's ecosystem. The capping process has been hailed as a success by Onondaga County executives, but some local environmental organizations and residents believe more needs to be done.

Modernisation

Modernising the county's Metro wastewater plant has had a significant impact on improving water quality. The upgraded plant effectively removes nutrient concentrations, reducing the inflow of pollutants into the lake. Additionally, a homegrown technology helped slash mercury levels in the water, contributing to the overall cleanup efforts.

The cleanup of Onondaga Lake has been a long and ongoing process, with pollution control efforts beginning in the 1970s. Despite the challenges, the lake is now the cleanest it has been in over a century, and it continues to improve. The transformation of Onondaga Lake from a toxic dumping ground to a source of community pride and a destination for outdoor enthusiasts is a testament to the dedication of federal, state, and local organisations, as well as the resilience of nature.

Current state: safe for fishing and swimming, but concerns remain

Onondaga Lake has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, going from one of the most polluted lakes in the United States to a much cleaner and safer space. The lake's pollution began in the late 1800s when the Solvay Process Company, a chemical manufacturer, started dumping its waste directly into the lake. This, combined with sewage waste, rendered the lake hazardous, with high levels of bacteria and mercury contamination.

However, thanks to pollution control efforts that began in the 1970s, a Clean Water Act passed in 1973, and a more recent 15-year multi-stage cleanup program, the lake is now the cleanest it has been in over a century. Mercury levels have decreased significantly, and fish contain less mercury each year. The lake reopened for fishing in 1986, and over 65 species of fish have been documented.

While the lake is now considered safe for fishing and swimming, concerns remain. Some local residents and environmental organizations believe that the cleanup efforts are insufficient, with 90% of toxic chemicals still in place in the lake sediment. There are also worries about the potential impact of contaminated discharge from nearby waste beds, although officials have stated that it will only cause minor and temporary impacts.

The lake's small size, at just over 4 to 5 square miles, made it easier to clean up, and the modernization of the county's wastewater plant has also improved water quality. The lake's revitalization has exceeded expectations, but there is still work to be done to address the remaining concerns and ensure the long-term health of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem.

Future prospects: ongoing revitalisation and monitoring

Onondaga Lake has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, going from being one of the most polluted lakes in the United States to becoming the cleanest it has been in over a century. The lake is now safe for fishing and swimming, and plant and animal diversity in and around the lake are showing impressive progress.

However, the work is not yet complete. The lake's long history of pollution, including industrial waste, sewage, and wastewater, has left a lasting impact on the lake's ecosystem. While mercury levels have decreased significantly, there are still concerns about the presence of other toxic chemicals in the lake sediment.

Ongoing revitalisation efforts will continue to play a crucial role in restoring the lake's health. This includes further cleanup projects at upland sites and in contaminated lake tributaries, as well as continued modernisation of the county's wastewater treatment plant.

Monitoring of the lake's water quality will also be essential to ensure that the positive changes are maintained and that any potential new sources of pollution are identified and addressed promptly. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has emphasised its commitment to protecting public health and the environment, and they encourage the public to report any suspected spills or contamination issues to the New York State Spills Hotline.

The Onondaga Nation, local environmental organisations, and residents will also continue to play an active role in advocating for further cleanup efforts and holding responsible parties accountable. The planned development of a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Heritage Centre on the eastern shore of the lake will also serve as a reminder of the cultural and historical significance of the lake to the region.

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