Final Habitat Enhancements Mark Successful Completion of Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Cleanup

Posted on December 18, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Former LCP Site & Wetlands, Geddes Brook Wetlands, Habitat & Conservation, Lake Habitat, Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga Lake, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements, Western Shoreline

Honeywell has finished implementing New York State’s cleanup plan for Onondaga Lake using technical excellence and innovative approaches. On the lake shore and along its tributaries, about 90 acres of wetlands have been restored and about 1.1 million native plants are being planted.

Watch a video to learn about habitat restored as a part of the Onondaga Lake cleanup.

Onondaga Lake is well on its way to becoming a sustainable ecosystem for generations to come. Through thoughtful planning and input from local scientists, wetland ecologists, and the community, as well as government oversight, dynamic and diverse wetlands are becoming the cornerstone of a renewed watershed.

Access more information about the habitat enhancements.

Today, the water quality in Onondaga Lake is the best it’s been in more than 100 years. A green corridor now extends from the restored areas to the lake, providing a diverse home for wildlife. More than 250 wildlife species, some that have not been seen in decades, are now calling these areas home, and more than 120 unique bird species have been identified in and around Onondaga Lake, a priority Audubon Important Bird Area. Bird species on New York State’s threatened list, including pied-billed grebe, northern harrier, and bald eagle, have returned to the re-established wetlands.

Monitoring and maintenance will continue for years to come to ensure vegetation is established and returning wildlife is documented. Monitoring also helps identify invasive species so they can be removed.

In addition to the cleanup, in April 2017, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a plan for 20 new projects to restore and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, and increase recreational opportunities.

The Onondaga Lake Cleanup Plan was issued in 2005 by DEC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The cleanup, which was completed in 2016, included dredging 2.2 million cubic yards of lake material and capping 475 acres of lake bottom. The cap, which consists of natural materials, provides a new, clean lake bottom and a new habitat layer to promote underwater vegetation growth and fish spawning.

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

View photographs of the Onondaga Lake cleanup.

Restoring the Natural Habitat of Onondaga Lake Report

Posted on December 18, 2017 in Former LCP Site & Wetlands, Geddes Brook Wetlands, Habitat & Conservation, Lake Habitat, Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga Lake, Project Updates, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements, Western Shoreline

With native vegetation continuing to thrive and diverse habitats returning, a green corridor is emerging connecting the lake to restored tributaries and beyond. Continue reading →

Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Expands Volunteer Stewardship Beyond Onondaga Lake to Onondaga Creekwalk

Posted on October 26, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Public Engagement

Community Volunteers Beautify Onondaga Creekwalk; Recreational Trail Connects to Onondaga Lake, Erie Canalway Trail, and Future Empire State Trail

Thirty volunteers enhanced the Onondaga Creekwalk in downtown Syracuse Saturday, October 19, by planting native species and participating in citizen science monitoring. The volunteers are part of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, an expanding organization of community volunteers who are contributing to restoration projects that are creating or improving wildlife habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed.

Left: Alex Thor, of Syracuse, plants native species near the Onondaga Creekwalk. Right: Julie Kunnumpurath and Philip Guinto, members of the Binghamton University chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national coeducational service organization, identify bird species.

Approximately 600 pollinator-friendly native plant species were installed on Saturday, including wild bergamot, purple coneflower, and false sunflower. The species are expected to produce beautiful flowers during the summer months and will provide erosion control.

“The mission of the Corps is to enhance the Onondaga Lake watershed. Now we are moving outward from the lake and into the watershed with our projects,” said OBG Managing Scientist Steve Mooney, pictured above, teaching a volunteer about the importance of loosening plant roots before replanting. “Onondaga Creek is one of two major tributaries to Onondaga Lake influencing water quality of the lake. The volunteers helped remove less desirable vegetation and planted native pollinator species. They also got to see some of the wildlife that inhabits the creek.”

The Creekwalk, a 2.6-mile multi-use trail that connects downtown Syracuse to the southern shore of Onondaga Lake, offers opportunities for Central New Yorkers to enjoy recreational activities and fishing along the shoreline. The Onondaga Creekwalk will eventually connect to the Onondaga Lake Loop the Lake Trail; the Erie Canalway Trail, which is expected to connect canal communities from Albany to Buffalo; and the future Empire State Trail, a 750-mile hiking and biking trail from Buffalo to Albany and from New York City to Canada.

“The event was a great opportunity to get the community to a highly visible urban area in the Onondaga Lake watershed,” said Adellia Baker, a student at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), pictured above. “Students at SUNY-ESF prepared this site by pulling invasive species, and then volunteers planted native plants. The species that we planted will attract bees, butterflies, and songbirds, and beautify the area.”

In addition to planting pollinator species, volunteers removed litter as a part of Onondaga County’s Block Litter Program and participated in citizen science monitoring, identifying 15 bird species. Notable species identified include Field Sparrow, Fish Crow, and White-throated Sparrow.

Since the formation of the Corps in summer 2012, 19 events have brought together more than 780 volunteers who have become environmental stewards and Corps members. In recognition of their work, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2015 Environmental Champion Award.

The Corps seeks to inspire future stewards of Onondaga Lake and its watershed through a hands-on, experience-based program that offers citizens and organizations the opportunity to participate in activities that help restore and sustain Onondaga Lake and its value as an Important Bird Area.

Partners of the Corps include Audubon New York, Montezuma Audubon Center, Onondaga Audubon Society, Parsons, OBG, Anchor QEA, Bond Schoeneck & King, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Habitat Gardening in Central New York, and Honeywell.

To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org, visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC, or call 315-365-3588. Schools, community groups, local organizations, and individuals are welcome. Like the Corps on Facebook or visit YouTube to learn more.

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

View more photographs of Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps.

Community Paddlers Explore a Restored Nine Mile Creek

Posted on August 28, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Nine Mile Creek, Public Engagement

Work Completed by Honeywell Includes Sustainable Remediation, Restored Habitat, Returning Wildlife, and Recreational Opportunities

A restored Nine Mile Creek was the setting for Central New Yorkers as they explored the beauty of the waterway in canoes and kayaks on Saturday, August 19. Nine Mile Creek, which is open to the public for recreation, is a thriving ecosystem and part of a green corridor connecting Onondaga Lake to upland areas as a result of Honeywell’s remediation and restoration work.

Watch a video to learn about the newly restored Nine Mile Creek.

Forty-one Central New Yorkers participated in a Nine Mile Creek paddle.

“The work at Nine Mile Creek is providing the Central New York paddling community with an opportunity I used to dream about 25 years ago,” said Fred Miller, founder and president of the Nine Mile Creek Conservation Council. “Today, you can paddle a water trail that begins in the Village of Camillus, travel through a restored Nine Mile Creek, and continue on to Onondaga Lake – it’s exquisite.”

The restoration of Nine Mile Creek included restoring forested wetlands, enhancing stream conditions for fish spawning and migration, and improving habitat along the creek. Thirty acres have been transformed into diverse new habitat, a healthier creek, and improved recreational access. Nine Mile Creek is now home to more than 145 fish and wildlife species, including beaver, muskrat, bald eagle, and northern pike. The area is playing a significant role in creating a healthy Onondaga Lake watershed and a sustainable ecosystem.

“Habitat provides the food, shelter, and space for fish, birds, mammals, and other organisms to survive and flourish,” said Anchor QEA Principal Scientist Ryan Davis, Ph.D. “Habitat re-establishment is an integral component of the Onondaga Lake cleanup.”

Left: Participants paddled approximately 2 miles from the Nine Mile Creek canoe and kayak launch off of Airport Road in Camillus to the canoe and kayak launch off of Pumphouse Road in Geddes. Right: Michelle Woogen, of Syracuse, paddles down Nine Mile Creek.

The event was hosted by the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps and the Nine Mile Creek Conservation Council. During the paddle, participants became citizen scientists as they learned about the enhanced wetlands at Nine Mile Creek, Geddes Brook, and Onondaga Lake and how they are supporting the Onondaga Lake watershed and its value as an Important Bird Area. Habitat experts from Montezuma Audubon Center, Onondaga Audubon Society, Parsons, Anchor QEA, and Honeywell shared their expertise and discussed enhancements made to Nine Mile Creek.

Left: Along the course, participants identified 31 bird species, including Baltimore Oriole, Caspian Tern and Belted Kingfisher, which are listed as Birds of Conservation Concern by Audubon New York. Right: Katherine (left) and 8-year-old Grant Clift, of Baldwinsville, paddle in kayaks.

“Habitat restoration is key to a healthy Onondaga Lake,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “Honeywell has created sustainable habitat for wildlife and is bringing to life the community’s vision for increased recreational activities in and around the lake.”

Nine Mile Creek is one of the primary tributaries of Onondaga Lake, flowing north and east through Camillus and entering Onondaga Lake as it passes under the Onondaga County West Shore Trail extension. The remediation of Nine Mile Creek was 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.

On the shores of Onondaga Lake and along the lake’s tributaries, Honeywell has improved 87 acres of wetlands and is planting about 1.1 million native plants, shrubs, and trees. To date, nearly 750,000 shrubs and trees have been planted.

View a Nine Mile Creek wetlands plant list.

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

Honeywell Summer Science Week Piques Student Interest in Science and Engineering Through Hands-On Discovery

Posted on July 25, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Onondaga Lake, Public Engagement

Eighth-Graders Participate in Weeklong Investigation of Onondaga Lake Watershed

More than 70 middle school students conducted scientific experiments, investigated the Onondaga Lake watershed, and learned about the impact of the Onondaga Lake cleanup during Honeywell Summer Science Week. Now celebrating its 12th year, Honeywell Summer Science Week, which is organized by the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), has inspired nearly 700 students through hands-on science exploration.

“It was heartwarming to see my son literally grow and thrive on the opportunity to get out to hunt for fossils, investigate the watershed, and tour the ecosystems surrounding the lake,” said Craig Lazzar, a parent. “He came home excited about what he learned every day.”

Watch a video about the impact of Honeywell Summer Science Week.

During Honeywell Summer Science Week, students spend more than 40 hours as field scientists.
Left: An environmental engineer leads a Z-Boat demonstration. A Z-Boat uses GPS and sonar to monitor the Onondaga Lake cap. The cap, which was placed on 475 acres of the lake bottom, provides a new habitat layer. The cap consists primarily of sand, carbon, and stone.
Right: Emily Quinn, of the West Genesee Central School District, examines a fish caught in Onondaga Lake.

Honeywell Summer Science Week brings science to life as students become field researchers learning from scientists, engineers, professors, and college students about the watershed and associated environmental sciences. The program motivates students by improving their science aptitude and confidence, and encourages them to work toward careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“This is an outstanding program that involves students who are about to enter high school, when many will have their first science lab class,” said MOST President Toni Martin. “Having this experience conducting science experiments gives them the confidence they need for greater academic achievement.”

Students investigate Onondaga Lake water quality and learn from habitat experts and engineers about the cleanup at Honeywell’s Onondaga Lake Visitors Center.

Left: Mikeila Bennett, of the Solvay Union Free School District, uses a pH strip to test the water quality of Onondaga Lake.
Right: Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Coordinator Sue Potrikus (center) teaches students Allison DeJoy (left), of the West Genesee Central School District, and Amina Salahou, of the Syracuse City School District, about the cleanup.

2017 Honeywell Summer Science Week participants.

On July 10, Honeywell and the MOST joined students aboard the Emita II tour boat to kick off Honeywell Summer Science Week.
Left: (Pictured left to right) Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, New York State Assembly Member Pamela Hunter, MOST President Toni Martin, and MOST Chief Program Officer Peter Plumley.
Right: Honeywell Summer Science Week students (left to right) Zachary Voss, Preston Vella, and Tyler Meier, of the West Genesee Central School District, track bird species aboard the Emita II.

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of activities while learning an interdisciplinary approach to investigation, discovery, and resolution of environmental issues facing Onondaga County. Field activities included collecting water samples throughout the Tully Valley and the Onondaga Lake watershed, touring Onondaga Lake, and exploring Clark Reservation, Onondaga Creek, and Nine Mile Creek. Students also learned about fish in the lake, underwater mapping, and the engineering behind the lake bottom cap.

“Honeywell Summer Science Week puts our students out in the field every day to conduct hands-on investigations,” said MOST Chief Program Officer Peter Plumley, Ph.D. “The program introduces them to scientific methodology and observation of the natural world. Many program graduates go on to successfully compete in the Central New York Science & Engineering Fair and win college scholarships.”

“Honeywell Summer Science Week has inspired students through engaging experiments and innovative programming for the past 12 years,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “The students are preparing to become the next generation of scientists and engineers in Central New York. The lessons help them become more confident in science and math and provide an interdisciplinary approach to resolving complex environmental issues.”

Honeywell Discovery Day

The students reunited one last time on July 19, during Honeywell Discovery Day, to discuss their scientific findings.

Left: Students present their observations to Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe.
Right: Honeywell Summer Science Week students receive completion certificates and become “MOST Associates,” which grants each student a one-year museum pass.

Local companies, organizations, and individuals participating include: Montezuma Audubon Center, U.S. Geological Survey, OBG, Parsons, Anchor QEA, Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection, and faculty and graduate students from Syracuse University and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The program exposes students, who are about to enter high school, to real scientists and university professors, preparing them for future studies and possible STEM careers.

Honeywell Summer Science Week is sponsored by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative that focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com/hometown-solutions.

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

Onondaga Lake Cleanup Team Recognized With Environmental Dredging Excellence Award

Posted on July 10, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Onondaga Lake, Press Release, Project Updates

Team Honored for Innovative Environmental Solutions

The Onondaga Lake Cleanup Team received the 2017 Western Dredging Association (WEDA) Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Dredging in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 28. WEDA recognized the team, led by Honeywell, for incorporating innovative technologies into an environmentally sustainable remedy for the restoration of Onondaga Lake, which is now becoming an economic driver for the region.

The Onondaga Lake cleanup team includes Honeywell, Parsons, Anchor QEA, OBG, Geosyntec Consultants, Sevenson Environmental Services, Infrastructure Alternatives, and de maximis.

Recognized as one of the largest restoration projects in North America, the Onondaga Lake cleanup is the result of more than two decades and millions of hours of intensive effort. The project was completed through an unwavering focus on sound science, technical excellence, community engagement, sustainable practices, and a commitment to health and safety. Project innovations resulted in significant advancements in sediment remediation technology. The cleanup combined innovative dredging and capping designs with long-term habitat restoration, leading to an environmentally protective solution.

Honeywell completed the dredging in November 2014, a year ahead of schedule. About 2.2 million cubic yards of material was removed from the bottom of the lake using hydraulic dredges. Onondaga Lake capping was completed in December 2016. Habitat restoration, a major focus of the cleanup, continues into the fall of 2017.

“Careful design, planning, and execution by a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and skilled craft laborers led to groundbreaking collaborative work on the largest sediment lake cleanup in the country,” said Honeywell Director of Remediation Design and Construction William Hague.

Onondaga Lake cleanup management team members, pictured left to right: Kendrick Jaglal, OBG; Tom Drachenberg, Parsons; John McAuliffe, Honeywell; William Hague, Honeywell; Brian Shanahan, Sevenson Environmental Services; Bill Cretens, Infrastructure Alternatives; and Walter Dinicola, Anchor QEA.

“The cleanup represents more than world-class investigations and engineering. The lake’s restoration is the return of a community jewel and a source of pride and optimism for Central New York,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “We celebrate with the community in accepting this prestigious award.”

Pictured left to right: WEDA Environmental Commission Chair Craig Vogt, William Hague, John McAuliffe, and WEDA Board of Directors Chair and President Marcel Hermans.

WEDA is a member of the World Organization of Dredging Associations and covers North, Central, and South America. WEDA is dedicated to the exchange of knowledge in fields related to dredging, navigation, marine engineering, and construction by sponsoring or co-sponsoring national and international technical conferences, seminars, and symposiums, including publication and dissemination of the proceedings.

In 2014, WEDA awarded the Onondaga Lake Cleanup Team the WEDA Annual Safety Awardfor its outstanding safety record and performance. The award is presented to “corporations or projects that have been conducted with special attention and focus to public and worker health and safety.”

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

Mission Accomplished: Central New York Teachers Gain Experience of a Lifetime at Honeywell Educators at Space Academy

Posted on July 5, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Public Engagement

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Program Helps Inspire Educators from Around the World

Four local teachers have returned to Central New York with innovative lesson plans after participating in an intensive five-day educator training mission at Honeywell Educators at Space Academy (HESA) at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The educators, Camillus Middle School teacher Katherine Clift, Pine Grove Middle School teacher Sally Mitchell, Roxboro Road Middle School teacher Colleen O’Connor, and Van Buren Elementary School teacher Sarah Parrish, were awarded scholarships from Honeywell to attend HESA, which provides simulated astronaut training focused on space science and exploration.

“Participation in HESA was an inspirational and meaningful professional development experience,” said Katherine Clift, pictured above third from right. “The skills I learned in one week will help enhance my ability to teach science to my students for years to come.”

Watch a video about how HESA helped a Central New York teacher inspire her students.

In partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Honeywell developed the award-winning scholarship program to help middle school math and science teachers become more effective educators and encourage students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and careers.

Left: Katherine Clift completes a mission at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Right: Colleen O’Connor in a gravity chair.

“I want to thank Honeywell for providing such an incredible experience for our teachers,” said Camillus Middle School Principal Beth Lozier. “Scientists and engineers are changing the world, and we need our students to be ready to pick up the work currently in progress.”

This year, more than 200 teachers from 33 countries around the world attended one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 14-27. Teachers received rigorous training focused on science and space exploration, including astronaut-style exercises such as high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and interactive flight-dynamics programs.

“Central New York has sent 40 educators to participate in HESA’s innovative lessons and teaching techniques since 2004,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, speaking to students at Van Buren Elementary School. “These teachers are leading their districts, classrooms, and students, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Right: Several Camillus Middle School teachers have participated in HESA.
Pictured left to right: Tammy Annicharico, Katherine Clift, retired teacher Sue Potrikus, and Carmen Primiano with John McAuliffe.

Since 2004, more than 2,776 educators from 62 countries and 52 U.S. states and territories have graduated from the program.

“It was truly an honor and a privilege to have been selected to attend HESA,” said Sarah Parrish, pictured above, left, with Sally Mitchell during a water survival demonstration. “Each day allowed me to wonder, ask questions, and stretch my brain as I learned and explored how space exploration and STEM concepts can be integrated into my curriculum in new and unique ways.”

HESA candidates complete a rigorous application process. Qualified teachers are awarded scholarships, round-trip airfare, tuition, meals, and accommodations, thanks to the generous support of Honeywell and its employees.

For more information about HESA, visit: https://educators.honeywell.com.

About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and nonprofit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com.

Community Volunteers Help Enhance Onondaga Lake’s Southwest Shoreline, Future Home of the Loop the Lake Trail Extension

Posted on June 9, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Habitat & Conservation, Public Engagement, Southwest Lakeshore Enhancements

Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Improves Wetlands and Conducts Citizen Science Monitoring

Thirty-eight volunteers gathered along the future home of the Loop the Lake Trail extension on Saturday, June 3, to plant trees and native wetland plants, and participate in citizen science monitoring by tracking bird species. The volunteers are part of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, an expanding organization of community volunteers who are contributing to restoration projects that are creating or improving wildlife habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed.

Left: First-time Corps volunteer Ali Fasano (left), of Liverpool, New York, learns about planting wetland species from Parsons Environmental Engineer Natalia Cagide-Elmer. Right: Alex and Angela Thor, of Syracuse, install wetland plants.

“Onondaga Lake is a priority for Onondaga County Parks. The work done by County Parks around Onondaga Lake, and elsewhere, would not be possible without committed volunteers,” said Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Bill Lansley. “We look forward to continuing the community’s vision of completing the Loop the Lake Trail and support the volunteerism the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is promoting through these events.”

Left: Onondaga Audubon Board Member Paul Richardson helps Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps Advisory Board Member Carol Biesemeyer identify bird species using a scope. Right: First-time Corps volunteer Ellen DuPree, of Fayetteville, New York, installs wetland plants.

Enhancements to 18 acres of diverse wetlands along Onondaga Lake’s southwest shoreline are supplying aquatic and fish spawning habitat. The enhanced wetlands are attracting a wide array of birds and wildlife and playing a significant role in creating a healthy Onondaga Lake watershed and a sustainable ecosystem. More than 900 native plants and trees were installed along the shoreline on Saturday, including swamp white oak, cardinalflower, common rush, and speckled alder.

“This was my first time volunteering with the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, and it was an incredible experience,” said Todd Sealy, of Syracuse, pictured above. “It was inspiring to see the variety of birds inhabiting the shoreline and to think that the plantings we planted will one day provide a habitat for wildlife. This is an amazing resource for the community, and I’m thankful to have a part in restoring it.”

Volunteers identified 29 bird species during the event. Notable species identified include Willow Flycatcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Common Tern, and Dunlin.

On the shores of Onondaga Lake and along the lake’s tributaries, Honeywell is improving a total of 87 acres of wetlands and planting about 1.1 million native plants, shrubs, and trees. To date, nearly 600,000 shrubs and trees have been planted. More than 70 acres of wetlands have been restored.

Since the formation of the Corps in summer 2012, 17 events have brought together more than 650 volunteers who have become environmental stewards and Corps members. In recognition of their work, the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps was awarded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2015 Environmental Champion Award.

To learn more about the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps or participate in future activities, please contact montezuma@audubon.org, visit http://ny.audubon.org/OLCC or call 315-365-3588. Schools, community groups, local organizations, and individuals are welcome. Like the Corps on Facebook or visit YouTube to learn more.

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

View more photographs of the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps.

CenterState CEO Recognizes Honeywell for Its Leadership Throughout the Onondaga Lake Cleanup

Posted on May 9, 2017 in E-Newsletters, Onondaga Lake, Project Updates, Public Engagement

Honeywell Executive Shares Insights on the Importance of Community Partnerships and Collaboration

Kate Adams, Honeywell’s senior vice president and general counsel, recently shared the story of the successful restoration of Onondaga Lake during her keynote address at CenterState CEO’s 2017 Annual Meeting. The luncheon was held at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center in Syracuse. It is Central New York’s largest annual gathering of business and community leaders.

Kate Adams, Honeywell senior vice president and general counsel, delivering the keynote address.

“I want to congratulate the people at Honeywell, who have worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and with local government to make sure that the next generations will know Syracuse as ‘the city on the lake’ in Central New York,” said New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.

“Many in this community, when talking about the cleanup of Onondaga Lake, used to say, ‘Not in my lifetime,’” said Jim Fox, CenterState CEO chairman and OBG chief executive officer. “But, Honeywell changed the paradigm, and worked with stakeholders across government, the scientific community, and the public to implement a plan that was not only good for the environment, but for the broader Central New York community.”

“Honeywell has been at the center of one of this community’s most ambitious undertakings – the cleanup of Onondaga Lake. We were excited to have Kate share her perspective on Honeywell’s commitment to developing collaborative solutions that helped restore our lake to its rightful place as a remarkable community asset,” said Robert Simpson, CenterState CEO president. “As we look through the lens of history, this project serves as a reminder, and a model, for what can be achieved when we come together with a bold, long-term vision and take action to break through our most pressing challenges to drive transformative outcomes.”

During the event, Adams announced that the dredging and capping of Onondaga Lake are now complete. She reflected on the achievements, energy, expertise, and passion of the team that engaged in groundbreaking collaborative work on the largest sediment cleanup in the country. In addition, she spoke about Honeywell’s focus on technical excellence, dialogue with regulators, community engagement, corporate citizenship, and an unwavering goal to bring the best science to the lake cleanup.

“This is a remarkable and unprecedented accomplishment,” said Adams. “This is your lake. This is your success. This is happening in our lifetimes.”

Adams also mentioned that federal and state agencies recently announced 20 new projects designed to increase public access, provide new fishing piers and boat docks, and enhance and preserve about 1,400 acres of valuable habitat in the Onondaga Lake watershed. One of the projects includes extending the Erie Canalway Trail from Camillus to the western shoreline and would continue the extension of the Onondaga Lake Loop the Lake Trail.

Left: Wetlands along Onondaga Lake’s western shoreline have been restored. In 2015, Onondaga County opened the Lakeview Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue located on the shore of Onondaga Lake.
Right: A Great Blue Heron catches a fish in the restored Geddes Brook wetlands.

Habitat restoration, a major focus of the cleanup, continues in 2017. On the shores of Onondaga Lake and along the lake’s tributaries, Honeywell is improving 87 acres of wetlands and planting about 1.1 million native plants, shrubs, and trees. To date, 74 acres of wetlands have been created or enhanced and nearly 600,000 native plants, trees, and shrubs now provide diverse habitat for more than 230 wildlife species.

Watch a video about the impact of the Onondaga Lake cleanup.

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

Onondaga Lake Dredging and Capping Completed

Posted on April 26, 2017 in Community Health & Safety, E-Newsletters, Onondaga Lake, Project Updates

Community’s Vision of a Clean Onondaga Lake is Becoming a Reality

Honeywell has completed the dredging and capping of Onondaga Lake. The result of more than two decades and millions of hours of intensive effort, the project was completed through an unwavering focus on sound science, technical excellence, community engagement, sustainable practices, and a commitment to health and safety. Habitat restoration, a major focus of the cleanup, continues in 2017, as does Honeywell’s commitment to encouraging community volunteers to become environmental stewards.

Watch a video about the impact of the Onondaga Lake cleanup.

“Onondaga Lake is becoming a source of pride and optimism for the community and an economic driver for the region thanks to the extraordinary efforts of state and federal regulators, Honeywell, Onondaga County, elected officials, educational institutions, and the community,” said Kate Adams, Honeywell Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “We are incredibly proud of the team that accomplished this successful project and grateful to the community for its support and engagement.”

Working under the supervision of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Honeywell worked with national and local experts, including the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Syracuse University and Upstate Freshwater Institute. About 500 Central New York workers have been an integral part of the cleanup, providing expertise, essential resources, dedication, and hard work.

“The completion of this project to revitalize Onondaga Lake marks a major milestone for Central New York that will improve the quality of life for residents, and opens up additional opportunities for tourism, outdoor recreation, and economic development for the entire region,” New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “This work will help ensure that the lake remains a clean, viable natural resource for generations to come.”

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Onondaga Lake and its shores are undergoing major revitalization, helping return the lake to its former glory. A former source of shame, the lake is coming back as a source of pride for the community. Water quality is improving, aquatic populations are rebounding, and people are experiencing the lake in ways that haven’t been possible in generations. In the past, Onondaga Lake was often called the most polluted lake in the nation, but today, it is the most resilient.”

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, “This is a moment to celebrate Onondaga Lake and all of those committed to its restoration. Together, Governor Cuomo, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honeywell and Onondaga County are helping restore Onondaga Lake and its shores for the benefit of generations to come.”

In November 2015, Honeywell received Audubon New York’s Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award for its leadership in the cleanup, “one of the most ambitious environmental reclamation projects in the United States.”

Substantial Progress Achieved, Best Water Quality in More Than 100 Years

Lake dredging was finished in November 2014, a year ahead of schedule.
More than 3 million cubic yards of material consisting primarily of sand, activated carbon, and stone was used to cap 475 acres of the lake bottom, providing a new habitat layer.
To date, 74 acres of wetlands have been created or enhanced and nearly 600,000 native plants, trees, and shrubs now provide diverse habitat for more than 230 wildlife species.
Geddes Brook, LCP wetlands, and Nine Mile Creek are remediated and restored, creating a green corridor from the lake to upland areas.
According to the New York State Department of Health, water quality in the northern two-thirds of Onondaga Lake has achieved public health criteria for swimming.
DEC has documented 65 species of fish, up from nine to 12 counted in the 1970s.
The aquatic plant community has expanded from less than 12 percent of shallow-water lake areas to about 80 percent, according to SUNY-ESF.
Upstate Freshwater Institute has confirmed that methylmercury (the form of mercury that accumulates in fish and organisms) in deep-water portions has decreased 98 percent since 2009.
EPA, in its five-year report on Onondaga Lake, states that the cleanup is progressing as expected:
- Concentrations of dissolved mercury are significantly lower in surface water samples.
- Levels of methylmercury have declined dramatically in both lake water and zooplankton. The decline is expected to contribute to lower mercury concentrations in fish.
- Natural recovery in the lake is progressing faster than predicted.

The cleanup, together with upgrades made by Onondaga County to its wastewater treatment plant and the county’s Save the Rain program, has resulted in the best water quality in more than 100 years.

Community’s Vision and Dialogue Key to Sustainable Outcomes

The Central New York community has played a key role in the efforts to clean up Onondaga Lake.

More than 1,200 community meetings, presentations, and tours have been held since 2004.
The Onondaga Lake Community Participation Working Group has met to foster community input and provide ways for the public to receive information.
Designed and built by Honeywell, the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center has hosted more than 14,000 people, providing the public with access to the significant work taking place.
More than 650 community members have joined the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps, which was founded in 2012 and seeks to inspire environmental stewardship through a hands-on, experience-based program. Citizens and organizations have the opportunity to participate in activities that help restore and sustain Onondaga Lake and its value as an Important Bird Area.
In 2015, a symbolic lake swim drew hundreds of community members.
Thousands of people attended the inaugural Onondaga Cup and Lakefest in July 2016, including Governor Cuomo.

View a fact sheet about the end of dredging and capping.

Watch videos and view photographs of the Onondaga Lake cleanup.

Read news about the Onondaga Lake cleanup.

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

Community Volunteers Beautify Onondaga Creekwalk; Recreational Trail Connects to Onondaga Lake, Erie Canalway Trail, and Future Empire State Trail

U.S. Space & Rocket Center Program Helps Inspire Educators from Around the World

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