The Finger Lakes are synonymous with upstate New York, but the health of Cayuga Lake is directly tied to a salt mine that sits beneath its shores.

For years, Cargill has faced criticism as it operated its salt mine beneath Cayuga Lake, one of the cornerstones of the Finger Lakes. Now, word of the company’s potential sale has united lawmakers and environmental advocates to protect the lake they call home.

“I learned to swim right here. And my children are learning to swim in Cayuga Lake, it's a very important part of our community," said Stephanie Redmond, program manager with Cayuga Lake Environmental Action Now (CLEAN).

Redmond has spent her life on Cayuga Lake’s shore. Also calling the lake home is the salt mine, currently run by Cargill, and has been since the 1970s. An article in the business publication The Deal outlines information shared with them from an unidentified source, claiming Cargill will be selling its salt mine. Community advocates worry what that would mean for the lake if Cargill sells.

“For us at CLEAN, it's unacceptable. We have a petition, for example, urging the public to join in and demand that there be this environmental impact statement," said George Patte, steering committee of Cayuga Lake Environmental Action Now.

The petition from Cayuga Lake Environmental Action now has more than 3,000 signatures, requesting an independent environmental review of the property, and a $10 billion bond to mitigate any future environmental issues.

“At some point that mine is going to close, maybe sooner rather than later. And when it does, there should be a plan for safe closure of that mine. Right now we don't think there is such a thing," said Patte.

One of the biggest concerns is a mine collapse, which happened in 2020 at Cargill’s Louisiana mine. Two widows are suing Cargill after their husbands were killed in that collapse.

Two New York state lawmakers — State Sen. Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles — have introduced a bill that would require an environmental review and money for potential future damages at the mine. That bill currently sits in committee. According to a statement from Webb, 100,000 people rely on Cayuga Lake for drinking water.

“The value of this water quality only increases in the future and we really need to take these opportunities to safeguard this water quality for future generations," said Redmond.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Cargill’s most recent permit expires this April. Spectrum News 1 has reached out to Cargill to confirm if the mine is for sale.

"Cargill remains committed to our ongoing operations at the Lansing mine and will continue (to) renew and maintain our permits. We continue to work closely with the DEC and the New York Office of General Services, that have regulatory oversight of our mining operation in Lansing," a spokesman said.

The company said it contributes $221 million to New York’s economy annually.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been edited to correct Lea Webb's name and title.