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RochesterEnvironment.com

August 2010 NewsLinks Archived 

RochesterEnvironment.com

These archived Newslinks fo represent just one month in over a decade of posting Rochester-area NewsLinks for our area.

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Don't have the time to check this site every day for Rochester environmental news --Get RochesterEnvironment.com Newsletter one a week in your e-mail. & get all the news, events, actions for the week. RENewsletter - a WEEKLY newsletter about Rochester, New York's environment.  Get the most important news of the day and monitor your environment. This newsletter provides you with the news you need, not simply the news you want--like most other media services. 

 

• "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]
• General Motors: Hydrogen Fuel is Safe - RochesterHomePage.net The hydrogen fueling station where the explosion occurred is used to fuel a fleet Monroe County vehicles that run on hydrogen. The county is partnering General Motors to do research on hydrogen as a fuel source. GM owns the pump, and the refueling equipment. It insists hydrogen explosions are rare.  (August 31, 2010) RochesterHomePage  [more on Energy 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]
• NYPA Receives Award For Promoting Green Commutes WHITE PLAINS—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel today announced that NYPA was the recipient of a top award for its participation in the “2010 Earth Day Commuter Challenge,” a year-long contest which aimed to reduce drive-alone commuting time in the Hudson Valley. NYPA was among three local employers to take top honors in the category of “New Enrollments” on Nu-Ride.com, a free on-line ride matching network that tracks participants’ ridesharing performance. “Along with producing clean energy, the Power Authority is proud to promote clean commuting alternatives for our employees,” Kessel said. “The Power Authority is  committed to seeking ways to help our customers reduce energy use and operate more efficiently and we like to practice what we preach. Programs like this yield value to our employees and to the environment and are right up our alley.” (August 26, 2010) New York Power Authority [more on Energy in our area]
• Landfill vs. Citizens in clay mine face-off WATERLOO — A full Town Board and a full house of observers are expected for Tuesday night’s “showdown” over the Meadow View Mine. Members of Concerned Citizens of Seneca County will be out in force to argue in favor of a motion that they say would scuttle Seneca Meadows Landfill’s proposed clay mine.  (August 30, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• EPA: Hudson PCB dredging in NY could take 7 years | poughkeepsiejournal.com | Poughkeepsie Journal ALBANY — The next phase of Hudson River dredging could take seven years or more, longer than past estimates of as little as five years, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said Friday. The agency made the statement in a response to a draft report from an independent panel reviewing last year's PCB dredging along the upper river. The peer review panel said this month that it could take more than five years to perform the job well. (August 29, 2010) poughkeepsiejournal.com | Poughkeepsie Journal | Poughkeepsie news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Poughkeepsie, NY [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Energy monitoring program is launched - Times Union ALBANY -- New York state has quietly launched a campaign to promote energy efficiency and is seeking 50 families in the Capital Region to participate in a program that would measure their electricity usage in the home. The program, called Jumpstart NY, is being promoted mostly through websites including Facebook, Twitter, craigslist and blogging sites in addition to classified advertising.  (August 29, 2010) Home - Times Union  [more on Energy in our area]
• EPA Takes Aim at Toxics in Dyes, Flame Retardants, Detergents - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com WASHINGTON, DC, August 18, 2010 (ENS) - The potential human health risks of chemicals widely used in dyes, flame retardants, and industrial laundry detergents have prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study and potentially ban their manufacture and use. The EPA today released "action plans" that address benzidine dyes, hexabromocyclododecane, HBCD, and nonylphenol, NP/nonylphenol ethoxylates, NPEs used in both consumer and industrial applications (August 30, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Brownfields in our area]
• EPA, Binghamton negotiate details of hydraulic fracturing forum | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle BINGHAMTON — Local and federal officials are remaining tight-lipped about closed-door negotiations into where to house the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's final public meeting on its multi-million-dollar hydraulic fracturing study. In a written statement, Broome County Deputy Executive Darcy Fauci said Friday that the county submitted everything the agency needed to The Cadmus Group, an EPA contractor, and is "hopeful for this resolution to this issue early next week."  (August 29, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy 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]
• NY confirms first equine case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis ALBANY - State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced the State's first confirmed equine case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, this year. The affected horse was a two-year old gelding kept in Oswego County. EEE is a rare viral disease of horses and humans that is spread by infected mosquitoes. To date, there have been no reported or confirmed human cases of EEE in 2010. "New York's abundant water sources and humid climate unfortunately make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the EEE virus," Commissioner Hooker said. "Therefore, we highly encourage horse owners to protect their animals and consider vaccinating for EEE. The EEE vaccine has proven to drastically reduce the incidence of the virus in horses and can be easily administered by a private veterinarian." (August 28, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Wayne County halts recycling Nine towns affected LYONS — Curbside recycling pickup in nine eastern Wayne County communities will be suspended for four weeks, starting Monday. The suspension was announced by the Western Finger Lakes Solid Waste Management Authority in Lyons. (August 27, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Gaggle of geese invade Penfield pond People in Penfield near the Tuffa Glen Ponds are at their wit's end with a neighborhood nuisance. It's Canada geese and the birds leave behind a big mess and their numbers are growing every year. Now residents are hoping they can get some help. (August 28, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Geese Problem in our area]
• Greece will accept electronics for recycling at DPW | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In conjunction with Maven Technologies, the town will host a computer and electronics drop-off event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Department of Public Works, 647 Long Pond Road. There is no appointment necessary to drop off items to be recycled, and items do not need to be packaged. Items will be accepted for free, except for a $5 charge per computer monitor and a $10 charge per television and microwave. (August 28, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Recycling 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]
• CBC News - Montreal - Shale gas drilling worries some Quebecers Shale gas exploration along the banks of Quebec's fertile St. Lawrence River has worried residents, town leaders and environmentalists, who say projects to extract the natural resource are forging ahead in a regulatory vacuum. Shale gas is considered an increasingly important source of natural gas in North America, with the potential of significantly boosting the world's energy supplies.  (August 26, 2010) CBC News - Latest Canada, World, Entertainment and Business News [more on Energy in our area]
• Report ranks the water quality of Great Lakes beaches | Great Lakes Echo Great Lakes states placed in the bottom two-thirds of 30 states ranked recently by their 2009 beach water quality by the National Resources Defense Council. Critics say the report doesn’t fairly rank the true quality of Great Lakes beach water. But study co-author Mark Dorfman says focusing on the ranks misses the report’s point – highlighting poor beach water quality.  (August 26, 2010) Great Lakes Echo - Environmental news across the basin [more on Great Lakes in our area] 
• Capital Business Blog » Blog Archive » Marcellus Shale: EPA officials say meeting announcement expected shortly According to a report in today’s Ithaca Journal - “An executive from a firm representing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency met Tuesday for more than a hour-and-a-half with Broome County and City of Binghamton officials, but an agreement has not yet been reached for the county to host a public meeting on the agency’s multi-million-dollar hydraulic fracturing study. (August 27, 2010) Capital Business Blog
• Adirondack Council Urges EPA to quickly finalize new “Transport Rule” to address acid rain PHILADELPHIA, PA  - The Adirondack Council today called on the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize as quickly as possible its proposed “Transport Rule” to curb the acid rain and high-elevation smog that afflicts the largest park in the contiguous United States – Upstate New York’s 9,300-square-mile Adirondack Park. The Adirondack Council has been a national leader in the fight against acid rain since the mid-1970s.  The newly proposed Clean Air Transport Rule would sharply reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) from power plants, from the District of Columbia and all 31 states east of the Rocky Mountains.  The cuts are due to occur between next spring, when the rule is expected to become final, and 2014, when the cuts would be complete.  (August 27, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Air Quality in our area] 
• City to discuss bicycle project in public meeting | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The first two of four public meetings related to the city of Rochester’s bicycle master plan project are scheduled for tonight in the northwest and southwest quadrants. Two more are scheduled for Thursday in the northeast and southeast quadrants. All will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. (August 25, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Transportation in our area]
• ENERGY: Will town opposition block offshore turbines? - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The Greece and Webster Town Boards have formalized their opposition to a potential Lake Ontario offshore wind project. So have a minority of Monroe county legislators, all of them Republicans. But will that be enough to sway state Power Authority officials, who are facilitating a process that could put wind farms in Lakes Erie and Ontario? An authority spokesperson wouldn't give a firm answer early this week. She also wouldn't say what sort of weight the towns' resolutions carry.  (August 25, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Energy in our area]
• Prenatal Pesticide Exposure May Raise Risk of Attention Issues in Kids THURSDAY, Aug. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have noted a possible increased risk for attention disorders in children who were exposed to organophosphate pesticides while in the womb. The effect was not significant at the age of 3 but clearly showed at age 5, according to the report from California researchers that appears in the Aug. 19 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.  (August 19, 2010) BusinessWeek - Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice [more on Pesticides in our area]
• WXXI: Making Rochester More "Bicycle Friendly" (2010-08-25) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - A number of public hearings will focus on the current state of bicycling in Rochester, and how the city can be more bicycle friendly. Residents are invited to offer their opinons to project managers on issues that impact bicycling in Rochester, including which streets should be given top priority for bike lanes. (August 24, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Transportation in our area]
• Volunteer cormorant harassment program on Oneida Lake to begin after training session | syracuse.com It looks like cormorant harassment on Oneida Lake will begin again — soon. Dave Lemon, an aquatic biologist from the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Cortland office, is overseeing the pilot volunteer program on the lake this fall. He said Friday nearly 30 volunteers from the Oneida Lake Association and local B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation members have stepped forward this month to offer their boats, their gas — and most important — their time, to harass the fish-eating birds on the lake.  (August 22, 2010) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Wildlife in our area]
• It's Only August But Flu Is Already Here ! - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com We usually see early cases of the flu in October, but doctors say the flu is already here in Monroe County. (August 24, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• City of Rochester | Public Meeting- Bicycle Master Plan (SW) The City of Rochester invites you to attend a public meeting for the Bicycle Master Plan Project, where you'll learn about the current state of bicycling in Rochester and help guide the City's priorities as it strives to become more bicycle-friendly. Project managers will be on hand to solicit your opinion on a variety of  issues that impact bicycling in Rochester, like which streets you consider to be the highest priorities for bike lanes.  Phyllis Wheatley Community Library, in the Community Room 33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way 6-8 p.m. Map of the library (August 25, 2010) --from City of Rochester
• 08/24/2010: EPA To Hold Public Hearing on the Proposed Rule to Reduce Interstate Transport of Ozone and Fine Particle Pollution WASHINGTON (August 24, 2010) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold one of its three public hearings on its proposed “transport rule” this week in Philadelphia. The proposed rule would cut power plant pollution that drifts across the borders of 31 eastern states and the District of Columbia. The proposed rule, along with local and state air pollution controls, is designed to help areas in the eastern United States meet national air quality health standards.  (August 24, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases  [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Divers to clear zebra mussel remains from water intake - The Buffalo News Divers soon will plunge into Lake Erie and begin grinding up a giant mound of dead zebra mussels that has been accumulating at the entrance of an intake pipe that supplies water throughout the city. The Water Board has signed a $396,000 contract with Buffalo Industrial Diving Co. to remove an underwater graveyard of mussel shells that has been expanding since the early 1990s. The pile of dead shells, 12 feet long by about 10 feet wide, is 8 feet high in one spot. (August 23, 2010) The Buffalo News  [more on Zebra Mussels in our area]
• Revamped website enhances shopping for energy suppliers | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information A revamped website has been launched to make it easier for residential consumers to shop for electricity and natural gas suppliers, the state Public Service Commission said Monday. The site, www.newyorkpowertochoose.com, allows real-time offers and rates to be presented, PSC officials said. Consumers also can search for offers in their ZIP code, compare offers, and save and print offers.  (August 23, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Energy in our area]
• Coalition raises concerns Finger Lakes Zero Waste sends 7-page letter to DEC |m SENECA — Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition has raised concerns about the proposed 9.9-acre soil mine at the Ontario County Landfill. Ontario County has asked the state Department of Environ­mental Conservation Region 8 office in Avon for a minor modification to its permit to allow the soil mine to provide daily cover for trash deposited in the landfill. (August 24, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• Shale sites studied for emission storage - Times Union ALBANY -- New York's gas-rich underground rock formations have sparked a contentious fight over drilling safety, but they're also being studied as potential tombs for the greenhouse gas emissions that fuel global warming. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is overseeing a $1.5 million research project, also supported by the U.S. Energy Department, into the Marcellus Shale as well as other shale formations in New York, Vermont and Kentucky.  (August 21, 2010) Home - Times Union [more on Energy in our area]
• Report slams federal response to raw sewage dumped into Lake Erie CLEVELAND - Ohio environmental groups and sewer district officials Monday criticized federal efforts for failing to prevent raw sewage from being discharged into Lake Erie. In a report issued by the Great Lakes Coalition, Cleveland was one of five Midwestern cities affected by sewage overflows. (August 9, 2010) newsnet5.com | Local News, Weather Sports | Cleveland, Akron, Ohio | NewsChannel5 WEWS-TV [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• No Oil Detected in Lake Ontario - YNN, Your News Now Cleanup efforts continue outside the old power plant in Greece at Slater Creek. NYSEG officials said crews from Rochester Gas and Electric are working with a local environmental business to clean up mineral oil.  (August 21, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now  [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Christie signs law encouraging offshore wind turbines | Philadelphia Inquirer | 08/20/2010 A law signed Thursday by Gov. Christie pushed New Jersey a big step forward in the race to become the first state to erect offshore wind turbines. Legislators said the action could bring hundreds of green-energy jobs to Paulsboro, which they hope will become a hub of turbine manufacturing.  (August 20, 2010) philly.com: Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Protecting Endangered Ash Trees - RochesterHomePage.net The arrival of the emerald ash borer in our area has a number of people concerned. So now the rush is on for homeowners to protect their ash trees. The current advice is to be proactive before it's too late.  (August 21, 2010) RochesterHomePage [more on Invasive Species 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]
• Irondequoit planning to start studying wind farms | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Irondequoit Town Board may be the next local political body asked to come out in opposition to the proposal for wind farms in Lake Ontario, though two board members say they've got some learning to do first. The boards of shoreline towns on either side of Irondequoit — Webster and Greece — have passed resolutions in recent weeks expressing opposition to the New York Power Authority's plan for offshore wind turbines. In addition, 12 Monroe County legislators have signed a resolution of opposition, though 17 others opted not to sign.  (August 23, 2010)  Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Two additional human cases of West Nile confirmed in Suffolk County HAUPPAUGE – Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James. Tomarken, said that two new human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed by New York State. Both are from the Town of Babylon. The two cases are in addition to the year’s first human case confirmed by the state earlier this month. In that first case, a man from the Town of Huntington between the ages of 70 and 80 became ill on July 19, 2010. He is currently being cared for at an area hospital. (August 21, 2010) New York State News on the Net!  [more on West Nile Virus in our area]
• Wayne supervisors set date for recycling hearing Proposed law would end countywide recycling pickup LYONS — Wayne County supervisors have set a date for a public hearing on a law to eliminate the county recycling program as it currently exists. The hearing will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 9. There is currently no Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for that day, but members could call a special meeting. The hearing will be held in the supervisors’ chambers at the Wayne County Courthouse. The proposed law would eliminate the countywide hauling of recyclable materials, which is administered by the Western Finger Lakes Solid Waste Management Authority and is subsidized by the county. (August 20, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling 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]
• EERE News: DOE Announces Nearly $120 Million to Advance Innovative Weatherization Projects, Highlights Progress in the Program Nationally U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today award selections for approximately 120 organizations across the country that will receive nearly $120 million to drive innovation under the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Weatherization Assistance Program. These investments will enable successful weatherization agencies to expand their programs and will support new pilot projects to demonstrate innovative weatherization delivery and financial models and new technologies. Secretary Chu also announced that the program reached a new milestone in June—weatherizing more than 31,600 homes across the country. (August 19, 2010) Department of Energy - Homepage [more on Energy in our area]
• Invasives_Press_Release The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) urges hikers to give their boots a good brushing after each hike to remove any seeds of invasive plant species and help prevent their spread to other wild areas.  “Because of the rapid spread of invasive species such as garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed and wild parsnip, hikers should include a whisk broom or brush as part of their hiking gear,” said Neil Woodworth, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club. “By giving your boots or shoes a good brushing before leaving the area, you can help prevent seeds from spreading to the next trail you hike.” (August 3, 2010) ADK: Your Voice for Wilderness  [more in Invasive Species in our area]
• Energy efficiency successes detailed ALBANY - The State Public Service Commission (Commission) today received a report from Department of Public Service staff detailing the latest successes of the Commission's landmark Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) proceeding. "Substantial progress continues to be made in terms of meeting the goals set by the Commission's energy efficiency efforts," said Commission Chairman Garry Brown. "We are seeing steady month-over-month gains in the annualized energy savings as a result of the installation of new electric and gas efficiency measures. These steady gains we are making move us that much closer to realizing our overall goal of reducing New York's electricity consumption by 2015. Additionally, reports indicate that most of the programs will meet energy savings goals established by the Commission for 2011, which is encouraging." (August 20, 2010) New York State News on the Net!  [more on Energy in our area]
• Resolution opposing area wind farm short of majority | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Opponents who hoped Monroe would become the fifth New York county to reject the idea of offshore wind farms have fallen a little short. An advisory resolution opposing the New York Power Authority plan to locate wind turbines in Lake Ontario or Lake Erie has been signed by 12 of 29 Monroe County legislators, three short of a majority. (August 20, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: Should the county recycle No. 5 plastics? - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Monroe County officials say they are often asked why the county collects and recycles only No. 1 and No. 2 plastics. Why not collect others, especially No. 5 plastic? County officials have, over the years, said that they don't have a buyer for No. 5 plastic; that a sustainable market does not exist. The question will likely come up again, especially since Onondaga County's independent recycling agency started accepting No. 5 plastic in July; things like yogurt cups and butter tubs. (August 19, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper  [more on Recycling in our area] 
• www.WHEC.com - Q&A with Clayton Ellis about oil spill at Russell Station News 10NBC spoke with Clayton Ellis, RG&E spokesman, about the oil spill at RG&E's Russell Station property. (August 19, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Oil spill affecting Lake Ontario, Slater Creek blamed on thieves | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Next Page 1 | 2 Previous Page Containment booms now criss-cross Slater Creek in northeast Greece as crews work to clean up a 4,800-gallon oil spill caused by thieves who struck on the grounds of the shuttered Russell Station power plant. A sheen of oil was first reported last weekend on the creek and nearby Lake Ontario, and cleanup began Monday after the source was located: a Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. transformer the size of backyard storage shed that was drained of petroleum-based mineral oil as thieves made off with copper wire inside it.  (August 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Turning the Tide is Turning Headlines Around the Region - Healthy Lakes - Healthy Lives Earlier this week, the Healing Our Waters Coalition released a report detailing the sewage crisis that the Great Lakes are facing due to our region’s antiquated sewer infrastructure. The Coalition held release events in five Great Lakes cities to announce the findings of the report, Turning the Tide: Invest in Wastewater Infrastructure to Create Jobs and Solve the Sewage Crisis in the Great Lakes and promote recommendations that would create jobs while making the Great Lakes healthy once more. The report calls on Congress to fund storm and waste water infrastructure improvement projects by investing $2.7 billion in the federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Listed below is a digest of news that the report has generated around the region:  (August 11, 2010) - Healthy Lakes - Healthy Lives [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• MICHIGAN: Asian Carp hearing set in federal court in Chicago (2010-08-17) A hearing has been set in a multistate lawsuit that demands tougher federal and municipal action to prevent Asian carp from overrunning the Great Lakes and decimating their fishing industry.  (August 17, 2010) Michigan Radio - Your NPR News Station  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• George Maziarz demands wind farm facts | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle State Sen. George Maziarz of Niagara County, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, has filed a Freedom of Information request with the New York Power Authority for copies of offshore wind energy proposals. (August 18, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• International group calls for three-year wind farm moratorium - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA Alarming bird and bat mortality rates at the Wolfe Island wind farm have an international group calling for a three-year moratorium on wind energy projects on the Upper St. Lawrence River and east end of Lake Ontario. Save The River vice-president Stephanie Weiss said the 86-windmill farm has caused the death of 688 birds and bats, equalling eight per windmill.  (August 13, 2010) The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Great Lakes: How do Great Lakes factor into climate change equation? - chicagotribune.com Harvey Bootsma, a researcher at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has been using the Lake Express ferry as a mobile laboratory since 2006 to tackle an unresolved question: Do the Great Lakes soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the way forests do? Or do they behave "like we do," as Bootsma puts it, by exhaling it? Finding the answer would not only shed light on the lakes' ecosystems but contribute to our understanding of climate change. Scientists say carbon dioxide released through fossil fuel burning contributes to global warming. Carbon sinks — vast natural structures like forests and oceans — can slow the buildup by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air. (August 16, 2010) Chicago Tribune breaking news, sports, weather and traffic in Chicago - chicagotribune.com  [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Commissioner Grannis Urges Compliance with Firewood Transport Regulations to Limit Further Spread of Invasive Species - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation EAB Now Confirmed in 7 NY Counties On the heels of additional discoveries of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle in forests in multiple parts of New York including the Catskill Forest Preserve, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today urged all New Yorkers and visitors to comply with the state's stringent regulations prohibiting the movement of untreated firewood, the major vector for the introduction of this insect. New York's firewood regulation prohibits untreated firewood from entering the state, and restricts intra-state movement of untreated firewood to no more than 50 miles from its source. The commissioner noted that the restriction is an important tool because Emerald Ash Borer and other damaging invasives such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Sirex Woodwasp are known to become established in new areas when infested firewood is moved from one place to another.  (August 17, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• RIT Research Looks at Turning Methane Gas into Fuel - YNN, Your News Now Research underway at Rochester Institute of Technology aims at finding a way to convert an abundant gas into a usable, low-cost fuel. A grant is funding the efforts of an RIT professor and his students to change methane with laser light. (August 14, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Energy in our area]
• Railroads' guarded secret: Not even HAZMAT teams are told what's on train | stargazette.com | Star-Gazette Trains carrying deadly chemicals rumble through our backyards every day, but railroad companies hauling them refuse to publicly disclose exactly what those substances are, or how often they travel through the area. Only the railroads are required to know what's in the cars they're shipping, said Federal Railroad Administration spokesman Warren Flatau.  (August 14, 2010) stargazette.com | Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Paterson demands "overwhelming evidence" that drilling is safe | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin ALBANY (AP) - Gov. David Paterson says hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells in New York's part of the four-state Marcellus Shale region won't be allowed without “overwhelming evidence that nothing will happen” to harm clean water supplies. In an interview Friday with Syracuse radio WSYR's Jim Reith, Paterson said the controversy over natural gas drilling is “obviously a clash between a very lucrative profit-making opportunity and a very serious public safety hazard.” (August 13, 2010) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• Emerald ash borer threatens millions of Monroe County trees | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Decision time is nearing for Rochester-area residents and institutions that own ash trees: Try to save them, or let the emerald ash borer have its way? The tiny green pest, native to eastern Asia, was found last week in southern Chili, its first confirmed appearance in Monroe County. Dead or distressed ash trees are evident alongside the rolling corn fields there, and officials say perhaps 100 trees have been affected.  (August 16, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Lake Superior surface waters are warmest on record | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota Surface waters of Lake Superior recorded at three buoys across the lake this week reached their highest average temperature in the 31 years records have been kept.  Surface waters of Lake Superior recorded at three buoys across the lake this week reached their highest average temperature in the 31 years records have been kept. The water temperature Tuesday hit 68.3 degrees at a time of year it should be about 55, topping the previous record of 68 degrees set during the strong El Nino summer of 1998.  (August 13, 2010) Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Methane found in northeastern Pennsylvania wells | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Chesapeake Energy are investigating three drinking water wells in Bradford County that tested positive for methane gas. A spokesman for the DEP said three homes on Brocktown Road in Monroeton have water wells infused with methane, according to WENY-TV. The DEP discovered the problem after a lid blew off one of the water wells last week. Officials got word of the incident Aug. 4, and the DEP served Chesapeake with a notice of violation.  (August 13, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY  [more on Energy in our area]
• WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic On August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee and the WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. This declaration was based on strong indications that influenza, worldwide, is transitioning toward seasonal patterns of transmission. In the majority of countries, out-of-season 2009 H1N1 outbreaks are no longer being observed, and the intensity of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus transmission is lower than that reported during 2009 and early 2010. Members of the Emergency Committee further noted that the 2009 H1N1 viruses will likely continue to circulate for some years to come, taking on the behavior of a seasonal influenza virus. (August 10, 2010) United States Department of Health and Human Services [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Healthy Living: New seasonal flu shot includes H1N1 vaccine - YNN, Your News Now The World Health Organization (WHO) said the H1N1 pandemic is over, more than a year after it began. WHO Director General Margaret Chan said the world is now moving into the "post-pandemic" phase. Chan said the pandemic has largely run its course. The WHO reports more than 18,400 people have died worldwide since the outbreak began in 2009.  (August 14, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• New Green Walmart opens Wednesday - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com The new store will use energy-efficient technology.   Skylights will reduce the energy to light the store by 75 percent.  LED lighting will also be used in place of fluorescent light.  Parts of cement used in the floor were created by recycled materials, and low-flow toilets and faucets used in the bathrooms will reduce water usage. (August 12, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Late blight threatens local tomatoes, potatoes | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Experts are warning local farmers and backyard gardeners that tomato and potato crops are being threatened by the same airborne disease that did serious damage to last year's harvest. The culprit is late blight, which was discovered by Cornell Cooperative Extension plant pathologists 10 days ago on tomatoes and potatoes in home gardens in Livingston and Chenango counties. The disease has not surfaced in Monroe County, but local farmers are concerned. (August 12, 2010) democratandchronicle.com | Rochester RocEarth | Democrat and Chronicle  [more on Food & Environment in our area]
• 08/12/2010: EPA Proposes Rules on Clean Air Act Permitting for Greenhouse Gas Emissions WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing two rules to ensure that businesses planning to build new, large facilities or make major expansions to existing ones will be able to obtain Clean Air Act permits that address their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the spring of 2010, EPA finalized the GHG Tailoring Rule, which specifies that beginning in 2011, projects that will increase GHG emissions substantially will require an air permit. Today’s rules will help ensure that these sources will be able to get those permits regardless of where they are located.  (August 12, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Federal funds awarded for area energy projects | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Some $1.2 million in federal funding will go to area projects to cut energy costs. The University of Rochester has been awarded $487,000 to upgrade its heating system, the city of Rochester is getting $360,000 for two lighting projects, and Rochester General Hospital is getting $300,000 for a lighting project, officials announced Thursday. The funding, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is part of $1.2 million in ARRA funding for Monroe County projects to reduce energy costs by $400,000 annually, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said.  (August12, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Green Business in our area]
• IDA to vote on Zotos turbine financial aid GENEVA — The Ontario County Industrial De­velop­ment Agency board of directors will meet Monday night to consider final approval of a financial assistance package for the Zotos International wind turbine project. No one from the public spoke yesterday morning at an IDA public hearing on Zotos’ request for financial assistance for its $6.9 million wind turbine project. Zotos plans to install two 230-foot-high, 1,650-kilowatt turbines at its Forge Avenue hair care products plant. It is believed to be the largest wind turbine project by a manufacturing facility in the state. (August 11, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Tree killing insect closing in on Ontario County - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Ontario County, N.Y. — The tiny beetle munching its way through ash trees is getting closer to Ontario County. Experts Monday confirmed the tree-killing insect called the Emerald Ash Borer in Chili in Monroe County. This makes Monroe County the fifth county statewide to have the invasive beetle threatening ash trees. First discovered in the state more than a year ago in Cattaraugus County, it is also in Livingston County and was last month found on private properties in Ulster County and near Ontario County in the town of Bath, Steuben County.  (August 10, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: Swimming odds 50-50 - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper It's been a hot, sweaty summer and people are almost certainly seeking relief at the beach. But they've had 50-50 odds on whether the county's beaches would be open to swimming. | Swimming has been off limits at Durand Eastman beach 23 days and open for 25 so far this season. Ontario has been closed 24 days and open 23 days. ( August 11, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Flight risk: local birds could face danger from BP spill - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The Rochester-Finger Lakes region is a hotspot for birds. The Lake Ontario shore attracts a variety of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. And Rochester is flanked by major migratory bird stopover points. To the west, there's the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and the state's Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas. To the east, there's the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This fall, as the migration starts, birds will stop along the lake or at the refuges and then continue south, in some cases making their way to the marshes and shore areas along the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the birds could be at risk of coming in contact with oil.  (Aug 11, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Charles Schumer targets ash tree menace | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Saying the arrival of emerald ash borers in Monroe County was "a wake-up call," U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer came to Chili Wednesday to pledge extra federal aid for combating the invasive insects. The ash borers, first documented in Monroe County last week in a section of Chili about four miles from the site of Schumer's news conference at Black Creek Park, are blamed for killing tens of millions of ash trees in other states.  (August 12, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Power Authority drags feet on FOI request on off-shore wind farms | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The New York Power Authority, which is considering private-sector proposals to erect offshore wind turbines, has failed to fully respond to a legal request made two months ago by the Democrat and Chronicle for information about the proposals. The authority is promoting construction of one or more wind farms in the New York waters of Lake Ontario or Lake Erie, an idea that has stirred considerable controversy in shoreline communities. Because of that controversy, local officials and activists have also expressed interest in obtaining the information sought in the request.  (August 12, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Enviros seek $2.7 billion for wastewater infrastructure :: Local News :: Post-Tribune It would cost $1 billion to stop 85 percent of the sewer overflows in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties and reduce the probability of beach closures and flooded basements. But some of that hefty bill can be avoided if stormwater can be managed where it falls rather than discharged to sewers, environmentalists say.  (August 10, 2010) Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana  [more on Great lakes in our area]
• COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES ORGANIC TRANSITION SURVEY RESULTS 40% of Surveyed Conventional Farmers Have Some Level of Interest in Organic   New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced the results of a survey that asked conventional farmers about their level of interest in transitioning to organic agriculture. The survey, conducted in conjunction with the New York Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, found that 40 percent of conventional farmers who responded to the survey have some level of interest in becoming involved in organic production. “As organic food sales continue to expand in the marketplace, organic production continues to be an increasingly viable farm opportunity,” the Commissioner said. “In order to better help our farming community, we needed to identify the level of interest, the perceived barriers to transition and the materials or services farmers are seeking. This survey was successful in providing us valuable information and will enable us to focus our efforts in areas that were identified as important in order to help those interested participate in this growing and exciting market.” The survey, the first of its kind in New York, found 6 percent of those surveyed have a high level of interest in organic production, while 15 percent have a moderate interest and 19 percent a slight interest. Sixty percent of respondents indicated that they have no interest in transitioning to organic farming. A copy of the entire survey report can be found at http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AP/organic/.  (August 6, 2010)  [more on Food & Environment in our area]
• Brooks Announces Pharmaceutical Waste Collection at Chili Wegmans Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that the County Department of Environmental Services is partnering with Wegmans to hold a free pharmaceutical waste collection on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chili-Paul Wegmans on 3175 Paul Road. “The County’s pharmaceutical waste collections give residents the chance to safely dispose of any unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications,” said Brooks. “These drop-offs also remind residents that the safest way to get rid of pharmaceutical waste is to bring them to a County-run collection – so that they can be properly disposed.” (August 11, 2010) MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY [more on Recycling in our area]
• 08/10/2010: EPA POSTPONES SYRACUSE MEETING ON HYDRAULIC FRACTURING STUDY, NEW DATES COMING SOON (NEW YORK, NY) After months of work organizing the New York Hydraulic Fracturing public meetings, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the Syracuse meeting, originally scheduled for this Thursday, August 12th at the Oncenter Complex Convention Center, has been cancelled. The Agency now intends to hold a new public meeting on the study in upstate New York in September and will announce the location as soon as it is confirmed. EPA was forced to cancel this meeting following a conversation this morning with the Onondaga County Executive’s office, during which they expressed concerns about the ability to complete preparations for the meeting on such short notice. The last minute change to Syracuse was caused by Binghamton University taking several actions to dissuade EPA from holding the meetings at their campus including increasing the cost from $6,000 to almost $40,000. The Agency also reached out to Broome County officials in Binghamton to hold the meeting at the Arena and they pulled out of negotiations with EPA. The Agency searched a 40 mile radius from Corning to Ithaca to Cortland to Oneonta but no options were available for Thursday. Onondaga County officials did not feel they could arrange the necessary security for the potential protests and rallies outside the meeting itself, and EPA respects and understands their decision. (August 10, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases
• Sewage crisis' overtakes the lakes - The Buffalo News They're branding it a "sewage crisis" in the Great Lakes. A new study has found that five cities -- including Buffalo -- dumped 41 billion gallons of untreated sewage and dirty storm water into the Great Lakes last year. How much is 41 billion gallons? That's how much water flows over Niagara Falls in a 15-hour period.  (August 9, 2010) The Buffalo News  [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - NYSEG, RG&E launch program to help small business customers save money Small business owners can upgrade their lighting fixtures and save money on energy costs, thanks to RG&E and NYSEG. Both have teamed up EnerPath Services to offer the "small business energy efficiency" program. Eligible businesses who have a demand of less than 100 kilowatts, can receive a free energy assessment (August 9, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News [more on Green Business in our area]
• 08/09/2010: CHANGE OF VENUE: EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Public Meetings Moved to Oncenter Complex Convention Center in Syracuse, New York; Same Times, Same Day, Different City New York, NY - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has moved its three public meetings on its hydraulic fracturing study to the Oncenter Complex Convention Center in Syracuse, New York. The date and times of the three meetings remain the same: the 3 sessions will be held 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 12 at the Oncenter Complex Convention Center in Syracuse. This new facility provided a contract with acceptable terms and conditions and will provide ample space at a cost that is fair and reasonable to taxpayers. NEW LOCATION: The Oncenter Complex Convention Center, Exhibit Hall, is located at 800 South State Street in Syracuse, New York. Directions to the venue can be found at: Oncenter Complex :: Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center :: War Memorial Arena :: Civic Center Theaters (August 9, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases
• CTV Toronto - Suspected Northern Snakehead fish caught in Ontario - CTV News There are fears a potential threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem has found its way into Canadian waters, after an Ontario woman landed what may be a vicious, invasive species of fish. When lifelong fisherwoman Amy Merry decided to try a new fishing spot on the Welland Canal that links Lakes Erie and Ontario last weekend, she didn't expect to reel in a voracious foreign invader. (August 8, 2010) CTV Toronto  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Webster rejects wind turbine plan | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Joining their counterparts from Greece, members of the Webster Town Board have come out in opposition to plans for offshore wind turbines in Lake Ontario or Lake Erie. Despite the Webster vote and others like it, the New York Power Authority, which is pushing the plan for offshore wind farms, will make no immediate decision on where the farms might be built, a spokeswoman said Friday.  (August 7, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Institute aims to reduce dry-cleaning hazards | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute has launched a statewide program to minimize chemical use in garment cleaning and reduce the health and environmental impacts of the industry, the institute announced Monday. Based out of Rochester Institute of Technology, the institute will conduct a survey of garment-cleaning businesses in New York and give multiple demonstrations, training sessions and direct technical assistance to businesses in converting dry-cleaning operations to more environmentally friendly professional wet-cleaning processes.  (August 9, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Supervisors approve solar array bid - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — The Ontario County Board of Supervisors Thursday approved a bid to install a solar panel array at the county transportation office. All supervisors present voted in favor of the measure. Rochester Solar Technologies of Victor will install a solar panel array at the county’s transportation facility. The project will be paid for entirely with $200,000 in federal funds, said county DPW head William Wright, along with a potential grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. (August 10, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Energy in our area]
• Drilling forum moved to Syracuse | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle SYRACUSE — In anticipation of as many as 8,000 people at a public hearing on natural gas drilling, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that it was moving it from Binghamton University to a Syracuse convention center 65 miles north. The hearing is the last by the EPA to get public comment on its study of hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells. Critics say the technology, which blasts chemical-laced water into the earth, could poison water supplies. The industry says it has been used safely for decades. (August 10, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• Ash borers confirmed in Monroe County | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Invasive emerald ash borers have been found in Monroe County for the first time, with the discovery of ash trees in southern Chili that have been damaged by the insects. A specimen was found in an ash-borer trap near the infestation site as well, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.  (August 10, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• West Nile virus risk remains a threat; more infected mosquitoes found in New York City, Long Island ALBANY - State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today warned that West Nile Virus remains a risk and urged New Yorkers to protect themselves from mosquito bites after the virus was found in mosquitoes in New York City and Long Island at higher levels that is normally seen by this time of the summer. "A warm, dry summer is triggering an increase in West Nile Virus in the mosquito population earlier than expected," Commissioner Daines said. "Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City, recently have detected West Nile Virus in mosquitoes at much higher rates than they have seen in the past several years at this time of the summer. In addition, there are a number of preliminary reports of possible human cases in Nassau and Suffolk counties that are being investigated." (August 9, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on West Nile Virus in our area]
• Beware: August Marks The Start of West Nile Season - YNN, Your News Now It’s West Nile season. So far there's been one confirmed case of the virus out of New York City, but it's enough for the State Health Commissioner to put out a warning. For hikers they can be some of the most annoying, itch causing insects out there. (August 8, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now  [more on West Nile Virus in our area]
• Landfill opens wetlands preserve Seneca Meadows’ 600-acre project on former farm now open to the public SENECA FALLS — Several years ago, Seneca Meadows Landfill acquired 71 acres of low-grade wetlands for its expanding landfill operations. State law required mitigating the loss of those wetlands by restoring or creating three times that many acres of wetlands. (August 8, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Wetlands in our area]
• Old, new demands tax New York's power grid | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Whether it's to plug in a vacuum cleaner or to recharge an iPod, to light a farmer's early morning milking or to keep a cooling unit running in a corner store in the city, we all depend on the power grid. That massive network, which includes all the lines and transmission equipment between the power plants and your home, has some catching up to do to serve an Internet age of high-definition videos and high-tech gadgets. Not to mention the nascent electric car market.  (August 8, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy in our area]
• Site still undetermined for next week's EPA natural gas hearing | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin In less than a week, the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to be in the area to host the largest public meeting on its $1.9 million study of hydraulic fracturing. Just where will that meeting take place? That's up in the air. More than 1,200 people are already registered to attend the Aug. 12 event, but the venue has yet to be determined, according to Binghamton University and the EPA. It was expected to take place in BU's Anderson Center for the Performing Arts — as it was advertised on the EPA's website — but the school and agency are apparently at odds.  (August 6, 2010) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• Beetle Invasion Creeps Close To Rochester - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Caledonia, N.Y.---For eight years a tiny pest has created major problems for ash trees from Michigan to New York. The Emerald Ash Borer is a tiny beetle--commonly found in Asian countries--that has spread throughout 15 states and sits less than 20 miles from Rochester according to the Department of Environmental Conservation  (August 5, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• State Health Commissioner Warns that West Nile Virus Risk Remains Virus Found in Increasing Number of Mosquitoes in New York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties ALBANY, N.Y. (August 5, 2010) — State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today warned that West Nile Virus remains a risk and urged New Yorkers to protect themselves from mosquito bites after the virus was found in mosquitoes in New York City and Long Island at higher levels that is normally seen by this time of the summer. "A warm, dry summer is triggering an increase in West Nile Virus in the mosquito population earlier than expected," Commissioner Daines said. "Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as New York City, recently have detected West Nile Virus in mosquitoes at much higher rates than they have seen in the past several years at this time of the summer. In addition, there are a number of preliminary reports of possible human cases in Nassau and Suffolk counties that are being investigated."  (August 5, 2010) New York State Department of Health [more on West Nile Virus in our area]
• DEC Releases Draft Regulations to Strengthen, Codify Endangered Species Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Proposed Changes Will Provide Predictable Framework for Projects New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the agency's plan to update the state's regulations to strengthen protections for endangered and threatened species and to provide developers, local officials and others with a clear regulatory framework. The draft proposals, which are published in this week's Environmental News Bulletin, would establish criteria for the listing and de-listing of species and requirements for restoration and recovery plans. The proposals will also establish time lines, procedures and standards for reviewing applications for construction projects and other projects that might impact endangered and threatened species. The proposals would define the "taking" of a protected species to include the adverse modification of habitat - conforming to New York court decisions interpreting the term. The regulations also call for applicants to develop a mitigation plan that results in a net conservation benefit to the listed species. (August 5, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• EERE News: DOE Releases Annual Wind Market Report, Finds U.S. Wind Projects using a Growing Percentage of Domestically Manufactured Equipment The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released its "2009 Wind Technologies Market Report." This report, authored primarily by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, provides a comprehensive overview of trends in the rapidly-evolving U.S. wind power market. For the first time, this year's Wind Technologies Market Report estimates the amount of wind turbine and component imports from other countries. The study finds that a growing percentage of wind turbine equipment is being sourced domestically, as both domestic and foreign companies seek to minimize transportation costs and currency risks by establishing local manufacturing capabilities. When presented as a fraction of total wind turbine equipment-related costs, the overall U.S. content is found to have increased from about 50% in 2008 to roughly 60% in 2009.  (August 4, 2010) Department of Energy - Homepage  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• New York Senate Passes Temporary Ban on Hydraulic Fracturing - ProPublica In a pre-dawn vote Wednesday, New York State's senate passed a bill that reaches beyond the debate over the environmental safety of drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale and would effectively ban almost all gas and oil drilling in the state until next spring. The bill circumvents an environmental review by the state's regulatory agency that could be finished this year. The bill prohibits the underground process of hydraulic fracturing [1], which breaks up buried rock and releases gas trapped inside. (August 4, 2010) ProPublica  [more on Energy in our area]
• Tree-Killing Beetle Detected In The Catskill Forest Preserve - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Separate Detection in Livingston County; Firewood Outreach Planned for Watkins Glen Race Week New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced the discovery of a well-established Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation in northern Ulster County that includes land within the Catskill Park's Forest Preserve. EAB is a small but destructive beetle that infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black and blue ash (August 4, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Cuomo wants 'the facts' before moving forward on natural gas drilling | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal BINGHAMTON -- About 50 people gathered outside the State Office Building Wednesday, demanding answers from Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo on where he stands on drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation. (August 4, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Energy in our area]
• Gas drilling moratorium passes state Senate - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Albany, N.Y. — While environmental groups celebrated passage of a gas-drilling moratorium in the state Senate, an industry group said it needlessly delays work already held up for two years during an environmental review.  (August 4, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Energy in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: Group to study drug disposal - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Most everybody's had leftover prescription pills at one time or another. Maybe they were pain pills that went unused following a dental procedure. Or maybe you were feeling better and didn't take the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. But at some point, you'll want to get rid of those medications. And they have to be disposed of properly if they are to stay out of the water supply.  (August 4, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Recycling in our area]
• Ash borer menace hovering at Rochester's doorstep | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in other states, has been detected in Caledonia, Livingston County. The ash borers were first found in New York state last year in a stand of ash trees in Cattaraugus County. They turned up last month in Steuben and Ulster counties.  (August 5, 2010) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Invasive Species in our aerea]
• State Senate votes to delay hydrofracking ALBANY – If the Assembly goes along, an almost one-year moratorium would be declared on hydrofracking for natural gas for 11 months. The 48 yes votes included 15 Republicans, among them Hudson Valley Senators John Bonacic of Mount Hope and Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie.  (August 4, 2010) New York State News on the Net!  [more on Energy in our area]
• Experts worried about Ontario birds migrating to Gulf oil spill - thestar.com A beloved Ontario bird that bounced back from endangered status may be flying to its demise when it heads south this fall — straight into the path of the massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. For centuries the American white pelican has flocked to Ontario’s northwestern shores to breed, seeking refuge in colonies where hundreds or even thousands of birds may gather to lay their eggs. But experts are worried that many of the awe-inspiring birds — whose wingspans can reach 2 ½ metres — may never make the trip north again. (August 2, 2010) News, Toronto, GTA, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Canada, World, Breaking - thestar.com [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Marcellus Shale gas drillers committed 1,435 violations in 2.5 years, report says | PennLive.com Marcellus Shale gas drillers in Pennsylvania commit an average of 1.5 regulatory violations per day, according to a report from the Pennsylvania Land Trust, based on Right To Know requests to the Department of Environmental Protection. In the last two and a half years, drilling companies were cited for 1,435 violations -- 952 of which were considered most likely to harm the environment, according to the report. (August 2, 2010) Central PA Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - PennLive.com [more on Energy in our area]
• Va plans $15M energy project Plant addition will house bio-mass fueled boilers | As part of the project, two biomass-fueled (wood chips) steam boilers utilizing computer-controlled gasification technology for high efficiency and low emissions will be installed in a new addition to the existing central plant building. The addition also will house a steam-driven generator, automated conveyors, four days worth of wood chip storage, emission control equipment and supporting utilities. Included with the project are site improvements to the Bushwood Lane site entrance at the medical center, paving, landscaping and relocation of an existing pole barn.  (August 03, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Energy in our area]
• Pennsylvania Marcellus shale drilling companies get violations - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Harrisburg, P.A. — A report from a Pennsylvania environmental group says companies drilling for natural gas in the lucrative Marcellus shale have tallied more than 1,400 violations of state rules since January 2008. (August 03, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Energy in our area]
• EPA, Union Spar Over Staff Scramble for Great Lakes Effort - NYTimes.com The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is an ambitious project, aimed at cleaning up contaminated waste and invasive species with billions of federal dollars.  Congress approved a budget last year of $475 million for the initiative, and appropriators are on track to hand over another $300 million for fiscal 2011. But it is unclear whether U.S. EPA is adequately staffed to oversee the mammoth task.  (July 30, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Scientists rush to keep Asian carp out of Lake Erie | thenews-messenger.com | The News-Messenger PORT CLINTON -- While lawmakers in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois wrangle over a possible Asian carp invasion of the Great Lakes, scientists are working to decide what, if anything, can be done to stop the quickly spreading fish and other invasive species. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded $2.5 million to researchers at the University of Notre Dame, and the U.S. EPA is poised to contribute another $2.25 million for the project. The money will be used by researchers to identify cost-effective countermeasures to the Asian carp and other non-native species.  (August 2, 2010) thenews-messenger.com | The News-Messenger | Fremont news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Fremont, Ohio [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Ontario Beach event protests offshore drilling | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The stretch of colorful flags revealed animal after animal — manatees, pelicans, sea turtles and many more — whose existence has been threatened as a result of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A total of 367 flags, each of which had its own distinct species written across the front, were unfurled on Ontario Beach Park on Saturday afternoon, as part of the second local "Hands Across the Sand" demonstration, a protest against offshore drilling.  (August 1, 2010) Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy in our area]