The Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) held its First Annual Progress Meeting on Monday, October 29, 2001 from 7-9 p.m. at Nottingham High School, Syracuse, New York. The meeting began with a "Year in Review" report, given by the members of the Partnership's Executive Committee and the Chairs of each of its three Standing Committees. A summary of their briefings follows:

Members of the community meet representatives of OLP member organizations before the Year in Review Report

Lt. Col. Glen R. DeWillie, Chair, Executive Committee and District Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District. Lt. Col. DeWillie reported that since the inception of the Partnership in August 2000, the OLP has added over a dozen representatives of local businesses, academia, special interest groups and government agencies to its committees. Charged with executing the Army's mission on behalf of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, the Corps serves as the lead agency for the OLP. The Corps launched the public website for the Partnership and continues to develop and update content for the site. They have awarded federal grants totaling $1.9 million in 2001 for improvements of storm and sanitary sewers in Syracuse and to reduce stormwater pollution to Onondaga Lake. The Corps also awarded an additional $1.5 million for construction of three new combined sewer overflow (CSO) projects, and completed construction of the Hiawatha Boulevard CSO. Currently in progress is the design for a lake oxygenation demonstration project and a lakeside trail habitat project, planning for the construction of permanent lakewide habitat modules and the development and implementation of both urban and rural best management practices. The Corps is developing processes for broadening scientific peer review of lake models and investigations as well as watershed databases and geographic information systems.

Mr. Mario P. Del Vicario, Executive Committee and Chief, Place-Based Protection Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Mr. Del Vicario reported that the USEPA has been involved in Onondaga Lake issues since 1996. Their primary role has been to ensure that the lake meets water quality criteria and is safe for swimming and fish consumption. The USEPA has contributed $81.6 million towards Onondaga Lake Management Plan projects and $72.7 million towards Amended Consent Judgment (ACJ) projects. In April 2001, they provided $30 million to Onondaga County for the construction of their ammonia and phosphorous removal facility. The USEPA and the Corps also work together as the liaison with the Onondaga Nation, which has requested that the OLP explore the viability of restoring habitat for salmon fisheries.

Mr. Chris Wiles, representing Norman Spiegel, Executive Committee and Assistant New York State Attorney General (AG). Mr. Wiles stated that the AG's office has been involved with Onondaga Lake issues since 1988 when they brought suit against Onondaga County and 1989, when they brought suit against then Allied-Signal, Inc. for pollution violations and resource damage.

Mr. Kenneth P. Lynch, Executive Committee and Regional Director, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Mr. Lynch stated that the Onondaga Lake cleanup has turned the corner. "No longer are we simply studying the lake or debating how it should be done - real work is being done every day to restore Onondaga Lake." He explained that the ACJ governs the wastewater treatment issues, and sets forth specific projects and schedules. NYSDEC has worked aggressively with Honeywell and other responsible parties to complete investigations and implement real work to address hazardous waste issues. Mr. Lynch issued a call to action: "It's not just the partners saying what needs to be done, or how to proceed - the OLP has established the framework to involve you, the public, in this process. We need you to become informed, involved and interested in lake cleanup issues. Come to our meetings, go to the library, browse our website - educate yourself on the issues and give us your feedback." As a lifelong resident of the area, Mr. Lynch stated that it's easy to become apathetic about the lake, and added: "It's time to put the jokes and the naysaying behind us - I'm confident that we can restore Onondaga Lake to the asset it once was."

Mr. Nicholas J. Pirro, Executive Committee and Onondaga County Executive. Mr. Pirro described a cartoon he had found that decried the plight of Onondaga Lake and asked the question, "Why can't something be done about it?" He then explained that the cartoon appeared on an American Legion Newsletter, dated August 13, 1946. "For the first time, I can say that through the Onondaga Lake Partnership, we're making real and effective progress," he said. Mr. Pirro acknowledged the support of Congressman James Walsh, Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, and New York State Governor George Pataki, and thanked the members of the community who are serving on the various OLP committees. He emphasized that the OLP is supportive of the ACJ projects and continues to play a vital role in helping to complete these projects on, and in some cases ahead of schedule.

Mr. Joseph W. Barry III, Executive Committee and Assistant Corporation Counsel, City of Syracuse, representing Mayor Matthew Driscoll. Mr. Barry stated that the OLP provides a forum for stakeholders as well as a mechanism to coordinate federal and state aid. He added that the OLP complements the city's efforts in the ongoing and future lakefront development.

Mr. Steve Eidt, Chair, Project Committee and Regional Water Engineer, NYSDEC. Mr. Eidt explained that the Project Committee is a technically-based committee that includes the expertise of engineers, scientists, biologists, and chemists. Their primary purpose is to solicit projects each year to improve lake water quality and habitat. He stated that the goal is to address issues with a broad watershed and ecosystem approach. Twenty-six research and implementation project proposals were received this year, which are currently being assessed for technical merit. The Executive Committee will make the final decision on selection, prioritization for implementation. Mr. Eidt explained that the key to this process is coordination, in that some projects must logically follow others. The OLP is accountable to taxpayers, and is dedicated to spending available dollars wisely by implementing projects that will achieve our goals. The Committee uses a broad-based approach, seeking projects to address point and non-point source pollution, habitat improvements, and rural, suburban and urban best management practices.

Mr. David Coburn, Chair, Resource Committee and Director, Onondaga County Office of the Environment. Mr. Coburn stated that the primary function of the Resource Committee is to identify funding sources for OLP projects and to track subsequent spending. Currently over 100 projects are on the books, including ACJ, industrial hazardous waste, Onondaga Lake Management Plan, habitat improvement and non-point source pollution projects. The list of projects underway is steadily growing; eight projects were started in 2001 and approximately 10-20 are considered for 2002, with a collective cost of millions of dollars. Some of these projects are funded by Congressional appropriations of federal funds through the USEPA and the Corps. The challenge for the Resource Committee is that, whenever federal funds are used, they must be matched at various percentage rates by contributions of non-federal (local and/or state) funds. Onondaga County Legislature provided $1.8 million in 2001, over and above the ACJ projects they are executing. Mr. Coburn called for input of ideas on how to pursue dollars for non-federal match purposes.

Mr. Adolph Everett, Chair, Outreach Committee and Chief, Freshwater Protection Section, USEPA. Mr. Everett explained that the Outreach Committee determines the best products and methods to get the word out about the OLP and the lake improvement effort. This year, the public website was launched and a local public relations firm was contracted to provide outreach products. To date, an OLP logo and two portable displays have been developed (and were unveiled at the Progress Meeting). Mr. Everett stated that the OLP welcomes public participation. Members of the public have attended Outreach Committee meetings and made valuable contributions. An outreach event with approximately 90 local high school science students is planned for Tuesday, October 30 at Nottingham High School. The Outreach Committee is considering future regular meetings and other opportunities for dialogue with the community. Mr. Everett explained that the Outreach Committee budget, like the project budgets, also requires non-federal matching funds and, like the Resource Committee, we are open to ideas on how best to manage this need.

Matt Mulcahey hears from a member of the public during the Looking Ahead segment

Mr. Matt Mulcahey, WTVH-TV news anchor, served as the moderator for the "Looking Ahead" portion of the Progress Meeting, interviewing several representatives of stakeholder groups and then facilitating an open discussion with the audience about their vision for the future of Onondaga Lake and its watershed. Stakeholder participants included:

Mr. Don Hughes, Sierra Club. Mr. Hughes stated that the Sierra Club's vision for Onondaga Lake is that it become free from PCBs and other pollutants, and clean enough to allow swimming and regular fish consumption. He asked that tributaries be included in the cleanup effort. He stated that sediment cleanup is a critical issue, and that Onondaga Creek needs to be opened up and accessible, possibly allowing for development of a walking and biking path. "We need to get beyond the controversy, acrimonious debate and 'stick your head in the sand' attitude," he said. Mr. Hughes called for the OLP to live up to its vision statement, particularly in encouraging the participation of all groups, including the public, and asked that future meetings be better publicized.

Mr. Chuck Thousand, Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. Mr. Thousand stated a desire for additional and easier access to the "area's greatest bass fishery," including access for the handicapped and during the winter. He is hopeful that a habitat access stamp will be added to hunting and fishing licenses to raise funding to improve habitat and fisheries. He stated that the Sportsmen's Club can help with public awareness. His vision includes weekly fishing activities and possible ice boat races.

Mr. Fred Miller, Nine Mile Creek Conservation Council. Mr. Miller stated that his vision is to see a water body that invites water sports recreationalists to utilize it for enjoyment. He suggested development of shoreline areas, to allow places to view wildlife and use the parks, and an expansion of the Nine Mile Creek water trail. Mr. Miller called for a watershed system that incorporates best management river and watershed practices to conserve the tributaries well into the 21st century. He envisions conservation of the natural macro and microinvertebrate environments, attracts usership and takes a long-term view of the entire system.

Mr. Rich Puchalski, Partnership for Onondaga Creek and Syracuse United Neighbors. Mr. Puchalski expressed his opposition to the sewer treatment plant planned for the south side inner city. He stated that the science currently used is flawed and puts more chemicals into Onondaga Creek. His vision is to have Onondaga Creek restored and used as a natural resource, and he wants to explore alternative sciences. He stated a need for looking at the complete infrastructure, and called for more sewer separation and smaller pumping stations, as well as the repair of old sewer pipes. Mr. Puchalski further stated that the OLP doesn't represent citizens and that they meet behind closed doors with no public dialogue.

Public comments received:

• Have seen very little progress over the past 20 - 30 years. Happy to see government agencies working together, hope to see quicker changes.
• Fishermen enjoyed the Fishing Derby this summer. The lake has improved - there are more plants, better visibility, you can see fish spawning, and all species and varieties of fish were being caught during the derby. Envision reviving the lake as a tourist destination, possibly hosting the World Carp Fishing Tournament.
• Would like to see CSO outflow go into an expanded trunk line, similar to Alaska pipeline, direct to Metro.
• Saw this meeting advertised in newspaper and wants to become involved. Concern that the "Partnership" is only between government agencies, and not between the agencies and the community. Lake is an asset to those who want to establish families and businesses in the area, but many have lost hope and are embarrassed by the lake. Need to let community know that progress is being made. Having goals is important and am happy to hear about them this evening, understand that research is important before you can go forward.
• Never saw so much fun at the lake as there was during the Fishing Derby. Would like to see habitats being built. Science is not easy, but the goals are clear and the challenge is huge.
• Would like to see involvement of Onondaga Nation. They are also concerned with Onondaga Creek, and we should listen to their wisdom. Also wishes to see salmon fishing return to the creek.
• Vision to revitalize not only Onondaga Lake but enhance more green space for Syracuse.
• New to the area; heard scuttlebutt that the County does not seem to be interested in cleaning up the lake. Who is holding feet to the fire and making tough decisions? Disturbed by dynamics of this event; disappointed to see the Executive Committee members not facing the public, shows the same indifference. Happy to hear that there is concern and interest building in the community to improve the lake and increase access.

OLP High School Forum

The Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) conducted a forum for high school physical and environmental science students on Tuesday, October 30, 2001 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Nottingham High School, Syracuse, New York.

Sue Miller, Deputy Commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Drainage and Sanitation, teaches students about wastewater treatment.

The event was attended by approximately 50 students and teachers from four schools (Nottingham High School, West Genesee High School, Baker High School and Christian Brothers Academy). Lt. Col. DeWillie, Chair of the OLP Executive Committee and District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, gave a brief opening statement. Students and teachers were then placed in small groups to visit each of six different interactive stations.

Presentations included:

• Nancy Ray Reis and Doug Fisher, Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Watersheds and Non-point Source Pollution
• Russ Nemecek, Onondaga County Health Department, Habitat and Species
• Bill Kappel, U.S. Geological Survey, Tully Valley Mudboils
• Sue Miller, Deputy Commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Drainage and Sanitation, Wastewater Treatment
• Steve Gould, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Water Chemistry
• Susan Benjamin, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Hazardous Waste Sites

 Responses to Questions Received on Feedback Cards at Annual Progress Meeting