Each summer for over 15 years,, OWLA has been conducting water sampling around the Owasco Watershed. The data is used by various agencies to monitor overall water quality in Owasco Lake, as well as to spot possible issues in our watershed.
This program would not be possible without our volunteers and the support of the City of Auburn to test the samples each week. I want to personally Thank Dick Coalson for providing his time and leadership to keep this program active in recent years. Dick has provided this summary and we hope to post the actual data to the OWLA web site in the near future. If you would like further information on this years data or the program contact us at owlanews@gmail.com.
Stay warm! (Spring is just around the corner................)
- Lakeman
2008 OWL WATER SAMPLING DATA ANALYSIS REPORT
INTRODUCTION
During 2008 water samples were collected from 28 sites by 20 volunteers around the lake from June 18th through August 27th. The sampling volunteers were assisted by James Soucy, an AmeriCorps volunteer, who picked up the samples around the lake each week as well as took the samples for the four City of Auburn sites. James transported the samples to the laboratory at the Auburn Sewage Treatment Plant and also did the actual testing of the samples for coliform and turbidity under Andy Roche’s supervision. The sampling volunteers also measured air and water temperatures and noted wind direction and relative strength. They recorded the sky condition, algae citings, and also reported any unusual observations during the week. All of the information was entered in a computer spreadsheet for later analysis. Rainfall data was provided by Anthony DeCaro from the Auburn Weather Monitoring Station at the Water Filter Plant on Swift Street. The daily data was converted into weekly totals and entered into the database after the sampling season was done.
SUMMARY
The overall conclusion reached from an analysis of the data is that the bacterial water quality of Owasco Lake remains good. The summer of 2008 was another wet year which may be the reason that the fecal Coliform numbers are lower generally than previous years. The weed growth also was not as vigorous this year with the exception of the curly-leafed pond weed that peaked in the late spring displaying areas near the shore that looked brown in color. The Eurasian milfoil was not as prevalent this year as in past years. Algae were noted in a number of areas this year with the blue-green and brown predominating. Generally, if algae were seen at a particular site in June, they were present for the rest of the samplings. Water temperatures seemed to track the rainfall data with a 1 week shift frequently displayed. Even with all the rain recorded this year, the water temperature reached 28 degrees Centigrade on July 16th. Three sites reported that temperature on July 16th. The high temperatures seem to be at odds with the amount of rainfall but it was suggested that the rains came in short, heavy bursts
generally followed by clear, sunny periods.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Owasco Lake Watershed Rules
Did you know that there is a set of laws specifically written to protect the Owasco Lake Watershed?
Section 1100 of the Public Health Law, section 104.1 of Part 104 of Title 10 (Health) of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York sets forth rules that outline the conditions and types of activities allowable within the watershed. The Owasco Watershed Rules and Regulations also set forth the conditions to be met by agricultural and business practices, including how such activities may be conducted, to ensure a pure and safe drinking water supply for Auburn and surrounding towns.
Under the Public Health Law, the City of Auburn is charged with conducting inspections and providing enforcement under these rules. Various other groups and agencies assist the city in this oversight, but the City of Auburn Watershed Inspector is resposnible for any specific citations written under this law. OWLA, Individual Towns , Cayuga County Health Dept., WQMA among many others , monitor activities in the watershed and report any potential problems to the Watershed Inspector for followup.
For more information, go to the following web-sites:
link to the Owasco Lake Watershed Inspector:
http://co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/owascoinspector/
link to the official Owasco Lake Watershed Rules:
http://www.co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/projects/watershedrules.pdf
Section 1100 of the Public Health Law, section 104.1 of Part 104 of Title 10 (Health) of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York sets forth rules that outline the conditions and types of activities allowable within the watershed. The Owasco Watershed Rules and Regulations also set forth the conditions to be met by agricultural and business practices, including how such activities may be conducted, to ensure a pure and safe drinking water supply for Auburn and surrounding towns.
Under the Public Health Law, the City of Auburn is charged with conducting inspections and providing enforcement under these rules. Various other groups and agencies assist the city in this oversight, but the City of Auburn Watershed Inspector is resposnible for any specific citations written under this law. OWLA, Individual Towns , Cayuga County Health Dept., WQMA among many others , monitor activities in the watershed and report any potential problems to the Watershed Inspector for followup.
For more information, go to the following web-sites:
link to the Owasco Lake Watershed Inspector:
http://co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/owascoinspector/
link to the official Owasco Lake Watershed Rules:
http://www.co.cayuga.ny.us/wqma/projects/watershedrules.pdf
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Proposed Ban on Phosphorus fertilizer
There is a very interesting article in today's Syracuse Post-Standard detailing a proposed law in Cazenovia to ban fertizlizers with Phosphorus. Ten years ago there were not very many alternatives to phosphorus laden fertilizers. Today it is much different. Most home centers and hardware retailers carry Zero-phosphorus fertilizers. In Cayuga County, you can contact the Soil and Water Conservation District for a ZERO-phosphorous fertizlizer for your lawn. We encourage you to try them.
Cazenovia is one of the first CNY municipalities to consider an outright ban on Phosphorus based fertizlers. It will be interesting to watch what the community's response will be.
Phosphorus run off to Owasco Lake is documented as one of our biggest issues relating to water quality. What do you think about the proposal? Should we try it in the Owasco Lake Watershed?
Get out and enjoy the snow....
- Lakeman
Link to Post_Standard article:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/cazenovia_seeks_to_ban_use_of.html
Link to the proposed law:
http://townofcazenovia.org/content/Generic/View/26
Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District's Fertilizer offer:
Watershed Friendly Fertilizer
The Cayuga County Soil & Water Cons. District has available at a reduced price, a ZERO-phosphorous fertizlizer for your lawn. 50 lb. bags are only $10.00 The formulation will provide sustained color and hardiness while eliminating the potential negative effects that excess phosphourus has on water quality. A great way that you can help improve water quality in our watershed.
Contact the CC Soil & Water Cons. Dist.
at 315.252.4171 ext. 3 for more information.
Cazenovia is one of the first CNY municipalities to consider an outright ban on Phosphorus based fertizlers. It will be interesting to watch what the community's response will be.
Phosphorus run off to Owasco Lake is documented as one of our biggest issues relating to water quality. What do you think about the proposal? Should we try it in the Owasco Lake Watershed?
Get out and enjoy the snow....
- Lakeman
Link to Post_Standard article:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/cazenovia_seeks_to_ban_use_of.html
Link to the proposed law:
http://townofcazenovia.org/content/Generic/View/26
Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District's Fertilizer offer:
Watershed Friendly Fertilizer
The Cayuga County Soil & Water Cons. District has available at a reduced price, a ZERO-phosphorous fertizlizer for your lawn. 50 lb. bags are only $10.00 The formulation will provide sustained color and hardiness while eliminating the potential negative effects that excess phosphourus has on water quality. A great way that you can help improve water quality in our watershed.
Contact the CC Soil & Water Cons. Dist.
at 315.252.4171 ext. 3 for more information.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Happy New Year!
We hope you all had a nice Christmas and Holiday season. I had a nice break from work and other obligations, with plenty of time to spend with fanily and friends.
The new year is here and we want to get off to a strong start. Our Next OWLA Board of Directors Meeting to kick off 2009, will be held on Wed. evening February 4th, 7pm at the Springside Inn. The meeting is open to the public, so come and see what we are all about.
(I'll post an agenda from Dr. Joe Wasileski later in the month)
REMINDER - No January Meeting! (Get out and enjoy the snow! - we are!)
Take care,
Lakeman
The new year is here and we want to get off to a strong start. Our Next OWLA Board of Directors Meeting to kick off 2009, will be held on Wed. evening February 4th, 7pm at the Springside Inn. The meeting is open to the public, so come and see what we are all about.
(I'll post an agenda from Dr. Joe Wasileski later in the month)
REMINDER - No January Meeting! (Get out and enjoy the snow! - we are!)
Take care,
Lakeman
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
News from the Finger Lakes Institute
We recently recieved an e-mail from Sarah Meyer with the latest happenings from the Finger Lakes Institute:
January 2009 Happenings at the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Education Outreach
- Science on Seneca Database Project
- SOS Lesson Plan: Invasive Mussels
Community Outreach and Public Service
HWS Alternative Spring Break- An Act of Conservation
- Recruiting HWS Students for March 2009 Trip
Finger Lakes Institute supports HWS Community Based Research Projects
-Sarah Holland WS’09, Green Space In Geneva
-Susan Kridler WS ’11, Geneva Biking Initiative
Studying and Maintaining the Quality of Syracuse’s Drinking Water –Skaneateles Lake
-Soni Pradhanhang, SUNY ESF, presents in January
FLI Events :
January 8: Monitoring and Modeling: Assessing Best Management Practices in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed
January 29: FLOW: How Did a Handful of Corporations Steal Our Water -Movie Showing and Discussion
Sincerely,
Sarah A. Meyer
Community Outreach Coordinator
http://fli.hws.edu/
Office:(315)781-4382
Finger Lakes Institute
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
601 S. Main Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
January 2009 Happenings at the Finger Lakes Institute at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Education Outreach
- Science on Seneca Database Project
- SOS Lesson Plan: Invasive Mussels
Community Outreach and Public Service
HWS Alternative Spring Break- An Act of Conservation
- Recruiting HWS Students for March 2009 Trip
Finger Lakes Institute supports HWS Community Based Research Projects
-Sarah Holland WS’09, Green Space In Geneva
-Susan Kridler WS ’11, Geneva Biking Initiative
Studying and Maintaining the Quality of Syracuse’s Drinking Water –Skaneateles Lake
-Soni Pradhanhang, SUNY ESF, presents in January
FLI Events :
January 8: Monitoring and Modeling: Assessing Best Management Practices in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed
January 29: FLOW: How Did a Handful of Corporations Steal Our Water -Movie Showing and Discussion
Sincerely,
Sarah A. Meyer
Community Outreach Coordinator
http://fli.hws.edu/
Office:(315)781-4382
Finger Lakes Institute
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
601 S. Main Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A look back at the past year!
It has been a very busy year for OWLA and the movement to further protect Owasco Lake. Where has the time gone?
2008 was definitely a year of change. OWLA transitioned to a new President; Joe Wasileski. We also welcomed a whole new group of active members as well as adding several new Directors to our Board. The organization has also seen a large resurgence of membership participation this year, we hope it will keep growing. Another change this year was the loss of Owasco Lake's longtime advocate, Congressman James Walsh, who decided not to run for an additional term. Jim will be greatly missed by the protectors of Owasco Lake. His legacy of bringing back funding and sponsoring legislation to protect the Fingerlakes will be hard to ever match. Stay tuned for another separate blog to celebrate all of Jim's accomplishments over the years. Thanks Jim!
In April, we started this blog with the intent to get more timely information about what was going on in the watershed to our membership and the public. We hope we have met that goal and possibly exceeded it.
The spring began with a major push to bring some closure to the Groton Sewage Treatment plant issue. There was quite a bit of discussion between the Board and legal advisers on how the organization should proceed to drive some kind of response from the NYSDEC. At the same time our water testing team began preparations for the upcoming season of water sampling on the lake and watershed streams.
By summer the retoric on the Groton STP situation had intensified and OWLA members put together the "First Annnual Owasco Lake Day", where it was announced that the New York State DEC had finally released a draft permit with a tighter limit for Phosphorous that would be dumped into the Owasco Inlet. Local environmental groups set up displays and local Representatives spoke about protecting Owasco Lake. Joe Wasileski also introduced a call for action, with very specific goals for us to go after. (see the OWLANEWS blog link: http://owlanews.blogspot.com/2008/07/owasco-lake-day-great-success.html)
It was also OWLA's 20th Anniversary and was celebrated at Emerson Park on the Owasco Lake Day. A lot has happened in 20 years. As I wrote a series of blogs about our first 20 years, I was reminded of all of our great accomplishments and the quality of people who had volunteered to make them all happen (see the OWLANEWS blog link: http://owlanews.blogspot.com/2008/05/owla-is-20-years-old-this-summer-part-1.html).
Our membership committee also launched a large membership campaign which included several waves of mailings to people around the lake and in the towns served by Owasco Lake's drinking water. Our membership team has been quite creative and is really getting organized. We can't wait to see what they have planned for 2009.
Well there were many other OWLA happenings during 2008, too many to list here. Please feel free to browse back through the past months blog stories to better understand all great things going on to protect Owasco Lake and our environment. All-in-all, I believe it was a very positive year for the organization. Stay tuned for another article very soon, that will outline where we might be headed for 2009 and beyond.
As 2008 winds down I would like to thank all of our members for their efforts and support this year! I can't begin to say enough about the time our volunteers dedicate to protecting Owasco Lake. Thanks Team!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
- Lakeman
2008 was definitely a year of change. OWLA transitioned to a new President; Joe Wasileski. We also welcomed a whole new group of active members as well as adding several new Directors to our Board. The organization has also seen a large resurgence of membership participation this year, we hope it will keep growing. Another change this year was the loss of Owasco Lake's longtime advocate, Congressman James Walsh, who decided not to run for an additional term. Jim will be greatly missed by the protectors of Owasco Lake. His legacy of bringing back funding and sponsoring legislation to protect the Fingerlakes will be hard to ever match. Stay tuned for another separate blog to celebrate all of Jim's accomplishments over the years. Thanks Jim!
In April, we started this blog with the intent to get more timely information about what was going on in the watershed to our membership and the public. We hope we have met that goal and possibly exceeded it.
The spring began with a major push to bring some closure to the Groton Sewage Treatment plant issue. There was quite a bit of discussion between the Board and legal advisers on how the organization should proceed to drive some kind of response from the NYSDEC. At the same time our water testing team began preparations for the upcoming season of water sampling on the lake and watershed streams.
By summer the retoric on the Groton STP situation had intensified and OWLA members put together the "First Annnual Owasco Lake Day", where it was announced that the New York State DEC had finally released a draft permit with a tighter limit for Phosphorous that would be dumped into the Owasco Inlet. Local environmental groups set up displays and local Representatives spoke about protecting Owasco Lake. Joe Wasileski also introduced a call for action, with very specific goals for us to go after. (see the OWLANEWS blog link: http://owlanews.blogspot.com/2008/07/owasco-lake-day-great-success.html)
It was also OWLA's 20th Anniversary and was celebrated at Emerson Park on the Owasco Lake Day. A lot has happened in 20 years. As I wrote a series of blogs about our first 20 years, I was reminded of all of our great accomplishments and the quality of people who had volunteered to make them all happen (see the OWLANEWS blog link: http://owlanews.blogspot.com/2008/05/owla-is-20-years-old-this-summer-part-1.html).
Our membership committee also launched a large membership campaign which included several waves of mailings to people around the lake and in the towns served by Owasco Lake's drinking water. Our membership team has been quite creative and is really getting organized. We can't wait to see what they have planned for 2009.
Well there were many other OWLA happenings during 2008, too many to list here. Please feel free to browse back through the past months blog stories to better understand all great things going on to protect Owasco Lake and our environment. All-in-all, I believe it was a very positive year for the organization. Stay tuned for another article very soon, that will outline where we might be headed for 2009 and beyond.
As 2008 winds down I would like to thank all of our members for their efforts and support this year! I can't begin to say enough about the time our volunteers dedicate to protecting Owasco Lake. Thanks Team!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
- Lakeman
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Contrasts of Two Local Lakes!
Many folks turned out at the Auburn Public Theatre this past Wednesday for the OWLA and IGAT presentation of "Beauty and the Beast - A Tale Of Two Lakes" a documentary produced by Peter Cramer. The film contrasts Ononondaga and Skaneateles Lakes and the story of how one was neglected and the other protected.
A crowd of over 50 people attended the showing to show support for the protection of Owasco Lake and to learn more how how they might get involved. OWLA has even talked about helping to produce a documenatry to highlight the present environmental concerns on Owasco Lake. We hope if you were not able to attend, that you might show your support and consider a donation or better yet, by joining OWLA to help continue the efforts to protect Owasco Lake.
See the complete story from the Auburn Citizen: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/12/04/local_news/news05.txt
A crowd of over 50 people attended the showing to show support for the protection of Owasco Lake and to learn more how how they might get involved. OWLA has even talked about helping to produce a documenatry to highlight the present environmental concerns on Owasco Lake. We hope if you were not able to attend, that you might show your support and consider a donation or better yet, by joining OWLA to help continue the efforts to protect Owasco Lake.
See the complete story from the Auburn Citizen: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/12/04/local_news/news05.txt
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Come out for an evening to Protect Owasco Lake and its Watershed
OWLA and IAGT cordially invite you to
"Protecting Owasco Lake
- Let‘s Get Motivated!"
Movie, Discussion and Entertainment at the
Auburn Public Theater
December 3, 2008– 7:00 PM
7:00-7:30 PM
"The Beauty and the Beast – A Tale of Two Lakes"
An award winning film created by Pete Cramer and Caleb Kerlin, graduates of Cayuga Community College.
A fascinating history of two local lakes demonstrating the importance of proper lake management.
7:30-8:00 PM
Owasco Lake Projects and Initiatives
Become a member of OWLA !!
The Owasco Watershed Network Project
Sign up for Owasco Watershed Viewer Training
8:00-??
Open "Café Style" Discussion and Entertainment
Meet Pete Cramer and share your thoughts on the movie.
Relax and discuss the protection of Owasco Lake while enjoying some light refreshments and live music.
Auburn Public Theater
108 Genesee Street, Auburn, NY 13021 (315) 253-6669
Entrance at Exchange Street Mall
** Donations are Appreciated **
RSVP to ensure a seat in the new Auburn Public Theater Cinema – (315) 252-8669
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Compromise proposed on Truck Plan in the Fingerlakes
The NYS DOT is reporting a possible compromise in the proposed ban on Heavy truck traffic in the Fingerlakes. The popular "short-cuts" for big rigs would become illegal and would only be allowed if these trucks have pickups/drop offs on the route. The ban would cover Routes 38, 41, 41A, 89, 90, 96 and 96A. This would also indirectly cover Rt. 38A by the Rt. 38 and Rt. 41A ban.
Truck traffic has increased steadily in last ten years over these routes as rising fuel prices have moved truckers to look for short-cuts between Rt 81 and The NYS Thruway. At the same time increased traffic has raised pollution risks to the Fingerlakes watersheds. I personally have witnessed two NYC garbage haulers overturned on Rt. 41A in the last 5 years. One of those landed in a tributary to Skaneateles Lake less than a mile upstream of the lake. Citizens have also complained of the speed and noise of the trucks in residential areas.
Thanks to our local leaders and state representatives who have finally got this problem on the track to resolution. Thanks specifically to Town of Owasco leaders Barb Clary and John Klink who have helped lead the efforts to resolve this complicated situation.
I've got an even better idea for the garbage going to Seneca Meadows - lets haul it from NYC to Seneca Meadows by railroad and save fuel and our roads. Existing railroad tracks exist within one mile of the landfill. What do you think?
see associated article in the Auburn Citizen: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/11/08/local_news/news01.txt
Truck traffic has increased steadily in last ten years over these routes as rising fuel prices have moved truckers to look for short-cuts between Rt 81 and The NYS Thruway. At the same time increased traffic has raised pollution risks to the Fingerlakes watersheds. I personally have witnessed two NYC garbage haulers overturned on Rt. 41A in the last 5 years. One of those landed in a tributary to Skaneateles Lake less than a mile upstream of the lake. Citizens have also complained of the speed and noise of the trucks in residential areas.
Thanks to our local leaders and state representatives who have finally got this problem on the track to resolution. Thanks specifically to Town of Owasco leaders Barb Clary and John Klink who have helped lead the efforts to resolve this complicated situation.
I've got an even better idea for the garbage going to Seneca Meadows - lets haul it from NYC to Seneca Meadows by railroad and save fuel and our roads. Existing railroad tracks exist within one mile of the landfill. What do you think?
see associated article in the Auburn Citizen: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/11/08/local_news/news01.txt
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