Quietly, a major step has been taken to decrease the amount of phosphorus making its way into Chautauqua Lake.

Last October, improvements were completed at the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District’s wastewater treatment plant. The improvements were called for in the 2012 Total Maximum Daily Load document created by the state Department of Environmental Conservation for Chautauqua Lake that called for a reduction in phosphorus from things like wastewater treatment plants, farms, septic systems and internal loading.

Improvements to the Mayville treatment plant included a phosphorus removal system as well as a new ultraviolet sanitation system, a new mechanical bar screen and a new pump station. The plant has achieved its 85 percent target reduction in phosphorus, according to testing submitted to the proper authorities.

There is a long way to go before Chautauqua Lake meets the DEC’s total recommended decrease in phosphorus, including the expensive proposition of dealing with the phosphorus that is already in the lake. The fact that much has yet to be done doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate our accomplishments, however, and what the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District has accomplished is truly monumental.