I write respectfully to request that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reject its proposed elimination of the pathogens impairment for Southern Cayuga Lake in its draft 2014 303(d) listing.
As we discussed, I also request that you waive the deadline for submitting comments and review my submission as part of your efforts to finalize your 2014 303(d) listing.
Pathogens Water Quality Impairment Must be Maintained Without Revision
Local citizens have waged a grueling 14-year campaign to save Southern Cayuga Lake from irreparable pollution harm. The culmination of that effort might be at hand. I write to implore you to do all you can to help us safeguard the future of our incredibly precious and beleaguered lake.
Cayuga Lake is inundated each summer with massive algae and aquatic weed infestations that clog virtually the entire area in front of Stewart Park from the east shore to the west shore. This pollution, combined with high levels of turbidity (suspended silt) and bacteria, has prevented public bathing at the park since the early 1960s.
Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor, State of New York
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo:
We, the undersigned, write to request that you take immediate action to eliminate massive water quality impairments in Southern Cayuga Lake caused by excessive phosphorus and turbidity that New York State has failed to remedy for more than 50 years.
Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor, State of New York
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo:
I write to request that you take immediate action to eliminate massive water quality impairments in Southern Cayuga Lake caused by excessive phosphorus and turbidity that New York State has failed to remedy for more than 50 years.
Honorable Lisa P. Jackson
Administrator
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
Dear Administrator Jackson:
I trust that you have been well since we last communicated. Thank you for your continuing public service.
I write today regarding the urgent matter of water quality impairments in Southern Cayuga Lake. This long-standing regulatory problem has received extensive national attention and involves critically important environmental protection policy decisions.
