What's New Feds set aside money for Great Lakes cleanup Rochester City Newspaper (11/18) There is no shortage of environmental problems with the Rochester Embayment, a recessed section of Lake Ontario that stretches from Parma to Webster. The Embayment is listed as a federal area of concern because of the negative effects of the water quality on fish and wildlife populations, the added cost of treating water for municipal use, and other issues.
COMMENTARY: Niagara County can't tolerate more toxic wastes The Buffalo News (11/12) The Niagara County Legislature passed a resolution on Oct. 6 stating that ". . . the economic development policy of Niagara County considers the siting of additional hazardous waste landfill capacity as contrary and damaging to its goals and objectives."
NY DEC releases strategy for the former Diamond International site Watertown Daily Times (11/10) More than 24 years and $2.5 million after the cleanup began, the New York Dept. of Env. Conservation released its proposed remedial action plan which does not call for any further cleanup, but recommends that the land not be redeveloped for single-family homes
Hydro's wind plans face stiff opposition The Toronto Star (10/24) Toronto Hydro Corp. has been given the green light to build an offshore wind research platform about 1.2 kilometres off the Scarborough Bluffs, part of a controversial plan to erect dozens of wind turbines in Lake Ontario.
Hydro to test wind power in lake off Bluffs The Toronto Star (10/23) Toronto Hydro Corp. has been given the green light to build an offshore wind research platform about 1.2 kilometres off the Scarborough Bluffs, part of a controversial plan to erect dozens of wind turbines in Lake Ontario.
Stimulus funds used to track pollution in Lake Ontario WXXI (10/22) Over $250,000 will go toward a study into the origins of phosphorus in the tributaries that feed Lake Ontario. The chemical element can cause algae blooms which close the beaches about half of the time each year.
Overview
Lake Ontario is similar to Lake Erie in length and breadth (193 miles by 53 miles). Yet with its greater average depth (approximately 283 feet), Lake Ontario holds almost four times the volume (395 cubic miles) and has a retention time of about 6 years. The drainage basin covers parts of Ontario and New York, and a small portion of Pennsylvania. Major urban industrial centers, such as Hamilton and Toronto, are located on its shore. The U.S. shore is less urbanized and is not intensively farmed.
References: Great Lakes Atlas, Environment Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1995
General Resources Bathymetry Map Ohio State University and NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) The Great Lakes Forecasting System provides physical data about the lake, including this bathymetry map.
Fish of Lake Ontario University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute Color illustrations or photographs, size, coloring and other information about many Lake Ontario fish species.
Great Lakes Surface Environmental Analysis NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) A map using NOAA satellite data to show recent water temperatures of the Great Lakes.
Historical Data - Lake Ontario U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District The Army Corps provides current and historic data on the Great Lakes, including yearly water levels from 1918, monthly storm probability, outflows and precipitation.
Lake Ontario Nowcast Map Products Ohio State University and NOAA, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) The Great Lakes Forecasting System provides maps depicting near real time conditions for several variables.
Silver Waters of Lake Ontario Their goal is to raise awareness of, and appreciation for, Lake Ontario through writing, sailing instruction, nature study, and other means.
Surface Water Temperature University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute Color illustrations or photographs, size, coloring and other information about many Lake Ontario fish species.
Programs Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority The Authority's mandate is to establish and undertake programs to promote the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in partnership with local Municipalities and the Province.
Great Lakes Research Consortium The Great Lakes Research Consortium consists of 16 colleges and universities in New York State and nine affiliated schools in Ontario. GLRC programs help to promote collaborative research on the Great Lakes.
Lakewide Management Plan for Lake Ontario U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) The Lake Ontario LaMP will serve as a plan of action to restore and protect Lake Ontario. It will provide a way to better coordinate the work of the agencies involved and others working to improve the Lake Ontario ecosystem.
New York Sea Grant Focuses the talents of university scientists and extension specialists on research in the areas of fisheries, coastal environmental quality and processes, invasive species, non-point source pollution and seafood safety.
Research Fisheries Research in Lake Ontario U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Great Lakes Science Center Including distribution, abundance and biology of fish populations.
Lake Ontario Biocomplexity Project This National Science Foundation-sponsored initiative focuses on the physical, biological, and human interactions shaping the ecosystems of freshwater bays and lagoons.
Tourism The Great Lakes Circle Tour Ride along on the 6,500-mile Great Lakes Circle Tour: a scenic, international road system connecting the five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River! For new visitors to the region, this online travel guide offers informational maps, road routes and estimated mileages, and links to major cities, camping and recreation areas, and natural attractions.
Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail Waterfront Regeneration Trust Stretching 218 miles (350 km) along the shore of Lake Ontario, the Waterfront Trail integrates ecological health, economic vitality and a sense of community.