Syracuse, N.Y. – The Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP) has discovered a small breach in the 42-inch sanitary force main from the Ley Creek Pump Station on 7th North Street in Syracuse. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has approved a short-term bypass of partially treated sewage into Bear Trap Creek and Ley Creek to facilitate WEP’s emergency repair efforts. Since this sewage may contain harmful viruses and bacteria, the Onondaga County Health Department advises the public to avoid these waterbodies and the southern portion of Onondaga Lake during the bypass. Activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and any other water contact should be avoided.
WEP has hired an emergency contractor and has devised an emergency repair plan set to commence on Monday, July 22, with an expected completion time of one week, weather permitting. The breach is located in the embankment along the CSX railway near the Onondaga Lake Creek Walk and lake lounge. As a precaution, Onondaga County Park personnel have closed these areas to public access. WEP personnel are onsite and will continue to monitor the pipeline discharge until the repair is completed. Additionally, water quality samples from Onondaga Lake are being collected to assess any potential impacts. As required under the New York State Pollution Right to Know Act, WEP has issued a NY Alert. Public alerts will continue to be issued until the full repair has been completed.
