We have made great progress on the restoration of Onondaga Lake. Under the direction of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Honeywell is working with hundreds of world class scientists, engineers and technicians — plus federal, state, county, town and village leaders — to implement the Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the DEC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on July 1, 2005.

 

For the first time in years the wetlands around the old LCP plant in Geddes are filled with native species that are attracting wildlife. Twelve thousand newly-planted trees and native plants are now growing in these formerly contaminated wetlands. In 2005, Honeywell stopped the flow of mercury from this site by installing a five-story deep, underground cut-off wall, and removing more than eight tons of mercury from the soil through a new technology called "soil washing." 

 

In coordination with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), Honeywell created a Shrub Willow Farm by planting more than 100,000 shrub willows on the former Solvay Basins. This rapid growing plant creates a sustainable and effective cover for the basins while increasing biodiversity, promoting recreational opportunities, and serving as a productive source of "green" energy and bio-fuels for the region. 

 

Contaminated groundwater collected by the first phase of the underground barrier wall is being treated and cleaned at the groundwater treatment plant before being piped back into the lake. Construction of the second phase of the barrier wall , between I-690 and the lake, is almost completed.
 
Honeywell is committed to seeking public input throughout our work. Two-way communication and opportunities for public engagement are critical to achieving a successful, sustainable restoration of the lake. On March 17, 2009, the DEC finalized the Onondaga Lake Citizen Participation Plan (CPP).  The CPP identifies opportunities for "communications and dialogue with the public that are open, transparent and proactive." The CPP outlines ways for interested stakeholders to participate in discussions and/or participation groups on the design and construction of remediation activities. Honeywell fully supports the implementation of the CPP.

 

Also on March 17, 2009, the DEC released the final Remedial Design Work Plan outlining activities and schedules for implementation of the remedy. The work plan is based on relevant EPA and DEC guidance documents. Honeywell has begun some of the work included in the plan, which is expected to take nine years to complete. Work underway includes design of the dredging operations, the in-lake cap, the sediment consolidation area and habitat restoration.

 

Welcome to Honeywell's Onondaga Lake Initiatives website. Please use this site to access documents, project updates, photos of work being performed in and around the lake, and enewsletters and to submit questions to our scientists and engineers or find out how to get involved.