SYLVAN BEACH — The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) expects “substantial” completion of the $51 million construction project to modernize the East Oneida Lake wastewater-treatment plant in the fall of 2026. EFC officials toured the project on June 17, noting at the time that the Village of Sylvan Beach had indicated crews were […]
SYLVAN BEACH — The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) expects “substantial” completion of the $51 million construction project to modernize the East Oneida Lake wastewater-treatment plant in the fall of 2026.
EFC officials toured the project on June 17, noting at the time that the Village of Sylvan Beach had indicated crews were making “significant progress” on the project. Construction started in May 2024.
Those involved in the tour included Maureen Coleman, president and CEO of EFC, per the June 18 announcement.
The project involves comprehensive upgrades to its 1970s-era facilities, “protecting residents and the environment,” EFC said. More than half of the project is funded by grants from EFC to help reduce the financial impact on local ratepayers, with investments also “delivering good-paying jobs” to the region through the construction phase.
“This is a vital investment in clean water and in the affordability of local water infrastructure,” Coleman said in the EFC announcement. “This project symbolizes Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to delivering funding that ensures important projects move forward without placing an unsustainable financial burden on the communities they serve.”
The project involves upgrading an outdated wastewater-treatment system to a more effective process that meets current standards, EFC said. The effort includes building new treatment tanks and equipment; improving how wastewater is handled; and making site-wide repairs and upgrades — like fixing buildings, roads, electrical systems, and backup power — to keep the facility running reliably and efficiently.
The Village of Sylvan Beach is primarily handling work on the project, but its impact spreads far beyond village borders, EFC said. The plant also serves the towns of Sullivan, Lenox, Verona, and Vienna, as well as Verona Beach State Park. Modernizing the plant and its treatment facilities will ensure reliable wastewater services for 8,000 area residents and businesses and improve water quality in Fish Creek and Oneida Lake, per the EFC announcement.
“This project reflects the Village’s deep commitment to protecting our residents, our environment, and our future,” Sylvan Beach Mayor Richard Sullivan said in the EFC announcement. “We set out to build a stronger, modern wastewater system — and thanks to strong partnerships and careful planning, we’re delivering it on time and within budget.”
