The state Department of Environmental Conservation said Friday it will reverse course and require the Groton wastewater treatment plant to reduce the phosphorous dischage it makes into the Owasco Lake Inlet.

The decision follows more than a year of study into the issue, during which many advocates for Owasco Lake urged the agency to reduce phosphorous limits for the plant from four pounds per day to two. The DEC had earlier indicated it would likely stick with the four-pound limit.

State Sen. Michael Nozzolio and local officials vehemently opposed the idea, saying phosphorous levels in the lake were a major environmental problem that needed to be addressed.

The DEC's draft permit report will be released next week, and then be subject to public comment.

The DEC also will establish a Web site dedicated to the Owasco Lake watershed.

For more information and reaction, read Saturday's edition of The Citizen.