Newsletter '06 - Onondaga Lake Partnership

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FAMILY FUN AT ONONDAGA LAKE DAY, JUNE 3. SEE PAGE 4
A clean lake reflects well on all of us.
SPECIAL ONONDAGA LAKE PARTNERSHIP EDITION MAY 2006
I T ’ S M O R E T H A N J U S T A L A K E
• Onondaga Lake is 4.6
miles long and 1 mile
wide and covers 4.6
square miles.
• About 265,000 people
live in the Onondaga
Lake watershed
according to the 2000
census.
• Onondaga Lake’s
average depth is 35
feet. The deepest
point is 63 feet.
This insert is intended to provide general information to the public regarding the Onondaga Lake basin and activities related to the cleanup and restoration thereof.
Approval for publication by the members of the OLP does not signify adoption or approval for purposes of regulatory, enforcement or other legal actions, of the
factual, scientific, or legal assertions, characterizations or conclusions contained therein.

THE SPRINGS OF ONONDAGA
H Y D R O G E O L O G Y 1 0 1 — T H E S P R I N G S O F O N O N D A G A
“spring—A place where, without the agency
of man, water flows from rock or soil upon
the land.”
Dorwin Spring—This spring is found along the
west wall of the Onondaga Valley, along New
York State Route 80. The large stone 'box' and
pipe discharging from it used to supply drinking
water to local residents living in the south end of
the City of Syracuse.
Gale Spring—The Gale Spring is found along the
Onondaga Lake Parkway. The stone-lined pool and
structure was built during the 1930's to mark the
location of a brine spring that was used to make
salt in that area. The discharge of water today is
only saline (less than seawater quality), and the
iron color in the water is due to iron bacteria that
thrive on the high iron content discharged from
the spring.
Springs in the Onondaga Lake watershed have many different sources
and vary in their water quality. Most springs in the Syracuse area
discharge water at a temperature of about 50-52 degrees Fahrenheit, or
about 10-11 degrees Celsius. This temperature is the average annual air
temperature for our area. The water discharged from them can tell us
much about the geology of the watershed as well as how ‘clean’ the
ground water system is.
Beginning in the southern end of the Onondaga Lake watershed, the
first location for spring discharges is the Tully Moraine—here a veneer
of sand and gravel overlies fine-grained clay and silt deposits. The springs
at the Moraine discharge into the Tully Valley from sand and gravel and
provide both drinking water for local residents and cold-water habitat
for native Brook Trout populations in the headwaters of Onondaga
Creek.
North of the moraine, a series of naturally fresh to brackish (slightly
salty) springs exist on the floor of the Tully Valley, within several landslide
areas at the foot of Bare Mountain, and flows from the valley walls of
both the Tully and West Branch valleys. The mudboils on the Tully Valley
floor and some of the landslide springs are driven by artesian pressure.
The mudboils discharge not only water but fine-grained sediment to
Onondaga Creek creating turbid (muddy looking) conditions in the
creek. Some of the mudboils discharge fresh water while others are
brackish, indicating variable quality of the unconsolidated (soil) aquifers
within the valley. The landslide areas discharge generally brackish water
from the deeper shale bedrock.
Elsewhere, freshwater springs discharge from the base of the valley
wall from large sand and gravel deposits or from the shale bedrock higher
on the valley wall. These springs continue to be utilized as water supplies
for individual residents as well as small communities—such as Cardiff and
the Onondaga Nation.
Further to the north toward the southern end of Syracuse, the valley
walls are comprised of limestone bedrock where water can easily flow
through bedrock fractures and appear as springs along the base of the
valley walls. Dorwin Spring on the west side of the Onondaga Valley and
Cold Spring on the east side were originally water sources for people
who lived in this part of Syracuse. A large number of springs lie on both
sides of the valley between (roughly) Dorwin and Brighton Avenues,
many of which presently drain to Onondaga Creek through the
stormwater sewer system. The Furnace Brook watershed (Elmwood Park)
is almost entirely spring-fed, while the Grottos found along Grand
Avenue (in the Harbor Brook watershed) are also bedrock-fed springs.
In the Nine Mile Creek watershed to the west, the same limestone
bedrock units that appear in the Onondaga valley are also found near
the village of Marcellus. There are a number of springs that discharge to
Nine Mile Creek, from Marcellus down to Camillus, which provide
excellent trout habitat. Some of the Marcellus-area springs may be
sourced from “Disappearing Lake,” an unusual lake that usually “appears” in
the fall, persists through the winter, and slowly “disappears” the following
summer. This “lake” sits on the Onondaga limestone where surface water
discharges from the lake through fractures in the limestone. Similar
features are also found near Camillus where ground water in the limestone
bedrock discharges back to surface water streams.
Old maps of downtown Syracuse indicate a number of freshwater
springs discharged from several sources along James Street. These probable
bedrock springs were routed downtown via pipelines to a fountain that
served downtown residents. These springs are long lost to the development
that took place in this part of the city.
The most famous springs of Syracuse are the brine springs that gave
the city its nickname, “The Salt City.” These very salty springs were located
around the southeastern end of Onondaga Lake near the old lakeshore
(prior to 1822). The largest number of ‘salt’ springs were located under
what is now the Carousel Mall area. Today, due to land-filling and
construction, these springs are no longer present, although one large
spring discharges to Onondaga Creek between Spencer and Kirkpatrick
Streets.
Finally, there are a number of springs that lie around Onondaga Lake
and feed the smaller tributaries that drain to the lake and the Seneca
River. The best-known spring lies in the hamlet of Cold Springs along the
Seneca River. This spring discharges from a wetland area near Route 370
and Klein Island. Other springs also exist along the Seneca River which
discharge from the bedrock and shallow unconsolidated sediments.
Many of these springs, be they salty or fresh, were important to the
development of the greater Syracuse region. Today, with public water
supplies piped from Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes, as well as Lake Ontario,
the Springs of Onondaga Lake are little utilized, but are important
indicators of the water quality of the Onondaga watershed. Their
continued use as water supplies for some residents, and as a key factor in
preserving trout habitat in both Onondaga and Nine Mile creeks, makes
the preservation of these springs and their contributing areas that much
more important to each of us. ■
One of the Grotto Springs discharging fresh
water from bedrock near the Burnet Park Zoo (A
former drinking-water supply, not presently used
due to bacterial contamination)
Salt spring at landslide. Discharge from one of the
springs inside the 1993 slide area. This spring is the
saltiest (about as salty as seawater), with a large
amount of sulfur bacteria (white material) in the
discharge from the spring.
POPULAR TULLY VALLEY MUDBOIL
TOUR OFFERED
AGAIN THIS YEAR
Bill Kappel, geologist with the US
Geological Survey, aka “The Tully Mudmeister,”
is again offering his popular and educational
tour of the Tully Valley mudboils on
Onondaga Lake Day, Saturday, June 3. This
year’s field trip will include a valley overlook,
the 1993 mudslide and mudboil areas, and if
time allows, the Tully moraine and lakes area.
One tour will be offered at 9 AM. Reservations
Mudboil downcut
are required.
Only a limited number of persons can be included in this trip, and
carpooling is encouraged. Tour participants should wear appropriate field clothing
and will be required to sign a release form. The trip is not appropriate for small
children. Please call Bill Kappel at (607) 266-0217, ext. 3013, to make reservations.
Leave your name, phone number, and number of participants. If you leave a
message and don’t speak directly with Bill, you will receive a confirmation call
verifying your tour reservation. Tour participants should meet in the parking lot
behind McDonald’s at the Lafayette exit off Route I-81 south of Syracuse and
will carpool from there. New this year at Onondaga Lake Day, Bill will also be
giving a presentation on "Everything you wanted to know about salt, mud and
the geology of the lake" at 1 pm at Onondaga Lake Park. Come ask your questions. ■
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B E S T Y E A R S S T A R T N O W F O R
O N O N D A G A L A K E
The best years for Onondaga Lake lie ahead, and those years are beginning
now. Everyone can contribute to the revitalization of Onondaga Lake by
learning more about the Lake, participating in Onondaga Lake Partnership
(OLP) activities and practicing sound environmental measures in their
homes and businesses in the lake’s watershed. A clean lake reflects well on
all of us.
The OLP, with nearly 40 members from government agencies as well as
representatives from the private sector, education, and non-profit
organizations, takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to the cleanup and
rehabilitation of Onondaga Lake and its watershed—one that addresses air,
water and land issues. To date approximately $146 million in federal funding
secured by Congressman James T. Walsh, along with approximately $95
million from New York State, and local funding provided mostly by
Onondaga County has been allocated to various projects to promote
improvement in the long-term health of Onondaga Lake.
The Partnership’s three committees—Executive, Project, and Outreach—
maintain its mission and its lake improvement efforts, uphold technical
standards in the projects it oversees, and enhance public knowledge and
understanding of its activities.
Onondaga Lake has been profoundly affected by a long history of abuse.
Under the guidance of the OLP, a comprehensive cleanup and revitalization
program is underway. The Onondaga Lake Management Plan—along with
the Amended Consent Judgment, a court-mandated agreement—guides
efforts to revitalize, conserve, and manage the lake and watershed. Many
projects have been completed and more are underway. Onondaga Lake
revitalization projects are achieving significant results. Water quality has
improved substantially since revitalization efforts began. Currently, ammonia
levels in the lake water have been reduced to a level that consistently
complies with and exceeds New York State water quality standards;
phosphorus levels have also been reduced. Today populations and varieties
of fish in Onondaga Lake are on the rise and reflect a vast improvement
from earlier conditions. Recent sampling efforts have identified over 50 fish
species in Onondaga Lake.
More ammonia and phosphorus is removed from wastewater before it is discharged to Onondaga Lake as a result of upgrades
to the Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant
To emphasize the importance of Onondaga Lake to the community, OLP
is accepting applications from teachers for small grants for projects up to
$500 for classroom and field projects to educate students about the
environment of Onondaga Lake, its tributaries, and watershed. Applicants
must be teachers in a public or private school within or contiguous with
the Onondaga Lake Watershed. Applications are available on the OLP
website at www.onlakepartners.org or by calling the Onondaga
Environmental Institute at (315) 472-2150 ext. 24. Applications are being
accepted now for both the 2005-2006 and the 2006-2007 school years.
All applications meeting eligibility requirements will be approved until
funding runs out.
We invite you to browse our website for additional information at
www.onlakepartners.org. Please subscribe to our electronic mailing list to
receive invitations to events such as Onondaga Lake Day, scheduled for
June 3, 2006, and our annual public meeting, and to receive quarterly
newsletters and information on our mini grant and education fund
programs. For questions about the Onondaga Lake Partnership, you can
also call us at 800-833-6390. ■
D U N B A R ’ S T R U T H A B O U T
O N O N D A G A C R E E K
Dunbar kids at Onondaga Creek
As part of the Onondaga Creek Revitalization Project, a group of kids
from the Dunbar Center had the opportunity to explore different sections
of Onondaga Creek with educators from Cornell University Cooperative
Extension. At each site, the kids recorded their impressions as well as
what they liked, what they didn’t like and what they would change if they
were in charge. Below is a sampling of their thoughts as expressed the
day of the trip and as part of a huge poster they created and named
“Dunbar’s Truth About Onondaga Creek.”
What they said they would tell their friends about the creek
“It’s very peaceful and quiet. Somewhere where you might want to do
your homework.”
“I would tell my friends that this place is calm and fresh.”
What they liked
“It was good cause you get to see the fish jump.”
“I like the fact that we could just stand there and enjoy the view of
the water.”
What they did not like
“I don’t like the dirtiness of the water.”
“I don’t like the algae.”
What they would change if they were in charge
“If I was in charge of Onondaga Creek, I would make it have a running/walking/biking
area, an area for homework, an area to enjoy yourself,
and a recreational area (fishing, bird watching, etc).”
“If I was in charge of Onondaga Creek, I would clean it up then open
it up for fishing.” ■
FIND OUT ABOUT OLP EDUCATION
FUND OPPORTUNITIES.
VISIT WWW.ONLAKEPARTNERS.ORG.
D U N B A R ’ S T R U T H A B O U T O N O N D A G A C R E E K
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ONONDAGA LAKE DAY FILLED WITH FUN ACTIVITIES
The fifth annual Onondaga Lake Day takes place on Saturday, June 3 from
10am to 3pm at Onondaga Lake Park, behind the Griffin Visitor’s Center near
the lake’s shore. All activities are free and open to the public. The event is sponsored
by the Onondaga Lake Partnership (OLP) and is designed to bring people
to the lake to take part in a variety of fun and educational activities. “Each year,
we have people comment that they’ve learned something new and had a great
time,” Sue Miller, event chair for the OLP’s Outreach Committee, reports.
According to Miller, this year’s event “will showcase the improvements brought
about in the lake through OLP programs and promote steps that individuals can
take to help the lake as well.”
The following will be offered throughout the day from 10am to 3pm:
• Exhibits and displays by OLP members and other organizations related to te
uses and ecology of the Lake, its shoreline and its watershed, and projects
underway to improve the lake.
• The amazing Dr. WOW will perform exciting science demonstrations about
water for kids of all ages.
• Narrated Tram Tours will run throughout the day leaving from the Visitor’s
Center with stops related to the history and ecology of the lake.
• Boat Tours are back, leaving from the pier behind the Salt Museum. Enjoy a
water side view of the lake.
• Ultimate Sports with a lake view will offer kids and adults alike an opportunity
to join in some traditional sports with new twists, on the lawn behind the
Visitor’s Center.
• Live fish from the lake will be displayed in a tank staffed by Onondaga
County’s Department of Water Environment Protection lake monitoring
personnel. See how many fish you can identify.
• Test your knowledge of the Lake–take the Lake WQ/IQ Test.
• Take a spin on a bicycle built for three or more. Rides start at the Information
Tent.
• Attend an Open House at the Onondaga Yacht Club.
• Visit the Salt Museum and learn about the area’s salty past.
• Get your kids’ photo taken with Ronny Raindrop.
New this year will be a number of special presentations throughout the day
including the following:
• Learn to Fish Clinic (10am–2pm) for youngsters 15 years and younger
sponsored by the Izaak Walton League and the Fisheries subcommittee. Casting,
and catch and release techniques will be taught. Fishing gear will be available for
youngsters to try to catch fish in the Lake.
• Plant a tree demonstration and information. Free trees will be handed out by
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation after the tree
demonstration event.
• Come “Ask the Expert” at 1pm. Ever wonder why the lake isn’t salty, how the
lake was formed and what the Tully mudboils have to do with Onondaga Lake?
Come talk to Dr. Mud and get the answers (Information Tent).
• Zoo to You–staff of the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will bring
critters who reside around the lake and share interesting information about
their habitat–see the elusive spotted salamander and box turtle up close.
• Learn how to make bluebird houses and see the new wood duck houses that
will be installed around the lake to encourage nesting.
• Watch an Introduction to Sailing by the Yacht Club for all ages.
Lake Day participants can take away plenty of information as well as posters
for school classrooms, coloring books, collector cards, litter bags, rain gauges
and other interesting, informative and free materials.
For a complete listing of the day’s schedule of activities and presentations,
visit www.onlakepartners.org.
OTHER EVENTS
Enjoy what Onondaga Lake and its watershed have to offer. The Onondaga
Lake Partnership (OLP) hopes to see you at these upcoming events:
• Onondaga Lake Day, Saturday, June 3
Contact: OLP (800) 833-6390
• Carp Fishing Clinics, Saturday, June 10 & 17
Contact: Al Daher (315) 458-7998
• Carp Fishing Tournament, Saturday, June 24
Contact: Al Daher (315) 458-7998
• Family Fishing Derby, Sunday, June 25
Contact: Al Daher (315) 458-7998
• Water Chestnut Hand Pulling, Saturday, July 15
Contact: Cornell Cooperative Extension (315) 424-9485
• Onondaga Creek Cleanup, Saturday, September 9 & 16
Contact: Cornell Cooperative Extension (315) 424-9485
• World Water Monitoring Day, Wednesday, October 4
Contact: Hillary Wolfe (315) 472-2150
• Annual Progress Meeting, Wednesday, October 25
Contact: OLP (800) 833-6390
Call the contacts listed above or visit www.onlakepartners.org to learn
more about Onondaga Lake and how you can get involved!
THIS INSERT IS PUBLISHED BY THE ONONDAGA LAKE
PARTNERSHIP WITH FUNDING PROVIDED BY THE U.S.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chaired by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• New York State Attorney General
• Onondaga County
• City of Syracuse
PROJECT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chaired by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Representatives of Executive Committee agencies, as well as:
• Department of Public Works
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board
• Metropolitan Development Association
OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chaired by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Representatives of Executive Committee agencies, as well as:
• Izaak Walton League
• Atlantic States Legal Foundation
• League of Women Voters
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Onondaga County
• State University of New York — College of Environmental Science
& Forestry
• Onondaga Historical Association
The Executive Committee establishes and maintains the mission
of the partnership and the lake improvement effort.
The Project Committee serves as the partnership technical center
of expertise on specific projects and develops and maintains the
funding strategy for projects.
The Outreach Committee works to enhance public knowledge
and understanding of the partnership and the status of the lake
improvement effort.
YOU CAN CONTACT THE ONONDAGA LAKE PARTNERSHIP AT:
(800) 833-6390
info@onlakepartners.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE ONONDAGA LAKE
PARTNERSHIP WEB SITE AT WWW.ONLAKEPARTNERS.ORG
FUN FACTS
• The major natural tributaries of Onondaga Lake are Onondaga
Creek through the City of Syracuse and Nine Mile Creek in
the towns of Geddes, Camillus and Marcellus.
• Anyone can participate in the revitalization of Onondaga Lake
by practicing sound environmental measures at home and at
work in Onondaga Lake’s watershed.
Learn more about your part in Onondaga Lake’s future by
visiting www.onlakepartners.org
THE ONONDAGA LAKE PARTNERSHIP (OLP)
Promotes cooperation among federal, state, and local
governments, and other involved parties in the management
of the environmental issues of Onondaga Lake and the
Onondaga Lake watershed in the Syracuse, New York area.
V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t :
w w w . o n l a k e p a r t n e r s . o r g
This insert uses recycled paper content and soy inks.
C O M M I T T E E I N F O R M A T I O N
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