On behalf of the members of OWLA (Owasco Watershed Lake Association), and all citizens who cherish Owasco Lake as a resource, WE NEED YOUR HELP.

We are extremely disappointed and upset by the latest position taken by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. They informed us, (via a press release) prior to the recent Owasco Lake Forum at Emerson Park, that they had reduced the phosphorus limit in Groton's SPDES permit to 2 pounds per day. A couple of days later, when the permit was made public, we learned that the limit would remain at 4 pounds per day for the next four years.

Their position is totally irresponsible, irrational and unacceptable. Essentially it is a slap in the face.

Weeds and algae are growing in Owasco Lake at an explosive rate. This unprecedented deterioration is unequivocal. Take a look for yourself! The amounts of phosphorus that continue to be discharged into the lake and that are accumulating, are destroying the entire ecosystem.

Numerous groups and individuals have been pleading for a reduction of this irresponsible discharge, but to no avail. This beautiful lake indeed is in serious trouble, and the DEC continues to adversely affect the situation. They must be held accountable and responsible. This condition is absolutely at a critical phase.

Action must be taken immediately. The reduction of phosphorous is not only possible, Groton has proven it can be done. In September 2006, under orders from DEC, tests to reduce the amount of phosphorous entering the Owasco River were performed at the Groton Treatment Plant.

The discharged phosphorous level was reduced to under 2 pounds per day. This low level was maintained for the rest of 2006 and first half of 2007, but began increasing when no draft permit was forthcoming as promised.

For at least the last year, the discharge level has averaged over 4.2 pounds per day due to lack of an agreement and enforcement!

The SPDES permit, which the NYSDEC now proposes, would allow a discharge of 4 pounds per day for the next two years, and then over 3 pounds per day until 2012! This is unacceptable. This irresponsibility must stop now. Immediate action must be taken.

Please visit the OWLA Web site news blog at www.owlanews.blogspot.com and join our letter campaign to Senators Schumer and Clinton et al. Also, please write to John H. Merriman Jr., NYSDEC Region 7, Cortland SUB-OFFICE, 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland, NY 13045. You must include four points.

• Applicant's name: village of Groton

• Applicants ID number: 7-5028-00005/00001

• Location: Groton, Tompkins County

• Reason for specific objection

Please ask the NYSDEC to:

• Reduce the amount of phosphorus that is discharged from the Groton sewage treatment plant immediately to under 2 pounds per day, or better yet, what the latest technology can achieve.

• Please request them to not phase in this reduction for four years until 2012 as the NYSDEC requests, but impose this reduction immediately. (Four pounds of phosphates per day will grow 2000 pounds of weeds per day, every day for the next four years, adding 2.92 million pounds of new weed growth on top of the current crisis.)

• Form a Citizens Advisory Council to advise and monitor this entire process.

Please write your letter today and e-mail me a copy on our blog at www.owlanews.blogspot.com.

Joe Wasileski

Auburn

Wasileski is president OWLA