Based on a combination of alternatives from this study, DEC issued its proposed cleanup plan for Onondaga Lake in November of 2004.
Cleanup is nearly complete at a former Honeywell plant that was one of the largest sources of mercury entering Onondaga Lake.
While the cleanup progresses, both public and private interests are looking toward the future of a clean Onondaga Lake.
cyclists circle Onondaga Lake's clear blue waters on a warm summer day, while picnickers enjoy the scenery.
Once again, Onondaga Lake is a jewel of central New York.
Onondaga Lake has a rich history as a productive fishing lake.
In 1885, the United States Fishing Commission reported that (commercial) "fishing in Onondaga Lake dropped from 20,000 pounds to 1,000 pounds in just one year.
Industrial discharges of mercury to Onondaga Lake had begun by 1946.
Municipal sewage discharges also affected Onondaga Lake fish.
Since the 1980s, water quality in Onondaga Lake has slowly improved, and fish are returning.
Today, trophy-size walleye and bass are caught in Onondaga Lake, and fishing derbies are popular.
Geologist Don Hesler oversees several staff in DEC's Division of Environmental Remediation dedicated to the cleanup of Onondaga Lake.