Cleanup goals for Onondaga Lake address eight important pollution problems.

The Onondaga Lake restoration effort includes the following major goals (follow the links to learn more about specific pollution problems and related topics):

• Phosphorus and ammonia loading from Metro must be reduced pursuant to the ACJ in order to meet water quality standards, thereby lowering toxicity, limiting algal growth, increasing oxygen levels and improving water clarity.
• Floatable solids and bacterial discharge from CSOs must be reduced pursuant to the ACJ in order to meet water quality standards and improve health conditions.
• Sources of mercury and other industrial contaminants must be identified and controlled to meet health standards and reduce impacts on the Onondaga Lake fishery.
• Saline runoff and leachate from the Solvay Wastebeds to Nine Mile Creek and the lake must be ameliorated.
• Tully Valley mudboil control must be maintained to improve water quality in Onondaga Creek and the lake.
• Pollution from rural and urban nonpoint source runoff must be reduced throughout the watershed.
• Effects of wave erosion, oncolite formation and sediment contamination must be mitigated.
• Natural habitats suitable for the growth of rooted aquatic plants and the propagation of aquatic species must be restored.

See Current Status to learn about progress in meeting these goals.