The DEC has developed a draft document that outlines limits on phosphorous pollution in Onondaga Lake. This document is available for public review and comment. The following information was provided through DEC’s Onondaga LakeNews Listserv:
“In accordance with federal requirements, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has prepared a draft document that proposes to allocate phosphorus discharges to Onondaga Lake. This document is called the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Phosphorus in Onondaga Lake and is available for review and comment by visiting www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/67594.html. It essentially represents a pollution budget for phosphorus contribution to the lake. Phosphorus is a nutrient found in fertilizers, human wastes, industrial wastes, agricultural runoff and storm water. In excess, it can cause algal blooms and excessive plant growth in water bodies.
A Total Maximum Daily Load specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards. TMDLs account for all contributing sources (e.g., point & nonpoint sources, and natural background levels), seasonal variations in the pollutant load, and incorporate a margin of safety that accounts for unknown or unexpected sources of the pollutant. ….
The proposed allocations have already been presented and discussed with many of the entities that discharge phosphorus to the lake, and the allocations are ultimately subject to approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).”
Public comments are due by close of business on April 27th. For more information about how to submit comments, click here.
