The Town of Huron is located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, east of Rochester, in Wayne County, New York. This small, rural community has a population of approximately 2,100 and is characterized by its agricultural economy, with fruit farming and processing being the major industries. It also boasts a beautiful lakefront setting, with multiple bays and tributaries along the Lake Ontario shoreline, including portions of Great Sodus Bay, East Bay, and Port Bay.
These waterways are ecologically sensitive, and in recent years, the town identified a growing concern: excessive runoff of winter road salt was affecting local water quality, particularly in Beaver Creek. Without a proper storage facility, road salt used for winter maintenance was exposed to precipitation and snowmelt, allowing salt-laden runoff to enter nearby waterways. The town recognized the need to construct a covered salt storage facility to protect Beaver Creek and improve its environmental stewardship of the Lake Ontario watershed.
Grant Application Support
SU-EFC worked with the mayor and town clerk to gather the necessary documents for preparation of an application to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP) grant program. The WQIP program funds projects that reduce pollutant loads to water bodies and protect water quality across New York State. SU-EFC assisted with the application process, helping town staff compile the required documentation and present a compelling case for the project’s environmental and public health benefits.
A Successful Award
In January 2026, the Town of Huron was awarded a $377,200 WQIP grant from NYS DEC to construct a salt storage facility that will protect nearby Beaver Creek from road salt contamination. The facility will provide covered, contained storage for the town’s winter road salt supply, preventing runoff from reaching local waterways and reducing the environmental impact of winter road maintenance operations.
Looking Ahead
SU-EFC will continue to support the town as it moves forward to implement the project, including assistance with grant compliance, procurement, and project management during construction. Huron’s project demonstrates how even small, low-cost infrastructure improvements—like proper salt storage—can have a meaningful impact on water quality when paired with the right technical assistance and funding support.
Facing a similar challenge in your community? SU-EFC and our bench of partners provide no-cost technical assistance to help communities across EPA Region 2 plan projects, access funding, and move water infrastructure priorities forward.
Learn more and request assistance today: efc.syr.edu/assistance
