Cornell University has been monitoring ambient conditions in Cayuga Lake since 1998 to form a baseline range of conditions against which data taken after Lake Source Cooling goes online can be compared. An intensive program to monitor ambient lake waters proximate to the discharge, monitor facility return water, and quantify entrainment of fishes and mysids and the effectiveness of the intake light deterrent is underway. This information will help Cornell ensure that Lake Source Cooling has no significant impact on Cayuga Lake.
Information gathered through the monitoring program is available on this web page. Additionally, in response to community concerns about potential impacts of the project, a Data Sharing Group has been formed. This group is comprised of representatives from interested groups who have been involved in the LSC project approval process. Cornell LSC staff and scientists from the consultant performing the monitoring meet with this group to discuss the data.
- Summary of Lake Source Cooling 1998-2003 Monitoring Data
- Lake Source Cooling SPDES permit Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR) data
- Lake Source Cooling Water Quality and Biomonitoring Plan
- Annual Reports
"The primary objective is to conduct an ambient water quality monitoring program focusing on the southern portion of Cayuga Lake to support long-term records of trophic state indicators, including concentrations of phosphorus and chlorophyll, and Secchi disc transparency, and other measures of water quality."
