Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association has filed a formal federal complaint seeking faster action on a leaking gate at the Seneca Falls Development that the organization says is contributing to already-low water levels on Seneca Lake.
The association filed a Rule 206 complaint and request for investigation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Aug. 13, asking the agency to require emergency remediation and consider temporary measures before permanent repairs are completed later this fall.
According to Pure Waters, Seneca Lake stood at 445.6 feet BCD on Aug. 13, slightly below the lower summer target of 445.7 feet. The organization said dry conditions and normal seasonal water loss are contributing to the decline, but it contends a structural problem at low-level gate No. 4 is making conditions worse.
Pure Waters said the gate at the Seneca Falls Development is structurally misaligned and leaking at an estimated rate of about 164 cubic feet per second. The organization estimates that loss is contributing roughly 2 additional inches of lake-level decline per month beyond normal seasonal changes.
The complaint asks FERC to investigate the condition and require more immediate action. Pure Waters identified several possible temporary measures, including cofferdams, localized bulkheads or mechanical seals that could reduce the leak until permanent repairs are made.
The problem also affects water management downstream. Pure Waters said water levels in Van Cleef Lake must be maintained, requiring additional releases from the Waterloo Development into the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to offset losses associated with the leaking gate.
That dynamic has raised concerns about continued declines in Seneca Lake if dry weather persists, particularly for boaters and waterfront property owners dealing with shallow water, exposed shoreline or reduced dock access.
“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,” Association Director Benjamin C. Klein said. “And we will continue to do so going forward.”
Pure Waters is also asking residents and property owners around Seneca Lake to document low-water conditions by taking photographs of shallow areas, exposed shoreline, boating access problems or other impacts and submitting them with the location, date and a brief description.
The organization said it will continue monitoring lake levels and the FERC proceeding as the complaint moves forward.
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