Where did the mercury in the lake sediments come from and how will it be taken care of?
Allied-Signal Inc. (now Honeywell International) discharged an estimated 165,000 pounds of mercury into Onondaga Lake from 1946 -1970. After 1970, the mercury loading was greatly reduced with the onset of new more stringent regulations. Scientists estimate that 7 million cubic yards of the lake sediments remain contaminated. As a result, the lake bottom sediments are listed as a hazardous waste site on the National Superfund List. Allied-Signal, Inc. (Honeywell) completed a series of mercury studies under the direction of the State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Attorney General’s office to identify the major on-going sources of mercury in the lake watershed and recommend ways to eliminate contamination in the lake and in the fish. In July 2005, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected a remedy for the lake bottom that will be protective of human health and the environment, including fish.
Allied-Signal Inc. discharged an estimated 165,000 pounds of mercury into Onondaga Lake from 1946 to 1970. Scientists estimate that 7 million cubic yards of the lake sediments were contaminated. As a result, the lake bottom sediments are listed as a hazardous waste site on the National Superfund List. Allied-Signal, Inc. completed a series of mercury studies to identify the major on-going sources of mercury in the lake watershed and recommend ways to eliminate contamination in the lake and in the fish. In July 2005, NYSDEC and USEPA selected a remedy for the lake bottom that will protect human health and the environment, including fish. See Question 7 for more information about the Record of Decision.
