Future Plans

Future Projects

Future restoration activities are intended to result in compliance with environmental law and attainment of the Lake's designated uses.

The ultimate goals of the Onondaga Lake Management Plan, the Amended Consent Judgment (ACJ), and the legal action brought against Allied Signal, Inc. are to bring about the attainment of Onondaga Lake's designated uses under the Clean Water Act (swimming, fish propagation, and secondary recreation).

While significant progress has been made (see What Has Been Done So Far), much more remains to be done. Many projects have been proposed to be accomplished in the future. Some projects that have been proposed for future implementation are listed under Future Proposed Projects.

In addition to the former Allied facilities, the Superfund Law (CERCLA) is being used to address a number of other contaminated sites in the Onondaga Lake watershed. All of these industrial waste sites are in various stages of investigation or remediation. The sites' ultimate status will be determined by Records of Decision issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

Compliance with Environmental Law

Environmental law clearly defines water quality standards; some are numerical, others are narrative. The ACJ is designed to achieve full compliance with the Clean Water Act by December 1, 2012, though many projects under the ACJ will likely be completed well ahead of schedule.

Future Use of the Lake and Its Waterfront

Once compliance with environmental law is reached, the public will help determine how Onondaga Lake will be used. The water quality of Onondaga Lake and its inner harbor will influence how the waterfront is developed, whether there will be beaches, restaurants, marinas or perhaps a museum.

The potential for development of the Onondaga Lake waterfront will be closely linked to water quality improvements in Onondaga Creek, the harbor and throughout the lake. As the lake cleanup continues to move forward, businesses and developers are responding positively to the potential for development in this urban waterfront.

Solving the lake's pollution problems will not be easy. The lake forms a complex ecosystem influenced by a myriad of diverse physical, chemical, and biological factors. The goal is to restore the lake's ecological integrity. With its extensive history of abuse, cleanup will not happen overnight. Restoration of one of the most perturbed lakes in America will be challenging, but with support from the people of Onondaga County this challenge can be met.