Rochester Embayment Removed from Great Lakes’ Most Polluted Areas List by EPA

TL/DR –

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has removed the Rochester Embayment, a bay on southern Lake Ontario’s shore, from a list of areas of concern due to historical contamination. The bay, which received nearly $14 million in funding through the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, has seen significant habitat restoration, with an estimated 275 acres of habitat and 30,000 linear feet of wetland channeling restored. The EPA has declared the bay a “thriving ecosystem”, with the action marking a milestone for the Great Lakes region.

Rochester Embayment off the Great Lakes’ Environmentally Degraded Areas List

The Rochester Embayment, located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, has been taken off the list of the Great Lakes’ most environmentally degraded areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement on Tuesday.

State and local authorities joined EPA representatives at the Rochester Embayment, celebrating its eradication from the “Areas of Concern”, a list created in 1987, outlining areas affected by historical contamination across the United States and Canada.

“The Rochester Embayment is now a flourishing wildlife ecosystem and highly valued by Rochester residents. This delisting represents an environmental milestone for both Rochester and the Great Lakes region. It shows the effectiveness of cross-sector collaboration in repairing the environmental damage done by pollution,” stated Lisa F. Garcia, EPA Region 2 Administrator.

Nearly $14 million was allocated for several habitat restoration projects at the Embayment through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, restoring 275 acres of habitat and 30,000 linear feet of wetland channeling. These actions have greatly enhanced the bay’s connectivity and biodiversity, according to officials.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Today’s delisting of the Rochester Embayment as an Area of Concern marks a significant achievement reflecting years of collaborative efforts toward restoring our waters. The formerly polluted embayment is again a flourishing ecosystem supporting recreation, wildlife, and economic activity.”

For more information, visit the EPA’s website.

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