Citizen Participation Plan

With significant work underway at sites in and around the lake, active and thoughtful public input is more important than ever to the successful restoration of Onondaga Lake.

On March 19, 2009, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) finalized the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) for Onondaga Lake. The CPP is a formal plan for communication with the public during the lake’s restoration. It ensures the public has access to information and can comment and offer input throughout the project.

The public is able to access information through fact sheets, electronic newsletters, an annual summary of activities, and the DECand Honeywell Onondaga Lake websites.

There will continue to be opportunities for public input through roundtable discussions, public meetings and Community Participation Working Groups (CPWGs).

The CPWGs are meeting throughout the remediation and restoration work providing a forum to inform, receive input and discuss specific aspects of the design and construction of the lake restoration. There are opportunities for the public to contribute information, opinions, perspectives and recommendations. CPWGs are open to the public and consist of public officials, community leaders, citizens, and conservation and environmental group leaders. They are supported by technical experts from the DEC and Honeywell. The DEC has appointed members to a lead CPWG that is recommending how many and what types of additional working groups should be created.

Individuals interested in participating should contact Stephanie Harrington or Diane Carlton at DEC Region 7 directly at 315-426-7403.