GEDDES, N.Y. — Honeywell International, Inc. has transferred the Onondaga Lake Visitor Center on the lake’s southern shore to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The visitor center is located at 280 Restoration Way in the town of Geddes. The center will feature informative displays about the historic cleanup and restoration of […]
GEDDES, N.Y. — Honeywell International, Inc. has transferred the Onondaga Lake Visitor Center on the lake’s southern shore to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The visitor center is located at 280 Restoration Way in the town of Geddes.
The center will feature informative displays about the historic cleanup and restoration of Onondaga Lake, its tributaries, and watershed, the DEC said in its announcement.
The visitor center will retain its name and following renovations, it will become a public outreach facility operated by DEC’s Bureau of Environmental Education.
Honeywell originally built and opened the visitor center in 2012 to share information with the public about the cleanup and the history of Onondaga Lake. Displays in the visitor center showcase the cleanup plan and progress, return of native plants and animals, and habitat restoration and enhancements.
“Onondaga Lake is an incredible natural resource and the cleanup of one of New York’s most polluted waterbodies is an undeniable success story,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in the announcement. “DEC embraces the opportunity to help New Yorkers and visitors alike learn about the history of the lake and its cleanup and the ecosystems its rebirth is helping to support and thrive.”
The DEC will operate the center seasonally, April through October, and serve as a point of contact for environmental and educational organizations interested in hosting events or programming at the lakeside location. By fostering partnerships with local colleges and universities, including the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the center will provide learning and career-development opportunities for students of all ages, the department noted.
The DEC works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to oversee implementation of Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan Projects for Onondaga Lake. The transfer of the center to the DEC was among the plan’s requirements, the department noted.
Onondaga Lake cleanup, restoration
Crews completed cleanup activities for Onondaga Lake in 2016 in accordance with the 2005 Record of Decision, the DEC said.
The department continues to oversee the completed cleanup and Honeywell’s ongoing monitoring of the lake-bottom cap to “ensure it remains effective and fully protective of public health and the environment.”
In its announcement, the DEC also said, “Significant progress continues to be made in cleaning up Onondaga Lake and its tributaries and watershed, enabling Central New Yorkers to once again connect to this important resource. Dramatic improvements in wastewater and stormwater management, coupled with tremendous progress in cleaning up historical industrial contamination, have improved water quality and aided in the return of native plants and animals. With these improvements, the lake is once again becoming a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, while serving as a source of community pride.”
