Environmental Questions for...

RochesterEnvironment.com

Got a question about Rochester, New York's environment?

Answers to Common Questions -- (Maybe your question has been asked before.)

I may not have the answer, but I can help you find the answer to your question about Rochester, New York's environment. Over the years, visitors to my environmental sites have asked me questions about environmental matters, and though I'm no scientist, I have been closely monitoring the news and information as it exists on the Internet. I've come across a wealth of information and contacts on the internet that might help you find what environmental information you are looking for.

ASK The Experts! Below are some online resources where you can ask the environmental experts:

Government Hotline to Environmental Questions ENVIRO-HEALTH, a publicly accessible clearinghouse on environmental health effects, is a free information source and referral service sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), one of the National Institutes of Health. NIEHS created the clearinghouse to provide environmental health information to the general public. ENVIRO-HEALTH also responds to requests from public health officials, environmental justice groups, grassroots environmental organizations, environmental science writers, educators, and students.
Ask a question about treated wood from a representative of Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides (RAMP) Judith Braiman [judybraiman@frontiernet.net]
Ask A Question Use the form below to submit a question to the New York State Public Service Commission.
From the National Audubon Society contact them here: askaudubon@audubon.org.
Ask an Expert Is it possible? A Spotted Owl in Vermont? And what can be done to keep those cats out of the bird-feeder? Our expert naturalists are waiting to answer your questions. ENature.com
The Penfield Public Library has a section on their site where you can Ask A Librarian.
Home / Garden -- from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County - Welcome to these Horticulture pages! We are ready to assist your 'green' activities. The horticulture program serves as a resource to residents of Monroe County. We provide information based on conditions and needs of this region, using research and experienced-based information from Cornell University, and our locally-based professional staff. We provide services to help you with issues related to lawns, trees, and vegetable, fruit or ornamental gardens. Your questions and problems are addressed through a number of methods. The Garden Helpline is staffed by trained Master Gardener volunteers who answer your gardening and pest problem questions. We have also added the capability to submit questions on-line 24 hours a day.
Got an environmental question? Send it to EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit your question at www.emagazine.com, or e-mail earthtalk@emagazine.com.
From the Sierra Club - "Got a question on any environmental topic? Send it to Mr. Green via our web site at Hey Mr. Green - Sierra Club
Grist Magazine | Ask Umbra --from Environmental News and Humor | Grist Magazine | Grist is an online environmental magazine. Our credo: Pull no punches, take no prisoners, eschew the wealth and fame that so often seduce online environmental journalists. And try to have a better sense of humor than a pack of fur protesters.
Submit Questions Online If you cannot use the services of our telephone Helpline, you can ask your question or describe your problem with this form. Once received by our Horticulture team and Master Gardeners, your information will be reviewed, and someone will respond with recommendations or follow-up questions. Please give us as many details about your situation, to help us understand and make the correct diagnosis. Our recommendations are based on Monroe County conditions. We discourage questions from distinctly different regions. -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County
Want to know what you can and cannot put in the Monroe County Curbside Recycling Program? Residential Recycling http://www.monroecounty.gov/des-residentialrecycling.php and check out the document: Material the curbside Recycling Program Does Not Include: http://www.monroecounty.gov/File/Non-Blue%20Box%20Program%20Materials.pdf
Got questions about how our energy solutions might help us live more sustainably? Check out this Rochester-area expert: SAGES - Sustainability and Global Energy Systems -"The Sustainability and Global Energy Systems (SAGES) Project is interested in understanding and characterizing the energy needs of the global population."
Got a question about your energy costs? AskPSC - The Public Service Commission is responsible for the intake and resolution of consumer complaints involving New York's utilities (energy, telephone, cable and water) and competitive energy service companies operating in New York State.

Answers to common questions

Recycling Question" "Is it okay to throw burned out fluorescent bulbs out with the trash? I understand there's some mercury in them: if there's a cheap alternative that ensures the mercury won't enter the food system, I'd rather do that. Answer: You ask a very good question. There is a tiny (I mean really small amount) bit of mercury in each of these new fluorescent bulbs, but they should not go into the trash or the Monroe County recycling system. Yet, you should still replace your present incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent blubs because they are so much more energy efficient that some countries, including Australia, are now going to ban incandescent bulbs. Here's what the Monroe County website says: "If discarded from a household, call 753-7600 (option 3) to set up an appointment for drop-off at the Monroe County HHW Facility. Please purchase fluorescent tubes with green ends—they have reduced mercury in them." If you need more information about what should and should not go into the Monroe County recycling system, go to the Monroe County Recycling page: Residential Recycling http://www.monroecounty.gov/des-residentialrecycling.php and check out the document: Material the curbside Recycling Program Does Not Include: http://www.monroecounty.gov/File/Non-Blue%20Box%20Program%20Materials.pdf I would suggest that you wait until you get several (these bulbs last a long time, seven years, I've heard) and put them someplace until you have enough to make it worthwhile to call. However, by the time your florescent blubs burn out, Monroe County, a new company, or a local group of some kind will have developed a program for household residents to easily dispose of these bulbs properly. Many environmental groups, government, and industry are aware of the mercury problem and I'm sure it will be address. Please remember that the amount in any one bulb is vanishingly small and the bulbs last a long time, so the solution is coming.
I would love to be able to speak with you for I am an environmentalist and I am very concerned about allowing my daughter to attend [a college in our area] I am trying to find out as much as I can regarding the safety of the location of [the college] in regard to pollution from Kodak and other surrounding plants.....can you please advise? My child has been accepted and I am greatly concerned regarding environmentally safety...thank you" Answer: You should be proud that your daughter has been accepted at the [college]. I’m sorry if my web site makes you concerned about the environmental health effects of your daughter living in the Rochester, New York area. It should not. There reason why you see so many environmental concerns pertaining to the Rochester area is because my web site is one of the few in the world that has actually monitored and kept track of the environment of one city for seven years. I am sure that if all cities in the US were under such environmental scrutiny that they would fare far worse that we do. I created my site to suggest that all of our communities are reaping the problems of an attitude towards the environment that is not sustainable and many have problems that the press and our environmental official offices do not address rigorously enough. Having said that, I think Rochester is a great place to live and go to college. Let’s face it our world is polluted and the climate is warming up, Rochester just one city that reflects being a part of all that. I have lived here since 1976 and I am very healthy. We have many environmental issues of course –Superfund, Zebra Mussels, Deer Problem, Lyme Disease, Rabies, Urban Sprawl, Invasive Species, Recycling, Great Lakes, Commuting, Parks, Genesee River, Fast Ferry, Pesticides, Wet Lands, Lead Poisoning, Brownfields, Dioxin, Water Quality, Finger Lakes, West Nile Virus, Geese Problem, Energy, Air Pollution, Acid Rain, Food, Animals, Plants, Environmental Health – but so does every other community and Rochester, I believe, is better than most at trying to address them. Kodak has and is a problem with pollution, but several environmental groups are trying to change that. We have over 80 environmental groups in the area. No matter where you daughter lives or goes to college on this planet, there are going to be environmental problems. Just because a community does not display or address them, doesn’t mean they are environmentally healthy. Rochester, because of my sites, is one of the few cities that takes a very close look at its environment and is trying make it the healthiest place to live. Every city should have an environmental site like RochesterEnvironment.com.
"I am inquiring about any possible job opportunities with the Rochester region. I am particularly interested in environmental type issues." Answer: I don’t know of any specific openings for environmental jobs in the Rochester area. Monroe County is continually offering jobs, some environmental, at http://www.monroecounty.gov/org188.asp?orgID=188&storytypeid=&storyID=& My web site has a page that might help: http://66.227.37.127/RochesterEnvironment/eco-empl.htm Also, our community has a large concentration of institutions of higher learning. Many have environmental programs, studies, and, of course, they are an excellent source for online information.. Finger Lakes Community College Here you can find specific information on FLCC: Environmental Science Professions - Nazareth College US News and World Report's College Survey for the year 2000 ranks Nazareth among the top 25 colleges and universities in the North Region (covering 11 states and the District of Columbia). If you'd like to know more about Nazareth, browse through the "fast facts" on this page. Nazareth College Environment-Related Programs -- SUNY Geneseo -- SUNY Geneseo Environment-Related Programs - SUNY College at Brockport - Environmental Science Major Environmental problems are among the most urgent issues facing our civilization. In order to manage Earth's environment effectively, we must understand the processes that shape the Earth's surface, control the chemistry of our air and water, and produce the resources on which we depend. - Roberts Wesleyan College - SUNY Empire State College - Rochester Institute Of Technology - The University of Rochester - Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Rochester. Educational and research programs in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are integrated, allowing undergraduate and graduate students to conduct research in all phases of their studies. - Genesee Community College - Monroe County Community College - Cornell University Center for the Environment Learn all about getting an environmental degree. This site provides extensive information. You can even find about about the Cornell's Environmental Film Festival here. - SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: The mission of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry is to be a world leader in instruction, research, and public service related to the understanding of the structure and functional dynamics of world ecosystems; the development, management, and use of renewable natural resources; and the maintenance and enhancement of biological diversity, natural resource options, and environmental quality. - St. John Fisher College - Monroe BOCES 2 - Hobart & William Smith Colleges - MMonroe 2 Orleans BOCES Elementary Science Program
A very important election year is coming up and I need to the environmental records of all the candidates, where do I go?" Answer: Election time coming! Time to vote for the Environment: Where are you going to register to vote? Who are you going to trust to bring up up to snuff on all the candidates environmental track record in the coming election? The League of Conservation Voters The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the political voice of the national environmental movement and the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House. The League of Conservation Voters, Inc.- 1920 L Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC, 20036 - Phone: 202-785-8683, Fax: 202-835-0491
How much sport fish and game should you eat in New York State?" Answer: Find out from the NYS Department of Health : Health Department Issues Latest Health Advisories for Fish/
"I am a resident of Rochester, NY. My question has to do with illegal garbage dumping. I've complained ..., but nothing's changed. What should I do?" Answer: You may be in for a reward. Check the city’s DEC office web page http://www.rochesternydes.com/appendix/g.htm They have the rules and regulations on illegal dumping. You’ll find the phone numbers for the DEC here: http://www.rochesternydes.com/serviceguide/contact/descontact.htm
"I can't seem to do a search/feedback or find any information on the price for 2 people plus one vehicle to go on the Ferry from Toronto to Rochester, can you help me? Answer: CATS Fast Ferry For all information pertaining to scheduling and the running of the Rochester Fast Ferry, go to CATS Fast Ferry Canadian American Transportation Systems, LLC is establishing a Fast Ferry service between Rochester, NY and Toronto, Ontario. The service will be "high speed", operating at over 50+ MPH, accommodating approximately 750 walk-on passengers, up to 220 cars and up to 10 trucks and buses. More than just a method of transportation, the Spirit of Ontario is truly a unique travel experience, offering amenities and ambience worthy of a mini cruise ship. Importantly, the two and a quarter hour "port to port" trip will act as a "virtual" bridge, connecting the national highway systems of Canada and the United States, and acting a catalyst for economic development, tourism activity and job growth on both sides of the border.
"I've heard that you can set aside your land so that it can be preserved for the environment. Where can I find more information? Answer: Want a quick easy way to to protect the natural integrity of the Finger Lakes Region?" - Land Trust giving goes online! Here's an easy new way You can now use your credit card to donate, join, give a gift membership online!
"What is the best way to prepare by blue box recycling material for pickup?" Answer: According to the Monroe County Recycling Center, the best way to prepare you recycling materials is to use two boxes (soon Monroe County should have a separate box for just paper goods) one for paper the other for plastics, glass, aluminum, and cans. Try and keep the paper stuff
"I have a Recycling question. If I live in the City of Rochester, how do I get rid of old tires?" Answer: According to the Monroe County Recycling Center, all you have to do is walk them out to the curb.
"Loss Links - I was very happy to find your site. I saw some staggering statistics online about a year ago re: Rochester's national rating/chemical pollutants. Lost the link in a computer crash, and am yet to relocate it. Many of the headlines you site lead me to want to know more, however I have had little to no luck with the links. Whenever trying to access D&C, I cannot locate the article using any of the text cited. Perhaps I'm searching wrong, or perhaps they are too old-I'm not sure what their database includes. I would hate to see you lose interested parties when they've come so far as to find your site. Perhaps this is something which cannot be remedied due to copyright laws. I suppose as new stuff comes in, I can see the links on the current articles." Answer: As an individual trying to give a complete picture of one city's environment from information provided on the Internet, I can only reflect what is there. Many of the links to articles to go out of circulation soon after they are produced, or in many cases (as with the New York Times) there is a charge once the article is a few days old. (This is true now of the Messenger newspapers, where you can only get the headlines without paying.) Added to that are online organizations used as reference often disappear and reappear with different web address that one only finds out about by constantly checking. I try to site the source and the date of the article so if someone needs to read an old article he or she can contact the source with the title and the date. And, then there are the copyright laws, which leaves me limited in how much of a specific article I can link to. So, you are right, the best way I can combat the constant flux and flow of what information there is on the Internet is to constantly try to keep up on specific issues. In spite of all that, there is an incredible amount of information about Rochester's environment that is not available by the major media at all. There is a lot going on in our environment, which is mostly hidden from the public because the media cannot or will not publish these critical stories. The best I can do without major funding is post what I can and hope my visitor will use what I can post as starting points to delve further into an issue. Thanks for your remarks and remember I am not trying to make money but offer a glimpse of what a complete picture of one city's environment would be. There is no other service like mine in the world for anyone city--complete online coverage on a daily basis--funded or not. I believe that one of the reasons our environment (man's environment on this planet) is in so much trouble is because it is so easy for us to blind ourselves about the effect of man's overpopulation and development. I am not trying to rack up a lot of hits. I am trying to give anyone interested in their environment a chance to see the amount of information that is out there--and a chance to get at it in order to make informed choices about the environment they live in.
"What do you do with those rechargeable batteries?" Answer:: Type in your zip code and find out where you can recycling them at Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) can help you recycle your portable rechargeable batteries. These batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys. RBRC recycles the following battery chemistries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead* (Pb).
" Are there any programs where kids can get involved with recycling and also make money for their schools?" Answer:: Yes. Ink Jet & Cartridge Recycling Fundraiser The Monroe County Department of Environmental Services & Imagine it… are excited to announce an ongoing fundraising program promoting recycling at home, in schools or at your place of business. It is a simple program that protects the environment and promotes recycling while helping your favorite school or charity programs.
"What should I do with my old computer so that it doesn't go into the ground and pollute?" Answer:: Recycle your computer for a worthy cause: Computers for Humanity Flower City Habitat for Humanity and the Micrecycle Computer Recycling for Education Program have partnered to help close the Digital Divide by putting a computer into every Habitat for Humanity home in Rochester, NY. " A Mouse in Every House" Each Habitat homeowner will receive a quality computer refurbished by the Micrecycle computer-recycling program, Internet access provided by Netsville, helpdesk and hardware support provided by the CommuniTech and The Academy for Career Development HelpTech programs. Additionally, free training will be available to the one hundred and twenty one Habitat for Humanity homeowners through the network of 27 Cyberlink Community Technology Centers located in the Rochester area. To make this project a success, we are depended upon individuals, groups and companies like yours to donate the computers, internal computer hardware, monitors and peripherals, or cash to purchase the items listed below that will be used to create the systems that will be delivered to the Habitat --Or Don't throw that old computer and paraphernalia in the garbage: The Home Computer Program recycles donated computers. These recycled computers go to urban students. So far, over 1,000 students, many from Josh Lofton High School (Rochester, NY) have received computers. Or, Click here to find out where you can recycle your PC: http://www.crc.org/
To find out more on the Adirondacks, check out: http://www.adkresearch.org/ or http://www.apa.state.ny.us/
"I have a lot a farm land and I would like take agricultural lands out of production and restore them as wetlands. Who do I do?" Answer:: You set up a Wetlands Reserve Program | New York NRCS: The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to help farmers and other landowners take agricultural lands out of production and restore them as wetlands. Technical and financial assistance is provided by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). In exchange for the landowner's agreement to restore and protect the wetland, NRCS could purchase an easement on the property and pay the cost of restoring the wetland conditions, or could pay restoration costs only. The program is voluntary. Landowners could receive up to 100% of the value of the property, and up to 100% of the restoration costs. The program is administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service with assistance from the State Technical Committee and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Information about restoring wetlands is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the local Soil ~ Water Conservation District offices.
"What species of snakes are common to the Rochester-area?" Answer:: Snakes of New York --from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
"What species are endangered in New York State?" Answer:: Endangered Species Home Page -- from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
"What kinds of recyclable materials can I put in the Monroe County recycling blue box?" Answer:: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle "Monroe County has expanded its list of items that can be put in blue boxes for curbside recycling. --some of the items on the expanded list are listed on at the end of the blue pages of the new telephone book." --from Democrat & Chronicle: Monroe expanding its recycling program
"I am looking for environmental volunteer opportunities for myself and my 8 year-old daughter. Something like cleaning up a stream or a tree planting. " Answer: Your best bet is to contact Margit Brazda Poirier at margit_brazda@rmsc.org. MS. Poirier is the contact person for the Water Education Collaborative http://www.rmsc.org/communitylearning/partners/wec/ Don't forget this event, which you daughter can certainly be a part of: Annual International Coastal Clean Up-- From Water Education Collaborative "Volunteers are needed to help clean up streams and shorelines along the Genesee River and Lake Ontario - By Margit Brazda Poirier, Water Education Collaborative - What is there to do on a sunny, crisp, Saturday morning in September? You can participate in the Annual International Coastal Clean Up event held this year on September 20, 2003 from 9 am - noon! Every year (for 16 years now) volunteers clean up riverbanks, beaches, and shorelines all over the world. Last year, over 460 volunteers picked up litter along area streams and the shorelines of the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. Together the volunteers collected and disposed of over 2 tons of trash (4000 lbs.!) from area streams and four locations along the Genesee River and Lake Ontario: Durand Eastman Beach, Genesee Valley Park, Seth Green fishing site, and Turning Point Park. Volunteers worked in teams to pick up litter and also record the types and amount of trash found. This data is entered into a national database that you can access at: www.alsnyc.org. Clean up begins at 9 a.m. at all locations (except Durand Beach where it begins at 10 a.m.) and is followed by a free “trash bash” at the Sunset Shelter at Durand Eastman Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch, games, prizes, and entertainment to celebrate your efforts. This event is sponsored by the Water Education Collaborative (which includes the Rochester Museum and Science Center, City of Rochester, Monroe County, Cornell Cooperative Extension), the 4H Earth Girls, the Town of Irondequoit, Montana Mills, and Wegmans. To register on-line, visit the “Calendar of Events” at www.thewec.org. You may also register by contacting staff at the Water Education Collaborative, Noreen Mazurowski at 271-4552, ext. 324 noreen_mazurowski@rmsc.org or Margit Brazda Poirier at margit_brazda@rmsc.org Community Water Watch volunteers interested in cleaning up area stream banks may contact Kimie Romeo at 703-4690 to arrange the acquisition of supplies. You will receive confirmation of your registration a week before the event.
"If I don't use a chemical company to control the pests that destroy my lawn, how can I have a beautiful yard?" Answer: Before you dump chemicals on your lawn: from Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension- the WEC - Great Lawns/Great Lakes Great Lawns/Great Lakes Would you like a healthy green lawn and learn how to help protect water quality? The Great Lawns/Great Lakes program is for residents who want to learn environmentally friendly lawn care practices that keep fertilizers
and pesticides out of our waterways. Program participants learn about easy soil-testing, weed-free mowing, and practical, cost-saving lawn tips. Attend neighborhood workshops to learn how to use Integrated Pest Management techniques (researched at Cornell University) on your lawn. Trained volunteers will help you with soil testing and developing lawn care management plans at free neighborhood and community workshops. Read about easy lawn care tips and information here. (there are many publications so I decided not to list them all here) Call (585) 703-4690 or e-mail: communitywaterwatch@yahoo.com to find out more about the program and the location of a free workshop near you.
"Is there a way to get my pet protected from rabies free?" Answer: Yes. Monroe County Rabies Clinic -The Monroe County Health Department works closely with municipalities to host rabies clinics for pets belonging to Monroe County residents. Dogs, cats and ferrets can be immunized, but must be at least three months old. Dogs should be leashed; cats and ferrets must be in a pet carrier. Shots are provided at no charge.
Are there any dangerous or poisonous species around Rochester, New York that I should be aware of? Answer: Yes. Find out what poisonous and dangerous species are in your area by typing in your zip code at -- Poisonous and Dangerous Species Guide "Plants and animals have developed some unique defensive strategies: fangs, poisons, stinging tentacles. And while it's important for us to avoid contact with these species, we must also remember the vital roles they play in their ecosystems. To learn more, enter a zip code or click on a section of the map". -from eNature.com.
"Is there a difference in hemlock trees and hemlock shrubs? Does Woolly Adelgid attack both? How can nurseries, which sell hemlock shrubs, keep people from being afraid of buying hemlock because of pest potential?" Answer: I really don't know the answer to your question, but I suspect these people will: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/idmhwa.htm
"What is cause of the diseased maples in my neighborhood (black spots on leaves followed by loss of leaves). " Answer: This source, I believe, is the best: Home / Garden -- from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County - Welcome to these Horticulture pages! We are ready to assist your 'green' activities. The horticulture program serves as a resource to residents of Monroe County. We provide information based on conditions and needs of this region, using research and experienced-based information from Cornell University, and our locally-based professional staff. We provide services to help you with issues related to lawns, trees, and vegetable, fruit or ornamental gardens. Your questions and problems are addressed through a number of methods. The Garden Helpline is staffed by trained Master Gardener volunteers who answer your gardening and pest problem questions. We have also added the capability to submit questions on-line 24 hours a day.
"I think I saw a coyote in Rochester, is this possible?" Answer: It is possible: Here's a recent D&C article: Democrat & Chronicle: Coyote sightings in city brings warning on pets Reports of a coyote wandering the streets of the northern Rochester has brought a warning to pet owners. Chris Fitzgerald, director of Rochester's Department of Animal Services says his department has received 15 reports of coyote sightings in the last month. (June 6, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com -- Here's a news item from two years ago year: 02/23/01 -- Recently coyotes have been in our news and a while ago a local radio program (1370 AM) mentioned that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 coyotes in Wayne County. Well, what about coyotes in Monroe County? Get the facts about Coyotes in New York from the Department of Conservation. Coyotes in New York-- http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/coyinny.htm So, you probably saw a coyote.
"Are there coyotes in New York State and if so where?" Answer:: The Coyote in New York State -from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry