Onondaga's Clean Up Effort

While many enjoy a snowfall or two, no one would think that a snowfall could cause pollution.

Onondaga Lake, which is northwest of Syracuse, NY, is one of the most polluted lakes in the United States. 

As a result, Onondaga County is under court order to clean up the polluted lake. 

Although a variety of activities contribute to the pollution of the lake, the biggest problem is processing sewage. 

Normally, wastewater and surface runoff flows through the combined sewer system to the Metro plant where it is filtered. 

But during periods of heavy rain or melting snow, the sewers overflow and as a result the sewage pollutes Onondaga Lake. 

Several projects, such as upgrading treatment and fixing the collection system, have been started to prevent the overflow of sewage in Onondaga Lake. 

Although the projects are one way to help decrease pollution, residents can also lend a hand.

Onondaga county executive Joanne M. Mahoney has asked individuals to install downspouts to help reduce surface turnoff. 

Installing the downspouts could reduce pollution by 17%. 

"If Onondaga can do this, it can inspire other counties, maybe even the nation, instead of building sewer plants", Mahoney said.