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Daily Updates for June 2010 

RochesterEnvironment.com

These Daily Updates for this month represent just one month in over a decade of connecting the dots on our area's environmental situation.

Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care?   GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL STORY ABOUT THE ROCHESTER, NY AREA FROM A CREDIBLE SOURCE? SEND IT TO ME! Looking for something specific. Use Control + F and search for it on this page.

These daily updates pertain to what is going on in our environment in Rochester & around the world. Although I do not see RochesterEnvironment.com, or Global Environmental Resources, as environmental activist sites, I do view them as active. They are active conduits for all the environmental news, services, links, and an on-going discovery for the potential role that I believe the Internet will play in environmentalism. Your local news media is not doing its job in informing the public on the breath and depth of our environmental problems, so you are going to have to get on the Internet. 

• 6/30/2010 - Climate Talks: Since the Copenhagen Climate Change talks, how have things been going? A Grim Outlook for Emissions As Climate Talks Limp Forward by Fred Pearce: Yale Environment 360 "In the wake of the failed Copenhagen summit, prospects for cutting global CO2 emissions are worse than they’ve been in years. With talk of mandated cuts now fading and with countries exploiting loopholes, the world appears headed toward a flawed agreement based not on science but on politics. " (June 21, 2010) Yale Environment 360

• 6/30/2010 - Fracking for Natural Gas.  There’s lots of natural gas around us, but is it safe and economic to drill? Drilling Process Draws Scrutiny | Government & Policy | Chemical & Engineering News "The U.S. has a plentiful supply of natural gas—a clean-burning, efficient fuel that could help solve the nation’s energy problems, ranging from climate change to dependence on foreign oil, industry proponents contend. But critics say this view is overly optimistic, because the technology for releasing gas embedded deep underground in massive shale fields has not yet been shown to be economical. Such technology could also contaminate water supplies with toxic drilling chemicals. " (May 31, 2010) Chemical & Engineering News | Serving the chemical, life sciences and laboratory worlds

• 6/30/2010 - ACTION: (July 21, 2010 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ) Take action on helping to establish bait rule on the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) issue: DEC Seeks Public's Input on Baitfish Transport Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Baitfish Health Regulations Public Meeting Schedule New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that DEC will seek public input on the current ban on transporting uncertified baitfish. The ban was established in 2007 after an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in the Great Lakes system in 2005. VHS is a disease that causes internal bleeding and sometimes death in certain fish when they are stressed in cooler temperatures. While VHS was the primary concern, eight other pathogens also were addressed when the rules were established. The current regulations ban "the overland (motorized) transport of personally collected baitfish (baitfish that are uncertified as far as not tested for fish diseases)." This is the only part of the state's fish-health regulations that DEC is seeking comment on at this time. DEC has slated a series of public meetings across the state (schedule attached). For two of the meeting dates, there will be live video feed at multiple locations. In addition, members of the public may participate by web conference. To learn how to use a home computer to participate, please visit DEC website for more information. (July 21, 2010 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rochester Area (Live video feed) NYSDEC Region 8 Headquarters 6274 Avon-Lima Rd. (Rtes. 5 and 20) Avon, NY 14414-9519 585-226-5324

• 6/29/2010 - Light Rail as Alternative Transportation: Many in the Rochester area still hope for the return of a light rail system as a public transportation option in our area.  A light rail system has many advantages when it combines walking or biking to complete your destination, advantages for you and our local environment.  It also can stimulate sustainable growth, providing a stable transportation system that helps promote more living and business in our urban areas.  Some say it can and should be done in our area (Rochester Regional Rail | Google Groups) and some say it cannot be done, but one city proves that it can:    Charlotte does light rail right | Cities of the Future | Grist It took 20 years for Charlotte's light rail line to become an overnight success. Back in the 1980s, many of top leaders of both political parties knew regional transit was needed. But any suggestions for taxes to fund it were DOA at the rural-dominated state legislature, whose permission was needed. Two barriers had to fall: Convincing a conservative electorate that transit wasn't a frill, and finding millions to build it. Grist | Environmental News, Commentary, Advice

• 6/28/2010 - Why does the public not ‘get it’ on Climate Change.  Here’s some thoughts from an expert:  A therapist's view of our reaction to climate change | Home | Deutsche Welle "Brayne is deeply concerned about the direction humanity is taking – as well as its collective capacity to react in time to a type of crisis it's never confronted before. With polls showing people's doubts about the science underpinning climate change growing, Deutsche Welle asked him if he thought humanity was in denial " --from Living Planet | Deutsche Welle

• 6/28/2010 - Mapping our Environment: We all find maps useful to get around.  But, we should also use maps to see how our environment sees our world—ecosystems that (like organs in our body) provide our environment with functions that keep it health.  Check out this visual map of our local environment: "Ecoregions of New York, June 2010. Check out the recently-released Ecoregions of New York map. A USGS team has been on a multi-year endeavor to accurately map Level III and IV ecoregions for every state in the nation. In 2008, New York remained one of the biggest gaps in the eastern U.S. That year, a cooperative project kicked-off and brought together partners from various agencies and non-government organizations, including EPA, NRCS, USGS, DEC, NYNHP, TNC, and NatureServe. Two years later, the slick, large-format, two-sided poster is available to the public. It includes a high quality map, descriptive text, summary tables, and dramatic photographs for each ecoregion in the state. Two of the principal authors are Greg Edinger from NYS DEC’s NY Natural Heritage Program and Doug Carlson from DEC Region 6. Visit the EPA website or click on the map to learn and identify the various ecoregions of New York State." New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

• 6/28/2010 - Action: The Child Product Safety Act has been introduced in the New York State Legislature and needs support to get it passed.  This law would prohibit products which have toxic heavy metals, flame retardants and other toxic chemicals from being sold in our state.  What we need right now are calls to individual Senators, so they know their constituents want them to support S 7070a.  It's a two-minute call - just dial 518-455-2800 and ask for your Senator's office. (don't know who that is?  Find out here.)  Identify yourself as a constituent, and tell them you want your Senator to co-sponsor the Child-Safe Products Act, S 7070a, and to actively work for its passage this session. (Senator James S. Alesi 585-223-1800 and Senator Joseph Roback   585-225-3650 ) Feel free to add your personal message.   585-225-3650   Thank you   Judy Braiman, Consumer Advocate 

• 6/27/2010 - Hands Across the Sands at Charlotte Beach.  The Hands Across the Sand | A worldwide gathering opposed to near- and off-shore oil drilling in our waters event in the Rochester, NY region was at Charlotte Beach.  “Hands Across the Sand is a movement made of people of all walks of life and crosses political affiliations. This movement is not about politics; it is about protection of our coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife, and fishing industry.  Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting all of the above from the devastating effects of oil drilling.”   Dozens Gather to Speak Against Off-Shore Drilling - YNN, Your News Now A local group says it’s fed up with BP Oil Company and off-shore oil drilling. Dozens met up at Ontario Beach Park to speak out against it. "‘Hands Across the Sand" is an effort that's sweeping the nation. A handful of environmental organizations are taking part in it. (June 26, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Energy in our area]

• 6/26/2010 - Against Fracking for natural gas in our area?  Check out this site for finding out about the dangers of fracking and actions that can be taken. Fracking in New York State | FrackAction.com "Fracking is a commonly accepted term for hydro-fracturing, a process where water, sand and chemicals are injected into the earth at high pressure. The aim of hydro-fracturing is to fracture rock formations deep underground in the hopes of liberating natural gas that would be otherwise inaccessible, and to bring it to the surface. "

• 6/25/2010 - Reveal Fracturing Chemicals: Knowledge will set you free from making bad decisions: I cannot imagine how the public or their representatives can vote intelligently on drilling in the Marcellus Gas Shale (or anywhere else for that matter) without knowing what chemicals are being used in the hydrofracking process. Trade secrets or not, potentially dangerous chemicals that could potentially contaminate our land and water should be clear and open to public scrutiny before making any decisions of this magnitude.  Public safely and the protection of our environment come first—no more argument. Dems, Natural Gas Industry Negotiating Fracking Disclosure Plan - NYTimes.com Rep. Diana DeGette and the natural gas industry are actively negotiating a plan to require public disclosure of the sometimes toxic chemicals that drillers use to flush gas out of the ground, according to sources on both sides of the talks. The Colorado Democrat has authored a much tougher bill calling on U.S. EPA to regulate fracturing. Now she is trying to hammer out a deal with industry representatives, but the industry is reported to be split about whether to cut a deal with Democrats or hope that Republican gains in November's midterm elections will stamp out any regulatory efforts.  (June 24, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia

• 6/25/2010 - What to do when those new light Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs blow: Learn about the proper way to dispose of the when they burnout from the new online Green Monroe Newsletter. Recycling CFLs in Monroe County A Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb saves about $30 in energy costs over the bulb’s lifetime. Switching from incandescent light bulb to more energy efficient ones is an easy way to reduce energy use and lower utility cost. Each CFL bulb contains a very small amount of mercury - an average of 4 milligrams in each bulb. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends recycling and responsibly disposing of CFLs at the end of their life cycle. In Monroe County, all the Home Depot stores are collection locations. The CFL recycling container is located inside the main entrance next to the service desk. --Green Monroe Newsletter - greener future for the community of Monroe County "Welcome to GreenMonroe.org – a place to find rebates, subsidies, incentives and grants available to the community of Monroe County to lower energy cost and buy renewable energy. "

• 6/23/2010 - Environmental impacts of the BP Gulf Oil Spill: It seems reasonable to expect the press to anticipate the possible environmental effects of an environmental accident as large as the BP Gulf Oil Spill.  One site that focuses on the possible impacts to specific species and the role they play in the Gulf warrants attention:  Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill 2010  "The oil spill from the offshore drilling platform Deepwater Horizon has reached the US Gulf Coast. Many commercial fisheries as well as sport-fishing will be impacted by the spill. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is concerned about impacts on beach-nesting, wading and sea birds, as well as turtles, and fisheries, but many other species in coastal and off-shore habitats are affected. US Federal and State agencies are posting information to a common portal. In order to increase awareness about the potential and actual impacts of this disaster on Gulf of Mexico biodiversity, we have put together lists of links with information about the species and habitats of the region. "  -from Encyclopedia of Life

• 6/23/2010 - The Press and Climate Change:  Finally, a long-awaited article on the credentials of those scientists speaking to the press on Climate Change.  For years the public understanding of the science behind Climate Change has been muddied by the press’s search of ‘objectivity’ who always seem to be able to find scientist strongly agreeing with the evidence that leaned towards a view that our planet is warming up due to anthropogenic change, and those who didn’t.  It made for great press and kept one of the most critical issues of our times in tied in what appears to be unnecessary knots.  But, has the press actually gone out and assessed the credentials of the scientists?  It doesn’t seem so and this has been a great failing of the press.  Long after a consensus by most of the world’s scientist weighed in on the side of Climate Change the press has sown the seeds of doubt.  Doubt is good to a point.  But, doubt can also make the public incapable of understanding something as important and complex as Climate Change.  This means it made it easier for communities to vote against measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions.  The public finds it convenient to consider energy options, like wind power, without considering Climate Change—so the arguments in the public arena are reduced to aesthetic ones, instead of reasonable ones in the light of Climate Change.  Without the press reporting accurately Climate Change and the credibility of those backing this science the public does not feel compelled to act on future environmental choices with the most important and critical factor in their decision making. How are we going to make intelligent choices that involve our environment, like drilling for oil, unless the press takes a more informed attitude on science and begins to frame Climate Change issues more accurately?  Climate Change at present is the elephant on our news pages: everything related to public discussion on energy, and other environmental issues should be done so with Climate Change in our minds. We need a more mature press that understands the difference between science and opinion. Study questions credentials of climate-change skeptics The hundreds of academics who sign warnings for politicians to delay action on slashing greenhouse gas emissions do not have the same expertise as those who say human activity is causing global warming, says a new study to be released Tuesday in the Proceedings of the U.S. National Academy of Scientists. "Despite media tendencies to present both sides in (the causes of global warming) debates, which can contribute to continued public misunderstanding regarding (human-caused climate change), not all climate researchers are equal in scientific credibility and expertise in the climate system," said the study, Expert credibility in climate change. (June 21, 2010) Vancouver Sun | Latest Breaking News | Business | Sports | Canada Daily News

• 6/23/2010 - Local Environmental Education: One way to learn about our Finger Lakes ecology is to get on a boat and have a class: CAYUGA LAKE FLOATING CLASSROOM "In collaboration with Tiohero Tours, we offer affordable programs for schools, community groups and residents of the Cayuga Lake Watershed and surrounding region.  Our experienced instructors can provide a range of safe, fun and engaging experiences. "

• 6/23/2010 -Looks like good news for a new trail south of Rochester:  Notes from a friend:  "An official in the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) in Albany recently stated that the proposal for a greenway trail stretching ca. 230 miles from Rochester, NY, to Williamsport, PA, along the Genesee River and Pine Creek will be incorporated into the next draft of the statewide master plan for recreational trail development in New York State.  This complements similar developments in Pennsylvania, where this proposed trail system has already entered into state, regional, and county planning efforts.  Officials in the NYSOPRHP office in Albany are already in dialogue with their counterparts in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) in Harrisburg.  Both agencies were attracted to this proposal because of its massive scale and the connections that it establishes between recreational systems in two states.  Developing the trail system now enters a new phase because it has finally achieved the status of a broad interstate planning goal formally supported by the relevant agencies in two states.  Given that many sections of this trail system are already completed or currently being developed, this adds increased momentum for further progress in this trail system."

• 6/22/2010 - How can we increase walking and bicycling as Transportation in our area?  Check out this: 2010 Equal Footing Summit - America Walks On September 16, 2010, America Walks in partnership with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) is convening organizations, agencies, and businesses at the Equal Footing Summit in Chattanooga, TN. Join us as we launch a National Walking Strategy. Work with us to build momentum for a more walkable America. Why now? Because 2010 is when: Congress passes a five-year transportation bill America focuses on childhood obesity You can make a difference!

• 6/21/2010 - What is the state of Walking and Bicycling for Transportation in the US and what can we do it increase this?  Check out this report. walkinginfo.org: PBIC 15-Year Status Report "This report is the third status update to the National Bicycling and Walking Study, originally published in 1994 as an assessment of bicycling and walking as transportation modes in the United States. Following the 5-year status report (1999) and 10-year status report (2004), the 15-year update measures the progress made toward the original goals of lowering the number of fatalities while increasing the percentage of trips made by bicycling and walking. Injury and fatality statistics are presented to measure this progress, as well as results from surveys related to travel habits. The 15-year report, unlike its two predecessors, examines a range of efforts to increase bicycling and walking in the United States. Programs at the Federal, State, and local levels are included, as well as case studies on best practices. Finally, the report makes recommendations for research, policy, and other measures that can be taken to meet the goals of the original study. " walkinginfo.org

• 6/21/2010 - Something you can do about the BP Gulf Oil Spill: National Audubon Society: Gulf Coast Disaster - How You Can Help "Audubon is inspired by the many people who have contacted us to find out how they can help the birds and other wildlife threatened by the Gulf oil spill. Your commitment to their health and safety during this crisis is greatly appreciated – and it underscores how much you value the natural world. Audubon is working with many other public and private conservation organizations to  coordinate volunteers and connect them with oiled-wildlife response leaders to help in the recovery effort. Hands-on work to protect and save birds and other wildlife will be a complex and potentially dangerous process, and first and foremost it is important that only trained volunteers participate on the front lines. Untrained volunteers can pose a risk not only to themselves, but to the birds and wildlife they are trying to save. " --from National Audubon Society

• 6/19/2010 - We are Smarter than Frogs: Climate Change, “It’s happening already.” Listen (click on ‘listen’ to Bill McKibben’s description of the Climate Changes we are already experiencing.  There are some (so I’ve heard) who just don’t believe in Climate Change: Frogs slowly boiling in a pot of water don’t jump out because it is occurring so slowly that it doesn’t seem any warmer to them than it did a few minutes ago.  Surely, we are smarter than frogs. Bill McKibben - Our Strange New Eaarth | Point of Inquiry "Global warming, we're often told, is an issue we must address for the sake of our grandchildren. We need to cut carbon because of our moral obligation to future generations. But according to Bill McKibben, that's a 1980s view. As McKibben writes in his new book Eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet, the increasingly open secret is that global warming happened already. We've passed the threshold, and the planet isn’t at all the same. It's less climatically stable. Its weather is haywire. It has less ice, more drought, higher seas, heavier storms. It even appears different from space. " Point of Inquiry

• 6/19/2010 - Good Idea: Waking up to the compelling argument of the Precautionary Principle, it’s good to see public officials ‘getting it’ on what happens if you don’t start thinking ahead on the possible consequences of environmental decisions.  Too bad it takes a colossal disaster to get thinking about planning with long-term environmental consequences a way to make decisions in the future.  Great Lakes mayors seek review of disaster plans - JSOnline Gulf spill prompts letter to U.S., Canadian officials | Spurred by the expanding crisis over a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, a group of Great Lakes mayors is pushing both the United States and Canada for a meeting to discuss disaster preparedness in the lakes. (June 17, 2010) JSOnline

• 6/19/2010 - It’s the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity "The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. The world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: biodiversity ": Let’s check in and see how many local species are endangered. Endangered Species Program: Home Page The number of threatened and endangered species in the U.S. is always changing. See how many are currently listed - "As the principal federal partner responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA), we take the lead in recovering and conserving our Nation's imperiled species by fostering partnerships, employing scientific excellence, and developing a workforce of conservation leaders "

• 6/18/2010 - Climate Change Changes: As we take Climate Change more seriously, we consider more ramifications of what these changes will be.  Many of the changes, like in earthquakes, will take place not just in our environment, but in our man-made infrastructure that not included Climate Change in its development.  What other things that man has developed will come under threat because of Climate Change? Climate change could affect marine infrastructure - CTV News The federal government is trying to come up with ways to protect millions of dollars worth of vulnerable infrastructure and coastline, years after it was urged to adapt to the effects of climate change. Ottawa has solicited a study on how some of the 1,000 small craft harbours that are critical to the fishing industry could be affected by rising sea levels, storm surges and a loss of shorefast ice -- all linked to climate change.  June 13, 2010)  Climate change could affect marine infrastructure - CTV News

• 6/17/2010 - Get the facts on our Plants and Wildlife: Learning how our plants and wildlife are managed, how climate change and other factors affect our environment, check out this document by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT A Quarterly Open Access Publication Developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service "Welcome to the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management ! On behalf of the editorial staff and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I am excited to welcome you to the inaugural issue of the new Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management! This new online journal focuses on the practical application and integration of science to the conservation and management of North American fish, wildlife, plants, and the ecosystems upon which they depend." Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

• 6/17/2010 - Pandemic Flu an Environmental Health issue: Least it not be forgotten nor trivialized (as some have done because there wasn’t a major pandemic outbreak), Buffalo News has provided a page where is has compiled a list of articles on the swine flu in the Buffalo area.  I believe this a valuable feature of the media on what measures and results of those measures on a serious disease were taken so that this information can be used when the swine flu breaks out again—as it will. What actually happens to people and how a community responds to a potential pandemic are valuable information.     The Buffalo News: Swine Flu

• 6/17/2010 - Green Lawns: Think of our environment when you beautify your lawns.  Good advice by the Environmental Protection Agency:  Mid-Atlantic Green Landscaping | US EPA "Green landscaping, beneficial landscaping, environmentally friendly landscaping or sustainable landscaping -- whatever you call it, it's a way of designing and maintaining beautiful yards, gardens, and larger landscapes. The benefits are many including: reduce harm to the environment save time and money with lower maintenance have healthier places to work and play provide habitat for wildlife "

• 6/16/2010 - This ACTION event just in: Hands Across the Sand | A gathering of American citizens opposed to near- and off-shore oil drilling in our waters. "To organize a national movement to oppose offshore oil drilling and champion clean energy and renewables. These gatherings will bring thousands of American citizens to our beaches and cities and will draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against the threat oil drilling poses to America’s coastal economies and marine environment.   The local action takes place at Ontario Beach at Charlotte   From downtown Rochester, go north on Lake Avenue to Ontario Beach (Charlotte). If coming by car, park in public lots. For RTS bus information, call 585- 288-1700. On June 26 we'll gather at the Bandstand between 11 and 11:30, and join hands at noon. Bring a sign. Bring a friend and please wear black. Children especially welcome! "

• 6/16/2010 - ACTION Take action for our Environmental Health: One way to help our environment is to make sure that the vaccines for the next break out of the bird flu are working and safe.   URMC Receives $15.5M for Live Virus Vaccine Isolation Studies - News Room - University of Rochester Medical Center This week, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) announced plans to begin a cluster of bird flu vaccine trials, many of which will contain live, weakened viruses and require participants to remain in isolation for several days a time. Slated to start this summer, the studies are funded by a National Institutes of Health grant amounting to more than $15.5 million over five years. Volunteers could receive up to $2,025 for completing this study – including a $50 honorarium for a screening visit, $125 per day spent on the isolation unit, $75 per follow-up outpatient visit, and a $250 bonus for completing all study visits on time. As the isolation unit does not offer cooking facilities, food and beverages will be provided. For further information or to enroll, please call the Vaccine Research Unit at (585) 273-3990.  (June 15, 2010)  University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY

• 6/15/2010 - Climate Change Deniers Delight: One has to wonder, giving the consensus of most climate scientists around the world, why denying the science of climate change is so popular. Certainly, Climate Change threatens people’s way of life and some people’s ideology is at risk.  But at the end of the day, doesn’t it seem prudent to examine the news and the reports on what is probably the greatest environmental threat to our planet with an open mind?  I mean, not everything is political. Something like Climate Change, though difficult to tease from the evidence in a weather and climate system so complex as Earth’s, takes some doing, but it does come down to reasonable assumptions based on evidence.  Yet, given the slightest excuse many will fall back on any number of excuses to disbelieve in Climate Change and continue rant that it’s conspiratorial nonsense and a few science emails or a heavy snow storm in winter disproves it.  Here’s some reverse conspiratorial stuff as to why those disinclined to believe in the science of Climate Change are continuing to do so—in spite of all evidence to the contrary:   Global Warming Deniers and Their Proven Strategy of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway: Yale Environment 360 For years, free-market fundamentalists opposed to government regulation have sought to create doubt in the public’s mind about the dangers of smoking, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Now they have turned those same tactics on the issue of global warming and on climate scientists, with significant success. (June 10, 2010) Yale Environment 360

• 6/14/2010 - June and time to think about West Nile Virus:  Though we haven’t experience a major West Nile Virus outbreak in awhile, this invasive disease that does affect humans will be around for sometimes. Certain kinds of conditions will make West Nile Virus in our area more likely or less likely.  Check out more information from the experts and stay informed:  CDC West Nile Virus Homepage "The warmth of Spring brings us outdoors and it’s easy to forget about mosquitoes! Infected mosquitoes are already on the wing in some states. They spread West Nile virus that can cause serious, life-altering, and even fatal disease. Time to stock up on insect repellent for the season--and use it!. Also check the yard for forgotten containers that may have collected water over the winter months and dump them out. "

• 6/14/2010 - Good resource for finding Brownfields in your area: Toxics Targeting "Now you can instantly check for hidden environmental hazards before buying a home or property in New York State. Toxics Targeting's Free Internet Map identifies more than 270,000 abandoned landfills, industrial dumps, leaking tanks and other reported pollution threats "

• 6/14/2010 - Good way to reduce paper waste: Several friends have informed me of this site that they use to reduce unwanted mail, thus reducing paper waste. Catalog Choice - Control the catalogs you receive in the mail "The free service that lets you reduce unwanted mail and choose how you hear from brands "

• 6/12/2010 - Green Drinks: A note from our friends over at the Center of Environmental  Information: "Green Drinks is shaking things up.   To start, next month (July) we are moving to Third Thursdays (previously every fourth Thursday). Slips off the tongue smoother, easier to remember. The location will also change monthly to different venues in and around the city  to make it more attractive to a larger group of people. Kimie and Jamie Romeoare the current co/coordinators for the group.  If you are an environmental enthusiast in the Greater Rochester area you probably know one or both. You also likely know this means our speakers/topics will be lively and networking opportunities plentiful. Kimie and Jamie encourage businesses to sponsor food at the events and are busy prospecting a few favorite gathering spots, as well as some key speakers. This month's event is at the Tap & Mallet at 381 Gregory St. Rochester, NY from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Thursday, June 24th. "  You can also connect up with  the Center of Environmental  Information at their Facebook: Center for Environmental Information | Facebook

• 6/12/2010 - Asian Carp Invasion: You’re heard and read about the issue of the possible Asian Carp Invasion into our Great Lakes, now you can watch some videos on that: Who's Afraid of Asian Carp? (part one) YouTube (6/7) The first half of a mini-documentary on good fish, bad fish, American perception, and the cost of combating carp. | Who's Afraid of Asian Carp? (part two) YouTube (6/7) The second half of a mini-documentary on good fish, bad fish, American perception, and the cost of combating carp. --from Great Lakes Videos

• 6/12/2010 - What are the consequences of Natural Gas Drilling in our area?  Interesting interview with a man who went discovering what that might be like. The Fresh Air Interview: Filmmaker Josh Fox - 'Living In The Middle Of A 'Gasland' : NPR "Josh Fox lives in the Upper Delaware River Basin, on the border straddling Pennsylvania and New York State. In May 2008, he received a letter from a natural gas mining company. The company wanted to lease 19.5 acres of land from Fox — and would pay him $100,000 to do so. "

• 6/11/2010 - What were the results of the Color Brighton Green ‘Curb Your Car Week” in miles saved and pounds of CO2? Curb Your Car Week Spring 2010: The Results  |  Congratulations to all Curb Your Car Week participants! This fall, we had 144 registered participants. 75 households reported saving a total of — 5,260 mile, 201 gallons of gas, and 3,819 pounds of CO2!

• 6/11/2010 - Wind Turbines if not near Rochester, where? I have to admit I don’t ‘get’ the strong opposition to off-shore wind farm projects proposed in our region, in the Great Lakes. “Five Proposals Begin NYPA Review Process For Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project - Environmental And Economic Development Benefits Expected” New York Power Authority: News Release. Where do those who oppose these projects prefer to get the power they need to run their lives? Off-shore oil? Certainly, it must be obvious in the face of the BP Oil Disaster that our oil addition is jeopardizing our way of life, our environment, and is far more capable of trashing our waters than wind turbines.  more...

• 6/10/2010 - ACTION:  DEC Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Policy to Reduce Fish Mortality to July 9 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has extended the public comment period for the "Best Technology Available (BTA) for Cooling Water Intake Structures" draft policy until July 9, 2010. The draft policy outlines the process for determining BTA and sets performance goals for reducing impacts. BTA determinations are made on a facility specific basis, and certain power plants and other facilities that use water for cooling purposes may need to recycle and reuse that water through a process known as "closed cycle cooling" technology. This will greatly reduce the amount of water withdrawn from New York rivers or other water bodies and, correspondingly, minimize the amount of fish, fish eggs and larvae destroyed in the process. The draft policy and supporting documents and the original press announcement about the draft policy can be found on the DEC website. --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

• 6/10/2010 - BP Oil Spill Enlightens Us:  If there is one thing amongst the environmental and economic tragedies of the BP Oil Spill, is a glimpse of how the public can see and understand the depth and breadth of a widespread environmental situation.  There’s no end of web sites and TV shows that provide graphs, aerial photographs and videos, animations, photos from space, shoreline and below-the ocean waves videos of the disaster and potential disaster sights. This disaster is unfolding in a time frame that allows for continual updates and commentary, interviews with scientist, people put out of jobs, and people who are waiting for the oil plumes to touch their lives. What it means: The public can grasp visually the effects our choices are having the on the planet, in this case our choice to remain addicted to fossil fuels.  There’s too much information now about the BP Oil Spill for even the most stubborn anti-environmentalist to deny the scope of this disaster and frame the public’s miss-understanding of it. We are changing the planet and we can witness this, via the coverage on the BP Oil Spill, in a way that is clear and present in the public’s consciousness.  The coverage:  Gulf Coast Oil Spill: News & Videos about Gulf Coast Oil Spill - CNN.com | EPA Response to BP Spill in the Gulf of Mexico | US EPA | McClatchy | Oil spill Gulf of Mexico BP Transocean Halliburton Deepwater Horizon cleanup environmental impact beaches tourism | Gulf Oil Spill : Pictures, Videos, Breaking News | Gulf Oil Spill - ProPublica

• 6/10/2010 - Bill McKibben’s thoughts on BP Oil Spill, keeping existing jobs, planning for a future of alternative fuel:  It all needs leadership. Gulf oil spill: Obama's opportunity for real leadership - latimes.com "Here's the president on March 31, announcing his plan to lift a longstanding moratorium on offshore drilling: "Given our energy needs, in order to sustain economic growth and produce jobs and keep our businesses competitive, we are going to need to harness traditional sources of fuel even as we ramp up production of new sources of renewable, homegrown energy." (June 6, 2010) Los Angeles Times - California, L.A., Entertainment and World news - latimes.com

• 6/09/2010 - Your Garden and Climate Change. OK, it seems like everyone is making connecting with Climate Change with everything we do.  It’s like the new buzz word, Climate Change. It’s everywhere, like a hot commercial.  But, actually it is. Climate Change isn’t not a buzz word, it’s a shift in our environment caused by humans and we hardly have a glimpse of all the implications it will have.   The Climate-Friendly Gardener | Union of Concerned Scientists The Climate-Friendly Gardener A Guide to Combating Global Warming from the Ground Up .

• 6/09/2010 - ACTION : Make Public Comment on local trails: Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Blueway Trails   Analysis Plan June 16th Public Meeting A public meeting has been scheduled to take place from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, June 16th at the Genesee Waterways Center Boathouse in Rochester, NY (directions: Genesee Waterways Center - Directions to Boathouse). At this meeting project staff will present the draft findings of our work.  Attendees will be given an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on the information contained in the draft report.  This meeting is open to the public; those planning on attending are asked to RSVP to bslack@gflrpc.org.   It is our hope that you or your designee will be able to join us during the June 16th meeting in order to learn more about the project and to offer your input on the draft report.  If you are unable to attend, your comments are still encouraged.  We are seeking input on all elements of the draft report between now and June 24th 2010.  Comments may be submitted to our office (ATTN: Brian Slack) or via email through the contacts below.   If you happen to have any questions regarding this project or the meeting on June 16th, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.   Thank you very much for your time and interest regarding this matter.  Please feel free to forward this message to other interested parties.   DRAFT REPORT: G/FLRPC

• 6/09/2010 - Good Cause for a great environmental crusader: You are invited to a Summer Solstice Nature Walk and Picnic in memory of Christine Sevilla Sunday, June 20, 2010 Walk with Naturalist Steven Daniel and June Summers at Powder Mill Park 3-5 pm Picnic at the home of Nora Bredes and Jack Huttner 16 Great Oak Lane Pittsford, NY 5-9 pm RSVP – (585) 383-6095 by June 17th Suggested donation of $35 per person or $50 per couple will help to fund the Christine Sevilla Memorial Project an effort to preserve and interpret endangered acres of local wetlands. More at Donate to a worthy cause: Christine Sevilla Project (Christine Sevilla Project) "Welcome to A Living Project to Preserve a Place in Christine's Honor  For All to Enjoy in Perpetuity Christine's family and friends envision a natural area, including wetlands, preserved in her memory.  This vision includes an educational component, like an interpretive trail to help others recognize what Christine saw - an interconnected natural community of flora and fauna, soil and water. Perhaps even an  Arts and Music Festival to celebrate what Christine so treasured. "

• 6/08/2010 - New York State has a lot of gas: Just when we thought we had an idea of how much natural gas lies beneath our feet (mostly, we thought it was in the Southern tier) more has been found. The Utica Shale includes northern New York and probably means a lot more environment vs. economy vs. energy issues (which are really one issue) for us to consider. For those in our region who thought the natural gas issue was in somebody else’s backyard, we learn, as we will continue to learn, that all environmental issues are in everyone’s backyard.  Manmade borders like states, personal properties, and countries are mere human conceits and only cloud our understanding of how our environment works.  Deep, lucrative Utica Shale formation extends play to Southern Tier | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette Marcellus Shale development may be just the beginning. The massive gas-bearing shale formation that extends from West Virginia through the Southern Tier of New York, lies above another formation of equal or greater size, called the Utica Shale. The Utica formation runs from the heart of Pennsylvania through Quebec, and its potential is enormous. stargazette.com | Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, New York (June 5, 2010)

• 6/08/2010 - Don't forget your Invasive Species this summer: EAB Regulations and Quarantines - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation State Regulations, Quarantines, and Notices Relating to Emerald Ash Borer --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

• 6/08/2010 - ACTION: from the Green Party of Monroe County "The Green Party of Monroe County is looking for progressives in our community to enhance its local platform.  If you have an interest in real solutions to our environmental, economic and social problems, you can have an impact on what the Green Party will do when elected.  Work on your own or with other like-minded folks to create individual planks of our local platform.  Issues can be something you have already been working on or something you have always wanted to fix.  Examples of some issues include, industrial pollution, area brownfields, renewable energy, land trusts, etc.  Contact Dave Atias if you are interested in helping get our government on the side of the people.  Greenpmc34@yahoo.com or 585-315-7687 "

• 6/08/2010 - ACTION - State-wide Demonstrations for Hydrofracking Moratorium Tuesday, June 15, 2010 12:00 NOON NYS DEC Region 8 Demonstration: Region 8 Headquarters, 6274 Avon-Lima Rd. (Rtes. 5 and 20), Avon, NY 14414-9519 The New York State DEC is poised to issue permits for hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale by the end of this year! We need the State Legislature to pass the Englebright/Addabbo bill before June 21, the end of the legislative session, to provide a moratorium on hydrofracking permits until the EPA concludes its study of hydrofracking’s impacts on water quality and public health. We must come together NOW to prevent another disaster like the Gulf or Dimock, PA. On Tuesday, June 15 at 12:00 NOON, simultaneous demonstrations will take place at DEC regional offices around New York State in support of a moratorium, for protection of our neighbors and our watershed. ALL people and groups are urged to join this critical demonstration which could gain national media attention.  For more about the demonstration in Region 8 (Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties), please contact Emily  at 585-455-2167, emmaji@riseup.net or Margaret at mball2@u.rochester.edu . Demonstrations will take place at DEC Headquarters in Region 2 (NYC), Region 3 (New Paltz), Region 7 (Syracuse), Region 8 (Avon), and hopefully elsewhere. Contact us with questions about any region.

• 6/08/2010 - Event Reminder: You are invited to the 3rd Annual Brighton Green Energy Fair Our biggest Energy Fair Yet!  Widest variety of exhibitors. Brighton High School Parking Lot Sunday, June 13, 9am-1pm 1150 Winton Road South Taking place alongside the Brighton Farmer's Market    Over 25 vendors and nonprofits represented:      Geo-thermal and solar heating systems,     Green roofs     Green baby products     Green cleaning supplies     Green pet products     Green auto care products        Home energy audits and financing     Art from recycled materials     Rain barrels      Bring your #3-7 plastics for recycling     Pet animals from the Seneca Park Zoo! Bring the kids!   Local environmental initiatives   Silent auction to support ColorBrightonGreen.org,including home energy audits, solar heat evaluations, Wegman's gift certificate, plants, books, a rainbarrel, more!    For More info:  colorbrightongreen.org or Cheryl Frank at  info@colorbrightongreen.org 585-241-3078

• 6/08/2010 - The 9 Billion Ton Hamster: Economics (mankind’s evolution) does not parse well with Nature’s evolution. That’s why when you use the logic of economics on Nature, in a thought experiment, you get a great big hamster—really big.  In this Year of Biodiversity, we need to understand the dynamics of other environmental problems around us besides the BP Gulf Spill, Climate Change, and much more. We, and our way of life, are driving the environment out of our ability to live in it.  Pricing the earth to save biodiversity | Environment & Development | Deutsche Welle | 04.06.2010 - Listen to the 9 Billion Ton Hamster Multimedia - DW-WORLD.DE

• 6/7/2010 - BP Oil Spill Galvanizes Sierra Club: The Sierra Club announced that it’s going to make changing how we get energy a top priority since the disaster of the BP Oil Spill. Moving Beyond Oil "Today, the Sierra Club launched a new campaign urging President Obama to respond the BP oil disaster in the Gulf with a bold plan to end America's dependence on oil in the next twenty years. The Sierra Club's "Beyond Oil" campaign will include rallies and events around the nation, paid ads, a new website, a short documentary and videos. The organization will be mobilizing its 1.3 million members and supporters, and conducting robust outreach to concerned Americans everywhere. "

• 6/06/2010 - ACTION : Regional Demonstrations for Hydraulic Fracturing Moratorium The New York State DEC is poised to issue permits for Hydraulic Fracturing in the Marcellus Shale, likely by the end of this year! We have a chance to prevent this unfortunate decision if the NYS Legislature passes a bill requiring a moratorium on hydrofracking permits until the Federal EPA completes its investigation of the process. But time is short--the legislative session ends in just a few weeks! On Tuesday, June 15, simultaneous demonstrations will take place at DEC regional offices around New York State, calling for a moratorium on hydrofracking permits until the Federal EPA completes its study. All citizens and groups interested in the safety of our water and the health of our neighbors are urged to make their voices heard in this peaceful demonstration.  For more about the demonstration in Region 8 (Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties), please contact Emily at 585-455-2167, emmaji@riseup.net or Margaret at mball2@u.rochester.edu

• 6/05/2010 - Accepting Fish Contaminants: That our Finger Lakes fish are filled with these manmade toxins is more than sad: PCBs, mercury (some of this may be natural occurring in water) , Mirex, dioxin, and DDT.  Having to select what fish that can be eaten and learning how to prepare what little can be eaten should not be acceptable.  If manmade contaminants are showing up in our fish (and we should be continually checking) everything in the world should be done to fix that and clean our waters.  A change of attitude where we do not tolerate any contaminants in our water should be the norm, not the present situation where we shrug our shoulders and say this is the way things are.  No, this is a sign that our way of life in heading towards collapse.  The environment will be what it is, fit for our way of life, or so hostile that it’s fit for only a few cockroaches (who are pretty hardy).  Accepting environmental degradation is only a human conceit, like thinking the fire that is burning the building you’re in won’t reach your room.    Health Advice on Eating Sportfish and Game - Finger Lakes Region - " Fish from fresh waters are more likely to be contaminated than fish from remote marine waters because many fresh waters are close to human activities and contamination sources. Anglers (and others who eat fish caught by friends) often eat fish from a limited set of waters because they tend to return to favorite fishing locations. When those fishing locations contain fish with higher contaminant levels, the people who eat them will have higher contaminant exposures. " - from New York State Department of Health

• 6/05/2010 - Fish Disease in Great lakes: RochesterEnvironment.com has been tracking the fish disease Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) news stories since it was first discover in our area.  Whether or not we can prevent this disease from spreading we should find out as much as we can about how the fish disease came to our area, what we can do now to contain or halt it, and what we can prevent similar fish diseases that so affect our Great Lakes in the future. Fish health :: WFN News | World Fishing Network An interview with Dr. Kathleen Hartman of the USDA. Discussion includes the VHS virus found in the Great Lakes and tips for the angler on how to prevent damage to our lakes, rivers and streams.  (5/26/2010) - from Fishing News, Tips, Video, Gear Reviews, Blogs | WFN.tv

• 6/04/2010 - Our Drinking Water Quality:  Testing New York City’s drinking water for pharmaceuticals and finding them drug-free is good for NYC.  I like this quote,” Rush said there have been no complaints about water coming from upstate reservoirs. He said the testing was done to develop a baseline for monitoring. “We hope by doing this study, it shows that we’re willing to look at these issues rather than shying away from them,” he said.”  I’m wondering if the same is true for our area and if so where that information is. NYC's upstate water supply practically drug-free - The Daily Freeman News: Serving the Hudson Valley since 1871(DailyFreeman.com) OLIVE — New York City’s upstate water supply has been found relatively clean of pharmaceutical pollution. Officials with the city’s Department of Environmental Protection say they will use test results in their ongoing efforts to protect the water supply. Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush said the testing was part of a yearlong program to identify risks from discarded medicines in the watershed. (June 3, 2010) The Daily Freeman: Serving the Hudson Valley since 1871 (DailyFreeman.com)

• 6/04/2010 - Action Alert: CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ACTION ALERT URGENT! Call the New York State Senate Today Hydro-Fracking Moratorium On the Move! A key NYS Assembly committee approved the moratorium on hydro-fracking! With this movement in the Assembly, it is important that the Senate now move as well. Call Senator Antoine Thompson, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, and urge him to put the Hydro-Fracking Moratorium bill on the agenda and urge the Senate to pass the Hydro-Fracking Moratorium before the recess. Take Action Now

• 6/04/2010 - Climate Change changes: One of the underlying assumptions that many have about climate change is that it will happen only after they are gone and that it occurs so slowly as to be unnoticeable.  That’s probably not the case.  This disaster is moving perhaps more slowly than the BP Oil Spill, but tipping points in Climate Change and our lack of commitment to change on this issue could speed things up dramatically.  Get a glimpse of how fast Climate Change is changing: AFP: 'Climate dice' now dangerously loaded: leading scientist PARIS — Evidence for global warming has mounted but public awareness of the threat has shrunk, due to a cold northern winter and finger-pointing at the UN's climate experts, a top scientist warned Wednesday. James Hansen, a leading NASA scientist whose testimony to the US Congress in 1988 was a landmark in the history of climate change, said he was worried by "the large gap" in knowledge between specialists and the public, including politicians. "That gap has increased substantially in the last year," Hansen told a press conference during a visit to Paris. (May 12, 2010) AFP

• 6/03/2010 - Stay informed on the BP Gulf Oil Spill: Here are four major online sources for finding out exactly what is going on with the greatest environmental disaster in our times and what might be the consequences. EPA Response to BP Spill in the Gulf of Mexico | US EPA | McClatchy | Oil spill Gulf of Mexico BP Transocean Halliburton Deepwater Horizon cleanup environmental impact beaches tourism | Gulf Oil Spill : Pictures, Videos, Breaking News | Gulf Oil Spill - ProPublica

• 6/03/2010 - June is Rabies Awareness Month (June is Rabies Awareness Month -from New York State Department of Health)- Find out local information on rabies here Environmental Health | Public Health Rabies and Animal Bites Phone: 585 753-5864 Responds to reported animal bites and potential exposures, including consultation with medical personnel for follow up on post-exposure medical treatment when necessary. Submits suspected animal specimens to the New York State Laboratory in Albany for rabies analysis. Monitors 10-day confinement and 6-month quarantine of domestic animals involved in human contact or contact with potentially rabid animals. Conducts FREE RABIES IMMUNIZATION CLINICS for dogs and cats owned by Monroe County residents (see LINK below). Immunization records are maintained for animals receiving immunizations at clinics. --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY

• 6/03/2010 - One of our own goes to the next level on protecting us from the Misuse of Pesticides and toxins in our products: Judy Braiman, who has long championed the cause for reducing dangerous chemical in the Rochester, NY region’s environment, goes national in a CNN program called Toxic America.  Judy has co-chaired the group Rochestarians Against the Misuse of Pesticides (RAMP) for many years and has been instrumental for protecting our community from Pesticides.  Grandmother on mission to protect kids Judy Braiman is on a mission to protect children from dangerous toys. Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com May 28, 2010)

• 6/02/2010 - Alternative fuel for that alternative vehicle:  Climate Change is changing our environment and one way to save money, protect yourself from those fluctuating gasoline prices, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to change how you get around.  That will be easier in the future.  So, you’re thinking of buying an alternative vehicle or converting your existing vehicle to an alternative one--Biodiesel (B20 and above); Compressed Natural Gas (CNG); Electric; Ethanol (E85); Hydrogen; Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG); Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane)—but you don’t know where to get it.  Check out this: Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center: Alternative Fueling Station Locator  -from the Department of Energy

• 6/02/2010 - Where Climate Change heat goes:  Much of the heat generated by Climate Change is absorbed by our oceans, and that’s not a good thing.  Oceans Warmed In Recent Decades - Science News Earth’s upper ocean warmed substantially between 1993 and 2008, a new analysis reveals. The trend signals growing heat storage in oceans, researchers say, a result of human-caused warming. The new study, reported in the May 20 Nature, combined oceanographic data gathered worldwide between 1993 and 2008, the time period with the most data available. During that period, the upper 700 meters of the world’s ocean warmed on average by about 0.18 degrees Celsius, says John M. Lyman, a physical oceanographer with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration in Seattle. (May 19, 2010) Science News

• 6/01/2010 - Advisories as Commonplace: We are so used to seeing these sporting fish advisories (see below), limits on what fish and how many can be eaten because of toxins and other contaminants, that we barely notice them.  But these are compromises that we make to our environment.  The thing we need to remember is that this facility in our minds that pollution can be commonplace is a convenient illusion that has nothing to do with the way Nature works.  Nature doesn’t simply obey the laws of physics; Nature is the laws of physics.  The pollution in our fish means manmade chemicals are now a part of our wildlife and we really don’t have any idea of what are safe levels of toxins for our own health if we eat them, or what it means for our environment health as a whole.  So, we put out fish advisories and some heed them and some don’t  And mostly, we ignore the danger and the warnings about the implications for our health and our environment these advisories represent because it’s so commonplace for us to do so.  We are continually fooling ourselves about our environment.    State Health Department Issues Annual Fish Advisories New Advice Applies to Onondaga Lake and Other Lakes and Ponds ALBANY, N.Y. (May 28, 2010) - The New York State Health Department (DOH) today released 2010-2011 health advisories as part of its annual guide for chemicals in sportfish and game. New York State has issued fish advisories to protect public health for nearly 40 years and has one of the most comprehensive fish advisory programs in the nation. This year's release contains revised advisories for levels of mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxin and chlordane found in some fish from two ponds and four lakes in Upstate New York and Long Island including: Rollins Pond in Franklin County and Upper Twin Pond in Nassau County, Canadice Lake in Ontario County, Cranberry Lake in St. Lawrence County, Indian Lake in Hamilton County, and Onondaga Lake in Onondaga County. The advisories for the other state waters have not changed from last year. (May 27, 2010) New York State Department of Health  [more on Wildlife in our area]

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