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RochesterEnvironment.com

Daily Updates for July 2009

RochesterEnvironment.com

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

The more recent stories are on the top and oldest at the bottom of this list. 

And, 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 found a tipping point and became a crisis. Students, scientists, historians, and citizens alike should benefit from being able to follow the thread of an issue back through time.

• 7/30/09 - Beach conditions are not simply a natural phenomenon that is something we are born to suffer and beyond our control.  In most cases, it’s probably manmade pollution—from bad agricultural practices, storm water runoffs, industrial pollution, etc.  Our beaches get worse and like the boiling frog metaphor we accustom ourselves to worsening beaches over the years until public bathing with be a thing of the past. That isn’t simply sad, that’s us shooting ourselves in the foot by allowing ourselves to do this to our environment.  - Get the Beach Report: NRDC: Testing the Waters 2009 "A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches | NRDC's annual survey of water quality and public notification at U.S. beaches finds that pollution caused the number of beach closings and advisories to hit their fourth-highest level in the 19-year history of the report. The number of 2008 closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches topped 20,000 for the fourth consecutive year, confirming that our nation's beaches continue to suffer from serious water pollution that puts swimmers at risk."
• 7/29/09 -- It's a bit far away in time and distance, but maybe we can have a great big green event here in Rochester: Opportunity Green Conference - November 7-8, 2009 | Sustainability Conference | Los Angeles | UCLA Opportunity Green Business Conference at UCLA November 7-8, 2009 Join today's brightest leaders and innovators at the forefront of the green business revolution. Forge new strategic partnerships and explore the latest in sustainable strategies and best practices to lead your organization to success. Get the inside view on the hottest topics, trends and technologies at the premier green business event focused on creating new opportunities through sustainability.
• 7/29/09 - This just in from a friend: Cascadian Farms, a manufacturer of granola bars and other organic food items, is partnering with New York State Parks to help raise money for trails.  For every visitor to www.parkvisitor.com/cascadianfarm, Cascadian will donate $1 to State Park trails' maintenance and promotion. The promotion expires November 15, or as soon as a $25,000 cap is reached but we are trying to reach the top goal as quickly as possible.  New York is the only state participating in this initiative, so please encourage your friends and family to go to www.parkvisitor.com/cascadianfarm and generate some free money for our trails!    The link can also be found at: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/.
• 7/29/09  -  We hope the EPA comes to our area too to talk about Green Jobs here: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2009 Thursday: EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson to Visit Chicago to Announce Funding to Train Workers for Green Jobs WASHINGTON – On Thursday, July 30, 2009, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will hold a press conference in Chicago to announce funding to train workers for green jobs. The press conference will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology at 12:15 p.m. Additional details will be provided in the coming days. WHO: EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson WHAT:Press conference in Chicago to announce green jobs training funding WHEN: Thursday, July 30, 12:15 p.m. WHERE: Chicago Center for Green Technology 445 North Sacramento Blvd. (between Chicago and Lake streets) Chicago, Ill.  60612 --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• 7/29/09 - Don't miss a chance to pipe in our your environment tonight: Draft Report on Recommendations for Implementing the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Draft Report on Recommendations for Implementing the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact Our Great Lakes Water Resources Conserving and Protecting Our Water Today for Use Tomorrow This report was prepared by the Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council (GLBAC) in response to the directive issued to the Council by the New York State Legislature in approving the ratifying legislation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact (the Compact) in 2008. Also, it is the GLBAC's desire that this report stimulate new dialogue within the State regarding how our water resources can best be managed, in light of the growing need for renewable energy, threats from climate change and to guarantee sustainable resources for future generations of New Yorkers, along with the fish, birds, animals, and plants that make up a healthy ecosystem.
• 7/28/09 - More resources for the pandemic flu: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets - H1N1 Info
• 7/27/09 -- Though mostly ignored (even though Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) was discovered in our area) is not an issue that goes away simple because our local media doesn't report on it.  But some do: Anglers caught in the middle as U.S.-Canada at odds over live bait restrictions - Outdoors Blog Not good enough, the officers said. From now on, anglers who want to fish with live bait on the Canadian side need to purchase Canadian bait or risk a $300 fine. The restriction covers minnows, crayfish, leeches and salamanders. The only live bait one can use from the American side is worms. (July 23, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) in our area]
• 7/24/09 - ACTION - Get A bike rack in a good city location for increasing bike transportation in Rochester: I am gathered requests for bike racks in the City of Rochester area. If you know of a location that would help increase bike transportation in the city of Rochester by having a convenient bike rack nearby, send me a note about the location and I will forward that on.  In the subject line trype "bike rack requests" and send to FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com .
• 7/24/09 - Why Littering Won't Work: It shouldn’t have to be this way—upping fines for littering—but what’s the alternative?  How much trash lays around one community seems to correlate with how that community views its environment? That’s not a scientific conclusion, just a personal one—though the corollary, a visually pristine community, may not be actually environmentally sound either.  As many pollutants and unsustainable practices can be hidden behind the veneer of high-tech development. Besides the polluting and disruptive character of trash about a community to the flora and fauna, it certainly is a sign of distain there must be in a place littered by trash. Cleaning up trash or stepping up fines for littering maybe mostly cosmetic, but it certainly shows a positive attitude. Besides being environmentally repulsive, littering is counter-productive.  The response to activities like littering on a planet where our environmental distain is catching up with us is not going to be for the community to give up and wallow in garbage; it’s going to be for communities and governments to take corrective actions—as any organism must adopt in order to survive.   Check out: Lyons increases littering fine to $250 — At separate meetings this week, the village and town boards approved increasing the fine for littering to $250. July 23, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online
• 7/23/09 - EVENT: Learn about our Great Lake: CEI: Center for Environmental Information Hightlight on the Lake Ontario Watershed Tuesday, August 25 from 9 am until 4 pm in the New York State Room of Cooper Hall at SUNY Brockport Coastal Connections II offers a brief scientific and ecological overview of Lake Ontario and its watershed. Speakers on the “State of the Lake and Influence of Its Watershed” will include Dr. Joseph Makarewicz of SUNY Brockport and David Klein of The Nature Conservancy. Conference fee of $25 includes lunch.
• 7/23/09 - Good incentive by the EPA: Rachel Carson Contest Form | Aging Initiative | US EPA EPA Invites Public to Vote in the Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Contest   WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites the public to vote for their favorite submissions in the third annual Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder Intergenerational Poetry, Essay, Dance and Photography Contest. A panel of judges has selected the finalists in five categories: photography, essay, poetry, dance and mixed media (photography and a poem or essay).   Carson is considered to be the founder of the contemporary environmental movement through her book, "Silent Spring." Using the title of another of Carson's books, "The Sense of Wonder," the contest sought submissions "that best express the 'Sense of Wonder' that you feel when observing the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes."   Finalists were selected based on originality, creativity, use of an intergenerational team, and ability to capture a sense of wonder. The deadline to vote is October 1. Winners will be announced later that month.   The contest is sponsored by the U.S. EPA Aging Initiative, in partnership with Generations United and the Rachel Carson Council Inc., and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.   To vote: http://www.epa.gov/agingepa/resources/thesenseofwonder/2009/vote.html --from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• 7/23/09 - Action item from Citizens Campaign for the Environment Speak Out to Ensure That New York Implements the Great Lakes Compact Effectively! Comments on Draft Report accepted until August 14, 2009 Now that the landmark the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact is law, it is up to New York State to effectively implement the law to ensure that our Great Lakes are protected for current and future generations. In the NYS legislation that ratified the Compact, the Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council (GLBAC) was tasked with developing recommendations for legislation and regulations that would be necessary to implement the Compact in NYS. The GLBAC recently released a draft report entitled “Our Great Lakes Water Resources: Conserving and Protecting Our Water Today for Use Tomorrow,” which is meant to provide those recommendations.
• 7/23/09 - Get that training for the new economy: EERE News: DOE Webinar July 30: Funding Opportunity for a Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program invites you to join a 1 hour webinar on July 30, 2009 at 11:00 am EDT/8:00 am PDT to discuss the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled "Recovery Act: Large Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility," which is currently open. The full announcement, DE-FOA-0000112, can be found on the FedConnect Web site.
• 7/21/09 - Don't forget, with summer comes the threat of West Nile Virus: West Nile Virus Rochester | news links WNV | RochesterEnvironment.com Since 1999, West Nile Virus, an invasive disease from North Africa, has become a yearly concern for us in Western New York, as in other US states.  This potentially dangerous disease for people with fragile or compromised immune systems can be fatal.  However, monitoring this disease during middle and late summer and taking a few precautionary measures, we can keep this new disease, which will probably be with us for a long time and have periods of high and low concern, in check.  This page has most of the resources you'll need to stay abreast of this disease with list of resources we can use to prevent this disease without using pesticides--which has the potential to make a bad problem much worse by further polluting our environment with toxins.
• 7/2109 - Soon to be gone bicycle museum, get some history on one of our most basic Transportation modes: Pedaling History Bicycle Museum Pedaling History Bicycle Museum, in Orchard Park, New York, features one of the world's largest collections of antique and classic American bicycles, including thousands of items of cycling-related memorabilia. From the antiques through the classics to modern bikes: social, design, manufacturing, marketing, and sports aspects are all reflected in our displays.
• 7/20/09 - This could change Rochester's concept of Transportation, check it out: Rochester Greenway The Rochester Greenway A revolutionary all-weather alternative energy transitway for bikes, e-vehicles, joggers, and skaters connecting RIT, U of R, and MCC, downtown Rochester. Three Opportunities, One Big Idea.
• 7/20/09 -Why does NYS have 370,000 people with Asthma? Could it be our Air Quality?  State Health Department Provides 23,000 Health Care Providers with New Asthma Toolkit Asthma, a controllable chronic disease, is a significant public health problem in New York State. More than 1.1 million adults and 370,000 children living in New York have asthma. While New York's comprehensive asthma programs have contributed to a 23 percent reduction in asthma hospitalization over the past decade, its hospitalization rates are higher for all age groups with the exception of New Yorkers 65 years old and older.
• 7/16/09 - While we are in the midst of a flu pandemic, it's good to stay informed and inform others: Flu.gov "Do You Know What to Do About the Flu?" Flu.gov provides comprehensive government-wide information on pandemic influenza and avian influenza for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities. Help Share this Important Information Unless otherwise noted, material presented on the Flu.gov Web site is considered federal government information and is in the public domain. That means this information may be freely copied and distributed. We request that you use appropriate attribution to Flu.gov.
• 7/16/09 - What does this report say about our environment? New York Statewide Angler Survey 2007 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The 2007 New York Statewide Angler Survey provides the results of a random survey of approximately 20,000 anglers that fished the freshwaters of New York State during the 2007 calendar year. The survey was conducted by the Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Bureau of Fisheries. The results of the survey are provided in 4 reports.
• 7/16/09 -- Maybe it's time to check on and take action for our clean water infrastructure Citizens Campaign for the Environment Clean Water, Green Jobs | "Aging and failing sewage treatment plants jeopardize human health, close beaches, harm fish and wildlife, and cost ratepayers and municipalities millions. Our nation’s sewage infrastructure is in disrepair, accumulating from long-overdue investments to improve sewage collection and treatment. Properly functioning sewage treatment plants are critical to keeping harmful pathogens and bacteria from polluting our environment and threatening public health. " --For example: Percentage of time beaches exceeded health standards in 2007 - "Ontario Beach in Monroe 37% " --from CCE - Water Protection Public Health Energy Renewable Policy Toxic Wildlife Chemical Contamination Subscribe Newsletter Jobs Calendar Pollution Air Quality Advocacy Farmingdale White Plains Albany Syracuse Buffalo
• 7/15/09 - Important Canadian report about eating fish in the Great Lakes--things are not improving: Up to the Gills: 2009 Update on Pollution in Great Lakes Fish "This report examines fish consumption advisories in the Great Lakes between 2005 and 2009. Up to the Gills finds that levels of toxic chemicals in Great Lakes fish are alarmingly high, and are not improving. The major chemical contaminants that cause consumption advisories for Great Lakes fish include mercury, PCBs, pesticides, dioxins and furans. Health effects of these chemicals include damage to the nervous, respiratory and immune system, as well as cancer."
• 7/14/09 - Event - If you are interested in Green Jobs and teaching about green jobs, register and come to this conference: Rochester Regional CTE Conference July 16, 2009   9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Edison High School 655 Colfax Street Rochester, NY 14606   To Register:  Online at www.cterc.org.   Group registration available.    There is no cost but you must register.   Check our website for future updates.    Questions:  Call 518-862-4950 |  This conference will focus on green job opportunities in Upstate New York and the preparation and skills our students need to meet the demands of working with these technologies.   Don LaVada, Director of Consumer Services and Events Management for the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will be sharing his research and insights regarding the present state and future activities of green energy technologies in our state and nation. NYSERDA’s mission is to use innovation and technology to solve some of New York’s most pressing energy and environmental problems in ways that benefit the State’s economy. For more information Rochester Regional CTE Conference
• 7/14/09 - Find out if your organization can get state or federal monies for saving energy and money New York Energy Efficiency Clearinghouse "Governor David A. Paterson today announced the launch of an energy efficiency clearinghouse website (http://www.nyserda.org/clearinghouse), which will provide information on State-funded energy efficiency programs available to schools, hospitals and local governments. The Governor called for the creation of a single point of access to information on all State-run energy efficiency programs for schools, hospitals and local governments in his 2009 State of the State Address."
• 7/14/09 -- You've heard that you can get cash for that old clunker you are driving, what's the deal? CARS.gov - Car Allowance Rebate System - Home - Formerly Referred to as “Cash for Clunkers” President Obama signed into law a program the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This is a federal program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more details. While the CARS Act makes transactions on and after July 1 potentially eligible for credits under the CARS program, interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued. Issuance will occur around July 24.
• 7/13/09 - Remember you can Recycle some stuff each weekend at Brighton Farmers’ Market - Color Brighton Green Recycling at Brighton Farmers’s Market Bring the following items at the ColorBrightonGreen.org table at the Brighton Farmers’ Market and we’ll recycle them for you. Compact fluorescent lamps Compact discs Non-corroded batteries (All kinds) Clean #5 plastic Crayons (preferably with some of the paper wrapper left on) Wine corks (real cork, not plastic ones) Sneakers Plastic bottle caps --from - Color Brighton Green
• 7/10/09 -- Get with the new age of media.  Don't wait for mainstream media to get around to 'getting it' on our environment.  You can now watch programs from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation on what's going on and 'how to's' on hiking and other outdoor activities in New York State. So, kill your TV and come online and join the new media revolution--getting the news from the sources: DECTV - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation "New online video player offers users access to videos on outdoor recreation, nature, wildlife, environmental issues" 
• 7/10/09 -- Special invitation for those interested in Recycling "Sunnking Electronics Recycling and the Upstate Green Business Network would like to invite you to our combined Green Drinks! /Recycling Event on Thursday July 23rd from 6‐8pm at Sunnking’s Brockport location (4 Owens Road.) Come enjoy this opportunity to recycle and mingle with our ever-growing network of like-minded individuals, all while tasting local food and beverages, and listening to live entertainment! Please feel free to invite friends and colleagues who may be interested in this free event, as we are continually seeking new members and participants! Keynote speakers will be at the event, discussing local efforts and exciting environmental programs available to our community. We encourage you to bring any old or used electronic equipment with you to the event and recycle it free of charge! We prefer that you please RSVP at www.sunnking.com . Any further questions, please call Sunnking at 585-637-8365. Thank you and we hope to see you there! Sincerely, Kimie Romeo Environmental Coordinator Sunnking Electronic Recycling "
• 7/10/09 - Some straight talk on Green Jobs [Green Business] from Federal Stimulus monies: Dear EarthTalk: What kind of job opportunities might be opened up by the new federal emphasis on green projects?  - " If it’s a U.S. industry that has the potential to be cleaner and greener, chances are the Obama administration has already set aside some stimulus money for it. In February 2009, the new president signed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Besides creating jobs, the bill promises to spur American companies to greener heights through investments totaling over $75 billion. " - from Week of 7/5/09 | E, the Environmental Magazine: Current Issue
• 7/07/09 - On Recycling: Plastic or Canvas?  Check here: YouTube - Canvas Bags by Tim Minchin
• 7/07/09 -- We all help Living Green: Check out Rochester, NY's commitment to being Environmentally friendly: City of Rochester | Rochester's Commitment to the Natural Environment "The City of Rochester is committed to the beauty and sustainability of its natural environment. We accomplish that goal through such efforts as the Clean Sweep and Flower City Looking Good programs and the work of the City Green Team ..."
• 7/07/09 - More ways to find out the facts about our state: " Crops and plants | Demographics | Economics | Environment | Livestock and Animals | Charts and Maps | Research and Science | Education and Outreach" NASS - New York Reports and Statistics
• 7/06/09 - Transportation options: Rochester had a subway system. Where was it?  It was here: Rochester Abandoned Subway - Google Maps
• 7/06/09 -- Other US cities can be very bicycle-friendly and help our environment by driving less.  Can we?  Check out what other communities have done: YouTube - B2 Power Means Bicycle Boulevards | City of Boulder, Colorado -- Official Web Site - Platinum Level Bicycle Friendly Community Status Award Video by Streetfilms - Could Rochester, New York be as bicycle friendly as Boulder, Colorado. | Streetsblog New York City » Streetfilms: Contra-Flow Biking in Boulder Find out about Contra-Flow.
• 7/04/09 - We agree that we need to curb C02 that we put into our atmosphere, But how and how much? Listen to this debate: Recorded Jun 10 2009 Chevron + Sierra Club: Drilling for Common Ground DAVE O'REILLY, CARL POPE, ALAN MURRAY --from the Commonwealth Club
• 7/02/09 - Lots of opportunities to be in and about about Nature this summer: Sterling Park Home Page, Cayuga County New York Check out events: For further information, questions, or reservations please call the Nature Center at 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us The Friends of The Sterling Nature Center PO Box 216 Sterling, New York 13156 (315) 947-6143
• 7/01/09 - Get in touch with the Food you eat (in our area) and our environment: For the Love of Food Tune in to learn about Rochester, NY's  best-kept culinary secrets. Hear restaurant recommendations, interviews with chefs and specialty food providers. 
• 7/01/09 - Green Jobs - Learning from others.  Perhaps New Yorkers can learn about Green Jobs in the Michigan Green Job Report.