By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-920453.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The New York State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Wednesday announced plans to improve water quality in the Scajaquada Creek and Hoyt Lake.
A $150,000 grant from the state's Environmental Protection Fund will pay for the restoration work. Beginning this fall, groundwater wells will be re-dug and three new pumps installed to boost oxygen levels in the waterways.
The improvements are expected to reduce algae and odor, as well as help restore aquatic habitat. Commissioner peter Grannis said the upgrades are badly needed.
"We know from a previous study that the wells had begun to fail and the pumps were in serious disrepair. These modest investments will have a immediate and very, very positive and beneficial impact," said Grannis.
Grannis said the new infrastructure will pump nearly two million gallons of fresh, clean water into the lake each day. That's expected to boost oxygen levels, reducing algae and odor, as well as improving aquatic habitat.
However, the waterways will remain on the DEC's "Lst of Impaired Waters" until long-term sewer overflow problems are corrected. Julie O'Neill is Executive Director for Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. The group has been working for years to improve the waterways, both with labor and advocacy. O'Neill said their optimistic.
"Riverkeeper has been working with the Buffalo Sewer Authority on finding a real, true solution to the region's sewer problems. they've been fantastic. We can't say enough about how cooperative and progressive they've been," said O'Neill. "And then, we're also trying to tap into some federal resources to get at those long-term sdiment islands that you'll see that tend to be really stinky."
Hoyt Lake was separated from the creek years ago because of massive sewage pollution problem. O'Neill and others say the ultimate goal is to clean up the sewage problems and reconnect the waterways. Construction of the new wells and pumps will begin this fall, with completion expected in the spring.