Earlier this month, it was announced that the New York State Department of Health had cancelled two meetings with the City of Auburn to discuss updating the rules and regulations protecting Owasco Lake and its watershed.
City Councilor Jimmy Giannettino says residents across the Finger Lakes should be paying attention to the state’s actions.
“I think [communities across the Finger Lakes] should be paying attention, not only because they’re experiencing harmful algal blooms in their lakes, but what were doing with the rules and regulations. If they are passed as we’ve sent them to Albany, we feel that they will become the model for the rest of New York State and possibly for the United States,” Giannettino told Finger Lakes News Radio.
Giannettino believes the next step for the City is to keep pushing for a meeting with the state.
Back in February, State Senator Rachel May secured a guarantee from the health department that talks would resume by June 2nd.