Dredging of Onondaga Lake Completed a Year Ahead of Schedule; Capping and Habitat Restoration to be Finished in 2016

Honeywell has completed the dredging of Onondaga Lake under the supervision of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a year ahead of schedule. Dredging activities began in July 2012. About 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 2012 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.”

Capping and habitat restoration will continue through 2015 and be completed in 2016.

Early Completion of Dredging Result of Focused Execution
of Carefully Designed Project Plan

The completion of dredging a year ahead of schedule is the result of:

  • seven years of design, piloting, and engineering
  • investments in team building, health & safety and emergency response planning, community engagement, and contractor dialogue
  • strong design team of national and local experts, the best in the field, who were motivated to work as a team
  • talent, creativity, and dedication of local universities, engineers, suppliers, and craft labor
  • on-site regulatory presence supporting timely decision-making
  • commitment to continual improvement
  • dedicated EPA / DEC oversight personnel

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Audubon
to Provide Input on Grass / Native Vegetation for Consolidation Area

Honeywell is working in cooperation with local environmental and wildlife stakeholders to explore innovative ways to enhance the traditional vegetated landfill cover for the consolidation area where the lake material will be permanently stored in geotextile tubes. Experts at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Audubon are providing critical input on selection of native grasses and vegetation as well as best management practices to foster sustainability.

Rendering of grass and native vegetation at consolidation area.

To view a fact sheet, click here.

Individuals interested in more information should contact Honeywell at 315-552-9784. For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, visit www.lakecleanup.com.

To view a video from the event, click here.