Senator Nozzolio Announces Owasco Lake Success!

Auburn – New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio today announced that data compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Village of Groton confirm that phosphorous levels in Owasco Lake have drastically decreased since additional protection efforts began in August.

Last summer, Senator Nozzolio contacted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and worked to secure a signed consent order from the Village of Groton to reduce phosphorous discharge into Owasco Lake. As a result of meetings held by the Senator, the Village of Groton also agreed to implement additional chemical treatments to water being discharged into Owasco Lake and made plans for an upgrade of their sewage treatment plant.

“Owasco Lake is one of our region’s most unique and magnificent environmental jewels and I am extremely pleased that the decisive actions we took last August are helping to decrease phosphorous levels in the lake,” said Senator Nozzolio.

As part of his efforts to preserve Owasco Lake, Senator Nozzolio successfully secured state funding to address the critical issues threatening the Lake, including enhancing Cayuga County’s weed harvesting efforts. Nozzolio has also worked to create the position of a lake steward that will work to ensure compliance by local municipalities to protect the water quality of Owasco Lake.

“This data proves that our actions last summer are making a major improvement in Owasco Lake. While I am extremely pleased with this good news, much more needs to be done and I will continue my aggressive efforts to preserve Owasco Lake,” concluded Nozzolio.

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