MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Pilot Study to Control Phosphorus Impacts in Honeoye Lake
• Webinar on State and Federal Funding, Financing and Resources for Municipal Infrastructure
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Pilot Study to Control Phosphorus Impacts in Honeoye Lake

DEC has announced it is holding a virtual public information session on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to update residents on a research project to control phosphorus in Honeoye Lake in the town of Richmond, Ontario County. Phosphorus is a critical nutrient but excess concentrations can result in poor water quality.

This fall a contractor hired by DEC will apply aluminum sulfate (alum), a nutrient inactivant, to the deepest portions of Honeoye Lake in an effort to trap phosphorus in the sediments, preventing it from being dispersed in the water column where it can harm water quality. This pilot project will help inform the development of DEC’s policy on nutrient inactivants.

The meeting can be accessed via WebEx. Individuals without computer access may join the meeting by dialing 518-549-0500 and using the meeting access code: 3322022.

Webinar on State and Federal Funding, Financing and Resources for Municipal Infrastructure

Syracuse University's Environmental Finance Center (SU-EFC) is hosting a virtual webinar on Wednesday, October 26, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., for those interested in learning more about funding and financing for safe and clean water management, renewable energy, and other community investments. Presenters will include representatives from DEC, NYS Department of Health, Environmental Facilities Corporation, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. 

Register to attend this free Zoom webinar; contact Jes Eckerlin at SU-EFC with questions.   

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Visit NYHABS, DEC's harmful algal bloom notification map to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past two weeks. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs. Instructions on how to use NYHABS are on DEC's HABs notification webpage.

Know it: HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.

Avoid it: People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water.

Report it: Report a suspected HAB using the NYHABS online reporting form. Report health concerns related to HABs to the Department of Health at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.