WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced a major step in his push to clean up Lake Ontario’s waters near Rochester’s shore. Currently the New York Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking to create a “no-discharge zone” (NDZ) that would prohibit boats from dumping sewage and other potentially harmful chemicals into the waters offshore, a practice which can add pathogens and other toxins to the water. In response to Schumer’s urging, the Environmental Protection Agency has stated their intention to tentatively approve the request to make Lake Ontario a NDZ, and aims to make that decision permanent after a 30 day public comment period. The EPA is in full agreement with Schumer regarding the urgency and importance of Lake Ontario’s petition, and will act on the review of NYDEC application immediately. Schumer applauds EPA’s response and urges that the decision be finalized in due time, as establishing the zone could greatly improve the water quality for summer beachgoers and swimmers, as well as boaters who anchor near the coast to swim.

“I applaud the EPA’s decision to swiftly review and tentatively approve New York’s request to establish a no-discharge zone in Lake Ontario,” said Schumer. “It is imperative that we take the necessary steps to safeguard their health and protect the Lake’s marine life and habitats, and the EPA agrees with the urgency and importance of this petition. I urge the EPA to move swiftly through the final steps required in putting human health and water quality first and swiftly establish a no-discharge zone.”

In response to Schumer’s June 27th letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, the EPA notes that the EPA is in full agreement with the urgency and importance of the NYDEC’s petition for a “no-discharge zone” to be established in Lake Ontario. The Lake provides valuable natural, recreational and historic resources that contribute significantly to the local, regional and state economy. This action will protect the water quality of Lake Ontario, which includes 13,500 square miles and 326 linear shoreline miles of navigable portions of the lower Genesee, Oswego, and Black Rivers, and numerous tributaries, harbors, and embayments of the Lake.