Environmental Protection - May 19, 2026 (OCC)

The Onondaga County Legislature's Environmental Protection Committee met on May 19, 2026, primarily to discuss and approve several bond resolutions for capital improvement projects related to water and wastewater infrastructure. These projects include oxygen system replacement, building and site improvements, pump station rehabilitation, UV system upgrades, and clarifier and chemical storage improvements at various treatment plants. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure to improve reliability, efficiency, and compliance with environmental consent orders. Multiple bond issuances totaling millions of dollars were authorized to fund these projects. Additionally, the meeting addressed challenges with the Council on Environmental Health appointments and highlighted the advisory role of the council. The committee also received a detailed presentation from the Cornell Cooperative Extension on their educational programs and community engagement efforts related to natural resources, agriculture, and youth development. The meeting concluded with a discussion on environmental concerns such as mercury contamination in a local marina and plans for future dialogue with the Department of Environmental Conservation.