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SENATOR NOZZOLIO FIGHTS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY OF SENECA AND CAYUGA LAKES

Calls on Finger Lakes Institute to Analyze Causes of Weed Growth in Lakes

Albany—Continuing his commitment to protect and preserve the Finger Lakes, State Senator Michael Nozzolio today called on the Finger Lakes Institute at the Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges to initiate an in-depth analysis on the weed growth that is plaguing Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Senator Nozzolio is requesting recommendations from the Institute on what actions can be taken to drastically reduce the weed growth.

“Many of my constituents have expressed their concerns with the amount of weed growth in Seneca and Cayuga Lakes,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Despite efforts to harvest the weeds, the growth continues to increase each year and has had a significant negative impact on the quality of life for those living near the lakes.”

“In order to remedy this situation, I have contacted the Finger Lakes Institute and have requested that they analyze the conditions causing the weed growth and provide recommendations on what actions must be taken to significantly reduce the weeds,” continued Nozzolio.

The Finger Lakes Institute was established in 2000 at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva to help protect and preserve the Finger Lakes. In addition to providing research and analysis on the water quality of the lakes, the Institute helps coordinate the efforts of local governments, lakeshore property owners, organizations, grassroots watershed protection groups, and other regional environmental research centers in protecting the ecology of the Finger Lakes and overseeing development along the lakes.

Marion Balyczak, Director of the Finger Lakes Institute said, “The Finger Lakes Institute is excited to work in conjunction with Senator Nozzolio to formulate a plan to address this pressing concern for Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. We additionally anticipate that efforts to address the problem for the two largest Finger Lakes will also be of importance to the remaining Finger Lakes.”

“Aquatic Plants, especially invasive aquatic plants, are increasingly one of the more significant water quality challenges to the Finger Lakes. In particular, it has been noted that Cayuga and Seneca Lakes have an increased level of aquatic plants. The lakes are struggling with elevated levels of nutrients such as phosphorus, which stem from erosion and sedimentation associated with run-off from construction activities, heightened storm events, agricultural and household fertilizers, and failing septic systems. This enrichment of the lake, compounded by sunlight penetration from the water clarity created by invasive zebra and quagga mussels have resulted in the increasing presence of both native and invasive aquatic plants now being noted by many Finger Lakes residents and visitors," Balyczak continued.

"The Institute is actively surveying the presence of aquatic invasive plants and conducting research that it hopes will contribute to heightened management efforts needed in the Finger Lakes region. Dr. Bin Zhu, Research Scientist at the Finger Lakes Institute, completed an aquatic plant survey of Owasco Lake in 2007 and is currently conducting the first comprehensive survey of Seneca Lake," concluded Balyczak.

Senator Nozzolio has previously worked with the Finger Lakes Institute in efforts to reduce pollution and improve the water quality of Owasco Lake in Cayuga County. Since 2006, the Institute has collected and studied data on the water quality of Owasco Lake. Senator Nozzolio has worked in conjunction with the Institute in calling for the State Department of Environmental Conservation to put stronger restrictions on the amount of phosphorous that is allowed to be discharged into Owasco Lake.

Last year, data compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that phosphorous discharge into Owasco Lake had been reduced since additional protection efforts began in August of 2006.

Since its creation in 2002, Senator Nozzolio has helped secured over $2.4 million in state funding to aid the Finger Lakes Institute in their mission to protect the water quality of the Finger Lakes.

“Preserving and protecting the quality of the Finger Lakes and promoting their appeal is the key to revitalizing our communities and creating new opportunities for the future. I look forward to continuing to partner with the researchers at the Finger Lakes Institute in our work to maintain the quality and beauty of our lakes,” said Senator Nozzolio.

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