Water Quality

Implementation of Otsego Lake, Upper Susquehanna Septic System Management Plan

Inspection and replacement of septic systems around Otsego Lake is OCCA’s highest priority.  To date, 320 systems have either been inspected, with some owners declaring failure, a priori, which constitutes 90% of the 355 total. Of those systems inspected, 168 have failed inspection and 152 have passed.  Completion is set for October, 2009.

Invasive Species Boat Inspections on Otsego Lake, Upper Susquehanna

OCCA is the principle funder of the boat inspection program conducted through the Village of Cooperstown for boats entering Otsego Lake.  The lake is susceptible to invasion by several exotic species, including water chestnut, spiney tail water flea, round gobi, and hydrilla.  Introduction of these species would typically result in competition with and potential elimination of native species, alteration of water chemistry and oxygen levels, and negative impacts on recreational swimming, fishing, and boating.  Through a grant provided by the BOATU.S. Foundation, OCCA is designing signage and informational fliers on invasive species identification, prevention, and control.

Zebra Mussel Control

The zebra mussel, an aquatic invasive species, was discovered in Otsego Lake, the headwaters of the Susquehanna River, in 2008.  OCCA is researching methods to control this harmful mollusk.  It has posted information on zebra mussel control on its website.  This information includes advice to local fire departments on how to avoid the inadvertent introduction of zebra mussels into clean waters and how to keep firefighting equipment free of zebra mussel attachment.  OCCA is also researching the availability and effectiveness of zebra mussel control products for lakeside residents.  This information will be released in the near future.

Water Chestnut Eradication on Goodyear Lake

Since 2006, OCCA has worked with the Goodyear Lake Association and the Town of Milford on a three-year program aimed at the manual eradication of the aquatic invasive species, the water chestnut.  The plant bears a spiky fruit, which can pierce tennis shoes and thin-soled boots. In addition, water chestnuts can clog pipes, canals and waterways and adversely affect the environment by removing oxygen from the water and out competing native vegetation. In 2007, OCCA obtained a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to purchase six canoes and one johnboat to facilitate the eradication process and accommodate volunteers willing to help with eradication efforts.  To date, 21,000 pounds of water chestnut have been harvested and disposed of at a green waste site in the Town of Milford. 

Riparian Buffer Plantings

OCCA has allocated monies to purchase native trees, shrubs, and ground covers for planting along creeks and tributaries of the Upper Susquehanna watershed.  Benefits from this kind of initiative include water quality improvement, bank stabilization, erosion abatement, enhancement of plant and wildlife, and augmented property values.  Riparian, or streamside, buffers are considered to be one of the best environmental initiatives because of their multiple benefits to the environment. 

Support to the SUNY-Oneonta Biological Field Station

With the goal of putting research into action, OCCA funds many initiatives carried out at the SUNY-Oneonta Biological Field Station.  In 2009, OCCA, as it has for a number of years, is funding interns to monitor Otsego Lake water quality – an undertaking made possible by the Bruce Hall Corporation, Cooperstown, NY.  OCCA is also supporting two visiting researchers at the Field Station and funding walleye stocking, part of an 8-year program to control the invasive alewife population and improve water quality in Otsego Lake,

Canadarago Lake Management Plan

OCCA will assist in the creation of a management plan for Canadarago Lake.

Susquehanna River Study

OCCA is providing funding to Hartwick College and SUNY-Oneonta to establish baseline data for water quality monitoring in the region.

Land-use Management

Land-use Planning – OCCA works with municipalities to encourage the adoption of environmentally sound land-use regulations based on comprehensive planning.  It also works with individual residents and citizens' groups concerned about environmentally friendly planning.  OCCA advocates adherence by local planning boards to environmental regulations, particularly to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

Horizontal Drilling for Natural Gas – OCCA is maintaining a map of Otsego County properties for which leases have been signed with gas companies.  It is also giving input to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regarding components to be scrutinized for horizontal gas drilling projects.  OCCA invites all county municipalities to contact us regarding the setting of parameters for land-use regulations that might be applied to horizontal drilling.

Open Space

-- OCCA publishes and distributes free of charge "Otsego Walks and Paddles," a guide for area trails and canoe routes.

-- OCCA organizes seasonal nature walks on area trails.

-- OCCA is the steward of Basswood Pond trail in Basswood State Forest, located in the towns of Burlington and Exeter.

-- OCCA supports the extension of the Oneonta-Susquehanna Greenway to the east and west, and has obtained a grant for technical assistance from Parks and Trails New York in view of realizing this initiative.

Environmental Outreach 

By creating informational fliers relevant to local environmental issues, OCCA serves the public by providing them with behavioral means protect and appreciate our local environment.  OCCA publications include:

"Recycling:  Above and Beyond":  This recycling guide expands upon the county’s container and paper recycling program, offering opportunities for re-use and recycling of some 25 items – from art supplies to white goods. 

"Riparian Buffers & You":  This flier defines what riparian buffers are, lists their benefits, and encourages interested parties to contact OCCA for information and assistance in implementing these kinds of plantings.

"Starry Nights in Otsego County:  Addressing Light Pollution":  This brochure explains what constitutes light pollution and offers better choices to prevent sky glow, light trespass, and glare.  Its purpose it to offer means of preserving “the world’s largest national park . . . available to anyone who steps outside and looks up.”

OCCA also participates in various environmental events to educate the public about important environmental issues within Otsego County and actions to be take to address those issues.

OCCA takes advantage of these opportunities to inform the public about its role in the environmental protection and betterment of the county.  In particular, OCCA is a regular supporter and participant in:

Earth Festival – A broad spectrum of environmentally focused education opportunities for general public audiences, held annually on or near the traditional Earth Day (April 22), at Milford Central School.

Otsego Lake Festival – This event offers a full slate of exhibitors and vendors to provide high quality education focusing on the water quality in our region.  The festival offers all the features of an enjoyable occasion – music, art, children’s activities, good food and camaraderie – while providing valuable education about lake protection and regional water quality programs from those who work to protect these resources.  The Otsego Lake Festival is organized under the umbrella of the Otsego County Water Quality Coordinating Committee.