SLA Executive Director's Weekly News

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October 1, 2021 (SLA Board Vice President and Lake Ecology Team Co-Chair Dr. Buzz Roberts displaying the aquatic invasive species Starry Stonewort found south of Sevey's Boatyard on Skaneateles Lake)

Dear Friends of Skaneateles Lake-

In this issue, please find information on the following:

Invasive Species News
Lake Level, Temperature, and Dam Discharge
Update on SLA's position re: City of Syracuse's EarthTec algicide use application being considered by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Septic replacement/upgrade assistance grants from Onondaga, Cayuga, and Cortland Counties
Supporting SLA with a Smile

Invasive Species News

While out this week surveying for Eurasian Watermilfoil, an invasive plant that SLA is working on managing, SLA Board Vice President Buzz Roberts observed another invasive Starry Stonewort just south of Sevey's Boatyard in the town of Niles, Cayuga County. The invasive plant appears to be migrating more northward, but is still found mixed in with other plant species that would make management at this time more challenging. SLA in conjunction with other partners will continue to support monitoring the growth and spread of this invasive plant. More information on Starry Stonewort can be found at: starrystonewort.org/

Another invasive that was just observed in Broome County, a bit closer to Skaneateles Lake than previously thought, is the Spotted Lanternfly that is noted to destroy crops and native plants. An "Emergency Response to Spotted Lanternfly Webinar" will be hosted October 6, 2021 from 10 am - Noon. Registration for the online event and more details can be found HERE.

Lake Data

According to the City of Syracuse Water Department, lake level as of 9-27-21 was 862.7' (down from 863.17' on 9-7-21) with dam discharge at 52.09 million gallons per day (MGD) and the surface temperature by the city intake pipes is 71 degrees F.

Additionally, NO Harmful Algal Blooms were reported this week.

EarthTec Algicide Update

After attending the September 16th public information meeting on the proposed use of the algicide EarthTec, SLA leadership met earlier this week to discuss updates on its position to the August 5th letter submitted to the DEC.

Updates include SLA asking for the DEC to consider their own "Technical Guidance for Screening Contaminated Sediments" regarding copper levels. SLA has also requested that there be a public hearing and that the determination of the permit be postponed beyond the proposed deadline of February 2022 to allow for more assessment by experts not mainly affiliated with the product company.

To read the Skaneateles Lake Association's updated September 30, 2021 letter regarding the EarthTec use application, please click HERE.

Septic Enhancement Grants

Funding is available for septic system replacement or upgrades for eligible residents in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed. Please click on the respective County below regarding program details. Failing septic systems can add nutrients to our lake and add to the problem of Harmful Algal Blooms. Thank you for considering making upgrades to better protect Skaneateles Lake.

Cayuga County

Cortland County

Onondaga County

Ways to Support SLA's Mission of Lake Protection

Ordering for Halloween or additional back to school supplies – please designate the Skaneateles Lake Association as your Amazon Simile recipient. Every little bit helps. If you are not registered with Amazon Smile you can do so at SkaneatelesLake.org under the Membership/Support tab.