What will Wastebed 13 look like?
The proposed "Wastebed 13" in Camillus has caused controversy because it's expected to hold contaminants dredged from Onondaga Lake. But what will the site look like? And how will it handle the contents brought in from the lake? Our Kat De Maria answers those questions.
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CAMILLUS, N.Y. -- Right now Wastebed 13 looks more like a quiet valley. But soon part of it will be outfitted with natural and synthetic liners. Sediment from dredging on Onondaga Lake will come up to the wastebed in double-walled pipes, and go into so-called "geotubes" that will keep solids in and allow water out. The water will be treated at two plants, and then returned to the lake.
The regional director for the DEC says the wastebed's original design called for the water to separate out naturally in a 130-acre open-air lagoon.
"Because of the use of the geotubes and other technology, the new SCA will be at maximum 70 acres. So we've significantly decreased the size of the SCA. And we've provided more protective measures like the geotubes as part of the design and listening to the concerns of the residents," said Ken Lynch.
The flag posts you see here behind me represent how high the materials will go once they come in here to the SCA. The DEC Regional Director says they won't be visible to the community during or after dredging.
"The wastebeds are a remote area, a very large area, really you can't see any off site roads or buildings or residences from the location of the SCA," Lynch said.
The DEC director says dredging will take four to five summers. When it's done, he says wastebeds nine through 15, including 13, will be closed with grass or other cover that could allow for recreational opportunities like trails or fields.
"My perspective, as one of seven board members, is that it would be great for the residents to have these trails and activities up here," said Camillus Town Councilor Bill Davern.
Some people in Camillus still object to the Wastebed 13 plans. Councilor Bill Davern says he hopes the issue will soon be put to bed.
"I'm looking in the very near future to have a formal conclusion to this so the project can fully begin with the support of all of the people in our area," Davern said.