The Onondaga Lake Partnership provides a framework for local, state and federal governments to cooperate in restoring Onondaga Lake, with the participation of special interest groups, businesses and educational institutions from the community.

Mission of the Partnership

The restoration of Onondaga Lake and its watershed includes a complex array of needs, challenges and opportunities. The Onondaga Lake Partnership was established to promote cooperation among Federal, State, and local governments, and other involved parties in the management of the environmental issues of Onondaga Lake and its watershed.

The Partnership facilitates and coordinates the development and implementation of improvement projects to restore and conserve water quality, natural resources, and recreational uses to the benefit of the Public. The Partnership's efforts and actions are to be consistent with the Onondaga Lake Management Plan and the Amended Consent Judgment (ACJ).

What the Partnership Does

The Onondaga Lake Partnership provides a framework for local, state and federal governments to cooperate in restoring Onondaga Lake. The committees of the Partnership include representatives of the community including special interest groups, businesses and educational institutions (for more information on Partnership committees, see How the Onondaga Lake Partnership Works). The Partnership oversees the activities of all the agencies and groups involved in improving the lake including the wastewater treatment projects led by the County and the hazardous waste site remedial efforts managed by the State. The Partnership is also involved with coordinating and obtaining available state, federal, local and private monies to assist in lake related programs.

Through funding and technical support, the Onondaga Lake Partnership implements projects that support the Amended Consent Judgment, also known as the ACJ. The Partnership also identifies projects and programs in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Onondaga Lake Management Plan, which is beyond the scope of the ACJ. The ACJ was implemented to enhance the water quality of Onondaga Lake by improving municipal wastewater collection and treatment, and to achieve full compliance with state and federal water quality regulations by December 2012.