Dredging Milestone for Onondaga Lake

Honeywell, under the supervision of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Agency, has finished the dredging of Onondaga Lake, a year ahead of schedule.

During the project, that started in July 2012, approx 2.2 million cubic yards of material was removed from the bottom of the lake using hydraulic dredges that reduced truck traffic, emissions, and noise. The restoration of Geddes Brook was completed in 2011 and Nine Mile Creek in October 2014.

“Water quality is the best in 100 years and more than 110 species of fish, birds, and mammals have returned to restored wetlands. Hundreds of Central New Yorkers are working on the project, and nearly 500 more have become environmental stewards helping to restore the watershed,” said John McAuliffe, Honeywell Syracuse program director.

“The completion of dredging is a significant milestone in the restoration of one of Central New York’s most valuable resources. The community’s pride and passion has helped fuel this progress and is being rewarded as the lake will be a healthy, sustainable asset for generations to come,” added McAuliffe.

Material that was removed from Onondaga Lake was pumped to a consolidation area at former industrial property off of Airport Road for drying and safe isolation long term. About 3 billion gallons of water has been treated.

Now, Honeywell will concentrate on the next phase of the Onondaga Lake restoration project, capping and habitat restoration works. Approximately 450 acres of the lake will be capped in order to provide a new habitat layer, prevent erosion, and isolate remaining contaminants.

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Dredging Today Staff