Once Complete Primary Source of Groundwater Contamination Will No Longer Reach Onondaga Lake
Honeywell has begun installing an additional 4,700 feet of interlocking steel panels along the southwest portion of Onondaga Lake to build the third and final phase of the underground barrier wall, which is preventing contaminated groundwater from reaching the lake. Work is expected to be completed by 2011.
“We have reached a significant milestone in the restoration of Onondaga Lake,” said John McAuliffe, Syracuse Program Director. “With the completion of the final phase of the barrier wall, the primary source of groundwater contamination from the former Allied properties will be cut off from the lake.”
The new section — from the East Flume to Harbor Brook — will be 4,700 feet long. When finished, it will connect with two earlier phases and reach a total length of 1.5 miles.
Similar to the previous two sections, an underground collection system will be installed behind the wall. Water collected is pumped underneath I-690 to the Willis Avenue Groundwater Treatment Plant. After the water is cleaned, it is tested to ensure it meets the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation standards. The treatment plant is treating an average of 130,000 gallons of water per day.
 Contractors put a sealant into the groove of each interlocking joint to form a water-tight seal between panels. The steel panels are connected by sliding the interlocking joints together. |
 A crane lifts the steel panels into place. Each two-and-one half ton panel is installed by a vibratory hammer and driven to an average depth of 35 feet. |
 Each panel is individually checked to ensure it maintains proper alignment while being installed. |
 A GPS system is used to place the panels into alignment. There are 1,033 panels in the third phase of the barrier wall. |
Health and safety plans are being implemented to protect the workers and the community during construction activities. An air monitoring program monitors air quality at the work zone perimeter.
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.
