A former canal that carried goods between Seneca and Keuka Lakes in the 1830s is a key to the future water quality of both lakes.
Related: Repurposed Crooked Lake Canal will act as a natural water filter between Keuka, Seneca Lakes
The Crooked Lake Canal was abandoned in 1877, but work is underway on reviving it to serve as a buffer to give harmful nutrients a place to go before winding up in Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake Watershed Steward Ian Smith says parts of the canal are still in place along the Keuka Outlet, and can now be repurposed as a natural water filter.
Syracuse firm doing engineering study on future of canal corridor
Natural Systems Engineering of Syracuse was hired to do an engineering study for the project. Smith says the canal can keep the type of nutrients that degrade water quality and cause harmful algal blooms from making it into the lake, and can also serve as a flood control mechanism.
The New York Central Railroad operated tracks along the canal corridor until 1972 when they were destroyed by flooding related to Hurricane Agnes.
Listen to my full Inside the FLX conversation with Ian Smith below.
