Water Quality Newslinks - Rochester, NY area

RochesterEnvironment.com

These NewsLinks represent a decade of ferreting out local online NewsLinks to the issue of Water Quality.

The more recent stories are on the top and oldest at the bottom of this list. Looking for something specific. Use Control + F and search for it on this page.

Although many of these links no longer work, I believe that it is important to be able to find that these stories have existed for ferreting out existing or impending environmental problems. The repercussions of pollution or overuse of a resource often takes a long time for us to recognize and when we finally do, it is invaluable to be able to track the history of various issues before they get to a tipping point and became a crisis.

Also, much that mankind has done to change our environment was accomplished without any knowledge of what the environment was like before changing it, but maybe we will be able to heal our environmental if we archive the news stories so we will be able to unravel the events that led up to the disaster. Students, scientists, historians, and citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an issue back through time.

2012

01/31/2012: EPA To Provide Nearly $10 Million to Clean Up Beaches Across the Nation/The agency launches improved website for beach advisories and closures WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it will provide $9.8 million in grants to 38 states, territories and tribes to help protect the health of swimmers at America’s beaches. The agency also launched an improved website for beach advisories and closings, which will allow the public to more quickly and easily access the most current water quality and pollution testing information for more than 6,000 U.S. beaches. The website, called BEACON, has the capability to update as frequently as every two hours based on new data provided by states, territories and tribes. Users will have access to mapped location data for beaches and water monitoring stations, monitoring results for various pollutants such as bacteria and algae, and data on public notification of beach water quality advisories and closures. For the first time, users can also access reports that combine notifications and water quality monitoring data. The enhanced system also uses enhanced map navigation and report display tools. (January 31, 2012) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Wayne County town of Sodus gets $1.3M for water system - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Wayne County, N.Y. — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced today the town of Sodus in Wayne County will to receive a $1.3 million to upgrade its drinking-water system to improve water quality and meet health and safety standards. (January 30, 2012) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Water Quality in our area]
01/25/2012: EPA Releases New Tool with Information about Water Pollution Across the U.S. / EPA to host webinar on how to use tool to access information on pollutants released into local waterways WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of a new tool that provides the public with important information about pollutants that are released into local waterways. Developed under President Obama’s transparency initiative, the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool brings together millions of records and allows for easy searching and mapping of water pollution by local area, watershed, company, industry sector, and pollutant. Americans can use this new tool to protect their health and the health of their communities. (January 25, 2012) EPA Newsroom Home | Newsroom | USEPA [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC Reminds Water Withdrawers to Report Their Water Use - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation A Phased-In Approach for Compliance will be Applied to Existing Water Users that Report Their Water Use by February 15, 2012 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding entities that currently use significant volumes of New York's water, including from the Great Lakes, that they must report their water use by February 15. A new water resources law, signed by Governor Cuomo in August 2011, requires a state permit for most water withdrawals that meet or exceed a threshold of 100,000 gallons per day. (January 25, 2012) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
Watertown Daily Times | EPA overreaches on manure regulations, farm groups say WASHINGTON — National farm groups complained Thursday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has gone too far by asking for more information about basic operations on large-scale animal farms that might pollute water supplies. But New York farmers already share much of that information with state regulators. The EPA closed out a public comment period on the proposed rules, which would require farmers to share more information about their businesses — a move the EPA agreed to in a settlement with the Natural Resources Defense Council and other environmental groups. (January 20, 2012) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Flood gages in New York and Vermont saved for now » Local News » Press-Republican ALBANY — The imminent shutdown of 18 flood gages in New York and Vermont has been stalled. A written request to save the gages was sent to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazarby by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). (January 15, 2012) Homepage » Press-Republican [more on Water Quality in our area]
Test of algae pump deemed success | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Last summer's test of a pump system to remove troublesome algae from Ontario Beach in Charlotte has been declared a success by the contractor who performed the work. The contractor and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which funded the demonstration project, are recommending that the pump become a permanent fixture at the Lake Ontario beach, which has been plagued for years by periodic buildups of smelly algae. (January 16, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]

2011

EPA’s national manure proposal – comment period extended to January 19 | Save Our Sodus The public now has until January 19th to comment on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal of a rule that will enable the agency to regulate Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on a national level. The proposed rule would enable the EPA to monitor manure quality, the transferring of manure, available acreage for land application and application of manure on a national scale, all of which is aimed at preventing water runoff and protecting water quality. (December 26, 2012) Save Our Sodus [more on Water Quality in our area]
USDA backs off winter manure spreading ban - Finger Lakes Times: Local U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations that would have banned winter manure spreading are no longer being pushed. New York Farm Bureau opposed the regulations and lauded the less stringent guidelines promulgated by the USDA earlier this month. (December 29, 2011) Finger Lakes Times: Finger Lakes Times [more on Water Quality in our area]
NCPR News - Manure rule raises water quality concerns A recent victory for New York's farm leaders has raised concerns about water quality. Dairy and livestock farms produce a lot of manure. Many farmers spread it on to their fields in liquid form. The U.S. Department of Agriculture had proposed a nationwide ban against spreading manure onto frozen ground. It's now decided against the ban. The Farm Bureau praises the change of mind, but others are concerned about increases in nutrient run-off from fields during spring thaws. (December 27, 2011) NCPR: North Country Public Radio [more on Water Quality in our area]
US cities struggle to control sewer overflows | ajc.com TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Twice in recent summers, visitors to parts of Michigan's western coast were greeted by mounds of garbage strewn along miles of sandy beach: plastic bottles, eating utensils, food wrappers, even hypodermic syringes. At least some of the rubbish had drifted across Lake Michigan from Milwaukee, a vivid reminder that many cities still flush nasty stuff into streams and lakes during heavy storms, fouling the waters with bacteria and viruses that can make people seriously ill. Thousands of overflows from sewage systems that collect storm water and wastewater are believed to occur each year. Regulators and environmentalists want them stopped, and since the late 1990s the Environmental Protection Agency or state officials have reached legal agreements with more than 40 cities or counties — Atlanta, Los Angeles, Baltimore, St. Louis and Indianapolis among them — to improve wastewater systems that in some cases are a century old. Costs are reaching hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. (December 26, 2011) Atlanta News, Sports, Atlanta Weather, Business News | ajc.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
NCPR News - Water's hidden value and what it means for Great Lakes cities Over the fall, North Country Public Radio was one of a group of public radio stations that partnered in a special series from WBEZ in Chicago. The ongoing project, called Front and Center, looks at the Great Lakes, from a variety of angles. (December 20, 2011) NCPR: North Country Public Radio [more on Water Quality in our area]
Watertown Daily Times | Hydrofracking sure to contaminate water As an environmental engineering technician with NYSDEC Region 5, I managed scores of groundwater remediation projects in the 1990s. I’ve reviewed countless hydrogeologic reports and seen thousands of lab results from contaminated wells. I’m familiar with the fate and transport of contaminants in fractured media, and let me be clear: Hydraulic fracturing as it’s practiced today will contaminate our aquifers. (December 13, 2011) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Putting Farmland On A Fertilizer Diet : The Salt : NPR The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a document yesterday that got no attention on the nightly news, or almost anywhere, really. Its title, I'm sure you'll agree, is a snooze: National Nutrient Management Standard. Yet this document represents the agency's best attempt to solve one of the country's — and the world's — really huge environmental problems: The nitrogen and phosphorus that pollute waterways. (December 14, 2011) Environment : NPR [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC orders Waterloo to deal with wastewater - Finger Lakes Times: Local WATERLOO — Village officials have received a draft consent order from the state Department of Environ mental Conservation for violating its wastewater discharge permit. (December 13, 2011) Finger Lakes Times: Finger Lakes Times [more on Water Quality in our area]
12/07/2011: EPA To Provide Nearly $2 Million to Revitalize U.S. Urban Waters WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it will provide up to $1.8 million for projects across the country to protect Americans’ health and help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Urban waters are canals, rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, estuaries, bays and oceans. Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, recreational, employment and social opportunities in nearby communities. By promoting public access to urban waterways, EPA will help communities become active participants in restoration and protection. (December 7, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC to explain new water withdrawal regs Representatives of the Department of Environmental Conservation will be in West Henrietta today to explain draft water withdrawal regulations requiring users of significant volumes of water to obtain a state permit before taking the water (December 8, 2011) NY Daily Record [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC to Hold Public Information Meetings on Draft Regulations to Protect New York's Water Resources - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation 60-day Public Comment Period Runs through January 22, 2012 Three public information meetings will be held in December on draft regulations to protect New York's waters, including the Great Lakes, by requiring users of significant volumes of water to obtain a state permit before withdrawing the water, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. The comment period for the draft water withdrawal regulations concludes on January 22, 2012. December 8 West Henrietta Fire Training Center (Station 6) 60 Erie Station Rd Extension West Henrietta, NY 14586 (December 2, 2011) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pennsylvania village fights cut in water supply | Reuters (Reuters) - Residents of Dimock, a small village in northern Pennsylvania, are set for a legal battle to restore their water supply after an oil and gas company blamed for polluting wells stopped trucking in fresh water last week. Cabot Oil and Gas had been supplying water to a dozen households in Dimock for three years after state authorities found that the company had contaminated water wells in the area while drilling for natural gas. (December 6, 2011) Business & Financial News, Breaking US & International News | Reuters.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Anti-fracking advocates send NY water to Pa. town - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow NEW YORK (AP) — Advocates who want to keep the natural-gas drilling industry out of New York state are sending clean water to a northeastern Pennsylvania village. About a dozen households in Dimock, Pa., have been scrambling after a gas driller blamed for polluting the aquifer halted daily water deliveries. Residents there say drilling has made their water unfit to drink. Houston-based Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. says it is safe. (December 7, 2011) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Water Quality in our area]
Watertown Daily Times | Clarkson faculty delivers report on St. Lawrence River POTSDAM — A report on the environmental status of the international section of the St. Lawrence River was delivered recently by Michael R. Twiss, director of Clarkson University’s Great Rivers Center. The report was delivered at the recent State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference in Erie, Pa., a meeting co-hosted by Environment Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The report summarized main features of the river and the ecosystem health of the Great Lakes on the basis of indicators such as beach health, mercury contamination in fish, the presence of invasive species, productivity of sport and commercial fisheries and water contaminant levels. (December 4, 2011) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
NCPR News - Federal budget has communities worried about clean water Advocates for clean water are concerned about proposed Congressional spending cuts. The program that helps communities afford expensive water and sewer projects is expected to be cut in half. Julie Grant reports many local governments won't be able to afford them. (December 05, 2011) NCPR: North Country Public Radio [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC to Hold Public Information Meetings on Draft Regulations to Protect New York's Water Resources - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation 60-day Public Comment Period Runs through January 22, 2012 Three public information meetings will be held in December on draft regulations to protect New York's waters, including the Great Lakes, by requiring users of significant volumes of water to obtain a state permit before withdrawing the water, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. The comment period for the draft water withdrawal regulations concludes on January 22, 2012. "These regulations will better preserve and protect New York's water resources and implement the requirements of legislation Governor Cuomo signed into law earlier this year," said DEC Commissioner Martens. "DEC's proposed regulations will protect the environment while also fostering economic growth through enhanced water resource management for the benefit of New York's residents, businesses and farmers." (December 3, 2011) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
UPDATE 2-US to require details of fracking on federal land | Agricultural Commodities | Reuters WASHINGTON, Oct 31 (Reuters) - The U.S. Interior Department plans to issue a proposal soon forcing companies to reveal the chemicals they use in the so-called fracking drilling process on federal lands, as the Obama administration responds to public safety concerns over the shale exploration boom. David Hayes, deputy secretary at the Interior Department, told a federal shale gas advisory panel on Monday that the department hopes to issue disclosure rules for hydraulic fracturing on federal lands in "a couple of months." It plans to finalize the guidelines about 12 months after that. (October 31, 2011) Reuters.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Playing on Chicago River could make you sick | WBEZ But research shows the Chicago River is no riskier than Lake Michigan. The Chicago River is largely toilet water, so it would stand to reason that playing in it could make you sick. But according to a long-awaited health study published Wednesday, boating and fishing on the river is no riskier than doing so on other local waterways Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago say those activities do raise the risk of gastrointestinal disease. But the rate, about 14 cases per thousand people, is nearly the same as for waterways considered clean enough to swim in, such as the Fox River, Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan. (October 26, 2011) HOME | WBEZ [more on Water Quality in our area]
10/20/2011: EPA Announces Schedule to Develop Natural Gas Wastewater Standards/Announcement is part of administration’s priority to ensure natural gas development continues safely and responsibly WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing a schedule to develop standards for wastewater discharges produced by natural gas extraction from underground coalbed and shale formations. No comprehensive set of national standards exists at this time for the disposal of wastewater discharged from natural gas extraction activities, and over the coming months EPA will begin the process of developing a proposed standard with the input of stakeholders – including industry and public health groups. Today’s announcement is in line with the priorities identified in the president’s Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future, and is consistent with the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board recommendations on steps to support the safe development of natural gas resources. (October 20, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Watchdog report: Sewer, drinking water systems need $75 billion in upgrades | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com ALBANY — Of the state's $250 billion in infrastructure needs over the next 20 years, the bulk is for deficient bridges and crumbling roads that can be seen in plain view by the taxpayers who fund them. But $75 billion is needed across New York state for an often forgotten piece of infrastructure: the thousands of aging, complex sewer and drinking water systems that serve 18 million New Yorkers. (October 10, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Van Lare treatment plant exceeded discharge limits | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Monroe County's primary wastewater treatment plant has been slowly recovering from its worst malfunction in recent years, one that sent a large quantity of solids roiling into Lake Ontario in September. Triggered by the uncontrolled growth of an undesirable kind of microorganism inside the Van Lare treatment plant, the facility exceeded at least one discharge limit on numerous days last month. At the height of the malfunction in mid-September, Van Lare was releasing solids in concentrations 450 times greater than allowed by its state pollution permit. (October 9, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
NCPR News - Anglers and scientists join forces for Stream Watch Rivers and streams have always been used, but they aren't always respected. Some efforts to improve urban waterways take a team approach. Ottawa's "City Stream Watch" links the eyes and energy of ordinary citizens with the expertise and resources of different conservation groups. Stream Watch volunteers - and those with similar interests - were invited to a recent Saturday workshop. It combined studying aquatic life with an introduction to fly fishing. (September 30, 2011) NCPR: North Country Public Radio [more on Water Quality in our area]
Breakthrough RIT research could affect algae suffocation - Henrietta, NY - Henrietta Post Henrietta — Research by a Rochester Institute of Technology scientist may lead to development of a block for an algae toxin that suffocates non-human life in the water, including the Great Lakes. Andre Hudson of RIT made what could be a breakthrough discovery while conducting research with fellow scientists at the school. Some strains of algae produce toxins lethal to wildlife, fish and plants. Even less harmful varieties of the toxin suck oxygen out of water, suffocating living creatures in lakes, ponds, pools and aquariums. Recent algal blooms in the Great Lakes, for instance, threaten critical ecosystems. (September 29, 2011) Breakthrough RIT research could affect algae suffocation - Henrietta, NY - Henrietta Post [more on Walter Quality in our area]
Fracking water threat for Lake Ontario feared - Toronto - CBC News Environmentalists worry that Toronto's drinking water could be threatened by the nearby treatment of toxic wastewater in New York State. Residents on both sides of the border worry about the potential for a spill if 'fracking fluid' — the liquid byproduct from the process of extracting natural gas from the ground — could flow into the Great Lakes. (September 28, 2011) CBC News - Latest Canada, World, Entertainment and Business News [more on Water Quality in our area]
Niagara Falls Plans to Treat Wastewater from Shale-Gas Drilling - GrowWNY A Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 22 In July, the Niagara Falls Water Board was reported to be exploring the possibility of treating wastewater containing toxic chemicals resulting from unconventional shale-gas drilling, known as horizontal, hydraulic fracturing or simply fracking. Water from the treatment plant would be released into the Niagara River which flows into Lake Ontario and provides a source of drinking water. A new report issued last week indicated that an outside firm has completed a feasibility study and that the Water Board is moving forward with the plan to treat fracking wastewater. (September 21, 2011) GrowWNY [more on Water Quality in our area]
Shale-Gas Boom Triggers Gold Rush in Wastewater Treatment - WSJ.com Some companies love that dirty water, because it means more money for cleaning it up | The growing volume of dirty water produced in shale-gas drilling has triggered a gold rush among water-treatment companies. Energy companies increasingly are drilling for natural gas using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. In this process, water mixed with sand and chemicals is pumped into a well under high pressure; the mixture fractures the rock, allowing the gas to escape. Huge amounts of water are used, and about 10% to 40% of it emerges after a frack job, laced with a variety of contaminants. (September 12, 2011) Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal - Wsj.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Residents told to avoid Hudson River after sewage spill caused by Irene | The Journal News | LoHud.com | LoHud.com Westchester County health officials on Monday warned people to avoid contact with the Hudson River after the deluge from Tropical Storm Irene caused a sewage spill in the river. The warning comes after two other spills resulted in advisories this summer. The county Health Department said that rains from Irene had overwhelmed the North Yonkers Pump Station and dislodged a manhole cover, allowing sewage to spill into the river. Officials said they cannot yet say how much sewage is spewing into the river. (August 30, 2011) The Journal News | LoHud.com | Westchester, Rockland, Putnam news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, New York | LoHud.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Don't go near the water (as if you'd want to) - Times Union Irene's rains deposited huge amounts of raw sewage into the rivers | ALBANY -- Torrential downpours from Tropical Storm Irene flushed through regional sewer and storm drain systems in the Capital Region and dumped vast quantities of raw sewage -- and anything else swept up in the flood -- into the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. It was not clear Tuesday how much waste had made its way into the rivers, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The waste's exact composition also was not known. (August 31, 2011) Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga News, Weather, Sports, Capitol | timesunion.com - Times Union [more on Water Quality in our area]
New York Adopt-a-Beach inaugural event planned - ObserverToday.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Dunkirk | The Observer On Saturday, Great Lake FX and SUNY Fredonia's Academic Community Engagement (FACE) Center and Sustainable Committee will lead a beach cleanup at Point Gratiot in Dunkirk from noon to 2:30 p.m. The beach sweep is part of an official media launch for the new Adopt-a-Beach program in New York state. Adopt-a-Beach is the Alliance for the Great Lakes' premier volunteer program, with nearly 11,000 participants ranging from individuals and families to schools and businesses. Although the program has been active in other Great Lakes states since 2003, it has only recently expanded to include New York and all five Great Lakes. (August 22, 2011) ObserverToday.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Dunkirk | The Observer [more on Water Quality in our area]
Governor Cuomo to Sign Law to Protect New York's Waters | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo New Legislation Creates a Comprehensive Conservation Management System for Significant Withdrawals from New York’s Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Groundwater Law's Requirements Fulfill New York's Obligation to the Great Lakes Compact | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he will sign a new law to protect New York's waters and the Great Lakes by requiring a state permit for the withdrawal of large volumes of water from the state's rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. The new law is designed to foster responsible conservation practices and economic growth while protecting water bodies and wildlife habitats. The permitting process will ensure a continued water supply to existing municipal, agricultural and industrial users, and will help identify areas that could support new water-dependent businesses. Specifically, the law requires approval before operating or proposing a system with the capacity to withdraw 100,000 gallons or more per day of surface and groundwater. "The preservation and protection of New York's water resources is vital to the state's residents, farmers and businesses," Governor Cuomo said. "This law will enhance the state's ability to manage its water to promote economic growth and address droughts while protecting the environment. My administration worked with a broad array of interests to ensure a balanced program that manages significant water withdrawals across the state and protects New York's farmers and businesses from undue regulatory burdens." (August 15, 2011) Newsroom | Governor Andrew M. Cuomo [more on Water Quality in our area]
NRC fails to change groundwater protection rules for nuclear plants | The Asbury Park Press | APP.com After years of criticisms that they were lax in dealing with radioactive leaks, spills and groundwater contamination at nuclear power plants, federal regulators have decided to let the industry keep policing itself. The five-member U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission agreed to maintain the status quo and not add a tougher level of oversight — at least for now. (August 17, 2011) The Asbury Park Press | Monmouth County and Ocean County | APP.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
NCPR News - State court decision could lead to new restrictions on Adirondack lakes, rivers (08/18/11) A state Supreme Court judge has sided with environmental groups in a ruling that could lead to new restrictions on the kind of recreation allowed on Adirondack lakes and rivers. (August 18, 2011) NCPR: North Country Public Radio [more on Water Quality in our area]
Upstate NY sewage plant wall was flawed - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow VESTAL, N.Y. (AP) — Forensic engineers say a design flaw and construction modifications caused a wall to collapse at an upstate New York sewage plant, causing nearly 600,000 gallons of wastewater to spill into a tributary of the Susquehanna River. The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin reports that a Massachusetts engineering firm hired to examine May's wall collapse at the Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Plant primarily blames the failure on the arrangement of steel reinforcement bars inside the 18-inch-thick concrete barrier. (August 18, 2011) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Water Quality in our area]
Hudson River water fails by EPA standards, says Riverkeeper CROTON-ON-HUDSON – Clean water advocate group Riverkeeper released the results of their four years of sampling the 155-mile Hudson River Estuary on Tuesday, declared it substantially subpar by EPA standards. Twenty-one percent of the time, samples failed to meet EPA guidelines for safe swimming, a far greater number than the seven percent of the time nationwide ocean, bay and Great Lake beaches failed. Seventy-five locations were sampled along the estuary, yielding approximately 2,000 samples. According to the report, 10 sites tested as unacceptable 50 percent or more of the time they were sampled, the worst being Sparkill Creek at 86 percent. (August 10, 2011) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
Plan to stop sewage dumping in Lake Ontario moves ahead | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Lake Ontario boaters may soon have to take their on-board sewage to pump-out stations, rather than dump it in the lake. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is preparing to give tentative approvals to a state plan that would prohibit boaters from dumping waste materials into the waterway, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement Monday. (JAug 1, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
07/29/2011: EPA Report Illustrates Serious Sewage Pollution Problem in New York and New Jersey (New York, N.Y.) Controlling sewage that gets washed into local waterways when it rains is critical to protecting water quality. Rainwater flows down storm drains, carrying pollution from the streets, and if it is a heavy rain, causes sewage to overflow into rivers, lakes and streams. Sewer overflows, especially from combined sewer systems that carry sewage from buildings and stormwater from street drains, are a major environmental problem. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared an important report, Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of the Public’s Water, to answer commonly asked questions about combined sewer overflows. To read or download a copy of the report, visit http://www.epa.gov/region2/water/. To see an illustration of how serious a problem this is in Brooklyn, go to: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/29/sewage-overflow-in-new-york-believe-it/. (July 29, 2011) [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pump helps clear Ontario Beach of algae | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com The whitecaps were blackish-green at Ontario Beach on Wednesday morning, and the water had a familiar bouquet. Algae, the bane of swimmers at local Lake Ontario beaches, were thick enough that the area was closed to swimming for the day. But for a small crew of workers who gathered at the beach’s east end, the algae were almost a welcome sight — for it provided one last chance to test a system to pump algae-laden water away from the beach. (July 28, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Uneasy Riders: Threats To NY Drinking Water, Great Lakes WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency's hands would be tied, leaving it unable to protect New York's streams and rivers as drinking-water sources. Invasive species in ships' ballast would continue to be dumped into lakes Erie and Ontario. Those would be the effects of just two of nearly 40 policy riders attached to an appropriations bill under debate in the U.S. House, according to advocates for the environment. Joan Mulhern, senior legislative counsel at Earthjustice, is uneasy about those riders... (July 26, 2011) Public News Service [more on Water Quality in our area]
Alarming ‘dead zone’ grows in the Chesapeake - The Washington Post A giant underwater “dead zone” in the Chesapeake Bay is growing at an alarming rate because of unusually high nutrient pollution levels this year, according to Virginia and Maryland officials. They said the expanding area of oxygen-starved water is on track to become the bay’s largest ever. This year’s Chesapeake Bay dead zone covers a third of the bay, stretching from the Baltimore Harbor to the bay’s mid-channel region in the Potomac River, about 83 miles, when it was last measured in late June. It has since expanded beyond the Potomac into Virginia, officials said. (July 24, 2011) National: Breaking National News & Headlines - Washington Post [more on Water Quality in our area]
Audits show health violations in drinking water - The Washington Post Environmental Protection Agency audits show that many states are failing to accurately note health violations such as elevated levels of arsenic and chlorine in drinking water, according to a new report . The U.S. Government Accountability Office reviewed EPA audits of 43 states, including Virginia and Maryland, conducted between 2007 and 2009. In 2009, 84 percent of monitoring violations noted by states were not reported to the EPA. That same year, 26 percent of health violations were not reported or were inaccurately reported, undermining the reliability of data collected by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act as well as its ability to conduct oversight, according to the GAO. (July 19, 2011) National: Breaking National News & Headlines - Washington Post [more on Water Quality in our area]
Program keeps medications out of waterways and landfills | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Since the program began in 2008 to help keep medicines out of area waterways and landfills, environmentally conscious residents such as Beerons have turned over more than 16 tons of expired or unwanted drugs — a weight equivalent to that of seven full-size automobiles. "Pharmaceuticals are one of the emerging environmental concerns," said Tom Sinclair, industrial waste engineer with the county's Environmental Services Department. He was instrumental in putting together the county's pioneering program, which has been recognized for excellence at the state and national levels and is a model for other municipalities. (July 16, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
U.S. House votes to end EPA water pollution oversight - News - The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports - CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Fueled by coal industry complaints about the Obama administration's crackdown on mountaintop removal, legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday that would strip federal regulators of their authority to make state agencies properly police water pollution. House members approved the legislation by a vote of 239 to 184. The legislation faces an uncertain future in the Senate, and a veto threat from the White House, but its approval by the House provides a symbolic victory for critics of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (July 13, 2011) - - The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports - [more on Water Quality in our area]
07/08/2011: EPA Releases New Report on Sewage Pollution in New York and New Jersey When it rains, did you ever think about where all that rainwater is going? It flows down storm drains, carrying pollution from the streets, and if it is a heavy rain, causes sewage to overflow into rivers, lakes and streams. Sewer overflows, especially from combined sewer systems that carry sewage from buildings and stormwater from street drains, are a major environmental problem. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared an important report, Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of the Public’s Water, to answer commonly asked questions about combined sewer overflows. To read or download a copy of the report, visit http://www.epa.gov/region2/water/. To see an illustration of how serious a problem this is in Brooklyn, go to: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/29/sewage-overflow-in-new-york-believe-it/. (July 8, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Louise Slaughter mocks algae pumping plan at Ontario Beach | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Long a proponent of improvements at Ontario Beach, Rep. Louise Slaughter said Thursday that she does not think a $353,000 test effort to address algae build-up using a pump system is worthwhile. "Something about having a big fan to just blow it (algae-laden water) out to the lake, I really can't get with," said Slaughter, D-Fairport, who was at the beach to cut a ribbon officially reopening the Charlotte west pier. (July 1, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Sewage Dumping Focus of a Quest to Clear up Lake Ontario - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, N.Y. - Laws prevent the discharge of raw sewage directly into Lake Ontario. But they don’t apply to chemically treated waste collected on large boats. While most boaters police themselves, you might be surprised to learn it’s not illegal for them to discharge waste even near the swimming beaches. (June 27, 2011) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Groups Studying Toxic Algae - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Sodus, N.Y.--The conditions are different this year, but concern over toxic algae returning to area lakes remains. Save our Sodus is among the groups or agencies monitoring and studying blue-green algae that thwarted late season tourism and kept many from the water last summer. (July 4, 2011) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Ontario Beach Closed to Swimmers; We Look at Why - RochesterHomePage.net Friday's beautiful weather is a great start to the July 4th weekend. A lot of people have plans to head to the beach for the holiday. But, Ontario Beach remains closed Friday due to high bacteria levels in the water. RochesterHomePage (July 1, 2011) [more on Water Quality in our area]
2011 beach report: More sand in our faces | 520 - An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle An annual kicking-sand-in-our-face ritual is upon us — the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Testing the Waters report on beach testing and closure. As some of you may recall, local beaches typically fare poorly in this thorough and commendable annual study, based on data reported to the federal government by the operators of thousands of U.S. beaches. This year, Ontario Beach in Charlotte tied with a place in Chautauqua County for have the second-most closure days in 2010. (The most-closed beach was one in Queens.) (June 29, 2011) 520 - An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle [more on Water Quality in our area]
Unsafe algae could make a return | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Last summer brought more outbreaks of potentially dangerous blue-green algae in New York lakes and ponds than any summer in memory, and conditions so far this year are conducive to new outbreaks. But some state and local agencies, and citizen groups, are doing what they can to prevent a recurrence or prepare for one if it happens, and a first-ever sampling program is being hastily assembled. (June 29, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Trying To Keep Lake Ontario Clean | Local News - ROCHESTER'S NEWS LEADER NEWSRADIO 1180 WHAM Last season Durand Eastman Beach was closed to swimmers three of every five days because of poor water quality. (June 27, 2011) ROCHESTER'S NEWS LEADER NEWSRADIO 1180 WHAM [more on Water Quality in our area]
GROUPS LAUD NYS LEGISLATURE FOR PASSING TWO ENVIRONMENTAL “SUPER BILLS,” URGE GOV CUOMO TO SIGN BILLS INTO LAW GREEN SUPER BILLS INCLUDE MEASURES TO PROTECT NY’S WATER FROM WASTEFUL WITHDRAWALS, MAKE COMMUNITIES MORE SUSTAINABLE ALBANY, NY (June 27, 2011)—Many of New York’s leading public policy, environmental, transportation and energy groups today applauded the New York State Legislature for unanimously passing two of the environmental “Super Bills” for 2011. The green priorities taken up by the State Legislature this year include a bill that will protect the state’s water from wasteful withdrawals and legislation that will make our communities more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly by encouraging “Complete Streets.” The groups are now calling on Governor Cuomo to sign the measures into law. (June 27, 2011) ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NEW YORK [more on Water Quality and Transportation in our area]
Charles Schumer pushes for ban on boat waste discharge | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com Standing on the sand at Durand Eastman beach with kids frolicking nearby, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer Monday lent his support to a proposal to ban all waste discharges from boats in Lake Ontario. Eschewing swim trunks for grey suit pants, New York's Democratic senior senator said he was announcing a "full court press" to win rapid approval for the ban. (June 28, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area
Bill allows state to permit water withdrawal | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com ALBANY — The state Senate unanimously passed a bill late Thursday that allows the state to build a permitting system for large withdrawals from many of the state's lakes, rivers and streams. The legislation will require anyone with the capacity to withdraw at least 100,000 gallons from the state's waterways to get a permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation first. (June 18, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Groundwater Depletion Is Detected by Grace Satellites - NYTimes.com IRVINE, Calif. — Scientists have been using small variations in the Earth’s gravity to identify trouble spots around the globe where people are making unsustainable demands on groundwater, one of the planet’s main sources of fresh water. They found problems in places as disparate as North Africa, northern India, northeastern China and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley in California, heartland of that state’s $30 billion agricultural industry. (May 30, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
RIT students report on pollution problems in Red Creek | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com A group of Rochester Institute of Technology students have completed a report expected to help address the water quality problems of a creek that runs through Brighton and Henrietta. The 35-page report looks into pollution problems related to Red Creek, which was put on an "impaired" list last year by state Department of Environmental Conservation. (May 31, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Five Cities Are Named Finalists In U.S. Conference Of Mayors Tap Albany, NY, Rochester, NY, Denton, TX, Racine, WI and Pembroke Pines, FL Recognized for Helping to Promote Water Quality in America's Cities Five cities were selected recently as finalists in The U.S. Conference of Mayors 2011 Best Tasting City Water in America contest following the preliminary round of competition held at the USCM headquarters in Washington, D.C. The five cities are: Albany, NY; Denton, TX; Racine, WI; Rochester, NY; and, Pembroke Pines, FL. The finalist cities will advance onto The U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in Baltimore from June 17-20. Mayors attending the annual meeting will serve as judges for the final round of competition, and the winning city will be announced on the morning of Monday, June 20. (May 27, 2011) Public Works .com: Digital Marketplace for the municipal maintenance industry [more on Water Quality in our area]
“Emerging Threats” to New York's Water Prompt Bill ALBANY, N.Y. - Citing "emerging threats" to the state's freshwater resources, backers of a new, comprehensive water management program say it is moving toward approval in the state Senate. The measure, already approved in the House, would - among other things - require anyone withdrawing more than 100,000 gallons of water a day to first get a permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The goal is to better protect fish, wildlife and drinking water. (May 12, 2011) Public News Service
Study: High-Tech Gas Drilling Is Fouling Drinking Water - ScienceNOW Drilling for natural gas locked deep in a shale formation has seriously contaminated shallow groundwater supplies beneath far northeastern Pennsylvania with flammable methane. That’s the conclusion of a new study, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The analysis gives few clues, however, to how pervasive such contamination might be across the wide areas of the Northeast United States, Texas, and other states where drilling for shale gas has taken off in recent years. (May 9, 2011) Science [more on Water Quality in our area]
Methane found in drinking water in study - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Albany, N.Y. — New research is providing some of the first scientific evidence that a controversial gas drilling technique can contaminate drinking water. The study published Monday found potentially dangerous concentrations of methane gas in water from wells near drilling sites in northeastern Pennsylvania, although not in central New York. (May 10, 2011) Latest News - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Walter Quality in our area]
Experts search for reasons for so much algae in Lake Ontario | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com The Army Corps of Engineers has been hunting for a way to safeguard Ontario Beach against undesirable algae. Scientists, meanwhile, have been taking a broader view — searching for an underlying explanation for the presence of so much algae in Lake Ontario. (May 10, 2010) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
ENVIRONMENT: Legislation targets water withdrawals - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper If passed, legislation pending in the State Senate and Assembly would bring New York into compliance with a water-regulation agreement between Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces. The bills direct the State Department of Environmental Conservation to develop regulations for water withdrawals exceeding 100,000 gallons per day, including water taken out of basins. The out-of-basin transfers are often used for bottled water or for consumption by parched areas. (May 4, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
State seeks to regulate use of water | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com ALBANY — Legislation that would establish a permit system for massive water withdrawals from New York's streams and rivers is flowing through the Legislature. The bill would give the state Department of Environmental Conservation the authority to regulate withdrawals over 100,000 gallons. It was set to pass the Assembly late Monday, according to Assembly Environmental Conservation Chairman Robert Sweeney, D-Suffolk County. (May 3, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area
DEC to expedite stream permit process | The Ithaca Journal | theithacajournal.com The Department of Environmental Conservation has prepared a “finding of emergency” for flooding in Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins counties. This allows Region 7’s Division of Environmental Permits to issue emergency authorizations to all residents, businesses and local governments that have protected streams on their properties that have been severely affected by flooding. (May 1, 2011) The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, New York | theithacajournal.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pa. official: End nears for wastewater releases - Yahoo! News Pennsylvania's top environmental regulator says he is confident that the natural gas industry is just weeks away from ending one of its more troubling environmental practices: the discharge of vast amounts of polluted brine into rivers used for drinking water. On Tuesday, the state's new Republican administration called on drillers to stop using riverside treatment plants to get rid of the millions of barrels of ultra-salty, chemically tainted wastewater that gush annually from gas wells. (April 25, 2011) The top news headlines on current events from Yahoo! News [more on Water Quality in our area]
New Threats to NY Drinking Water? NEW YORK - The blowout of a natural gas well last week on the anniversary of the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has advocates of safe water in New York concerned. The incident, in Bradford County, Pa., across the border from Binghamton, N.Y., spewed toxic fluid across a livestock-grazing landscape and into a creek that feeds the Susquehanna River. The chemicals were residue from the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing - or fracking - used to free natural gas from shale rock formations. (April 25, 2011) Public News Service [more on Water Quality in our area]
Drilling fluid gushes from northern Pa. gas well | Press & Sun-Bulletin | pressconnects.com Chemicals contaminate nearby stream; neighbors evacuated | ALLENTOWN -- A blowout at a natural gas well in rural northern Pennsylvania spilled thousands of gallons of chemical-laced water Wednesday, contaminating a stream and forcing the evacuation of seven families who live nearby as crews struggled to stop the gusher. Chesapeake Energy Corp. lost control of the well site near Canton, in Bradford County, around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, officials said. Tainted water continued to flow from the site Wednesday afternoon, though workers finally managed to prevent any more of it from reaching the stream. (April 20, 2011) Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York | pressconnects.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pa. looks to cut off drilling wastewater | Press & Sun-Bulletin | pressconnects.com HARRISBURG, Pa. — Citing potentially unsafe drinking water, Pennsylvania called on companies drilling in the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation to stop taking wastewater to 15 treatment plants by May 19. Tuesday's announcement was a major change in the state's regulation of gas drilling and came the same day that an industry group said it now believes drilling wastewater is partly at fault for rising levels of bromide being found in Pittsburgh-area rivers. (April 21, 2011) Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York | pressconnects.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pa. wants to end gas-drilling wastewater discharge - Yahoo! News HARRISBURG, Pa. – Amid criticism from environmentalists and growing concern from scientists, Pennsylvania on Tuesday asked the state's booming natural gas industry to halt disposing of millions of gallons of contaminated drilling wastewater through treatment plants that discharge into rivers and streams. The plants are ill-equipped to remove pollutants from the wastewater — which is intensely salty and tainted with chemicals. The state Department of Environmental Protection said recent water tests suggest the discharges could harm drinking water supplies and, eventually, human health. (April 19, 2011) The top news headlines on current events from Yahoo! News [more on Water Quality in our area]
Fracking Chemicals Cited in Congressional Report Stay Underground - ProPublica A report [1] released Saturday confirmed details about what many already knew was happening: gas drillers have injected millions of gallons of fluids containing toxic or carcinogenic chemicals into the ground in recent years. The report, by congressional Democrats, lists 750 chemicals and compounds used by 14 oil and gas service companies from 2005 to 2009 to help extract natural gas from the ground in a process called hydraulic fracturing (April 18, 2011) ProPublica [more on Water Quality in our area]
Water merger a no go - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper City and Monroe County Water Authority officials have come to a new water-sharing agreement, but a consolidation or merger isn't part of it. The new, 25-year agreement announced last week still needs to be approved by City Council and the Water Authority's board. It sets a fixed price on water exchanges between the city and county systems, and is basically a long-term extension of the previous agreement. There are some differences, however. Under the new deal, the authority will help pay for a project to line and cover the city's Rush reservoir. The city Water Bureau will, in turn, help pay for some work on valves at the Shoremont plant. (April 13, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
City Council receives water agreement - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The city and the Monroe County Water Authority have reached a new water-sharing agreement. Now it's up to City Council and the authority's board to sign off on it. Acting Mayor Carlos Carballada today submitted the new, 25-year agreement to Council. It sets prices on any water exchange between the city and county, and stipulates that each entity must always make available to the other up to 26 million gallons of water a day. Under the agreement, the city and the authority will share some costs associated with water-system improvements. (April 7, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
Deteriorating Oil and Gas Wells Threaten Drinking Water, Homes Across the Country - ProPublica In the last 150 years, prospectors and energy companies have drilled as many as 12 million holes across the United States in search of oil and gas. Many of those holes were plugged after they dried up. But hundreds of thousands were simply abandoned and forgotten, often leaving no records of their existence. Government reports have warned for decades that abandoned wells can provide pathways for oil, gas or brine-laden water to contaminate groundwater supplies or to travel up to the surface. Abandoned wells have polluted the drinking water source for Fort Knox, Ky. [2], and leaked oil into water wells in Ohio and Michigan. Similar problems have occurred in Texas, New York, Colorado and other states where drilling has occurred. (April 4, 2011) ProPublica [more on Water Quality in our area]
State of Disrepair: The Cost of Clean Water WILLIAMSON, NY (WXXI) - The Town of Williamson is one of many small towns and villages spending millions to keep their small, century-old water treatment plants from going down the drain. (March 25, 2011) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Water Quality in our area]
ENVIRONMENT: A quicker way to test the waters - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Monroe County is in line for a grant to help public health officials make quicker decisions on when to close Ontario and Durand-Eastman beaches to swimming. The County Legislature will vote to accept the grant during its April 12 meeting provided two committees, which meet this week, move the proposal along. The grant is from Health Research Incorporated, a nonprofit public health organization. (March 23, 2011) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
We appreciate water, but waste it Study finds people use toilets to flush bugs, cigarette butts and hair | Canadians say they appreciate the vast amount of fresh water that exists in this country, but are quite willing to waste much of it by unnecessarily disposing of things through toilets, according to results of a new study. A survey -commissioned by the Royal Bank of Canada and diversified product maker Unilever, with the endorsement of the United Nations Water For Life Decade project -had 72 per cent of respondents saying they dispose of things such as hair, bugs, cigarette butts and food by flushing them down the toilet. "We should stop using our toilets as garbage cans," said Bob Sandford, chairman of the Canadian Partnership Initiative of the UN Water for Life Decade. (March 22, 2011) Vancouver Sun | Latest Breaking News | Business | Sports | Canada Daily News [more on Water Quality in our area]
Wastewater is major gas-drilling issue | Democrat and Chronicle | democratandchronicle.com When New York's guidelines for hydraulic fracturing in the gas-rich Marcellus Shale are set in stone, officials say they will likely be stronger than those in Pennsylvania and other states that have long allowed the process. But a major question remains: What will be done with the millions of gallons of chemical-laced wastewater and salty production brine that comes along with the process? (March 17, 2011) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York | democratandchronicle.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
03/11/2011: EPA Encourages Americans to Save Water During Fix a Leak Week WASHINGTON – Across the country, household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water per year – enough to supply the water needs of Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles combined. Easily corrected household leaks can increase homeowners’ water bills by 12 percent. To help consumers find and repair easy-to-fix leaks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promoting the third annual Fix a Leak Week, March 14 through 20. “When households have a leak, it’s not just a waste of water, it’s a waste of money,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. “But by fixing leaky pipes, buying WaterSense products and taking other simple steps, families can save on their water bills and conserve clean water for future generations to enjoy.” (March 12, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pa. releases results showing low radiation in streams - Philly.com About a week after news reports indicated that radioactive wastewater from natural gas drilling may be entering some public water supplies in Pennsylvania, state officials announced test results showing that radiation levels in seven streams near drilling sites were normal or below normal. The Department of Environmental Protection tested seven streams in western and north-central Pennsylvania, taking samples downstream of wastewater-treatment plants and upstream of drinking-water intakes. The results released were for November and December. (March 8, 2011) philly.com: Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes [more on Water Quality in our area]
03/03/2011: EPA Submits for Public Comment the Next Round of Safe Drinking Water Act Contaminant Monitoring WASHINGTON – As part of its commitment to implement sensible protections of drinking water for communities across the country, and as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing 30 currently unregulated contaminants for monitoring in water systems, and submitting this proposal for public comment. The comment period will allow the public and other stakeholders to provide input on the selection of new contaminants for monitoring, and will help determine the best path forward as the EPA seeks to collect data that will inform future decisions about how best to protect drinking water. (March 3, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Politicos, stars take the stage in Washington, to protect drinking water WASHINGTON – Three House members including Maurice Hinchey of Ulster County joined forces Thursday with Sullivan County actor Mark Ruffalo and “Gasland” director Josh Fox in Washington to call for baseline federal rules and oversight to protect drinking water. They are concerned about hydrofracking, or the high pressure pumping of chemicals into shale formations to extract gas. (February 18, 2011)New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
E.P.A. Plans New Limits on Toxic Chemicals in Drinking Water WASHINGTON — The Obama administration said Wednesday that it would impose limits on permissible levels of a new set of toxic chemicals in drinking water, including the first standards for perchlorate, a dangerous compound found in rocket fuel and fireworks that has contaminated water supplies in 26 states. (February 2, 2011) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
01/14/2011: EPA Grants Continue to Protect Beachgoers WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing almost $10 million in grants to 37 states, territories and tribes to help protect swimmers and beachgoers at America’s beaches. The grants will help local authorities monitor beach water quality and notify the public of conditions that may be unsafe for swimming. The grants have enabled states and territories to more than double the number of beaches they monitor since 2003. This continues EPA’s efforts to help beach managers provide consistent public health protection and up-to-date information about local beach conditions. (January 14, 2011) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]

2010

Pa. allows dumping of tainted waters from gas boom In this Dec. 15, 2010 photo, the Neshaminy Creek is shown after sunset in Chalfont Pa. The natural gas boom gripping parts of the U.S. has a nasty byproduct: wastewater so salty, and so polluted with metals like barium and strontium, most states require drillers to get rid of the stuff by injecting it down shafts thousands of feet deep. Not in Pennsylvania, one of the states at the center of the gas rush. There, the liquid that gushes from gas wells is only partially treated for substances that could be environmentally harmful, then dumped into rivers and streams from which communities get their drinking water. (January 3, 2010) PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine [more on Water Quality in our area]
Study: Some Cities Have Tainted Water - YNN, Your News Now A new study shows tap water in several cities including three in New York is contaminated. The Environmental Working Group study shows the carcinogen hexavalent chromium was found in 31 of 35 tap water samples collected in cities across the country. Among those contaminated samples were ones from Syracuse, Buffalo and New York City. (December 20, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Water Quality in our area]
Water Authority OKs $94.5 million in bonds | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Monroe County Water Authority board of directors on Thursday approved issuing $94.5 million in 30-year taxable bonds to help finance ongoing construction of a new water treatment plant in Webster. At its regular meeting, the board also raised water rates for the first time in five years. Pricing on the bonds will not be set until next week, although underwriters led by Jefferies & Co. Inc. expect the financing to be highly rated, following an upgrade of the authority from a major bond-rating agency last year. Standard & Poor's lifted its rating to AA+ from AA. (December 10, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Gas drilling offers new boon for local wastewater treatment plants | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin If imitation really is a form a flattery, consider the Village of Owego flattered. As the village board of trustees considers a lucrative offer to sell treated wastewater to Denver-based Inflection Energy, other local officials said Tuesday they would welcome similar offers from the natural gas industry. "We're well prepared to open a line of discussion and see where it goes," Village of Endicott Mayor John R. Bertoni said. "It could generate revenue that would help offset improvements and wear and tear to our (wastewater treatment) plant." (December 9, 2010) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
ENVIRONMENT: Building a better sidewalk surface - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Think about a typical parking lot during or immediately after a rain storm: there's a steady layer of water flowing off of that surface, or water puddles up in some of the depressions. Those traditional surfaces dump gallons of rain - stormwater runoff, technically - into storm drains connected to sewer lines, which then connect with a treatment plant. (November 24, 2010) [more on Water Quality in our area]
Water Authority toils under Lake Ontario | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Here, somewhere below the intersection of Lake and Basket roads, is ground zero of the Monroe County Water Authority's newest water treatment plant, whose $150 million price tag makes it the most expensive public works project in the region. When complete in 2013, the facility will be capable of supplying 50 million gallons of water a day to ratepayers, and better position the authority to continue adding customers, mostly in rural areas that have historically relied on well water or smaller water systems whose infrastructure is aging. (November 24, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Buffalo Sewer Authority receives $2 million to improve water quality BUFFALO – Mayor Byron Brown announced that the Buffalo Sewer Authority has been chosen to receive New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) funding in the amount of $2,125,000. “This grant will be used to improve the quality of life for residents in the City of Buffalo and in surrounding regions,” said Mayor Brown. “I am proud that the Buffalo Sewer Authority has been awarded this funding from the New York State DEC and it will be utilized as part of our city’s continuing practice of environmental responsibility.” (November 23, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
Grant will help clean up water at Durand-Eastman beach | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle With the recent award of a state environmental grant, Monroe County and Rochester officials are poised to begin a project that should improve water quality at Durand-Eastman beach. The two-part project, which has a total cost of more than $2 million, is designed to remove bacteria and other contaminants from water that drains across the popular beach and into Lake Ontario. The beach at Durand-Eastman, like Ontario Beach to the west of it, is frequently closed to swimming because of water-quality and clarity concerns. Investigation found one problem is several small, intermittent streams that drain across the beach can carry bacteria and other undesirable material into the water. (November 23, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Lyons plant goes green Waste water facility to unveil improvements | LYONS — Village leaders will show off $607,000 worth of green improvements at the wastewater plant later this month. The upgrades, which include solar power and new lighting, were largely paid for with $546,000 in federal stimulus money. The village contributed the rest through in-kind services, said Mayor Corrine Kleisle. (November 8, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
WATER: City, Water Authority in transfer talks - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The rumor mill seems to have gotten ahead of itself. Word was going around last week that City Council was about to sign off on an agreement to sell or transfer the city's water system to the Monroe County Water Authority. Council never got any such proposal, but there is some truth to the rumors. "I wouldn't say it's any closer than we were a couple of months ago," Deputy Mayor Tom Richards says. "But I don't want to be cute: it's true." The city and the Water Authority are discussing a deal, he says, for the city to transfer its system. The two parties haven't settled on how that would happen, however: would the city lease the system to the Water Authority, for example, or sell it? (November 03, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
Uranium in groundwater? 'Fracking' mobilizes uranium in marcellus shale ScienceDaily (Oct. 27, 2010) — Scientific and political disputes over drilling Marcellus shale for natural gas have focused primarily on the environmental effects of pumping millions of gallons of water and chemicals deep underground to blast through rocks to release the natural gas. (October 27, 2010) Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology [more on Water Quality in our area]
Watershed groups hold symposium | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle We hear a lot about conservation, pollution mitigation and green living these days, but sometimes it is difficult to know what to do about it. Next week, the Black Creek Watershed Coalition is teaming up with the Oatka Creek Watershed Committee to present a symposium to discuss issues surrounding both watersheds. The symposium is meant as a kickoff to a watershed planning process that will hopefully encourage government and residents to work together to protect and improve water quality and conditions in each watershed. (October 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Perinton's Crescent Drive Pond may have dangerous blue-green algae | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Nearly two months after large outbreaks of potentially dangerous blue-green algae marred a pair of western New York water bodies, officials in Perinton are dealing with suspect algae in a small pond off Fairport Road. A warning sign was posted and fliers were distributed Tuesday to neighbors of Crescent Drive Pond, in a small park near the Perinton-East Rochester town line. (October 14, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
New York Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council Announces Final Recommendations To Protect Water Supply - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council today released the final report, Our Great Lakes Water Resources: Conserving and Protecting Our Water Today for Use Tomorrow. The report guides state implementation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact by identifying key recommendations to ensure sustainable protections for New York's Great Lakes watershed. New York adopted the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact in 2008. The Compact is a binding agreement between the eight Great Lakes states - New York, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota - to protect water quantity, by banning large scale diversions and promoting water conservation. New York's Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council (GLBAC), of which the state Department of Environmental Conservation is a member, was required to deliberate and develop recommendations to implement the Compact. (October 8, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
Onondaga County wants residents to "Save the Rain" Syracuse, NY -- Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney today used an open house at the Metro Sewage Treatment Facility to launch an aggressive public education campaign to remove 250 million gallons of rain water from the county’s sewer system. The “Save the Rain” campaign began in 2009 in an effort to lessen the overflow of sewage into Onondaga Creek and Onondaga Lake. (September 26, 2010) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Officials investigate possible red tide in New York Harbor - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow New York, N.Y. — Officials say they are continuing to test water samples from New York Harbor to determine if a bloom of algae is harmful and can be considered a red tide outbreak. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said Tuesday boats were gathering water samples and an airplane was surveilling an area near Staten Island. (September 9. 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Water Quality in our area]
Algae outbreak keeps Sodus Bay, Honeoye Lake clear of recreation | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Next Page 1 | 2 Previous Page A few days ago, Lyle Maldoon fired off an angry letter to elected officials, demanding to know how they were going to clean up Sodus Bay. "An advisory notice has been posted in Sodus Bay to prohibit swimming or exposing your skin to a toxic algae present in our bay," he wrote. "This is not acceptable in a lovely resort area the week before Labor Day weekend." (September 4, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Toxic algae surfaces in Honeoye Lake | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle RICHMOND — Town officials are closing Sandy Bottom Beach on Honeoye Lake for the rest of the season because of an expanding bloom of blue-green algae potentially containing harmful toxins and bacteria. "We have a nice classic case of blue-green algae that has just popped up," said Town Board member Steve Barnhoorn. "The beach was OK up until probably Friday." (September 1, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
"It Looks Like Pea Soup!" - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com (Richmond, NY) - Thick green algae is covering parts of Honeoye Lake. "We've been seeing this green scum," said Ted McGraw, who owns a cottage on Honeoye Lake. "When it gets really hot it turns really white around the edges." The health department closed the beach on Friday, and it will likely remain closed through Labor Day, which marks the end of the season (August 30, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Best Tasting Drinking Water in State to be Decided Tuesday at The New York State Fair ALBANY, NY (Aug. 30, 2010) -- Ten municipalities will square off in the final championship round of the 2010 New York State Drinking Water Taste Test to determine the best tasting drinking water in New York on Tuesday, August 31, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. WHO: State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. WHAT: Championship Round, NYS Water Taste Test WHERE: Behind the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation booth, State Fairgrounds, Syracuse WHEN: Tuesday, August 31, at 12:30 p.m. Results available by 4 p.m. (August 30, 2010) New York State Department of Health [more on Water Quality in our area]
Algae forces closing of Honeoye beach | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The town of Richmond, Ontario County, has closed a popular swimming beach at the north end of Honeoye Lake in response to an outbreak of potentially dangerous cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. The closure of Sandy Bottom Beach, off West Lake Road, Ontario County, marks the second closing of a summer destination in the region due to blue-green algae in less than a week. (August 30, 2010 Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
www.WHEC.com - Beaches closed at Sodus Point because of possibly toxic algae Swimming beaches at a scenic sailing, fishing and vacationing destination on Lake Ontario have been closed because of an outbreak of potentially dangerous blue-green algae. Sodus Bay has had outbreaks of the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, for the last several weeks. (August 27, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News [more on Water Quality in our area]
www.WHEC.com - Heath Department warns about Sodus Bay algae It stinks, it looks gross, and now it is impacting people's lives along Sodus Bay. It is cyanobacteria, which is commonly known as blue green algae. Friday night, community leaders and the Health Department are saying to say stay out of the water. There is an effort to keep people out of Sodus Bay. Warmer weather, warmer water and the right mix of chemicals have helped create a much bigger problem with algae this year and it is making people sick. In some places it is killing the fish. (August 27, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News [more on Water Quality in our area]
Officials: Avoid contact with Sodus Bay water | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle SODUS — Local officials said Friday they would redouble efforts to inform the public about an outbreak of potentially dangerous cyanobacteria in Sodus Bay that has closed two beaches and prompted warnings to avoid tainted water. Leaders of Wayne County, the towns of Sodus and Huron and the village of Sodus Point said they may use posters, reverse 911 calls to bayside residents, mailings and even a door-to-door campaign to inform people to avoid tainted water. (August 28, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Algae outbreak infests Sodus Bay | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 Previous Page Sodus Bay, the scenic sailing, fishing and vacation destination in Wayne County, has suffered outbreaks of potentially dangerous cyanobacteria for the last several weeks, causing the closure Wednesday of two swimming beaches and prompting a huddle by local officials this morning to figure out how to better warn the public. "I would advise everybody to stay out of the water until we get a better understanding of this," Sodus Point village mayor Michael Sullivan said Thursday. (August 27, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Freshwater Future Awards Grant Residents, visitors, fisherman and boaters who use the Pultneyville Harbor cannot access that resource to the extent they want due in part to eutrophication and e-coli contamination. Funding of this project will allow the Center for Environmental Information to facilitate the initiation of watershed analysis and prioritized implementation process for the Pultneyville Watershed. (August 20, 2010) CEI: Center for Environmental Information [more on Water Quality in our area]
08/20/2010: EPA Releases Draft Strategy for Clean Water WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting the public to comment on the agency’s draft strategy to protect and restore our nation’s lakes, streams and coastal waters. The strategy, “Coming Together for Clean Water: EPA’s Strategy for Achieving Clean Water,” is designed to chart EPA’s path in furthering EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s key priority of protecting America’s waters. The strategy was developed by considering the input and ideas generated at the April “Coming Together for Clean Water” forum as well as comments received through the online discussion forum. Participants shared their perspectives on how to advance the EPA’s clean water agenda focusing on the agency’s two priority areas: healthy watersheds and sustainable communities. EPA is now inviting the public to consider and provide their comments on the approaches outlined in the strategy. Public comments on the draft strategy should be submitted by September 17. EPA will review all comments and post a final strategy later in the year. More information on the draft strategy and to comment: http://blog.epa.gov/waterforum/ (?August 20, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Beaches in area cope with pollution - The Buffalo News The news was bad enough when a national environmental group this week found Krull Park Beach in the Niagara County hamlet of Olcott had the dirtest water in New York State. That didn't particularly surprise anyone. But worse was that Krull had plenty of local company, with St. Vincent de Paul Camp beach in the Town of Evans, Erie County, and Lake Erie State Park Beach in Chautauqua County rounding out the list of the state's most polluted beaches. Authorities seemed resigned. "It is what it is," said Dawn Timm, the Niagara County Health Department's environmental coordinator. The National Resources Defense Council's report analyzed water quality in beaches across the country. It found that in 2009 there were 18,682 days of beach closings and advisories in the United States, the sixth highest in 20 years. (July 29, 2010) The Buffalo News [more on Water Quality in our area]
Ontario Beach among worst in nation for bacteria levels, study shows | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Despite evidence of modest improvement, Monroe County and western New York beaches continue to top the list for pollution concerns in a national study of public swimming sites. Ontario Beach in Charlotte was tied with two other Great Lakes. (July 29, 2010) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
NRDC's New Beach Report: How Clean Is Your Favorite Swimming Spot? | David Beckman's Blog | Switchboard, from NRDC Before you head to your favorite beach this summer, you might consider this: according to NRDC’s annual Testing the Waters report, American beaches violated public health standards more than 18,600 times last year--mostly because of sewage, animal waste, and runoff. The problem, unfortunately, is persistent. The good news is that many communities are starting to embrace the solutions that will make our beaches cleaner. Yet until more cities and towns make this shift, many of us may swim in dirty beaches that could literally make us sick. NRDC’s report found that the region with the most contaminated beachwater in 2009 was the Great Lakes, where 13 percent of beachwater samples violated standards. Louisiana, Rhode Island, and Illinois had the most reported contamination. (July 28, 2010) Home | Switchboard, from NRDC [more on Water Quality in our area]
Hot weather leaving bad taste in some area mouths | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Recent hot, sunny weather has revived an unwelcome rite of summer — the appearance of a once-familiar "green taste" in part of the Rochester-area water supply. The subtle taste is due to algae that have begun growing on rocks that line a city of Rochester reservoir in the town of Rush. Water from Hemlock Lake passes through the reservoir on its way to consumers in the city and some southern suburbs. (July 17, 2010) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
07/14/2010: EPA Launches National Water Conservation Campaign/EPA’s WaterSense program helps consumers save money and water WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program today is kicking off its national “We’re for Water” campaign to encourage Americans to make simple choices that save water. The program, in collaboration with its partner, American Water, will spread the word about saving water by traveling cross-country, stopping at national landmarks and educating consumers about WaterSense labeled products. WaterSense products use about 20 percent less water than standard models. (July 14, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Governor Paterson Announces $67 Million in Grants for Clean Water Infrastructure Across New York | Governor David A. Paterson today announced that municipalities across New York State will receive $67 million in grants from the New York Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for clean water infrastructure projects. "This funding represents an important investment in New York's clean water infrastructure," Governor Paterson said. "For many New York communities, these projects would not be possible without the substantial financial assistance provided to them as principal forgiveness. I would like to thank President Obama and the New York Congressional Delegation, for the increased Federal funding allocation for clean water infrastructure projects." (July 9, 2010) http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/index.html [more on Water Quality in our area]
Naples, Albion and Newark get federal funds for water systems | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The villages of Naples in Ontario County and Albion in Orleans County each will receive a $2 million federal grant, and the village of Newark in Wayne County will get $952,242 distributed through the New York Clean Water State Revolving Fund for infrastructure projects, state officials announced. (July 12, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Water Quality in our area]
Down the drain - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA A new report by Environmental Defence on water usage from the Great Lakes found that homes are wasting 580 billion litres -- enough to fill 236,000 Olympic swimming pools -- because they're still using old toilets and washing machines and other water-wasting appliances. (July 7, 2010) Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA [more on Water Quality in our area]
Albany set to limit on phosphorus | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Hoping to improve water quality in New York lakes, ponds and rivers, state lawmakers have passed legislation to strictly limit the use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizer and virtually eliminate it from dishwasher detergent. Phosphorus, commonly found in fertilizers and cleaning products, is blamed for promoting the growth of aquatic weeds and algae in water bodies. The unwanted growth makes water unattractive for swimming, can kill fish and other aquatic life by depleting oxygen, and can contribute to the emergence of dangerous bacteria and toxic cyanobacteria. (July 1, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
06/29/2010: EPA Approves New York State’s List of Impaired Waters: Long Island’s South Shore Estuary and Lake Ontario New Entries on the List (New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the 2010 list of waters in New York State that are considered either impaired or threatened by pollutants. An impaired water body is one that does not meet water quality standards even after pollution controls have been put in place. A threatened water body is one that is expected to be impaired within two years. The list helps to set priorities for addressing current water pollution threats. The Clean Water Act requires states to assess the quality of their waters and to report their findings every two years to EPA. The list is compiled by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and is a valuable tool for reaching the Clean Water Act goal of “fishable and swimmable” waters for all of New York State. A complete list of impaired waters in New York is available at: http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/waterbodies. (June 30, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Municipal water loss is pouring dollars down the drain | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle As Rochester residents brace for an increase in water rates, nearly one in four gallons of water treated for consumption never reaches the tap because it is lost in an aging distribution system that drains about 2.6 billion gallons annually, city water records show. (June 28, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Swimming waters closed at Ontario Beach Park | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The weather was perfect and people were ready to swim Friday at Ontario Beach Park — and though it was supposed to be the beach's first swimming day, the water remained off-limits. According to Larry Staub, director of parks for Monroe County, high bacteria counts and lack of water clarity prevented swimming. (June 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Hudson River monitoring system unveiled POUGHKEEPSIE – The newest addition to the Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System (HRECOS) was unveiled Saturday afternoon during Poughkeepsie’s River Day Festivities at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie. The state-of-the-art environmental monitoring system System, onboard the sloop Clearwater, will provide a range of real-time data taken directly from the waters of the Hudson River. According to State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, HRECOS is a monitoring network made up of eight stations along the Hudson River estuary, from New York Harbor to just north of Albany, which provides scientists with vital information about the river as well as recreationists with the information they need to know about water conditions. (June 7, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
Governor Paterson Announces State Selected for National Smart Growth and Drinking Water Protection Grant | Smart Growth Leadership Institute to Work with State to Align Land Use and Water Quality Protection Programs Governor David A. Paterson today announced that New York State was chosen as one of only two states for a Smart Growth technical assistance grant to promote sustainable land use and water quality protection. The Smart Growth Leadership Institute chose New York and Missouri for this year’s initiative, entitled “Aligning State Land Use and Water Quality Protection Programs.” The program is funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (May 29, 2010) www.ny.gov/governor [more on Water Quality in our area]
05/27/2010: EPA and New York State Announce Ban on Boat Sewage Disposal to New York Canal System (New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the entire New York State Canal System is now a “no discharge zone,” which means that boats are banned from discharging sewage into the canals. Boaters must instead dispose of their sewage at specially designated pump-out stations. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis were joined by New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello and Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) President and CEO Matthew J. Driscoll along the canal to mark the boat sewage discharge ban, and to announce a new, comprehensive strategy to eliminate the discharge of sewage from boats into any of the state’s waterways. (May 27, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
1972 accord on water quality up for changes U.S., Canada seek to modernize terms Forty million people rely on the Great Lakes for drinking water. All benefit from the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, even if they don't know what it is or fumble for words trying to describe it. Signed in 1972 by President Richard Nixon and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the agreement is often hailed as a landmark pledge between the two countries to help the lakes recover from their legacy of pollution. (May 22, 2010) toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC Takes Action to Protect Lake Ontario Barrier Beaches - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Both areas are located on Lake Ontario in the Town of Ellisburg, Jefferson County. Lakeview WMA has the largest, least disturbed portion of the barrier system remaining on Lake Ontario. Approximately one mile of undisturbed barrier beach also exists on the Black Pond WMA. "These beautiful natural beach areas have many attractive features, including accessible boardwalks, a fishing platform, unique plant and wildlife observation opportunities, and or course, beaches," Director Drabicki said. "Unfortunately, misuse by people visiting the areas for the beach presents a threat to the areas' ecological integrities while at the same time causing potential user safety hazards." (May 20, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
Pure Waters to explore well water testing GENEVA –– The topic of homeowners having their well water tested will be explored at the 7 p.m. June 17 meeting of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. The free and open discussion is co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Institute, which will host the event at 601 S. Main St. With growing concern about the hydrofracking method of natural gas drilling impacting ground water, two experts in contamination of drinking water sources will speak in the context of drilling the Marcellus Shale deposit. (May 20, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
WXXI: City Seeking $125,000 to Study Lead in Water (2010-05-11) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Members of city council are voting Tuesday night, about whether or not to approve a $125,000 study of Rochester's drinking water. The examination is necessary, according to legislation forwarded by the mayor. The legislation says Rochester's water is safe, and hasn't crossed the 15 parts per billion that the Environmental Protection Agency recommends lead levels stay below. But lead levels are trending upward, according to the bill. (May 11, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Water Quality in our area]
05/13/2010: City of Oswego, N.Y., Agrees to Invest $87 Million in Upgrades to Sewer System to Comply with Clean Water Act WASHINGTON—To resolve long-standing problems with unpermitted sewer overflows, the city of Oswego, N.Y., will invest an estimated $87 million in improvements to its west side sewer system, the Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was also a partner in the agreement. (May 13, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
04/29/2010: EPA Launches New Web Tools to Inform the Public About Clean Water Enforcement WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a new set of web tools, data, and interactive maps to inform the public about serious Clean Water Act violations in their communities. Improving water quality is one of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s priorities and in 2009, Administrator Jackson directed the agency to develop concrete steps to improve water quality, to better enforce the Clean Water Act and to use 21st Century technology to transform the collection, use and availability of EPA data. The web tools announced today is part of EPA’s Clean Water Act Action Plan to work with states in ensuring that facilities comply with standards that keep our water clean. (April 29, 2010) US Environmental Protection Agency [more on Water Quality in our area]
Water Authority gets funds to build Webster plant | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The state Health Department has poured $23.7 million in federal stimulus money into the construction of a Monroe County Water Authority treatment plant in Webster, making the authority the recipient of the largest single investment of federal stimulus largesse in Monroe County, federal data show. (April 26, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Seneca Falls sticking with chloramine water disinfectant SENECA FALLS — The Village Board is sticking with its decision to use chloramine as a secondary disinfectant for its drinking water supply. (April 22, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
Going Green: Wastewater - YNN, Your News Now Waste is most often treated using expensive and energy intensive equipment. In a constructed wetland, the gravity and microorganisms do all the work naturally. (March 28, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Water Quality in our area]
Toxic Waters - Rulings Restrict Clean Water Act, Hampering E.P.A. - NYTimes.com Thousands of the nation’s largest water polluters are outside the Clean Water Act’s reach because the Supreme Court has left uncertain which waterways are protected by that law, according to interviews with regulators. As a result, some businesses are declaring that the law no longer applies to them. And pollution rates are rising. (February 28, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
EPA Solicits Input on Ocean Acidification and Carbon Dioxide Limits Under Water Pollution Law The Environmental Protection Agency launched an effort Monday seeking public input on how to address ocean acidification under the Clean Water Act. The notice, published in the Federal Register, comes in response to a settlement of a Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit over ocean acidification. (March 23, 2010) Environmental News Network -- Know Your Environment [more on Water Quality ]
Erie Canal sewage ban proposed | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Federal environmental officials are asking for public comment on a New York state proposal to ban the discharge of boat sewage into the Erie Canal. State officials have said a federal no-discharge designation is needed to reduce bacterial and chemical pollution in the waterway. (March 22, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
Seneca County explores feasibility of fluoridating water WATERLOO — The Seneca County Board of Health wants to explore the feasibility of fluoridating the county’s public water supplies. Many in the health field have long identified fluoride as an element that prevents dental decay when added to drinking water supplies in the proper dosage. (March 19, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
03/16/2010: Boat Sewage Ban Proposed In New York State Canal System (New York, NY) In an effort to improve the water quality of upstate New York, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given preliminary approval to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) proposal to establish a “No Discharge Zone” throughout the New York State Canal System. If the proposal is approved, the discharge of sewage from boats into canal waters will be prohibited. Boat sewage discharge can contain harmful levels of bacteria and chemicals such as formaldehyde, phenols, and chlorine, which negatively impact water quality and impair marine life. EPA is asking the public to comment on this plan. (March 16, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
TVT-Bio uses microorganisms to clean waste water | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The bottom line at TVT-Bio — a Rochester-based waste water remediation company — depends on the happiness of microscopic creatures. The kind that can fit on the head of a pin by the millions and eat things that make water unpleasant and unsafe for humans. (March 14, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
100 Percent of Fish in U.S. Streams Found Contaminated with Mercury (NaturalNews) In a new study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), every single fish tested from 291 freshwater streams across the United States was found to be contaminated with mercury. "This study shows just how widespread mercury pollution has become in our air, watersheds and many of our fish in freshwater streams," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. (March 3, 2010) Green Lifestyle and Sustainable Culture News: [more on Water Quality in our area]
Clean water is Frank E. Van Lare's legacy in this area and across the state | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In recognition of his achievements in clearing up the water here, Van Lare's name now graces the Frank E. Van Lare Wastewater Treatment Facility near Lake Ontario's shore. (March 6, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in this area]
Buffalo’s gets high marks for drinking water BUFFALO – Mayor Brown today announced that the City of Buffalo has received high marks when it comes to the quality of its drinking water. In a report issued by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the quality of Buffalo’s drinking water ranked number 15 out of 100 cities with a population over 250,000. Buffalo also had the highest rank among cities in the state of New York. (May 01, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
Agencies: N.Y. plan threatens water quality | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette Water quality in the Southern Tier could suffer under budget cuts proposed by Gov. David Paterson, according to local agencies responsible for maintaining a healthy watershed. Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties are among 25 counties in the Lake Ontario watershed basin that each receive $85,000 a year for conservation projects through the Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance. (February 11, 2010) http://www.stargazette.com/ [more on Water Quality in our area]
Savannah OKs funds to start water project SAVANNAH — The Town Board voted unanimously Monday night to spend money to qualify Savannah for USDA Rural Development grants and low-interest loans to pay for a $3.4 million project to upgrade water filtration to state standards and replace the hamlet’s water district infrastructure, some of which is 90 years old. (February 12, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
Business & Technology | Even if you're careful, drugs can end up in water | Seattle Times Newspaper The federal government advises throwing most unused or expired medications into the trash instead of down the drain, but they can end up in the water anyway, a study from Maine suggests. (February 7, 2010) The Seattle Times | Seattle Times Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
Health board looks at adding fluoride to water | WATERLOO — The Seneca County Board of Health is exploring the cost of fluoridating the county’s municipal water supplies. (February 8, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Water Quality in our area]
Watershed watchdogs ramp up development scrutiny - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow With increasing development around Canandaigua Lake, organizations and others concerned with protecting the watershed are exercising more oversight over building projects. (February 5, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Wetlands in our area]
NY conservation officials cite cleaner waterways | News from The Post-Standard - ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York conservation officials want to remove dozens of waterways from the list of those considered “impaired” by pollution, citing measures to reduce stormwater and agricultural runoff, sewage discharges and smokestack pollution. (February 3, 2010) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Water Quality in our area]
Greece environmental group files suit against the town - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Greece, N.Y. — An environmental group made up of local residents has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Greece. In a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court on Thursday, Jan. 21, the local environmental group CA-POW! (Citizens Alert: Protect Our Waters) is taking on the Town of Greece, saying it has not taken the necessary steps to protect its residents from the dangers of improperly treated stormwater run-off. (February 2, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [Water Quality]
DEC recommends removing several bodies of water from impaired list ALBANY - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed removing water bodies in Franklin, Lewis, St. Lawrence and Broome counties from a federal list of impaired waters, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced Wednesday. Recent assessments found significant water quality improvements in Gull Pond and Cranberry Lake, while Beaver River should also show improvements following the recent construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for the area. (January 22, 2010) New York State News on the Net![more on Water Quality in our area]
Report links air pollution, drinking water | A new report urges the provincial government to look to the sky when assessing pollutants to drinking water. Essex Region Source Protection Area ranked eighth out of 18 regions throughout the Great Lakes Basin for the release of toxins and contaminants in the air. (January 11, 2010) Windsor Star - Breaking news Ontario, business, sports, entertainment and more [more on Air Quality | Water Quality in our area}

2009

With its accounts running dry, NY state lacks sufficient clean water funding | News from The Post-Standard - ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state’s 30,000 miles of aging sewer and water treatment systems need billions of dollars in repairs and upgrades in the next two decades, an expensive undertaking even with millions in federal stimulus funding to help. (December 31, 09) [more on Water Quality in our area]
New York's aging infrastructure a costly problem - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Tens of thousands of miles of aging sewer and water treatment systems need extensive repairs and upgrades that could cost New York billions in the next two decades, an expensive undertaking even with the help of federal stimulus funding, according to state officials. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation found sewage-treatment infrastructure around the state is aging out and in need of an estimated $36.2 billion in repairs over the next 20 years. A similar state Health Department study estimated that drinking water infrastructure is in need of approximately $38 billion in repairs over 20 years (December 31, 09) KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports - HOME [more on Water Quality in our area]
Chemicals in area’s water? No problem, authority says - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch Advocacy group says laws need to be stiffened to protect public UTICA — The water Utica-area residents drink contains two toxic chemicals that have exceeded legal limits several times in recent years, test results show. But the Mohawk Valley Water Authority and state officials dispute the significance of those results, saying they create a misleading impression about local drinking water. (December 26, 09) Home - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch [more on Water Quality in our area]
Millions Drink Tap Water That Is Legal, but Maybe Not Healthy - Series - NYTimes.com The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose what scientists say are serious health risks — and still be legal. (December 16, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
Kodak to sell water treatment<br> facility to county for $9.5 million | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Eastman Kodak Co. said Thursday it has agreed to sell its water treatment facility to the Monroe County Water Authority for at least $9.5 million. (December 11, 09) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Water Quality in our area]
Millions in U.S. Drink Contaminated Water, Records Show - NYTimes.com More than 20 percent of the nation’s water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act over the last five years, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data. (December 7, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
Supervisors gearing up for water vote |Seneca County officials considering change in administration of districts WATERLOO — Seneca County supervisors will vote Tuesday on the creation of a new department to administer the county’s water district and its two sewer districts. The board’s Public Works Committee unanimously recommended the move last week. The committee also proposed having that department operate under the direction of County Engineer Jason McCormick. (November 23, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Walter Quality in our area]
Sewers at Capacity, Pollution Spills Into Waterways - Series - NYTimes.com In the last three years alone, more than 9,400 of the nation’s 25,000 sewage systems — including those in major cities — have reported violating the law by dumping untreated or partly treated human waste, chemicals and other hazardous materials into rivers and lakes and elsewhere, according to data from state environmental agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency. (November 22, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
584 pounds of medications turned in - JSOnline Residents of five Milwaukee County communities dropped off 584 pounds of unused or expired medications at their local police departments in recent months, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District officials said Thursday. The pharmaceuticals were collected this week; MMSD will pay for proper disposal. (November 19, 09) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Breaking news, sports, business, watchdog journalism, multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
ENVIRONMENT: Feds set aside money for Great Lakes cleanup - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper There is no shortage of environmental problems with the Rochester Embayment, a recessed section of Lake Ontario that stretches from Parma to Webster. The Embayment is listed as a federal area of concern because of the negative effects of the water quality on fish and wildlife populations, the added cost of treating water for municipal use, and other issues. (November 19, 09) [more on Water Quality in our area]
Federal judge approves Onondaga County using green technology to reduce Onondaga Lake pollution | News from The Post-Standard - Syracuse, NY - Onondaga County got the final go-ahead Monday to scrap plans for three new sewage plants — including one in Armory Square — and instead reduce sewer overflows with trees, vegetated roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement and rain barrels. (November 16, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Walter Quality in our area]
GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES SECOND MAJOR INFLUX OF AID TO COMMUNITIES FOR PROTECTING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE More than $700 Million Directed to New York in Past Year Federal Trend of Reduced Support Dramatically Reversed Governor David A. Paterson today hailed the signing of an EPA appropriations bill that includes a dramatic increase in aid to local communities for water infrastructure projects. These projects will address looming infrastructure needs – reversing the trend of steep declines in federal aid that had jeopardized communities’ ability to protect public health, lakes, streams and rivers. President Obama signed the appropriations bill on Friday, which approved $2.1 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds (CWSRF) across the nation, along with another $1.38 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds (DWSRF). Based on the traditional federal funding formulas, New York will receive $228.9 million for clean water and $88.6 million for drinking water. (November 5, 09) Press Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
Onondaga County Legislature approves green plan to reduce pollution going into Onondaga Lake | News from The Post-Standard - Syracuse, NY - Onondaga County’s innovative plan to promote rain gardens, green roofs and rain barrels as alternatives to building new sewage treatment plants took another step forward Wednesday when the county Legislature unanimously approved the plan. (November 5, 09) [more on Water Quality in our area]
WATER: Merger talks under way - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy confirms what many have long suspected: the city and the county are in talks to possibly merge water systems. "There are a number of issues that I think we have to work out," he says. "Like anything, nothing happens quickly, but we've been talking for some time on it. And nobody has said, 'No, it's not going to happen.'" (November 5, 09) Rochester City Newspaper [more on Water Quality in our area]
DEC Commissioner Announces Initiative to Update Clean Water Funding Programs - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Goal: Modernize Scoring System and Promote Asset Management New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that the agency will update the system used to score applications for clean water infrastructure loans. The changes will provide communities with more incentives for employing land use planning and asset management planning. "The state's clean water loan program provides much needed assistance to New York's communities," Commissioner Grannis said. "To make this even better, we need to improve the system used to prioritize applications to maximize the benefits of these loans." (November 2, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
SCHUMER PLAN CALLS FOR ADDITIONAL $1 BILLION WORTH OF CRITICAL WATER AND SEWER GRANTS FOR LOCALITIES IN NY AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY - HELP STAVE OFF TAX HIKES AND ADDRESS MASSIVE WATER AND SEWER NEEDS OF NYS | Schumer Urges Key Congressional Committee to Provide Funding in Form of Grants Instead of Loans to Upgrade Aging Water Infrastructure - NYS Has Billions Of Dollars In Wastewater Infrastructure Needs With Local and Counties Facing Historic Budget Crunches, Billions in New Grants, Rather than Loans, Would Help Stave Off Future Tax Hikes and Spur Job Creation Schumer Plan Would Increase Available Water And Sewer Funding To $3.75 B With More than $1 Billion Going Out as New Grants - Currently, Money will Be Provided Only as Loans (October 21, 09) Senator Charles E. Schumer [more on Water Quality in our area]
Water and sewer needs nearly $95 million in Finger Lakes region - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. announced he is trying to get an additional $1 billion dollars to be distributed as grants – not loans – to communities to address water and sewer infrastructure needs. (October 21, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Water Quality in our area]
State Announces $1.7 Million in Clean Water Planning Projects - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Stimulus Funds Give Green Light to 11 Projects From Long Island to the Finger Lakes New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the award of $1.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to planning boards and commissions across the state to improve local water quality. The federal stimulus funding will help communities develop and implement an array of projects, ranging from collecting water quality data to improving stormwater management to analyzing opportunities for installing "green" infrastructure. The 11 awards were selected through a competitive process. (October 21, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Water Quality in our area]
Slaughter announces stimulus funds for clean water planning projects - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Washington — Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Perinton, today announced that almost $366,000 in federal stimulus funds will go towards the planning of clean water projects for Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes. (October 21, 09) - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Water Quality in our area]
GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $9.8 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER PROJECTS IN WESTERN NEW YORK Governor David A. Paterson today announced $9.8 million for innovative water quality projects in Western New York through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funds were awarded to 10 different projects through a new State initiative known as the Green Innovation Grant Program, which promotes sustainable, environmentally sensitive water infrastructure and technologies. (October 1, 09) www.ny.gov/governor [more on Water Quality in our area}
ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO SUES WESTCHESTER COMPANY & EMPLOYEE FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING OF RAW SEWAGE AND CESSPOOL WASTE INTO NYC DRINKING SUPPLY TRIBUTARY Chappaqua Septic, Inc. waste hauler dumped raw sewage and offensive and noxious waste into stream in residential neighborhood that supplies NYC drinking water WHITE PLAINS, NY (September 24, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a lawsuit against a Westchester County-based waste hauling company and one of its employees for illegally dumping septic tank and cesspool waste containing raw sewage, condoms, sanitary napkins, and other noxious and offensive wastes into a neighborhood stream in the Town of New Castle that is a tributary to a New York City drinking water supply. (September 25, 09) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Water Quality]
Thompson seeking testimony on state water quality BUFFALO - State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (D- Parts of Erie & Niagara Counties), Chair of the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, announced the public hearing schedule to solicit input and obtain feedback from the public on water quality in New York State. (September 25, 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality]
Obama Seeks National Oversight of Waters - NYTimes.com The Obama administration called Thursday for a comprehensive national system for regulating the use of federal waters along the nation’s marine and Great Lakes shores, now administered by a hodgepodge of federal, state or other agencies with often-conflicting goals. (September 19, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
Mayor defends boosting Newark water capacity NEWARK — Village resident Barbara Meeks last night questioned the Village Board’s decision to invest $6,500 to study increasing the water plant’s capacity. The village board is hoping to increase the plant’s capacity by 600,000 gallons of water daily — to four million gallons — in order to sell water to other municipalities. (Sept 2, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online
City of Schenectady Wins State Drinking Water Taste Contest City of Rochester Takes Second Place ALBANY, NY (September 1, 2009) - The New York State Department of Health (DOH) today announced the City of Schenectady the winner of the 2009 New York State Drinking Water Taste Test. The City of Rochester was runner up. Schenectady won the coveted title for best-tasting drinking water in New York over 150 other community water systems during the final competition held today at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. (Sept. 2, 09) New York State Department of Health
GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $87 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR DRINKING WATER PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE Funds to Improve Aging Drinking Water Systems, Create Jobs, and Boost Local Economies Governor David A. Paterson today announced $87 million for drinking water projects across the State through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A total of 14 projects will receive financing to improve drinking water systems, creating jobs and protecting public health. “Safe, potable water is necessary for our lives and livelihood and these economic recovery funds will support major capital improvements to our drinking water systems,” Governor Paterson said. “In addition to improving the quality of our water, these funds will also create new jobs and promote economic development. I thank President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for setting aside stimulus funds for these critical projects.” (August 31, 09) Press Releases
Report cites health risk from herbicide in drinking water -- chicagotribune.com Drinking water containing a common herbicide could pose a greater public health risk than previously thought because regular municipal monitoring doesn't detect frequent spikes in the chemical's levels, according to a report released this week by the Natural Resources Defense Council. (August 26, 09)Chicago Tribune breaking news, sports, weather and traffic in Chicago - chicagotribune.com
EPA Fails to Inform Public About Weed Killer in Drinking Water, Huffington Post Investigation Reveals An investigation by the Huffington Post reveals the Environmental Protection Agency knew that one of the country’s most widely used herbicides exceeds federal safety limits in four states but failed to inform residents of the associated dangers. (August 25, 09) Democracy Now! | Today's Show
Debating Just How Much Atrazine Is Safe in Your Water Glass - Series - NYTimes.com For decades, farmers, lawn care workers and professional green thumbs have relied on the popular weed killer atrazine to protect their crops, golf courses and manicured lawns. (August 22, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
State fails to pass water quality bills, delays research funding | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Amid another summer of algae blooms and beaching closings, New York state officials have failed to act on two measures intended to improve water quality. (August 17, 09) [more on Walter Quality in our area] Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
www.WHEC.com - "Smart Sponge" clean-up for Durand Eastman Beach The City of Rochester has been trying to clean up Durand Eastman Beach for years. Now the city is planning to spend about a million dollars ($972,000) to make it happen, and they plan to do it with a sponge! (August 11, 09) http://www.whec.com/
08/07/2009: EPA Seeks Public Input on Clean Water Enforcement Action Plan Through Online Forum WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched an online discussion forum to receive public input on the future direction of EPA’s national water enforcement program. The public will be able to provide feedback through the EPA Web site, between now and August 28, giving them a forum to address any concerns about EPA’s efforts to protect the water in their communities (August 8, 09) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Soaking up rays hinges on a sponge | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Swimmers will have to wait a little longer for the installation of a "smart sponge" designed to kill bacteria at Durand-Eastman Beach. But a $728,000 federal grant that the city received this spring means Rochester taxpayers will be footing less of the project's initial $1.7 million bill. (August 6, 09) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
08/05/2009: EPA Seeks Comments on its Reevaluation of the Chemical Perchlorate WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced that the agency is taking an important step to ensure children’s health is taken into account when evaluating the chemical perchlorate. To enhance transparency, the agency is seeking public comment on its re-evaluation of the scientific information on perchlorate in drinking water. Under the previous administration, EPA made a preliminary decision not to regulate perchlorate. Administrator Jackson directed EPA staff to review that decision and, as part of that review, the agency is putting special emphasis on evaluating the impact of perchlorate on infants and young children.
Ideas sought on how to better Great Lakes | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Improving the quality of Great Lakes water — and how to best spend $475 million — was the focus of an Environmental Protection Agency-sponsored meeting at the Radisson Hotel Rochester Riverside on Wednesday. (July 30, 09) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Lake Ontario beaches ranked among worst in state | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Underscoring continuing pollution concerns in western New York waters, an annual nationwide study has ranked local swimming beaches among the most challenged in the state. Ontario Beach in Charlotte was seventh-worst in the state last year, with 30 percent of water samples failing to meet state bacteria standards. (July 30, 09) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Highland Reservoir: “We Did Find a Hole” - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports Rochester, N.Y.) - After the Highland Reservoir sprang a leak last summer, sending water into the neighborhood below, it was drained. (July 22, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports
Ontario environmental group calls for sewer upgrades – Daily Commercial News The call by an environmental group for Ontario to create an infrastructure fund echoes a similar conclusion in a recent industry association report looking at incorporating sustainability in infrastructure investment. Ontario should create a Great Lakes Green Infrastructure Fund to help reduce the billion litres of raw sewage released into the Great Lakes annually, states Ecojustice, formerly known as the Sierra Legal Defence Fund. (July 21, 09) Daily Commercial News – Reporting on the Canadian Construction Industry since 1927
Quebec could make $9.5B a year selling water to U.S.: report Quebec could raise as much as $9.5 billion a year by reversing the flow of three northern rivers to generate power and export water to the United States, according to a report made public yesterday. The Montreal Economic Institute said Quebec could divert floodwaters from the three rivers in the spring, pumping the excess water higher, and then letting it flow south through the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence. (July 16, 09) Montreal Gazette - Breaking News, Quebec, Opinion, Multimedia & More
Monroe County defends sewage tunnel system | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle After an Irondequoit man who is running for political office raised questions about sewer-tunnel overflows into Irondequoit Bay, the Monroe County Health Department has reiterated warnings that the public should avoid local lakes and creeks after heavy rains. (July 20, 09) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Sewage overflows a rarity, say Monroe County officials - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Irondequoit, N.Y. — The last time untreated sewage overflowed into Densmore Creek, which flows into Irondequoit Bay, was in July 2006. (July 16, 09) http://www.mpnnow.com/
Testing of well water depends on location - USATODAY.com At least three counties in New York's Hudson Valley have laws requiring extensive testing of well water when property is sold. In Rockland County, roughly two thirds of the samples fail, said Thomas Micelli, county environmental health director. http://www.usatoday.com/ (July 13, 09)
Fewer Regulations for Bottled Water Than Tap, GAO Says Bottled water manufacturers are not required to disclose as much information as municipal water utilities because of gaps in federal oversight authority, according to reports released yesterday by government auditors. (July 13, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
Our Great Lakes Water Resources: Conserving and Protecting Our Water Today for Use Tomorrow | Public Meetings Scheduled by Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council The Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council (GLBAC), in response to the directive issued to the Council in the ratifying legislation of the Great Lakes Regional Compact (the Compact) in 2008, will soon release a draft report regarding how New York‘s water resources can best be managed. In light of the growing need for renewable energy and threats from climate change recommendations will attempt to guarantee the lakes will remain sustainable resources for future generations of New Yorkers, along with the fish, birds, animals, and plants that make up a healthy ecosystem. CEI: Center for Environmental Information
Casella: No sewer district Landfill operator backs off plan to pay for town of Seneca line GENEVA — The proposed leachate line from the Ontario County Landfill to the city’s wastewater treatment plant was not on Wednesday night’s City Council agenda. (July 9, 09)Finger Lakes Times Online
House Panel Considers Safety of Bottled Water - NYTimes.com WASHINGTON — In 2008, Americans drank 8.6 billion gallons of bottled water, double the amount of a decade ago, with more than half saying they drink it because it is safer and healthier than tap water. (July 9, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
www.WHEC.com - Hearing on bottled water If you prefer bottled water, changes could be on the way. There was a big hearing on Capitol Hill today regarding the safety of bottle water. (July 9, 09) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment
Swimming not common at two beaches this year | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle More than two weeks into summer, the beach season in the Rochester area so far as been a bust. Not even blue skies with passing clouds and warm weather on Sunday could benefit the local beaches, which were closed for swimming again because of high water flow from the Genesee River and elevated bacteria levels. (July 6, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Maffei announces more than $2 million for local water project - 7/3/09 Recovery Act funds will help improve infrastructure across rural America. SODUS POINT - Congressman Dan Maffei announced that a project in Sodus Point to upgrade and improve its drinking water system has been selected as part of more than $125 million in water and environmental projects that are being funded immediately through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Sodus Point will receive $2,120,000 in loans and $400,000 in grants, for a total of $2,520,000 in funding from the United State Department of Agriculture. (July 4, 09) News Index - Digital Edition Courier-Gazette, Newark NY 14513
Webster wells show elevated levels of arsenic - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow This past fall, Monroe County officials began testing wells in the town, and some residents tested their own wells privately, after a doctor told a Webster resident their drinking water may be tainted based on the results of a blood test that showed higher-than-normal levels of arsenic. (July 2, 09) - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
Health officials urge countywide well testing | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In the wake of the discovery of arsenic in Webster well water, the Monroe County Health Department is recommending that all 5,000 private wells in the county be tested for the toxic metal. More than 60 homeowners' wells in west Webster were found to contain arsenic at levels higher than drinking-water guidelines. (July 3, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Richmond sticks with water from Rochester - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Richmond, N.Y. — More than two years after a gasoline additive contaminated one of its two municipal wells, Richmond will continue to use water from the city of Rochester’s system indefinitely. “The DEC has been having trouble getting gas out of the aquifer,” said Richmond Councilman Daryl Marshall. “Even if we get the gas cleaned completely out, we have to put a treatment plant in to monitor the water.” (July 1, 09) - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
Petoskey News-Review - News - House resolution targets water withdrawals Bottled water is at the heart of a debate within the Great Lakes Basin. Members of FLOW, also known as For the Love of Water, a coalition of Midwestern citizen groups dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes Basin from water withdrawals, said a loophole in the Great Lakes Compact leaves Great Lakes water vulnerable to other kinds of privatization. They fear the big lakes and the vast ecosystem that supports them will be vulnerable to full-scale commercial exploitation that, in some future political setting, could not be stopped. (June 22, 09) Northern Michigan News, Sports, Weather, Classifieds, and Entertainment — Petoskey News-Review
Taxpayers Billed for Bottled Water at City Events - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) – Rochester area leaders often brag about the quality of our water supply. But taxpayers spend thousands of dollars a year on bottled water and water for dispensers. The city purchased water for catered events such as the 175th Anniversary party, Sister Cities receptions, and Clean Sweep. (June 15, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com
WXXI: Great Lakes Cities Tackle Pharmaceutical Pollution (2009-06-18) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - An association representing cities around the Great Lakes is demanding the United States and Canada move to keep chemicals from pharmaceuticals out of the water supply. The Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative is holding its annual meeting in Trois Riveries, Quebec. It's strongly supporting this month's agreement between the U.S. and Canada to negotiate a new Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. (june 18, 09) interactive.wxxi.org | Connecting you to YOUR station.
Water risks ripple through the beverage industry | Green Business | Reuters Water is becoming scarcer, raising a fear that so-far manageable price increases could spike and leading drink companies to take action to maintain access to water and fight their image as water hogs. (June 16, 09) Reuters.com - World News, Financial News, Breaking US & International News
6/9/2009~Secretary Salazar Announces Boating Grants to 28 States to Help Keep Waterways Clean Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced that $14.6 million will be awarded to 28 states under the Clean Vessel Act grant program in 2009. The grants will be used to fund the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities and floating restrooms, to purchase pumpout boats and provide educational programs for recreational boaters. “Clean Vessel Act funds support construction of facilities in communities that depend on recreational boating for their economy, and depend on clean water for their health,” said Salazar. “These grants provide immediate funding for construction of infrastructure that will provide lasting value for recreational boaters, and everyone who relies on clean waters.” (June 9, 09) Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Private well water held to no standards by New York | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Private-well protection has been a hot issue in one pocket of Webster since last fall, when wells began to test positive for arsenic. Nearly 90 percent of the 68 wells tested so far have had arsenic at levels above 10 ppb, presenting the possible risk of cancer or other health problems in those who consume the water over long periods of time. Local government agencies have not warned other well-users in the area, have not determined the scope of the problem and are not sure of the arsenic's source. (June 8, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Arsenic in private wells in Webster causes concern | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle But the public-water solution addresses only part of a long-standing, if unpublicized, problem that has gone uncorrected because state and local health officials provide almost no oversight of private wells. (June 7,09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $130 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $130 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE Projects Will Create and Renovate Wastewater Systems, Creating an Estimated 1,300 Jobs Governor David A. Paterson today announced clean water projects selected to receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding. Twenty-two communities from across the State will be awarded $130 million for the construction of water treatment plants and the installation of sewer system upgrades. The projects are located in Allegany, Columbia, Essex, Greene, Jefferson, Madison, Nassau, Niagara, Otsego, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Washington, and Westchester counties. (June 4, 09) Press Releases
Legislation proposed to investigate trace amounts of pharmaceuticals found in New York water WASHINGTON DC – In response to reports of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals, including estrogen and codeine, found in New York waterways and around the country, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislative action to study the presence of these drugs in drinking water and the long term health effects on children and families. Senator Gillibrand will work to move her provision this week when the Senate considers comprehensive legislation to improve water infrastructure across the country. (May 13, 09) New York State News on the Net!
GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PHASE OUT THE STATE’S PURCHASE OF BOTTLED WATER Executive Order Will Improve Environment and Save Taxpayer Dollars New York Becomes Second State in the Country to Eliminate Purchase and Use of Bottled Water | Governor David A. Paterson today signed an Executive Order to phase out New York State’s purchase and use of bottled water at State agency facilities. This announcement, made by the Governor at “Earth Day Lobby Day” in Albany, marks another important step New York State is taking to improve the environment while simultaneously saving taxpayer dollars. Today’s actions make New York the second state in the country to eliminate the purchase and use of bottled water. (May 5, 09) Press Releases
Paterson Orders Agencies to Switch From Bottled Water to Tap - NYTimes.com Citing financial and environmental reasons, Gov. David A. Paterson signed an executive order on Tuesday directing state agencies to phase out the purchase and use of bottled water at government workplaces. (May 5, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
Daily Herald | Bean calls for investigation into pharmaceuticals in drinking water Federal scientists will start examining the effect of pharmaceuticals and chemicals in drinking water, under a measure approved by lawmakers Thursday. (April 23, 09) Daily Herald Home Page
Canandaigua tries again for sewer system - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — Two years ago, the residents of Purdy and Mobile roads in the town had a smelly dilemma: Septic systems in the area were failing, and the clay-rich soil was saturated with sewage. (April 20, 09) MPNnow Home RSS
GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $38 MILLION FOR DRINKING WATER AND SEWAGE TREATMENT PROJECTS Federal Stimulus Funding Set Aside for Green Innovations to Protect Waterways, Promote Energy Efficiency | Governor David A. Paterson today called for projects to be submitted for a new grant program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and designed to promote water conservation, energy efficiency, green infrastructure and other green innovation projects. The new Green Innovation Grant Program will provide at least $38 million for local projects. (April 13, 09) www.ny.gov/governor
Monroe County Water Authority seeks stimulus money for $150M Webster facility | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Planners of one of the largest shovel-ready public works projects in Monroe County are waiting to find out how much stimulus funding, if any, they will receive. (April 11, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
GOVERNOR PATERSON AND EPA ADMINISTRATOR LISA JACKSON ANNOUNCE $432 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS FOR CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE Largest Grant Provided in EPA History Will Support Thousands of Jobs Governor Announces First Round of Grants – Investment of $170 Million Governor David A. Paterson joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson today at the Albany Institute of History and Art to announce $432 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding, the largest grant provided to a state in EPA history. This funding, which was awarded to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and will be administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, will finance clean water infrastructure projects in communities across the State. (April 3, 09) www.ny.gov/governor
$432M for clean water -Federal stimulus cash to fund rebuilding of sewage systems polluting state rivers, lakes - Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY — Federal stimulus cash landed in the state with a thump Friday, with the Environmental Protection Agency delivering $432 million — its largest grant ever to a state — for rebuilding local sewage systems that foul rivers and lakes. (April 4, 09) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
State OKs water filtration design - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Naples, N.Y. — The Department of Health has approved the design of the planned village water filtration plants to treat water from the Blodgett and Eelpot Road reservoirs. The village of Naples will start taking bids in late April so it can break ground this spring on the state-mandated project. Communities that get water from surface water sources are required to filter it. ( March 26, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
London Free Press - Local News- The cost of bottled water For $1.88 a year in London, you can drink the eight the glasses of water a day nutritionists say you need, right from the tap. Instead, more and more Londoners are chugging bottled water from vending machines that costs them about $2,190 a year -- less, if they buy in bulk at a big-box store. (March 20, 09) London Free Press | Breaking news - London, Southwestern Ontario and the world
House Approves Funding for Clean Water, Sanitation Upgrades WASHINGTON, DC, March 19, 2009) – A bill that will help bridge the multi-billion dollar annual gap between wastewater infrastructure needs and available funding is working its way through Congress. Environment News Service
State mulls phosphorus near-ban in dish soap, fertilizer | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and ChronicleState officials want to almost completely ban phosphorus in dishwashing detergents and restrict the mineral nutrient in lawn fertilizer to improve quality in stressed New York lakes and rivers. (March 14, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
The Energy Use of Bottled Water All that energy goes into making the plastic bottles, treating the water, and, of course, shipping - sometimes from as far away as the South Pacific - The Environment Report: Home
Yet Another 'Footprint' to Worry About: Water - WSJ.com It takes roughly 20 gallons of water to make a pint of beer, as much as 132 gallons of water to make a 2-liter bottle of soda, and about 500 gallons, including water used to grow, dye and process the cotton, to make a pair of Levi's stonewashed jeans. (Feb 17, 09) Business News, Finance News, World, Political & Sports News from The Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com
Report to Detail, Address Coastal Pollution in NY - NYTimes.com ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Faced with more beaches closures, depleted shellfish beds and sharply reduced commercial fisheries, New York is poised to act against a rising tide of unhealthy coastal waters. Officials were scheduled to release a plan Thursday to exploit state jurisdiction over waters extending three miles from the coast to reverse what critics call years of federal inaction, in hopes of reviving fisheries, protecting beaches and restoring the economy. (Jan 29, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
$90M water site loan OK'd | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Monroe County lawmakers on Wednesday voted to allow the county Water Authority to borrow $90 million for a new east-side water facility. (Jan 30, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York

2008

Naples awaits approval for filtration plant - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Naples, N.Y. — For the village, it’s hurry up and wait — for state approval to start work on a $1.5-million water filtration project. (Dec 16, 08) - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
State's water quality controls lag | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal Phosphorus and algae levels up in Lake Ontario | After the Great Lakes cleanup of the 1970s, pollution levels plummeted, fish began to thrive and algae receded to a minor annoyance. But three decades after that massive, multibillion-dollar cleanup, the waters of four of the five Great Lakes are once again plagued by smelly, slimy algae. (Sept 1, 08) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY
Governor Paterson Calls on Federal Government to Assist New York's Municipalities in Maintaining the State's Rivers, Lakes and Streams - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation | Steep Decline in Federal Aid Creates Looming Crisis for Water Infrastructure Statewide; More Than $50 Billion in Repairs and Upgrades Are Needed Over the Next 20 Years; Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Named as Co-Chair of New Clean Water Collaborative | Governor David A. Paterson today announced the formation of an environmental and government collaborative to help tackle a looming water infrastructure crisis facing New York State. The Clean Water Collaborative will focus on funding solutions for the state's mounting waste water and drinking water infrastructure needs. Due to decreasing federal aid, New York communities will have to spend in excess of $50 billion over the next 20 years to make required upgrades to meet federal requirements. (Aug 14, 08) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC: Water crisis looms NEW YORK STATE — Saying the state is facing a looming water infrastructure crisis, Gov. David Paterson has formed a task force, called the New Clean Water Collaborative, to press the federal government for funding to make needed repairs and upgrades. (Aug. 24, 08) The Daily Gazette - Schenectady, NY
New York's Communities Compete for Best Tasting Water at New York State Fair Group 1: 12:30 p.m. South Otselic Water District (Chenango County) Monroe County Water Authority (Monroe County) Bethpage Water District (Nassau County) Village of Pulaski (Oswego County) Town of Rotterdam (Schenectady County | Albany, NY (Aug. 25, 2008) - Ten municipalities will square off in the championship of the 2008 New York State Water Taste Test to determine the best tasting drinking water in New York on Tuesday, August 26, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. This popular, nonscientific competition cosponsored by the New York State Department of Health and the New York Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), will take place at 12:30 p.m. behind the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation booth (the Aquarium Building) on the fairgrounds. Results will be available at approximately 3:45 p.m. Tuesday. | Group 1: 12:30 p.m. South Otselic Water District (Chenango County) Monroe County Water Authority (Monroe County) Bethpage Water District (Nassau County) Village of Pulaski (Oswego County) Town of Rotterdam (Schenectady County
State, local waters plagued by potentially harmful bacteria | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle At the edges of two small ponds in a Greece subdivision are two pairs of small signs nailed to posts. "WARNING," two of the signs read. "Avoid contact with water. Do not allow pets to drink from pond." (Aug 25, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Beach lovers don't let water quality issues cloud fun | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Ontario Beach Park and Durand-Eastman's beach, which was closed 19 percent of the time in 2007, are closed more frequently than other local beaches for varying reasons. The problem at Ontario Beach occurs because of its location at the mouth of the Genesee River, which brings runoff into the lake that carries bacteria and fertilizer, which promotes bacterial growth. A pier at the east end of the beach acts as a "catcher's mitt" for algae, said John Ricci of the Monroe County Health Department. Durand-Eastman has problems with bacteria from streams that empty in the swimming area. (Aug 6, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
DEVELOPMENT: Pipe dreams - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper A new water plant in Webster will bolster the regional water supply but it could also be a sprawl enabler. The Monroe County Water Authority has received the permits it needs from the Department of Environmental Conservation to build the plant. There are more permits to be obtained from other agencies, but the DEC permits are the most significant step, say authority officials (July 23, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
ENVIRONMENT: UV clean - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper City officials have eliminated two controversial options for meeting federal drinking water regulations. The Cobbs Hill and Highland Park reservoirs will not be covered with plastic and no new storage tanks will be built in the parks. Ultraviolet disinfection equipment will be installed at the two reservoirs instead. (July 15, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
Rochester to use UV light to help secure water at reservoirs | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle City officials have scrapped a proposal to install concrete storage tanks at Cobbs Hill and Highland reservoirs and instead are going with a less-expensive option that will keep the park-like facilities in operation. (July 15, 08) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
BREAKING NEWS: DEC approves new Webster water plant - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The Monroe County Water Authority is one step closer to building its Webster water plant. The Department of Environmental Conservation has finished its review of the authority's proposed East Side Water Project and given it the go-ahead. The $80 million project includes a station in Webster that would pump Lake Ontario water to an inland water-treatment plant. (July 9, 08) Rochester City Newspaper
DEC approves a smaller Webster water plant | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle State environmental officials have issued final permits for construction of a controversial water treatment plant in Webster. But the scope of the facility has, in one sense, been limited. (July 9, 08) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
State clarifies drinking water rules - Guidelines. Not orders. That’s the key to understanding a state Department of Health water system fact sheet that confused a number of people in Yates County. (July 8, 08) Finger Lakes Times Online
Water Pollution Bill Ready for Signing -ALBANY, N.Y. - A state bill to increase penalties against water polluters is awaiting Governor Paterson's signature. (June 18, 08) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Pollution permit program faulted -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- The state's water pollution permit program is so backlogged that it is approving most renewals without asking too many questions, an environmental lobbying group said Monday. The report from Environmental Advocates of New York said the state should hire more staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation to better scrutinize 1,100 permits overdue for renewal by at least a decade. (April 29, 98) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
Grannis Announces Initiative to Promote Smart Growth and Energy Efficiency Through Clean Water Funding Programs - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Improvements Include More Public Information on Projects To modernize New York State's drinking water and clean water loan programs, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today that energy efficiency and smart growth will be included as factors to help prioritize funding decisions. And in another upgrade, the state will launch an initiative to provide more transparent information regarding the use of the funds. (April 29, 08) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
On tap in our homes: Water tinged by drugs | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows. To be sure, the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, far below the levels of a medical dose. Also, utilities insist their water is safe.(April 13, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Fish, wildlife suffering from polluted water | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle LAKE MEAD, Nev. — On this brisk, glittering morning, a flat-bottomed boat glides across the massive reservoir that provides Las Vegas its drinking water. An ominous rumble growls beneath the craft as its two long, electrified claws extend into the depths. Moments later, dozens of stunned fish float to the surface. (April 13, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Monroe plans collection of unneeded drugs | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Monroe County and an environmental group will sponsor a household pharmaceutical collection this spring to keep people from using disposal methods that are now deemed undesirable. In other words, no more pills down the toilet or in the trash. (April 13, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Push is on to test water for drugs | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Amid heightened concerns about traces of pharmaceuticals in drinking water supplies, New York state and Rochester-area officials say they're beginning to study the issue — but are not yet taking action to address the potential health hazard. Almost no testing for pharmaceuticals has been done in Rochester-area water supplies, and none is planned. Local and state officials say they can't and won't do much until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or other higher authorities step in. (April 13, 08) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York
Reservoir options weighed | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Required changes to the city's water reservoirs will cost less than originally estimated — and with now just two options on the table, Mayor Robert Duffy said cost could be the deciding factor. The city must overhaul its Cobbs Hill, Highland and Rush reservoirs to comply with new federal regulations on how communities store and treat their drinking water. (March 31, 08) Democrat & Chronicle
New Plans To Boost Renewable Energy In New York - NewsChannel 9 WSYR Albany, New York (WSYR-TV) - Increasing renewable energy here in New York is getting some new attention from the governor's office. A special task force on the topic is out with recommendations to get the process moving. Chief among them, boosting the state's solar and wind power resources. The amount of sunshine in New York is equal to that of Germany, the world's leader in solar energy use. The task force wants to boost solar power capabilities by eight times what they are now in the next four years. (Feb 25, 08) NewsChannel 9 WSYR
Monroe County Leads NY in Chemical Emissions - ROCHESTER, NY The Environmental Protection Agency says substantially less chemical pollution is being released across New York State -- but Monroe County still tops the list for releases to air, water and land by industry. That's mainly because of Eastman Kodak Company, which still has New York's biggest single industrial plant at Kodak park in Rochester. (2008-02-26) wxxi NewsRoom
Commissioner announces $13 million to protect water quality - ALBANY - New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker Friday announced $13 million for 46 projects that will help farmers protect New York’s lakes, streams and rivers from agricultural runoff. This assistance is awarded through the New York State Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, which serves as a vital component of the State’s Agricultural Environmental Management program and is funded through the Environmental Protection Fund. (including $1,649,853 for Western New York $3,799,881 for the Finger Lakes (Feb 23, 08) New York State News on the Net!
ENVIRONMENT: Water issues up in the air - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The city and the Monroe County Water Authority probably won't reach a new water-sharing agreement before the current one expires in April, and they are considering a short-term extension to bridge the gap. "We just need some more time to keep hammering out the details," says Dick Metzger, the Water Authority's director of production and transmission. (Feb 6, 08) Rochester City Newspaper

2007

MPNnow.com: Bloomfield adopts water alert system - Keep your eye out for the red and black flags. BLOOMFIELD — It's not exactly a Homeland Security warning system, but Bloomfield and East Bloomfield have adopted a low-tech system to let people know when to go easy on the water during a drought. (July 10, 07) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
CITY HALL: Officials offer answers to concerns about reservoir plan - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The federal Environmental Protection Agency has mandated new protections for the nation's drinking water. And that has had Rochester's environmental services department looking for a way to do it without disturbing two beloved public spaces: the reservoirs at Cobbs Hill and Highland Parks. Residents of the city and some suburbs get their drinking water from Hemlock and Canadice Lakes; water flows from those lakes to the city's three reservoirs - Rush, Cobbs Hill, and Highland. None of the three are covered, however, which leaves the water vulnerable to microbial or manmade contamination. (July 4, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
MPNnow.com: Water concerns swirl in Richmond Some 50 people attended a meeting this week to learn what officials are doing about a polluted town well. (June 10, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Campaign tells people about water issues — The Rochester Museum &Science Center is part of a coalition that has launched a new multimedia campaign designed to raise awareness and educate the community on how our daily activities affect the area's water quality. "Most of our residents believe that industrial pollution is our greatest threat affecting water quality," said Jim Sperry, executive director of the Water Education Collaborative, based at the museum. (May 19, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
What You Can Do To Protect Lake Ontario and the Genesee River - If you live in Monroe County, all the water that passes through your home and lawn will eventually end up in Lake Ontario or the Genesee River. That means what you do in your home has a big impact on water quality. You can help improve the water quality of the river and lake. -- from the Monroe County Environmental Health | Public Health
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES $5.8 MILLION TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY - Funding to Support 60 Projects to Reduce Runoff and Improve Aquatic Habitat - Governor George E. Pataki today announced more than $5.8 million in grants for 60 water quality improvement projects throughout New York State that will help to reduce the amount of pollution in waterways and restore critical aquatic habitats. - “Our efforts to improve water quality in the Empire State are vital to ensuring that people have access to clean, healthy water and our pollution does not harm important aquatic habits,” Governor Pataki said. “These grants support local water quality improvement projects and will provide needed funding to restore, preserve, and protect our water resources. We are pleased to partner with local communities in this effort and will continue to provide assistance to promote beneficial projects.” - Monroe County Stormwater Coalition – $16,174 for the purchase of a hydroseeder for critical area seeding. - NYSDEC Press Office - Governor Pataki's Environmental Press Releases

2006

Conservancy works to protect city drinking water - Land purchased along shores of Hemlock, Canadice lakes — The Nature Conservancy is buying nearly 1,000 acres of land near Hemlock and Canadice lakes in hopes of stemming development and preserving the purity of the water that most Rochester residents drink. The silent lakeshores are lined with tall maples, walnut trees and, of course, hemlocks. One of the region's few nesting pairs of bald eagles are often seen flying overhead. - (July 22, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
Analysis: Sewage a major polluter of water here — Sewage is a major source of water pollution in Western New York, according to a new analysis of federal data which revealed that most local treatment plants have released pollution into lakes and rivers in recent years. In the ten-county area, at least 25 facilities were responsible for 260 pollution releases between July 2003 and Dec. 2004, according to a U.S. Public Interest Research Group report released this week. (March 24, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle

2005

Two towns told to boil water GENESEO — Livingston County health officials issued a boil-water alert Friday to residents of parts of the towns of Geneseo and Groveland because of a high amount of bacteria in their drinking water. The advisory affects those who live near Conesus Lake, along West Lake Road from Gray Road in Geneseo extending south to Gray Hill Road in Groveland. (September 10, 2005) — Democrat and Chronicle
State funds to help keep waterways free of farm waste - More than $300,000 in state grants will help keep agricultural runoff from contaminating waterways in Orleans and Genesee counties. Assemblyman Charles H. Nesbitt, R-Albion, Orleans County, has announced that $284,763 in state Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control Program funds will be used to implement best management practices on four farms in the Oak Orchard Watershed. (March 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
Water is safe, supplier says -Despite a recent Sierra Club report, Water Authority director Jim Smith said there is no risk to drinking water. Jim Smith has one message for the people of Monroe County: the drinking water is completely safe, no matter how close a contaminated, post-industrial site is to the Shoremont Water Treatment Plant in Greece. (October 16, 2004) Greece Post
Group Wants Former Plant Cleaned Up - Rochester's Sierra Club wants the government to clean up a former World War Two plant in Greece. The former plant known as Air Force Plant 51, used to make landing barges during the war and later bulkheads for B-52 bombers. (September 28, 2004) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Water grants harder to get Federal money for local water districts may be drying up. Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newly revised income guidelines, most New York state municipalities that used to qualify for grants for new water district don’t anymore. The guidelines are based on median household income figures established by the U.S. Census. In October, that figure declined from $35,840 to $31,534, based on the 2000 Census. (January 27, 2004) Finger Lakes Times Geneva, NY

2003

Democrat & Chronicle: Genesee County water project hailed — A Rochester-based land planning organization plans to honor those who created Genesee County’s massive water project. The Common Good Planning Center will present the Uncommonly Good Award on Sept. 19, at the Hyatt Regency, to the Genesee County Legislature, Genesee County staff, Clark Patterson Associates engineering and planning firm, the New York State Thruway Authority, the city of Batavia, the Monroe County Water Authority and the Erie County Water Authority. (August 16, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
OK To Drink The Water In Caledonia - Livingston County, NY (06/20/03) Friday at 3 p.m. Caledonia and the Livingston County Department of Health lifted the nitrate advisory for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding and infants under six months of age. WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
Democrat & Chronicle: Caledonia water alert: Babies may be at risk — CALEDONIA — Health officials have warned residents of this Livingston County village that tests on June 3 and Wednesday revealed high levels of nitrates in local drinking water. But the caution applies only “to a small segment of the population” -- infants 6 months or younger, nursing mothers and pregnant women, said James P. Mazurowski, director of the county’s Center for Environmental Health. “It’s not a problem for everyone.” (June 17, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Water Warning in Caledonia - A reminder to folks living in Caledonia; Health officials there are continuing to advise pregnant women, nursing mothers or mother's of babies under the age of six months to use bottled water for drinking and preparing food.
The reason is the Health Department found a higher than acceptable level of nitrates in Caledonia's public water system in two tests earlier this month. Infants are particularly sensitive to nitrates. R News: Your NewsChannel
Democrat & Chronicle: Webster looks at coin-op water — WEBSTER — Never let it be said that the village isn’t innovative when it comes to making money. In an effort to raise revenue and to promote its water system, the village is considering going to a coin-operated water system for landscapers and others who use water in bulk. The system is weeks away from being operational, but its revenue-generating potential has the village excited. (May 12, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: A result of 9/11 could be better drinking water — ALBANY — Post-Sept. 11th advances in technology to detect chemical or biological agents in water should lead to drinking water in New York that’s freer of conventional contaminants, an environmental group says. The threat of terrorism has called attention to drinking water supplies and distribution systems’ vulnerability to sabotage or contamination. (May 11, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle

2002

Democrat & Chronicle: Rochester sinks Monroe County water deal Mayor, officials say the offer is not viable in terms of profit — Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. on Monday soundly rejected the Monroe County Water Authority’s offer to purchase the city water system, saying it’s a bad deal. “After careful scrutiny, this is not a viable financial offer for us,” Johnson said. “We just think this is an asset we can’t afford to shed.” (November 26, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Lyons deals with water problems LYONS - Village leaders are in a bind: The cost of providing water is rising even as the water is getting muskier and harder. (October 25, 2002) Finger Lakes Times
Troubled water switchover ends A 61-year relationship ended quietly a few weeks ago when village water trickled out of the faucets of 706 town residents for the last time. Oct. 1 marked the official end of the conversion of the majority of the town's residents from the village's water system to that of the Monroe County Water Authority. With this changeover, which has taken more than three turbulent years to complete, the village stops supplying a natural resource to the town that it has been providing since the early 1940s. In turn, the Water Authority has now expanded into every town in the county except for Hamlin. (October 20, 2002) Webster Post
SLAUGHTER ANNOUNCES HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES FUNDING FOR KEY ROCHESTER PROJECTS
--“These projects are very important to me, to the local economy and to the people of Rochester.”-- WASHINGTON DC – Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved $1.55 million for urban improvement projects for Rochester. Rep. Louise Slaughter requested the funds be included in the FY 2003 Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies (VA-HUD) Appropriations bill. “These funds will mean more jobs and research for our community. Ensuring the safety of our water supply, providing research into ways to decrease waste and increase recycling, and the construction of new world-class arts center are all important initiatives for Rochester,” stated Slaughter. (October 16, 2002) Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter - Home Page
Wolcott committees to study water options WOLCOTT - Three committees have been appointed to gather information on water source options for the village of Wolcott. (October 13, 2002) Finger Lakes Times
Democrat & Chronicle: York ordered to boil water — YORK — A boil water advisory has been issued by the town and the Livingston County Department of Health after a routine test showed the possibility of E. coli bacteria. --(October 4, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Water Authority may add to its pool of municipalities — ALBANY -- Under a new law, some municipalities in Orleans and Ontario counties may join the Monroe County Water Authority. Victor, East Bloomfield, and West Bloomfield in Ontario County and Clarendon and the village of Holley in Orleans County can now decide if they want to join Monroe County's growing water system. (August 23, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
Democrat & Chronicle: Critics say keep water quality office — Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle's plan to abolish the bureau that monitors and helps clean up local waterways is drawing fire. Under a sweeping cost-reduction plan proposed last week, the county Health Department's Bureau of Environmental Quality would be cut, saving the county $607,500. (August 6, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle:
Canandaigua co-hosts international workshop Representatives from seven countries are visiting the Canandaigua, Cayuga and Skaneateles lake watersheds. CANANDAIGUA - In Honduras, water is in short supply. Environmental specialists there like Luis Caballero are working on ways to remedy this, and trying to educate the community on what has already been done to preserve the watershed. (May 10, 2002) Daily Messenger
Democrat & Chronicle: County agency wants to run city water Monroe authority offers to pay $130.5 million for the system — The Monroe County Water Authority is offering to pay as much as $130.5 million to the city of Rochester to take over its water system, according to documents obtained Monday by the Democrat and Chronicle. Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. and County Executive Jack Doyle are analyzing the proposal, which includes three payment options. It was delivered to them Friday. (April 16, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: Research may help control Sodus Bay weeds, aid fish — A Wayne County group is considering options to improve the condition of Sodus Bay. Research by a State University College at Brockport biology professor showed that high phosphorous levels in the bay's sediment are responsible for a cycle of weed growth and depleted oxygen in the coldest, deepest water. (April 13, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: Wet weather not enough to erase dry conditions across NY — ALBANY -- Despite a recent spate of wet weather, drought conditions are likely to persist across much of the state, a state task force was told Thursday. The task force also heard a recommendation that the Finger Lakes be added to a drought watch list (April 11, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: City could see water rates rise City water rates might increase in the upcoming budget, Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. said Tuesday. (April 3, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Even Trout Want Rain In the opening day of trout season in New York State next Monday, anglers will find many streams running at typical late-spring or early-summer levels, conditions ideal for fly-fishing. (March 25, 2002)The New York Times on the Web
Democrat & Chronicle: Today a day to keep water well — The Genesee River watershed covers 3,000 square miles in nine New York counties. And on World Water Day -- today -- local experts would love to teach you more. (March 22, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
Democrat & Chronicle: Ground water at Holley site hearing topic The state Department of Environmental Conservation will hold a public meeting Wednesday to hear comments on a plan to clean up ground water contamination at Diaz Chemical Corp. The 7 p.m. meeting at Holley High School deals with the remediation of chemicals that leaked into soil and ground water at or around the Jackson Street plant since the company opened in 1974. (March 19, 2002) DemocratandChronicle.com
'Drought's grip grows stronger' - timesunion.com While rain and snowmelt in February replenished streams and rivers across much of New York, state and federal officials said Thursday that the rebound was only temporary and the drought is worsening at a time when water levels should be at their highest. "Unless we get significant precipitation, things are looking as if they will get much, much drier,'' said Ward Freeman, associate district chief for the U.S. Geological Survey in Troy. (March 17, 2002) http://www.timesunion.com
Parts of western New York in a moderate drought situation Even though we live with the Genesee River every day and Lake Ontario is just seven miles north of Rochester, some areas around western New York don`t see enough water. This winter`s meager snowfall means there’s not enough snowmelt to replenish soil moisture, and raise the low water table. A rough rule of thumb is that 12 inches of new snow equals one inch of water. MSNBC Local News
Canadice seeks help with well The town wants consultants to study four sites. CANADICE - The town will start looking for a consulting firm within the next week to help it find a place to drill a well for a public water system. Canadice will advertise for a hydrogeological services company to evaluate potential well sites and put in test wells, Supervisor Kris Singer said. The town is getting technical help from the Rural Communities Assistance Program, a nonprofit group funded by state and federal governments that helps small rural towns with infrastructure projects. (Thursday, February 14, 2002) Daily Messenger
Proposal calls for new Arcadia water district The idea of bringing municipal water down Sleight Road through a new town water district brought the Johnsons and about 100 other Arcadia residents to a special meeting last night. (Thursday, February 07, 2002) Finger Lakes Times
Water cost irks Manchester official MANCHESTER - Officials of two local municipalities have experienced some civil disagreement recently. Manchester Town Supervisor Bill Eddinger said he thinks the village of Clifton Springs is charging residents of his town too much for water, while Mayor Bill Hunter says the village must cover the costs of supplying the water by charging more than it pays for it. (Wednesday, January 23, 2002) Finger Lakes Times
Possible Drought Crisis In Rochester While, it's been great not having to shovel all that snow, there is a downside. This season's lower than usual snowfall might also cause a possible drought crisis in Rochester. later this year. City officials say ongoing drought conditions at Rochester's two reservoir lakes could become severe later this year if the area doesn't get more snow and rain over the next few months. (Sunday, January 20, 2002) -iKnowRochester.com

2001

GOVERNOR PATAKI CREATES DROUGHT MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE State Task Force Will Provide Coordination and Management During Drought Governor George E. Pataki today announced he has signed an Executive Order establishing the New York State Drought Management Task Force to coordinate and manage drought-related activities statewide and ensure appropriate response in the event of a drought emergency. (Friday, January 18, 2002) Office of the Governor Press Releases
$400K grant could help Willow Pond Penfield and Perinton will work together to fix overflow troubles. A $400,000 grant could help to fix the problems that two towns have had with one pond. (Wednesday, December 19, 2001)Perinton - Fairport Post
Bristol considers $2.2M water project Residents are invited to a hearing Dec. 17. BRISTOL - The town is considering the development of a public water district, in conjunction with the town of Canandaigua, that will cost $2.2 million. (Friday, December 14, 2001) Daily Messenger
Pond cleanup progressing Greece, state officials contemplate next step near water treatment plant GREECE -- Even though the federal government has already spent $1.9 million cleaning up a Greece pond, there is still more work to be done. (Monday, December 10, 2001) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Town water rates don't follow city price drops The town of Canandaigua said it is building a reserve for the day when the price of water rises. CANANDAIGUA - The town charges its residents more than twice what it pays for the water it buys from the city. But according to the town water superintendent, the town is building a cushion to absorb any water rate increases for years to come. (Tuesday, November 13, 2001) Daily Messenger
Avon water suit withdrawn Town Board modifies contract with village after residents file litigation AVON -- Residents who sued the town over its 40-year contract to buy water from the village have withdrawn the lawsuit because the Town Board has modified the deal. (Monday, October 22, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
DEC Announces Free Pollution Prevention Workshops - Sessions Aimed at Marina and Yacht Club Managers The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be conducting five, free pollution prevention workshops for local marina and yacht club managers and operators between October 3, 2001 and February 6, 2002 at various locations throughout New York State, according to Mary Werner, director of DEC's Pollution Prevention Unit. (Thursday, October 18, 2001) NYS DEC Announcements
State funds clean-water projects -- A total of $3 million in grants will go to eight communities in the Finger Lakes region to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities and enhance water quality, state officials have announced. Conesus, Livingston County, will get $486,650 to install sewer lines for its $1.7 million project, and Geneva, Ontario County, will receive $573,750 for its $675,000 sewer system project. (Friday, October 12, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Cobbs Hill Reservoir shut down after lock cut Update: City officials Thursday shut down the Cobbs Hill Reservoir after a security guard found a lock cut on a fence surrounding the water supply. The lock apparently had been cut with a bolt cutter, said city Environmental Services Commissioner Edward Doherty. (Thursday, October 4, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Water project conflicts with sewer repairs Officials are trying to find ways to do both early next year, if possible. CANANDAIGUA - A water line project that will cost the city at least $365,000 could force the city to delay a much-needed sewer line project for five businesses on Routes 5 and 20. Or the other way around. (Friday, September 28, 2001) Daily Messenger
'Stream teams' learn what bugs waterways A group of volunteers with the Water Education Collaborative's Community Water Watch program yesterday learned how to tell the difference as well as how to measure the conductivity and pH levels of local waterways and the amount of dissolved oxygen in area streams. (Thursday, September 27, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Richmond drops well proposal The town cannot find a suitable place to drill. RICHMOND - Once a popular idea, a proposal to drill a third well for a back-up water source has lost favor with town officials. (September 18, 2001) Daily Messenger
Avon couples sue town over water They say a contract to buy supply from village is bad deal for residents AVON -- Three couples are suing the town over its 40-year contract to buy water from the village of Avon, claiming the deal is detrimental to town water users and a violation of the town's authority. (Wednesday, August 29, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Governor Announces $2.9 Million to Improve Water Quality - 8/9/2001 -- NYS DEC Press
Jail complicates water agreement A contract in the works with Gorham and Hopewell could affect rates.
GORHAM - Gorham needs to sell the extra water it takes from Canandaigua Lake. Hopewell needs to buy water to serve county buildings. (Monday, August 13, 2001) Daily Messenger
Victor lifts water ban Residents are still being encouraged to conserve water.
VICTOR - The village and town have lifted last week's water advisory asking residents to eliminate all non-necessary water use. (Monday, August 13, 2001) Daily Messenger
Victor trying to conserve water Residents asked to not water grass, fill pools during drought -- Because shrinking water supplies could be inadequate to fight a major fire, the town and village of Victor yesterday issued a joint advisory asking their 10,000 residents to voluntarily refrain from watering lawns, filling pools and other unnecessary uses of water. (Wednesday, August 8, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Water system up next week -- By the end of next week, a ground-water treatment system on Lyman Street in Brockport will be fully operational. A precast concrete building at 98 Lyman St. houses equipment -- delivered in April -- to pump and treat tainted groundwater fanning northward from 200 State St. (Thursday, August 2, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Waterloo residents to vote on water district plan WATERLOO - After two failed attempts to land funds for a new water district, the town has decided to put the proposal out to the residents. The proposed district would allow for a softer water supply for about 85 houses along Mills and Whiskey Hill roads and Route 96. The town has applied for a state grant and for funds through the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act but has been turned down for both. (Tuesday, July 24, 2001) Finger Lakes Times
Waterloo may extend sewer line WATERLOO - If a no-interest state loan is available, the town's new sewer line will be extended to include 19 more houses on Routes 5&20. The town board decided last night to look into the extension to help residents with old septic tanks and problems with leach field clogging. (Wednesday, July 18, 2001) Finger Lakes Times
Bristol seeks residents' 'votes' on water district Households in Bristol Center and portions of three other roads could get public water. BRISTOL - Households in a proposed Bristol water district would pay nearly $1,000 a year for public water if the project is approved, according to town estimates. (Tuesday, July 3, 2001) Daily Messenger
New flow for Genesee towns Pataki gets bill allowing Monroe to extend water lines to next county ALBANY -- A bill paving the way for Monroe County to condemn land and build a consolidated water system in Genesee County is awaiting the signature of Gov. George Pataki. (Friday, June 29, 2001) - DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
19 sue quarry operator Mendon-area residents blame company for water well troubles LIMA (Wednesday, June 27, 2001) -- Nineteen homeowners in the Honeoye Falls area are seeking $10 million from a local quarry, alleging the mining operation caused their wells to go dry. (6/27/01) - DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Bad-water woes hit Livingston again LIVONIA -- Livingston County is having a bad water week. Officials yesterday announced that e. coli bacteria was found in the village's public water supply. (Saturday, June 23, 2001) - DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
E. coli found in Livonia water supply Update: Livingston County is having a bad water week. County health officials have announced that E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply in Livonia. (Friday, June 22, 2001) - DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Pest Problems In Dansville Water Supply Dansville, NY - Livingston County Health officials have found parasites, namely Midge Fly larvae, in Dansville's drinking water. Although there is no health risk involved, just the thought of it is enough to make some people sick. (Thursday, June 21, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
Dansville faces water crisis The Livingston County Health Department is recommending residents in the village of Dansville use bottled water temporarily after larvae was found in public drinking water. (Tuesday, June 19, 2001) - DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Governor Grants Farmers $4.5 Million To Help Protect N.Y. Waterways Rochester, NY - Governor Pataki stopped in Wyoming County Monday afternoon to announce a grant of more than $4.5 million in funding for farmers. (6/18/01) iKnowRochester.com
City turns down Water Authority expansion -- Rochester planning officials, during a lively meeting in City Hall last night, unanimously turned down plans that would have expanded a Monroe County Water Authority operation on Norris Drive near Cobbs Hill Park. (Tuesday, June 12, 2001) --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Webster water dispute nears end WEBSTER -- After years of expensive court wrangling, town and village officials are close to an agreement that may resolve the disputes that remain over what brand of water Webster neighborhoods will receive. (Monday, June 4, 2001) - -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Loan helps Lima do sewer work LIMA -- The village has received a $2.33 million short-term, interest-free loan for an expansion of its sewer plant, which is over its capacity. (Friday, June 1, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Assembly Proposal Would Tighten Arsenic Limits In Drinking Water Albany, NY - A bill introduced today in the state Assembly would reduce what New York considers acceptable arsenic levels in drinking water.
The bill would reduce the levels to one-fifth of the current standard -- from 50 parts per billion to ten. (Thursday, May 31, 2001) iKnowRochester.com
Pool offered as beach option Monroe County is looking into the possibility of constructing a large swimming pool at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte as a way of coping with the ongoing algae problem at the beach. (Thursday, May 24, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Water authority proposal criticized -- A proposal to give the Monroe County Water Authority the power to condemn property in Genesee County has drawn criticism from a local environmental group and others opposed to the agency providing water to Genesee. "It's excessive -- and sets a bad precedent," said Hugh Mitchell, chairman of the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club. (Tuesday, May 22, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Avon water pact may cut prices AVON -- A recent water service agreement between the town and the village may result in cheaper prices for users, local government officials said. (Wednesday, May 9, 2001) --DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Village water ads create stream of criticism Just the mention of selling village water opens the floodgates of opinion. The village didn't lose thousands of customers to the Monroe County Water Authority without some excitement, and now its pursuit of new venues for its surplus water is causing a stir as well. (Friday, April 20, 2001) Webster Post
Water plant making changes Kidney dialysis patients and tropical fish owners in some Seneca County towns will need to be aware of a change in their municipal water supply in June. (Friday, April 20, 2001) Finger Lakes Times
Hopewell to apply for state water grant It will be the town’s second attempt to get the funding. HOPEWELL — The Town Board voted unanimously Wednesday, April 4, to reapply for a Small Cities grant, taking the next legal step required for funding an expansion of the town’s central water district. The council’s action followed a public hearing that no one attended. (April 9, 2001) Canandaigua.com
GOVERNOR: EXPAND ACCESS TO LOW-COST LOANS FOR WATER QUALITY Initiative to Help Homeowners, Farmers, Businesses Complete Environmental Projects Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has proposed legislation that would provide New York's homeowners, farmers and small business owners access to reduced interest rate loans for important water quality improvement and protection projects. (Thursday, April 5, 2001) Office of the Governor Press Releases
Water contract flows along Avon village and town residents can comment on 40-year deal at 2 forums -- The village and town will hold two joint meetings next month to let residents comment on a contract that calls for the town to continue to buy water from the village for 40 years. (Friday, March 30, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Forum to focus on landfill effects SENECA FALLS - Seneca Meadows landfill and its effect on the local watershed is the topic of a forum tonight, sponsored by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.
Judy Pipher, a member of the network's Outreach Committee, said the group is trying to present "in a reasoned and well-orchestrated forum" some understanding of how the landfill leachate could affect the surface water or how it could affect the watershed if it is handled by the waste treatment plant. (March 20, 2001) Finger Lakes Times.
Truce near in Avon water war The village and town of Avon are close to ending a "water war" over the town's use of the village's water supply. They are nearing a 40-year deal, and officials said angry residents will be given ample opportunity to comment on the contentious contract -- even though they are fuming over being shut out of an executive session a few weeks ago ( March 15, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Potter considers public water The Town Board will hold several more discussions and hearings before moving forward. POTTER — Town officials are considering creating Potter’s first public water district, which would include about 100 properties — though many of the residents who would have to pay for it don't like the idea. (Wednesday, March 14, 2001) Canandaigua.com
Hopewell seeks input for waterline grant The town must hold a hearing as part of its application for a grant that would help extend waterlines. HOPEWELL -- The Town Board voted unanimously Wednesday to hold a public hearing to discuss an application for a small cities grant that would help fund the expansion of municipal water service. (March 10, 2001) Canandaigua.com
Doyle taps initiative on clean water -- Ninety-three percent of those surveyed in Monroe County last year think the public needs to know more about how to keep Lake Ontario and local waterways clean. (March 1,2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Contaminated water in Batavia neighborhood Some residents in a Batavia neighborhood have become sick from their drinking water. The people say a nearby farmer who spreads manure is contaminating their water. Now, the Genesee County Health Department is taking action. (February 28, 2001) 10NBC/WHEC TV-10
Plan to improve water quality to be released today Update: Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle will hold a press conference Wednesday to announce an initiative for improving water quality education and helping citizens to prevent water pollution in their homes and lawns. He will release results of the 2000 Water Quality Opinion Survey (February 28, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
County Forms Water Collaborative Resources joined to improve water quality education PDF Link: Water Education Collaborative.pdf -- (February 28, 2001) Jack Doyle, Monroe County Executive
Well testing program offered The Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering to help Ontario County residents determine if their wells are safe. CANANDAIGUA - Through the Cost Shared Well Testing Program, the agency will hold two workshops and pay half the cost of a $30 test for nitrates and bacteria. (February 25, 2001) Finger Lakes Times
Naples water project moves forward The Village Board gives the OK for new heaters in the chlorination building. NAPLES -- The Village Board solved one minor problem this week concerning completion of the $1.4 million water project. By a vote of 4-1, trustees decided to give the go-ahead to the project’s general contractor to install two non-corrosive electric heaters in the chlorination building located at the Blodgett tank site. (February 24, 2001) Daily Messenger
Rochester in running for best-tasting water -- Bottled-water buyers might be surprised to learn that Rochester's tap water is among the top contenders in an annual international taste-testing competition. (February 23, 2001) -DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
Rochester water heads to international contest This weekend, water drawn from public taps in cities around the world -- including Rochester -- will be put to the test by judges at the 11th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting in West Virginia. The prize: bragging rights to the world's best tap water.
Webster Water Town of Webster officials have announced the largest segment of water customers yet being converted from the Village water system to water provided by the Monroe County Water Authority. Officials say one reason residents like the County water better is because it's softer. (February 14, 2001) WHAM 1180 Radio News
STORMWATER REGULATIONS DISCUSSION TOPIC AT EMC MEETING- PDF Link: Feb 01 meeting.pdf (February 6, 2001) Jack Doyle, Monroe County Executive

2000

Water woes worry councilman John Howland wants to raise money to stop the flooding in Henrietta. (October 29, 2000) Henrietta Post.
Group concerned about water quality in Sodus Bay LYONS - A group called Save our Sodus Bay presented its concerns about the quality of the water in Sodus Bay to the Wayne County Board of Supervisors yesterday. (October 18, 2000) Finger Lakes Times Online
New Water Disinfecting Process Introduced Two neighboring counties have been testing a way to improve the quality of their drinking water. (August 15, 2000) RochesterToday
New reservoirs' phosphorus level recommended Four months after saying they might allow higher levels of the common pollutant phosphorus in New York City's reservoirs, state officials reversed their position and recommended a more stringent standard. --7/6/2000 The Journal News
Spitzer wants stricter limits on reservoir pollutant ALBANY - A pollutant blamed for the unsightly and bad-smelling blooms of algae in some New York City reservoirs should be restricted by the federal government, state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said Wednesday. --7/06/00 Daily Freeman.com
SPITZER CALLS FOR TIGHTER NYC WATERSHED POLLUTION CONTROLS Result Would Be Cleaner, Clearer Water for Nine Million New Yorkers Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today called on the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tighten -- by at least 25 percent -- phosphorus pollution limits in the New York City reservoir system. Such a reduction is expected to result in significantly clearer, cleaner drinking water for the nine million New Yorkers who rely on the vast reservoir system for their water. --from NYS Attorney General
Water plant expanding Work is under way at the Regional Water Supply Plant on Kime Beach Road to help it meet stricter state and EPA regulations and to provide better quality water and cheaper rates for residents and consumers. (January 12, 2001) Finger Lakes Times Online
Richmond continues water search A plan to expand water lines in Richmond and Canadice ran dry last month. RICHMOND -- The Town Board voted last week to conduct further research into expanding the municipal water lines, despite the defeat last month of a proposal to tie into the city of Rochester water line. (September 19, 2000) Canandaigua.com
Lawsuits over water plan heap bills onto Webster -- Everyone agrees that drinking water needs to keep flowing in Webster, where more faucets are installed each week. (September 5, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE
List of lawsuits -- In mid-1997, town officials decided to stop using the village water system that had served Webster for 92 years. The lawsuits soon started: (September 5, 2000) DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE

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