Click here to download the End of Dredging Fact Sheet (4MB PDF)

Work to transform 30 acres at Nine Mile Creek into improved wetlands, a healthier creek, improved habitats for wildlife, and access for canoeing and kayaking has begun. Nine Mile Creek will become part of a green corridor connecting habitat from Onondaga Lake to wetlands at Geddes Brook, wetlands at the former Linden Chemicals and Plastics site, and the Shrub Willow Farm off of Airport Road in Camillus. The remediation work will prevent contaminated material from reaching Onondaga Lake.

“The wetlands and habitat improvements along Nine Mile Creek will create more diverse wildlife and aquatic habitats,” said Fred Miller, founder and president of the Nine Mile Creek Conservation Council. “They will provide lasting future benefits for the environment and the public. The improvements are a major environmental enhancement for the river and the canoe/kayak water trail.”

Nine Mile Creek prior to remediation and restoration.

A rendering of Nine Mile Creek after completion.

Aerial photo (left) of Nine Mile Creek and rendering (right).

While the work is in progress, canoes and kayaks will have to be taken out of Nine Mile Creek upstream of the work area at the Honeywell fishing and recreation access point off Airport Road. The lower portion of the creek will be closed for up to two years.

Nile Mile Creek and Public Access

A trail connects a multi-use dock to the parking area at Nine Mile Creek.

Wooden stairs provide safe and easy access at the Nine Mile Creek access point on Airport Road.

The cleanup will be done by Central New York skilled craft workers who will remove contaminated soil and invasive, non-native plants. They will realign the creek, grade wetlands and floodplains, and plant more than 50,000 native trees, shrubs and flowers. Community volunteers will help with a portion of the plantings later this summer. The plan is based on input from national and local experts, including researchers and scientists from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

The creek’s restored wetlands and floodplains will enhance fish and wildlife habitats, and improve opportunities for recreation such as kayaking and canoeing. Once complete, the creek will be deep enough for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking even during the summer when water levels are low. The parking area and the canoe/kayak launch along Pumphouse Road off of State Fair Boulevard in Geddes will reopen when the project is finished.

Realignment of Nine Mile Creek will improve water flow and provide more accessibility for canoes and kayaks.

“The current low flow in Nine Mile Creek makes paddling difficult during most times of year,” said Kathy Kitt, a member of CNY Kayakers and owner of the Camillus Kayak Shop. “Deepening the channel for better flow will improve year-round kayaking and canoeing and long-term opportunities for recreational use of the creek.”

In August 2012, community members will volunteer at Nine Mile Creek, becoming environmental stewards helping to preserve the watershed. The new Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is an opportunity for volunteers to participate in habitat restoration, citizen science monitoring, and stewardship activities that will enhance the sustainability of Onondaga Lake. Interested groups or individuals should contact the Montezuma Audubon Center at montezuma@audubon.org or 315-365-3588.

Nine Mile Creek is one of the primary tributaries to Onondaga Lake, flowing north and east from Camillus and entering Onondaga Lake near the New York State Fairgrounds.

For the full Nine Mile Creek wetlands plant list, click here.

The remediation will be performed under the oversight of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Department of Health, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.lakecleanup.com.

Green electric booster pumps will provide power to help transport material from the lake to the consolidation area.

The Shrub Willow Farm in Camillus generates renewable energy and provides an effective vegetative cover.

Two-hundred photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will provide electric power to operate the Camillus Pump Station.

Green practices such as the use of biofuels, recycled materials, and other sustainable solutions are key elements of Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake remediation strategy.

• B20 biodiesel fuel will replace about two million gallons of standard diesel fuel.
• Green electric booster pumps and hydraulic dredging will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the equivalent of removing 12,700 cars from the highway for one year.
• Recycled water will reduce use of water that could be used for drinking by approximately 780 million gallons.
• A proposed alternative vegetative cover system for the Honeywell property off Airport Road would significantly reduce GHG emissions.
• Honeywell Wind Turbines by WindTronics will provide supplemental renewable energy.
• Solar panels will provide 30 percent of electric power for Honeywell’s Pump Station in Camillus and 100 percent renewable power for air monitoring equipment.

Individuals interested in more information should contact Honeywell at 315-552-9784.

Click here to download the 2010 Onondaga Lake Cleanup Annual Report (2MB PDF)

Building on a successful project started in 2004 to create a sustainable Shrub Willow Farm in Camillus, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Honeywell have agreed to implement a green remedy for Honeywell property off of Airport Road that was used during former industrial operations.  The remedy reflects the DEC Green Remediation Policy.

The agreement also includes a public planning process for recreational opportunities at the property in Camillus and Geddes.  Originally much of this area was the Hinsdale farm. The public may also select a different name during the planning process.

Shrub willows generate renewable energy, improve habitat for wildlife, and provide an effective vegetative cover. Today, more than 100,000 willows thrive on 16 acres in Camillus.

“Research that the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) has conducted in partnership with Honeywell over the past six years has shown that shrub willows can be a sustainable vegetative cover,” said Dr. Neil Murphy, President of SUNY-ESF.  “The success of our initial project and the agreement to expand means that more biomass for regional renewable energy projects will be produced, habitat for wildlife will continue to improve, and there can be a living cover for the entire 600 acres.”

SUNY-ESF President Neil Murphy spoke with Camillus town officials about the importance of shrub willows when the willows were first harvested for renewable energy in 2007.

For more than two decades, SUNY-ESF has promoted the commercialization of willow crops for bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts.  In 2004, SUNY-ESF and Honeywell began planting the shrub willows to demonstrate their effectiveness as an environmental remedy and alternative fuel resource. There are now more than 100,000 willows at the Shrub Willow Farm. In addition, other appropriate trees and grasses will be planted.

Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney (right) listened to President of F.O.C.U.S. Chuckie Holstein (left) as she discussed the sustainable benefits of shrub willows in 2008.

DEC and Honeywell also agreed to a number of environmental and community projects. Key projects such as a new boat launch and increased fishing access reflect the Onondaga Lake community participation process, which focused on increasing public access to the lake.  The public participation process, to solicit additional comments on the projects, will be announced in the coming months.

“We have reason for celebration with the announcement that there are solid plans for a boat launch and access to fishing,” said Chuckie Holstein, President of F.O.C.U.S.  “This is a giant step in making our community sustainable. Twelve years ago citizens created a vision for our community that included the restoration of Onondaga Lake to make it accessible, clean, and a place where all age groups could fish, boat, hike, bike and use wheelchairs.  F.O.C.U.S. recognizes that this vision is clearly visible on the near horizon.”

The projects include:

• Boat launch to be located at the end of the Route 690 exit on the southwest shore of Onondaga Lake.  The boat launch will be constructed after completion of the lake cleanup;
• Public access for fishing in the Town of Tully along Onondaga Creek and along Nine Mile Creek at areas in Camillus and Geddes;
• Funding of a five-year Onondaga Lake Partnership environmental program for Onondaga Creek; and,
• An environmental study and specialist to complement Onondaga County work on lake water quality conditions.

In addition, Honeywell agreed to pay the Town of Camillus engineering fees for up to six years. These projects will be undertaken in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action taken by DEC that includes a $100,000 penalty to the State of New York to address historic allegations related to the property.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit: www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com

Fifty-five students put on their Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST t-shirts one last time and discussed their days of rigorous science and serious fun as they reunited on Wednesday morning for a final exploration of Onondaga Lake. In the afternoon, family members, teachers and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney listened as they reported on their experiences and the data they collected last week.

“Onondaga Lake took a dramatic turn during the course of its cleanup because of what people learned about how to clean the lake,” said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “These are the kinds of things we need you to continue to study in order to help us make a positive impact on the environment. I want to thank you for participating and ask that you take your great scientific minds, continue the work you are doing, and with your degrees in science and engineering help us continue to make this a better place to live.”

County Executive Joanie Mahoney tells students to continue their science education so that they will help make a positive impact on the environment.	A happy student receives her certificate from County Executive Mahoney, Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, and MOST officials.
Students review and prepare to share data with family and teachers from their week as scientists.	A student presents her science week data to her teacher and parents.

The students’ final science expedition Wednesday morning was an Onondaga Lake boat tour on the Mid-Lakes Navigation’s Emita II. Students were joined by Syracuse University’s Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Charles Driscoll. Driscoll is known for his studies of the impact of acid rain and mercury on lakes and has contributed to the study of the Onondaga Lake remediation.

With notebooks in hand, the students spent the Honeywell Summer Science Week exploring the Onondaga Lake watershed. They spent an afternoon geocaching on an Onondaga Creek walk, visited Heiberg Memorial Forest and examined the geology of Clark Reservation.

Students prepare for exploring Onondaga Creek.

They spent the afternoon catching bugs.

Summer Science Week activities also included a visit to the Shrub Willow Farm in Camillus. The students learned about Onondaga Lake bird life from Montezuma Audubon Center Director Frank Moses. They also received hands-on experience in hydraulic testing, GPS usage and how to conduct an insect survey. MOST Exhibit Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduate students served as the young scientists’ tour guides throughout the week.

One of the students’ favorite activities was learning about plants along Onondaga Creek on Tully Farms Road. “It was really interesting and I liked learning about different plant life,” said Morgan Nichols from Camillus Middle School. “I think the whole experience was interesting. It was fun learning how to make rope out of plants,” said Madelyn Kelly from J.T. Roberts Middle School.

A graduate student helps a young scientist identify an insect.	Students examine an insect they caught.
Students collect data from Onondaga Creek.	Students take notes about the history of the creek.

Honeywell Summer Science Week gave students many chances to explore their local environment hands-on.

At the end of the day, student-scientists received completion certificates and became MOST Associates. The title of MOST Associates grants each student a one-year museum pass.

Young scientists show off their completion certificates with MOST President Larry Leatherman and Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.

Fifty-five middle school students from 12 Central New York school districts joined Congressman Dan Maffei and representatives from Honeywell and the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) to kick off the 2010 Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST on Monday, July 12. The students are studying and exploring the Onondaga Lake watershed and engaging in unique hands-on learning, including studying local birds in their habitats, bug collecting, water testing, geology and environmental sampling procedures.

Congressman Maffei explained to students participating in the week-long Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST why becoming a scientist, engineer or mathematician is so important for Onondaga County.

Congressman Maffei (middle), Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe (right), and MOST President Larry Leatherman (left) in front of Onondaga Lake.

Created by the MOST, Honeywell Summer Science Week is made possible by a generous grant from Honeywell Hometown Solutions. The program is taking place from July 12 through July 16.

Congressman Maffei proclaimed July 12 – July 16 Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST.

“Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST is a great program to help students learn how science and engineering affect the world,” Congressman Maffei said. “We need to train more scientists and engineers to help us solve environmental issues and make our community a healthier place to live. These students are the future of our community. Should they pursue a science education and career, the government has funding for those who choose to study science, technology, engineering and math education programs.”

Students from the Syracuse City School District stand with Congressman Maffei in front of Onondaga Lake.

John McAuliffe spoke with students about what they are looking forward to most about Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST.

“Honeywell is proud to continue our partnership with the MOST so that together we can move beyond the standard environmental science curriculum and engage students in their local environment,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “As one of the world’s leading technology companies, Honeywell is committed to improving science and math education for students and teachers. Honeywell Summer Science Week at the MOST motivates students to pursue careers in science and technology through programs with real-world experiences that bring science to life.”

MOST Exhibits Project Manager Dr. Peter Plumley said, “Young people’s interest in the environment and science continues to grow. This program provides students with a hands-on and unique experience. The young scientists will explore the clean headwaters of Onondaga Creek in Tully Valley, and then witness and sample the various inputs from natural, rural and urban environments. The program involves them in the natural and environmental processes taking place in their own backyards. It brings science home.”

MOST Exhibits Project Manager Peter Plumley talked to students about the exciting science experiments they will experience.

Congressman Maffei presented the proclamation for 2010 Honeywell Summer Science Week at the Most to John McAuliffe and Larry Leatherman.

Students are participating in a combination of activities at the MOST and various field locations, while applying an interdisciplinary approach for investigation, discovery and resolution of environmental issues facing Onondaga County. Field activities include collecting water samples throughout the Tully Valley and the Onondaga Lake watershed, touring Onondaga Lake and conducting experiments at the Shrub Willow Farm in Camillus. Local organizations participating as workshop presenters include the Montezuma Audubon Center, the U.S. Geological Survey, the State University of New York School of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), and Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection.

“In the future, these students will manage community assets and environmental resources, and it is essential to provide them hands-on education in science and technology,” said MOST President Larry Leatherman. “The MOST is dedicated to providing these opportunities for Central New York middle school students and we are fortunate to partner with Honeywell for the fifth year. The program has been successful because it gets young people excited and passionate about science and their environments.”

John McAuliffe asked students to raise their hands if they like science.

Graduate students from SUNY-ESF are leading the students on their explorations around the Onondaga Lake watershed.

The MOST will host Honeywell Discovery Day on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. Students will begin the day with a boat cruise on Onondaga Lake. During the afternoon, students will make presentations to parents and teachers about their findings from their week of exploration. The students will also be given certificates of participation and awards for notable accomplishments.

Academic partners include middle school teachers from the participating school districts, Montezuma Audubon Center, as well as faculty and graduate students from Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released an updated design for the restoration of Onondaga Lake. The lake remediation plan, issued by the DEC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, calls for a combination of dredging and capping—environmental cleanup methods that will remediate the contamination in sediments and water.

The updated design describes how material will be pumped from the lake and managed within a containment area, as well as how the water that drains from the material will be collected and sent to a new water treatment plant.

Comprehensive efforts to protect the public’s health and safety are an important part of the work to restore the lake. Health and safety plans are reviewed by DEC and the New York State Department of Health and are incorporated into every stage of the restoration. On June 18, DEC released the Health and Safety plan for the construction of the containment area to hold materials removed from the lake, as well as the initial work for the water treatment plant. Community health and safety plans for operational activities will be available for public review and comment in the summer of 2011.

Honeywell has made great progress on the cleanup of Onondaga Lake. Two phases of the underground barrier wall are complete. The wall, located along portions of I-690 in Geddes, prevents contaminated groundwater from reaching the lake. Work will continue throughout the summer.

Location of Underground Barrier Wall

In 2004, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Honeywell began working in partnership to create a sustainable Shrub Willow Farm in Camillus. The shrub willows are creating a productive landscape that is generating renewable energy while providing an effective vegetative cover. There are now more than 100,000 willows thriving on 15 acres. Another 25 acres are being prepared for plantings later this year.

In May, as part of the Onondaga Lake Citizen Participation Plan, DEC formed a Citizen Participation Working Group that will focus on communication activities related to the containment area. This group, made up of community members, ensures that the public has a forum to contribute information and make recommendations about the project. They will review and provide comments on the health and safety plans and make recommendations on how to enhance the dissemination of information to the public.

The lake cleanup design calls for material to be dredged from the lake and transported through a double-walled pipe to the containment area. Booster pumps, which will help mange the flow of the material, will be powered by electric motors and installed away from residences.

At the containment area the dredged materials will be stored in geotextile tubes, which have a proven track record in these types of projects. Geotextile tubes are made to specific standards from industrial strength materials and undergo extensive quality testing.

The geotextile tubes will retain the sediments. These tubes provide many advantages, including effective odor control, a significant reduction in the size of the containment area, and enhanced buffer zones around the perimeter of the area.

A high-strength liner will be placed on a clay layer at the bottom of the containment area, safely sealing the material inside the facility (see orange line in graphic below). Water drained from the geotextile tubes will be collected, treated at a water treatment plant, and returned to the lake. Once the lake cleanup is complete an additional high-strength liner will be placed above the geotextile tubes. There will be additional layers of clean soil above the liner. Vegetation will be planted on top.

The containment area, which is designed to protect health and the environment, will be extensively monitored to make certain all materials remain inside.

Initial construction activities will begin this summer. The containment area will operate during dredging activities, which will begin in 2012.

The DEC fact sheet on the sediment management design, as well as other facts on the lake cleanup, are available at www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/37558.

Individuals interested in more information should contact Honeywell at 315-552-9784.

For more than two decades, SUNY-ESF has promoted the commercialization of willow crops for bioenergy, biofuels and bioproducts.

In 2004, SUNY-ESF and Honeywell began planting the shrub willows. Today, more than 100,000 willows thrive on 15 acres. This May, SUNY-ESF and Honeywell started the preparation of another 25 acres for shrub willows to be planted later this year.

SUNY-ESF and Honeywell plant shrub willows to generate renewable energy, improve habitat for wildlife, and provide an effective vegetative cover.

Shrub willows have a history in Central New York. Native Americans have long understood the benefits of the willow for medicinal purposes, as construction material, and to stabilize stream banks. European immigrants in the 1840s cultivated shrub willows to make baskets and furniture. By the early 1900s, there were more shrub willows grown and willow baskets produced in Onondaga County than any other county in the United States.

“The success of the shrub willow project means that biomass for regional renewable energy projects will be produced, habitat for wildlife will improve, and there can be a living cover for the basins.” — Dr. Neil Murphy, President, SUNY-ESF

In about three years, the willows planted now can be harvested to produce renewable energy.

During the 1980s, as concerns about climate change and energy independence grew, Central New York once again focused on the shrub willow — this time as a productive source of renewable energy and biofuels for the region. The first test plots were planted in Onondaga County by SUNY-ESF in 1986. Research since then shows that, in addition to creating renewable energy, the fast-growing crop can be used to create living snow fences and restore land.

Trucks have started delivering the organic mix necessary for shrub willow growth.

In mid May, trucks began the delivery of Stable Peat™— a natural, organic mixture that adds nutrients and enhances the growth of the shrub willows — to the site. This organic material, which looks and smells like mulch, is mixed into the ground before the willows are planted. As in prior years, dust control is of primary importance. Through July, there could be up to a dozen trucks per day during normal weekday hours. If you live in Greenfield Village or are visiting Reed Webster Park, you might see trucks or equipment.

Individuals interested in more information should contact Honeywell at 315-552-9784.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the draft Onondaga Lake Habitat Restoration Plan for public review. The Habitat Plan includes new wetlands, shoreline improvements, and a robust habitat layer for the bottom of the lake where remediation is required.

Honeywell continues to make great strides toward achieving the community’s vision of a restored Onondaga Lake with the development of the Habitat Plan. It is the result of extensive work by a team of national and local experts with input from those who use and care about the lake. The plan must be approved by DEC following public comment.

Cardinal Flower

Mallard

The Habitat Plan builds on progress at sites in the lake’s watershed to ensure a comprehensive approach to the restoration of Onondaga Lake.  When completed, the various projects will create rich wetlands along the lake’s southern shoreline, provide diverse habitat and increase public access.

These lake-sustaining projects include:

Twelve thousand newly-planted trees and native plants now thriving in restored wetlands around the former Linden Chemicals and Plastic Company in Geddes.

More than 100,000 new plants are growing on a Shrub Willow Farm, on the former Solvay basins, creating a sustainable and effective cover while increasing biodiversity and creating a source of biofuels for the region.

Plans for new diverse wetlands along Geddes Brook and Nine Mile Creek will ensure an increase in wildlife and recreation opportunities.

Onondaga Lake continues to show progress toward returning to the thriving and dynamic natural resource and community asset that it once was.  This comprehensive habitat restoration plan is another important step in that vision.

What Makes A Great Habitat?

Habitat is the physical and biological surroundings that make up the natural environment of an organism. It is the area where plants and animals normally live, grow, feed, and reproduce, for a portion of their life cycles.  These surroundings provide fish, birds, mammals, and other organisms with the necessary elements for life, such as space, food, water, and shelter.

The Onondaga Lake Habitat Restoration plan successfully addresses the complexities of creating, maintaining or improving the quality and diversity of habitats while promoting public access and recreation. Habitat restoration is an integral component of the Onondaga Lake remedy and, in fact, is one of the cleanup’s most significant elements.

Great Blue Heron

Osprey

Improved Fishing Access and Additional Wetlands

The Habitat Plan provides a comprehensive approach to restoring habitat in and around the lake. The design respects natural processes and conditions to create suitable habitat for various species while allowing for public access to the lake and surrounding areas.

Northern Pike

Key plan benefits:

• Providing deep water near shore for improved fishing access
• Increasing the size and diversity of shoreline wetlands
• Creating conditions suitable for a variety of native species
• Discouraging the establishment of invasive species
• Promoting pike spawning in adjacent wetland areas
• Providing suitable conditions for transient cold water fish and game fish, like brown trout and bass
• Establishing habitats that are currently lacking in the lake, like floating aquatic plants

Habitat Plan Identifies Wide Range of Species

The Habitat Plan identifies representative species from groups of fish, plants, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds whose habitat requirements were used to guide the restoration designs.

Each species represents a larger group that share similar habitat requirements. For instance, the semi-palmated sand piper represents shore birds that would share similar habitats and needs for survival.

Fish Northern Pike Lake Sturgeon Small/Large Mouth Bass Walleye Brown Trout	Mammals Muskrat Mink Otter Beaver Indiana Bat	Birds Mallard Bank Swallow Red-Winged Black Bird Belted Kingfisher Osprey Great Blue Heron Green Heron
Aquatic Plants Floating Vegetation Emergent Vegetation Salt Marsh Vegetation Wet Meadow Wetland Forested Shrub Wetlands	Amphibians/Reptiles Spotted Salamander Mudpuppy Leopard/Wood/Green Frogs Red Spotted Newt Northern Water Snake Snapping/Painted Turtles

Each wetland species has habitat requirements, including water depth, wave energy, structure and vegetation cover, rooting or burrowing depth, and/or water quality.

The habitat designs were developed using many different criteria, including the integration of habitat needs with the dredging and capping cleanup plan selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DEC. The Habitat Plan goes beyond simply meeting the requirements for restoration.  The approach will result in improved conditions for a wide variety of species in and around the lake.

Working Together to Restore Onondaga Lake Habitat and Its Watershed

The Habitat Plan was developed by members of the Habitat Technical Work Group with input from many organizations that use the lake on a regular basis.  This technical group is comprised of representatives from DEC (Bureau of Remediation and Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources), EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honeywell, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Mississippi State University, Terrestrial Environmental Specialists, AnchorQEA, O’Brien & Gere and Parsons.

This extensive team of local and national experts represents several hundred years of collective experience in areas of wetland ecology, limnology, biology, restoration ecology, fisheries biology and sediment remediation.   The Onondaga Nation and local groups also provided input.

Community Input is Key Component of Habitat Restoration

Habitat restoration and enhancement are important community benefits for the remediation of Onondaga Lake.  That’s why Honeywell, in partnership with DEC, created a working group with local habitat, conservation, and community groups.  Over the past several years, opinions and perspectives from these groups have helped identify and resolve key issues for inclusion in the plan.  The group includes members from Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Salt City Bassmasters, New York Wildfowlers, Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen, Sierra Club, Izaak Walton League of America and DEC.

Honeywell is committed to continuing to work with community leaders, environmental groups, fishing and wildlife enthusiasts, interested stakeholders and citizens so their input, recommendations, comments, and perspectives can be thoroughly evaluated by the Habitat Technical Work Group.

As part of the DEC Citizen Participation Plan, the Lead Citizen Participation Working Group will provide opportunities for the public to contribute information, opinions, perspectives and recommendations.  Feedback will be provided to the technical design teams for evaluation and consideration throughout the design process.

Upcoming Informational Meeting

The DEC will hold a public information meeting on January 14, 2010 at the Martha Eddy Room at the New York State Fairgrounds.  DEC and Honeywell experts will discuss and answer questions about the draft Habitat Plan and Sediment Consolidation Area (SCA).  They will outline areas for public input that will be considered in future designs.

The DEC issued the draft Onondaga Lake Remedial Design Elements for Habitat Restoration on December 18, 2009.  The fact sheet can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/37558.html.

Individuals interested in more information should contact Honeywell at 315-552-9784.

For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com.