News

Pure Waters Files Formal FERC Complaint Over Low Seneca Lake Water Levels

GENEVA, N.Y. – Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association (Pure Waters) has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the federal agency that oversees the dams and power operations that affect Seneca Lake’s water level. Pure Waters is calling for immediate action to address an infrastructure failure that is contributing to the lake’s declining water level.

What we know:

• Lake Level: Seneca Lake stood at 445.6 feet BCD on August 13, below the lower summer target of 445.7 feet.
• Gate Failure: Low-level gate #4 at the Seneca Falls Development is structurally misaligned and leaking approximately 164 cubic feet per second.
• Impact: Pure Waters estimates the leak is contributing approximately two additional inches of lake-level decline per month beyond normal seasonal losses.
• Repairs: Current plans call for repairs later this fall. Pure Waters is asking FERC to require action sooner.

While dry conditions and normal seasonal water loss continue to affect the lake, the infrastructure problem is adding to the concern. Because water levels in Van Cleef Lake must also be maintained, additional water is being discharged from the Waterloo Development into the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to compensate for the leak. With Seneca Lake already below its summer target, continued water loss could create increasing challenges for boaters and waterfront property owners if dry conditions persist.

On August 13, Pure Waters filed a formal Rule 206 Complaint and Request for Investigation asking FERC to take action sooner, including consideration of temporary measures to contain the leak until permanent repairs can be completed. The complaint requests immediate emergency remediation and identifies options including temporary cofferdams, localized bulkheads or mechanical seals.

“Pure Waters takes its role in protecting Seneca Lake very seriously. We are always looking for ways to create lasting change and take meaningful action to protect the drinking water that 100,000 people depend on,” said Benjamin C. Klein, Association Director of Pure Waters. “And we will continue to do so going forward.”

Help Us Document Low Water Impacts

Pure Waters is asking Seneca Lake residents and property owners to help document what they are seeing. If you are experiencing shallow conditions around your dock, difficulty accessing your boat, exposed shoreline or other impacts related to low water, please take photos today or in the days to come and send them to info@senecalake.org. Please include the location, date and a brief description of what you are experiencing.

Pure Waters will continue monitoring lake levels and the FERC proceeding and share updates with the Seneca Lake community as more information becomes available.

Read the full FERC complaint below.

Learn more about Pure Waters

To learn more about becoming a member: https://senecalake.org/join/
To learn more about donating: https://senecalake.org/giving/

Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association is a 501(c)3 organization committed to preserving, protecting, and promoting the abundant resources of the largest Finger Lake. Seneca Lake is a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic opportunity for the greater community and its visitors. Our programs and partnerships make it possible to monitor water quality, educate the public, and evaluate threats to ensure the a healthy future for Seneca Lake and those who depend on it.