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RochesterEnvironment.com

June 2010 NewsLinks Archived 

RochesterEnvironment.com

These archived Newslinks 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. 

 

• Drilling concern sparks action -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY Pennsylvania to make public chemicals used in pursuit of natural gas HARRISBURG, Pa. -- More than two years after the start of a natural gas drilling boom, Pennsylvania is making public a complete list of the chemicals used to extract the gas from deep underground amid rising public fears of potential water contamination and increased scrutiny of the fast-growing industry.  (June 29, 2010) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy [more on Energy in our area]
• WXXI: Young Falcons Take Their First Flights (2010-06-28) Rochester's newest falcons are now fledglings. Jemision successfully took her first flight Saturday morning. And late Monday afternoon, her sister, Callidora, flew to the nearby Wilder Building.  (June 28, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Lawmakers demand action to keep Asian carp out of Great Lakes : Capital Connection : The Buffalo News WASHINGTON — Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Rep. Louise M. Slaughter on Friday demanded stronger action from the Obama administration to head off the increasingly likely invasion of the destructive Asian carp into the Great Lakes. Gillibrand, D-N. Y., urged the federal government to temporarily shut locks in the Chicago area that could allow the invasive fish into the lakes, where scientists fear they would devastate the existing species. (June 28, 2010) The Buffalo News  [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Going Green: Green construction - YNN, Your News Now Green construction practices are becoming more the norm. This parking lot, for example, is being built with a rain garden, porous pavement and an underground storage system to keep storm water runoff from reaching creeks and waterways. (June 27, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Dead deer litter roads because of budget woes | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle In a circumstance that gave new meaning to the word "roadkill," some Rochester-region highways were littered with deer carcasses this spring because the state had no money to pay for the cleanup.  (June 28, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Rochester’s energy solutions, connecting the dots At the risk of pushing everyone’s buttons, you’d think the disastrous BP oil spill, the din over drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Gas Shale, a couple of recent nuclear power issues, and the energy bill stalled in Congress, would galvanize the local press and the public to seriously consider wind power for some of our energy needs. (Check here for the above stories: Rochester Environmental News ). But the New York State Power Authority’s Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project (GLOW) isn’t getting much attention.  (June 25, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts
• Municipal water loss is pouring dollars down the drain | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle As Rochester residents brace for an increase in water rates, nearly one in four gallons of water treated for consumption never reaches the tap because it is lost in an aging distribution system that drains about 2.6 billion gallons annually, city water records show.  (June 28, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
• 75 Rochester-area residents protest offshore oil drilling | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle More than 830 Hands Across the Sand events took place Saturday at beaches throughout the United States and other countries including Australia, India, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Greenland and Brazil. Locally, about 75 people at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte held hands and signs reading "Oil spill equals catastrophe, but solar spill equals a nice day," expressing their shared feelings about the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The metaphor is drawing a line in the sand against offshore drilling and bringing awareness to protecting the coastal economy, oceans, marine wildlife and the fishing industry.  (June 27,2010)  Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Energy in our area]
• Dozens Gather to Speak Against Off-Shore Drilling - YNN, Your News Now A local group says it’s fed up with BP Oil Company and off-shore oil drilling. Dozens met up at Ontario Beach Park to speak out against it. "‘Hands Across the Sand" is an effort that's sweeping the nation. A handful of environmental organizations are taking part in it. (June 26, 2010) TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Energy in our area]
• Central New York companies sign up for NYPA wind power registry | syracuse.com Syracuse, NY -- The New York Power Authority came to the Syracuse Center of Excellence Thursday to enlist local companies in the effort to build wind turbines in the Great Lakes. Representatives of about 80 companies showed up to hear about the project, and a dozen signed up on the spot to be part of the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Business Registry, according to NYPA.  (June 24, 2010) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Rochester IMC: Video from Fracking Moratorium Demonstration at the DEC in Avon, NY Last week, more than 300 people from all across New York state gathered at six different Department of Conservation offices to demand a moratorium on permits for “fracking,” or hydraulic fracturing, until the Environmental Protection Agency completes a study on its dangers. The event in Region 8, which includes Monroe County, drew more than 100 people from Horseheads, Elmira, Hammondsport, Bath, Avoca, Canandaigua, and Rochester. Watch the video of the action below. Watch the Video: Englebright-Addabbo Demonstration in Avon NY, 2010 (June 24, 2010) Rochester IMC: home [more on Energy in our area]
• Rochester IMC: Demonstrators Call for Fracking Moratorium in NY Last week, more than 300 people from all across New York state gathered at six different Department of Conservation offices to demand a moratorium on permits for “fracking,” or hydraulic fracturing, until the Environmental Protection Agency completes a study on its dangers. The event in Region 8, which includes Monroe County, drew more than 100 people from Horseheads, Elmira, Hammondsport, Bath, Avoca, Canandaigua, and Rochester. (June 24, 2010) Rochester IMC: home [more on Energy in our area]
• Invasive Asian Carp Reach Great Lakes (June 24) -- They can grow to 4 feet and 100 pounds and eat 40 percent of their body weight daily. They have knocked jet skiers unconscious. Scientists have been warning of their invasion for years. And now an Asian carp was found this week for the first time beyond the electric barriers meant to keep the invasive species out of the Great Lakes. Scientists fear that the carp will become established in the Great Lakes, starving out sports fish and killing the region's $7 billion fishing industry. (June 24, 2010) Breaking News & Analysis, US, World, Sports, Celebrity & Weird News [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Expert: Anti-drilling claims full of hyperbole | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin Meeting touts benefits of tapping into Marcellus Shale  BINGHAMTON -- Anti-drilling activists have presented harrowing images -- explosive tap water, contaminated waterways, animals mysteriously losing their hair -- of what they think are the side effects of hydraulic fracturing.  (June 24, 2010)pressconnects.com | Binghamton zagform | Press & Sun-Bulletin  [more on Energy in our area]
• State Health Commissioner Urges New Yorkers to Prevent Rabies by Avoiding Contact with Stray or Wild Animals June is Rabies Awareness Month ALBANY, N.Y. (June 25, 2010) - Governor David A. Paterson has declared June Rabies Awareness Month in New York State to remind New Yorkers that the risk for human contact with potentially rabid wildlife increases during the warmer months. "In warmer weather, wild animals become more active and the possibility of human contact increases," said State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. "Although we may want to befriend or pet a baby animal or rescue an injured one, New Yorkers should avoid contact with wild and stray animals to prevent getting bitten and possibly contracting rabies."  (June 25, 2010) New York State Department of Health [more on Rabies in oura area]
• Public recycling bins scattered around East Rochester | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle East Rochester has new recycling stations that will allow people to deposit recyclable materials separately from garbage in public places. The boxes are at various locations in East Rochester.  (June 26, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Recycling in our area]
• DEC Reminds New Yorkers of Upcoming Free Fishing Weekend - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation No Fishing License Required this Saturday and Sunday State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today reminded residents and visitors that June 26-27 has been designated "Free Fishing Weekend" in New York. No license is required to fish the state's waters during this period. (June 24, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Manufactured gas leaves toxic legacy in region | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Cleanup plans are being laid to transform a rubble-strewn corner of downtown Rochester from a historically polluted lot to highly desirable waterfront property. The parcel at Front and Andrews streets, on the west bank of the Genesee River near the top of the Upper Falls, was home to a 19th-century manufactured gas plant — a factory where coal was heated to produce gas that was piped to homes, businesses and curbside streetlamps.  (June 20, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Magazine recognizes county, city fleets | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Monroe County and the city of Rochester both were honored by Government Fleet magazine as one of the 100 best fleets in the country, officials announced Thursday. The 100 best were selected from 150 nominations, magazine representatives said. They were listed alphabetically, but not ranked. Monroe County’s green fleet was honored for the second straight year, officials said. “The county’s work with flex fuel and hybrid vehicles shows how our region has become a national leader in the research and development of alternative energy,” Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said in a statement.  (June 24, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Transportation in our area]
• BLACK BEAR CROSSING For Dresden hunter, close encounter was no big deal Black bear sightings in the Finger Lakes area have become more and more common over the years, normally during the late spring and early summer. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the bear population in the state’s southern range — which includes parts of central and western New York — is increasing and their habitat is expanding. (June 24, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Backyard habitats go on display | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Huey's organic natural garden is one of seven backyards within Monroe County that will be featured in this year's Genesee Land Trust Backyard Habitat Tour, to be held Saturday. The fundraising event will help the land trust in its mission to conserve and protect farmland, watersheds and natural habitats throughout the Rochester region.  (June 25, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Living in our area]
• Bill would ban BPA in sippy cups, pacifiers | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — Lawmakers and environmental advocates are calling on Gov. David Paterson to sign a bill that would ban the chemical bisphenol-A in sippy cups, pacifiers and other products for young children, legislation that passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously this week. Bisphenol-A, or BPA, is used mainly in producing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Besides products for infants and toddlers, it can be found in compact discs and medical devices. Epoxy resins with BPA are used to coat metal products like canned foods and bottle tops, the institute said. (June 25, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Study: More People are Walking, Biking to Work The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) recently published its 15-year update to its National Bicycling and Walking Study. The study was originally commissioned in 1990 by the NHTSC. At that time, fewer than 4.4% of all commuting trips were made by bicycle or on foot, (down from 6.7% in 1980) while at the same time accounting for over 15% of all traffic fatalities. (June 23, 2010) TriplePundit  [more on Transportation in our area]
• Indian Point 3 'should be ready to go back to green' safety rating soon | LoHud.com | The Journal News Indian Point 3's four emergency shutdowns in the first eight months of 2009 cost the nuclear reactor a top safety rating, but federal regulators say worker response in each case was "acceptable" and the company could be back to the highest rating as soon as July. (June 22, 2010) LoHud.com | The Journal News | Westchester, Rockland, Putnam news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, New York [more on Energy in our area]
• EPA plans gas-drilling meetings | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host four public meetings on its proposed study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and its potential effects on drinking water. The last is scheduled for Aug. 12 at Binghamton University's Anderson Center for the Performing Arts.  (June 22, 2010) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• WXXI: Fuel Cell Forklifts Leading Hydrogen Push (2010-06-22) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - In the receiving bay of the Chili Wegmans a massive pile of wooden pallets is stacking up. Workers have used what's called a "walkie reach" to move big cubes of cereal and boxes of ketchup bottles onto towering shelves. This electric lift truck - like the vast majority of the 1.7 million in America - is powered by rechargeable lead-acid batteries. They've been around for over a century. But a number of companies, Wal-Mart and Wegmans among them, are beginning to switch to a new technology for their lifts: hydrogen fuel cells.  (June 22, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on Energy in our area]
• syracuse.com : Wind power conference to be held Thursday in Syracuse The New York Power Authority will hold a conference in Syracuse Thursday for businesses interested in participating in off-shore wind power projects. The “Get Listed” conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Syracuse Center of Excellence at 727 E. Washington St.  (June 22, 2010) syracuse.com [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Worries aside, Canandaigua Lake is healthy - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Despite the number of dead fish, local officials said there is no cause for alarm. “The overall health of the lake is in pretty good shape,” said Kevin Olvany, program manager of the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council. There are areas of concern, like levels of phosphorus and bacteria in the water, but Olvany said the council regularly tests for such impurities and remains dedicated to maintaining the quality of the lake’s waters.  (June 22, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Canandaigua Lake in our area]
• Unity's green complex opens in Greece | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle GREECE — Beneath the new Unity at Ridgeway medical complex, a geothermal heating system digs its hands deep down into the Earth. Using 90 snaking wells, the system pulls up heat from 400 feet below the surface and pumps it into the 123,000-square-foot medical center. During the summer, the system reverses, pushing hot air into the ground to keep the building cool  (June 23, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Green Living in our area]
• Legislators back curbs on urban sprawl : City & Region : The Buffalo News Discourage funding by state agencies | An anti-sprawl bill approved Friday by lawmakers directs the state to curb its encouragement of “dumb growth.” The bill, passed by both the Senate and Assembly, discourages, but does not prohibit, state agencies from investing in developments that might lead to sprawl.  (June 19, 2010) [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• Anti-drilling film has fans - and foes | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin Gas industry rebuts claims; documentary premieres Monday on HBO |  If you're Josh Fox, you refuse the money -- then make an award-winning documentary portraying the natural gas industry as an environmental menace that ruins water, air and lives. In "Gasland," premiering 9 p.m. Monday on HBO, Fox presents a frightening scenario in which tens of thousands of drilling rigs take over the landscape, gas companies exploit legal loopholes to inject toxins into the ground and residents living nearby contract severe, unexplained illnesses.  (June 20, 2010) pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin | Binghamton news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Binghamton, New York [more on Energy in our area]
• The upside of greening Greece - Greece, NY - Greece Post Greece, N.Y. — If it’s a Monday, a crew of suburban foresters might be at a home on Apollo Drive. No, make that Haviland Park. Actually, on any given day they might be trimming branches that brush power lines, removing dead or diseased trees, planting new ones, or cleaning up from a storm — Greece gets ’em, you know — most anywhere in town.  (June 21, 2010) Homepage - Greece, NY - Greece Post  [more on Green Living in our area]
• Lake Erie drilling ban opposed WINDSOR, Ont. — Hundreds of offshore natural gas wells in Lake Erie have a perfect safety record over a century of operation, say representatives of the Ontario Petroleum Institute. Industry officials here oppose the total ban on offshore drilling in the Great Lakes called for recently by Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow in reaction to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Even some environmental groups in Ontario, like the Sierra Club, aren't supporting the ban that Stabenow seeks.  (June 21, 2010) Windsor Star - News  [more on Energy in our area]
• Seneca looks at hydrofracking WATERLOO — As is often the case, the most interesting topics are at the committee level of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors. Tomorrow’s meeting is no exception. The new Environmental Affairs Committee will discuss the formation of a special committee or task force to study the hydraulic fracturing or hydrofracking method used in drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region.  (June 21, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Energy in our area]
• Schumer to fight for hydrogen fuel cells | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Monday that he would use his clout in Congress to fight a proposed cut in funding for hydrogen fuel cell development. Schumer recognized the leadership in the greater Rochester area in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles and said the technology could break the United States' addiction to foreign oil and have a positive effect on the environment.  (June 22, 2010)Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Energy in our area]
• Ending sprawl minus growth -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- Upstate faces a development paradox: metropolitan areas are swallowing more land even as they contain fewer people. A future that includes "sprawl without growth" is not sustainable economically and environmentally, contend Senate supporters of a bill set for approval requiring state agencies to focus millions of dollars in infrastructure spending in already developed areas. "We're here to ensure that our communities do not condemn us to use our cars for just about everything we do," said Peter Fleischer, director of Empire State Future and a strong advocate of the bill. (June 18, 2010) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• NY drilling policies may be shaped by industry dollars, says Common Cause report NEW YORK - Common Cause/New York released a report entitled Deep Drilling, Deep Pockets, Expenditures of the Natural Gas Industry in New York to Influence Public Policy, Part 1 – Lobbying Expenditures, a detailed analysis of the natural gas industry's lobbying expenditures in New York State over the 2005-2009 five year periods, as well as the first four months of 2010. As New York State determines whether to permit natural gas exploitation using the controversial hydraulic fracturing technique, industry has poured millions of dollars into lobbying the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The analysis, based on lobbying reports filed with the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, shows a dramatic jump in the amounts natural gas companies are spending in lobbying in the last 2 years. (June 21, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• WXXI: Cities Organize to Protect Great Lakes (2010-06-18) CHICAGO, IL (WXXI) - A coalition of mayors from the United States and Canada is launching a program designed to help protect and restore the Great Lakes. It's called Cities Transforming Towards Sustainability or C-T-T-S. Leaders from more than seventy cities, including Rochester, will take part in the multi-year effort.  (June 18, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom [more on the Great Lakes in our area]
• Cornell Chronicle: CCSF announces 2010 seed grants Improving bioreactors that create biofuels by a thousand-fold and developing a model for studying the risk of sequestering carbon dioxide deep underground are among six projects and two workshops that the Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future (CCSF) is funding this year to stimulate original, cross-disciplinary work in sustainability science.  (June 16, 2010)  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• ‘Hydrofracking’ natural gas plan draws protest | The Livingston County News Nearly 100 demonstrators gathered on the grounds of the DEC Region 8 Office in East Avon Tuesday afternoon to protest hydraulic fracturing (also known as ‘hydrofracting,’ or ‘hydro-fracking’) as a method of natural gas extraction. The demonstration was one of six taking place simultaneously at different DEC headquarters throughout the state. (June 16, 2010) The Livingston County News  [more on Energy in our area]
• Gulf Oil Spill Emergency Response Team Includes RIT Graduate Lockheed Martin environmental engineer on team testing oil dispersants effects | Emergency response teams from around the country continue efforts to manage the enormous oil spill from the BP offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. With the steady flow of oil issuing from the damaged well, teams are working to cap the massive leak and assess environmental damage to sea, wildlife and individuals living in the area. (June 16, 2010) RIT - University News [more on Energy in our area]
• 06/18/2010: EPA Announces a Schedule of Public Meetings on Hydraulic Fracturing Research Study; August 12 Meeting to be Held in Binghamton, N.Y. (New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting four public information meetings on the proposed study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts on drinking water. Hydraulic fracturing is a process that drills vertical and horizontal cracks underground that help withdraw gas or oil from coalbeds, shale and other geological formations. By pumping fracturing fluids (water and chemical additives) and sands into rock formations, fractures are created in the formation from which natural gas or oil can be more easily extracted. The meetings will provide public information about the proposed study scope and design. EPA will solicit public comments on the draft study plan. The public meetings will be held on:  August 12 at the Anderson Performing Arts Center at Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y. for 3 sessions - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT (June 18, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases  [more on Energy in our area]
• Get Listed! Comes To Syracuse With Economic Development Event For NY Businesses To Find Wind Power Developers, June 24 WHITE PLAINS—New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard M. Kessel announced this week that Syracuse will be the site for the next Get Listed! business-to-business conference, to help support and grow New York State's clean energy economy through development of the wind power industry.  Get Listed! is being held, in collaboration with the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity and the New York’s Creative Core on June 24 from 1 to 3pm at the Syracuse Center of Excellence.  This follows successful Get Listed! events, which took place in Buffalo in February and Rochester in April, each with close to 200 business representatives in attendance. Five proposals were received on June 1 resulting from a request for proposals (RFP) issued by NYPA last December for what could be the nation’s first fresh water wind project, the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project (GLOW). GLOW aims to help increase the use of renewable energy and spur economic development opportunities. (June 15, 2010) New York Power Authority  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• VIDEO: There’s bear in these parts - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow The state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed a younger male black bear was seen along the canal path on Monday by several people using the path. (June 18, 2010)Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Glut of bear sightings around Rochester, NY Rochester, NY’s local media is falling all over itself reporting on the whereabouts of bears in our vicinity. One pops up in Pittsford, another (maybe the same one), appears in Irondequoit. Everyday there seems to be a... Keep Reading » (June 18, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Swimming waters closed at Ontario Beach Park | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The weather was perfect and people were ready to swim Friday at Ontario Beach Park — and though it was supposed to be the beach's first swimming day, the water remained off-limits. According to Larry Staub, director of parks for Monroe County, high bacteria counts and lack of water clarity prevented swimming.  (June 19, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Upstate residents call for state moratorium on hydrofracking NEW PALTZ – Concerned citizens of all ages rallied Tuesday afternoon in front of the regional state Department of Environmental Conservation Office in New Paltz to urge representatives in Albany to support legislation calling for a moratorium on the issuance of all permits allowing hydrofracking in the state prior to the completion of the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s research into the hazards and accidents associated with this natural gas extraction method. In light of the current disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, Tuesday’s rally in New Paltz was one of six organized at DEC regional offices across the state, in areas located above the Marcellus Shale formation, by the Frack Action Campaign to call attention to the Englebright-Addabbo bill that is currently before the New York State Legislature in order to avoid hasty decision making on the issue and serious environmental repercussions.  (June 16, 2010)New York State News on the Net!  [more on Energy in our area]
• Biologists suspect botulism outbreak » Region » Traverse City Record-Eagle EMPIRE — Two dead birds found along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore beach could signal a toxic outbreak that's claimed thousands of lake-reliant birds in recent years. Park biologists found one dead herring gull and a dead cormorant, along with hundreds of dead invasive goby fish. A cause hasn't been confirmed, but experts suspect it's another Type E botulism outbreak that plagued area beaches the past few years.  (June 17, 2010) Home » Traverse City Record-Eagle  [more on Great Lakes in our area]
• Lake windmill project spurs debate among lawmakers : City & Region : The Buffalo News LOCKPORT — Three months ago, the Niagara County Legislature unanimously demanded fair consideration from the New York Power Authority for a Great Lakes wind power project. The action was triggered after a Power Authority trustee stated that he looked forward to seeing windmills in Lake Erie. His failure to mention Lake Ontario was explained as an oversight.  (June 13, 2010) The Buffalo News  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Veterans group receives $270,000 jobs grant | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The Veterans Outreach Center Inc. in Rochester has won a $270,000 U.S. Department of Labor grant to provide green job training for area military veterans.  (June 17, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Green Business in our area]
• Bat, bird kills alarm group - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA A conservation organization reviewing the number of birds and bats killed by the wind turbines on Wolfe Island is calling the numbers "extremely high." A consultant's report estimates that 1,270 bats and 602 birds were killed by the island's 86 turbines from July 1 to Dec. 31 of last year, the project's first months of operation.  June 12, 2010) The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Vote on site plan for Zotos wind turbines set for Tuesday  GENEVA — The city’s Planning and Zoning boards are creeping ever closer to votes that will pave the way for two wind turbines to be installed at Zotos International’s Forge Avenue facility.  (June 17, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Wind Power in our area]
• 'Reuse' and 'reduce' among themes at first Ontario waste plan workshop Forum ideas include composting, reuse About 30 county residents attending the first of two solid waste management plan workshops Wednesday broke into groups of six and spent 10 minutes at a table discussing one of five key issues.  (June 17, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• H1N1 crisis offers lessons | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The H1N1 flu virus that filled headlines for months and prompted 25 public vaccination clinics in Monroe County turned out to be mild. But how the health threat was handled will shape response to any future potential pandemic. "In some ways it was a big deal, but in many ways it was just a dry run for a more serious flu strain," said Dr. Andrew Doniger, Monroe County health director, of what was first called swine flu.  (June 18, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• How Many Bears Wandering in Monroe, Wayne Counties? - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, N.Y. (AP) - State Environmental Conservation officials say they don't know just how many bears are currently wandering through Rochester suburbs  (June 17, 2010) Home - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• More bear sightings reported in Rochester area - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports- ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - State Environmental Conservation officials say they don't know just how many bears are currently wandering through Rochester suburbs.  (June 17, 2010) WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports- - Home WCAX.com [more on Wildlife in our area]
• 6/14/2010~After Nearly 2 Decades, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Launches Scientific Journals The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the release of the inaugural issue of the public domain Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management (JFWM) and the re-launch of the prestigious North American Fauna (NAF). These Web based journals focus on the practical application and integration of science to the conservation and management of North American fish, wildlife, plants, and the ecosystems upon which they depend.  (June 14, 2010) Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [more on Wildlife in our area]
• STATE COMMENCES LARGEST SURVEY YET FOR PLUM POX VIRUS 250,000 Samples to be Taken to Help Eradicate Virus of Stone Fruit   New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today announced the commencement of the State’s largest survey to combat Plum Pox Virus, a serious plant virus that infects stone fruit trees, reducing fruit yields and disfiguring fruit to the point that it becomes unmarketable.  New York is the only remaining state in the nation with Plum Pox.  (June 10, 2010) New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets  [more on Plants in our area]
• FL Institute to meet on drilling, water safety GENEVA –– The relationship of drinking water contamination and drilling for natural gas will be discussed from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Finger Lakes Institute, 601 S. Main St. The public meeting is sponsored by Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association. The speakers will be Stephen Penningroth, executive director of the Community Science Institute in Ithaca, and Thomas Scoles of the Seneca County Health Department.  (June 16, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Energy in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Giant Hogweed eradication underway in region You may have seen the giant flower heads along the side of the highway. Resist the temptation to take one home and use it as a floral accent on the back patio, and don’t touch it. The flower looks like a giant Queen Anne's lace, but it's called Giant Hogweed.  And believe it or not, it was brought to our country in the late 1800's as an ornamental plant.    And its sap is worse in many cases than poison ivy, because it burns the skin.  (June 15, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Ontario waste plan taking shape County seeks input as it looks 10 years into future | CANANDAIGUA –– Based on a population of 104,000 people, each Ontario County resident is estimated to generate 8.7 pounds of solid waste per day, or about 165,000 tons a year in total. What to do with that waste over the next 10 years is the subject of the county’s ongoing solid waste management plan. (June 15, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• URMC Receives $15.5M for Live Virus Vaccine Isolation Studies - News Room - University of Rochester Medical Center This week, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) announced plans to begin a cluster of bird flu vaccine trials, many of which will contain live, weakened viruses and require participants to remain in isolation for several days a time. Slated to start this summer, the studies are funded by a National Institutes of Health grant amounting to more than $15.5 million over five years. (June 15, 2010)  University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester NY
• Volunteers to be isolated in test of bird flu vaccine | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Adults ages 18 to 49 can earn about $4,000 for having an experimental vaccine for bird flu sprayed into their nose and being quarantined in Rochester for about 12 days this summer — twice. A shorter study, already full, starts next week and requires just one vaccination and one quarantine stay, for about $2,000. Additional bird flu vaccine studies, which each require 20 people to get two doses about a month apart, are still recruiting participants. (June 16, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Vote means OK for Rochester transit center | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Next Page 1 | 2 Previous Page On a 7-2 vote Tuesday, City Council approved partial abandonment and other changes for Mortimer Street — a vote that now clears the way for design and construction of a downtown transit center. City Council members opted to move forward despite a housing development being proposed for the site on Monday, a last-minute city Planning Commission recommendation that they reject changes to Mortimer Street and a two-hour public hearing in which all but one speaker urged the same. (June 16, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Transportation in our area]
• More black bear sightings reported in Rochester area | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Several recent black bear sightings and indoor visits from startled deer are not out of the ordinary in western New York, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Though typically not related, bear and deer sightings are more common in the springtime when animals are foraging for food and new habitats and bears are searching for mates, DEC wildlife manager Mike Wasilco said.  (June 16, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Climate change could affect marine infrastructure - CTV News The federal government is trying to come up with ways to protect millions of dollars worth of vulnerable infrastructure and coastline, years after it was urged to adapt to the effects of climate change.  (June 13, 2010) CTV News - Canada and World News, Breaking News, Headlines, Business, Entertainment, Sports, Health, Politics and more [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Declining smallmouth bass population gets attention of DEC | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The sharp decline in the quality of smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Ontario has caught the attention of state aquatic biologists. And they are casting a net for help as they begin an extensive study as to why a smallmouth fishery that produced an average of 13.4 catches per boat trip during the early 2000s had dropped to 3.08 catches by 2008, and continues to slide.  (June 13, 2010)  Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Latest Carbon Auction Yields $29.8 Million for Investments in Clean Energy, Job Creation in NY - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation RGGI Helps Fund Gov. Paterson's Green Jobs/Green NY Legislation State Environmental Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced New York's successful participation in another quarterly auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution allowances. This auction, the eighth conducted by the 10 states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), generated $80.5 million to invest in the clean energy economy. New York's share of the proceeds is approximately $29.8 million.  (June 14, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation  [more on Green Business in our area]
• 06/14/2010: EPA Awards Half a Million Dollars to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Pollution in Central New York (Syracuse, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided a half million dollar grant to the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board to fund a project designed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution in Central New York, including Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Counties. During each of the next three years, the planning board will select three communities within Central New York to participate in its project, called the Central New York Climate Change Innovation program. The winning local communities will receive sub-grants from the Central New York Planning and Development Board to develop plans to retrofit vehicles, buildings and other equipment to make them energy efficient; introduce alternative-fuel vehicles and fueling systems; reduce the miles their fleets travel; and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects. They will also consider how their city planning and land use policies can become more sustainable. Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board’s greenhouse gas reduction program is one of only twenty-five projects in the entire nation to receive funding as part of EPA’s $10 million competitive grant Climate Showcase Communities program.  (June 14, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases [more on Climate Change in our area]
• DEC: Mine draft 'insufficient' Seneca Meadows asked to provide more information for review of impact statement by DAVID L. SHAW WATERLOO –– The draft environmental impact statement and land use plan submitted by Seneca Meadows for its proposed surface mine off North Road has been deemed “insufficient” by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. (June 14, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front [more on Recycling in our area]
• DEC working to encourage organic services for lawns | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Hoping to encourage New Yorkers to go natural, state officials have launched a Be Green program to educate and license lawn care and landscape companies to provide organic services, free of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. (June 15, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Pesticides in our area]
• Bear walks south, stops in Pittsford | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A black bear last week spotted in an Irondequoit neighborhood is believed to be heading south through Monroe County, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The bear, believed to be a young male, was seen on the towpath by the Erie Canal  (June 15, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Tompkins gas drilling concerns voiced at Sierra Club event NEW YORK - Tompkins County concerns about risks associated with natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale were once again communicated, at a session in New York City last week.  Legislature Chair Martha Robertson was one of 15 invited speakers at the event, cosponsored by the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Speakers urged immediate passage of pending state legislation which would ban hydraulic fracturing until after findings are issued on its effects on water quality and public health. (June 14, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Energy in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - NYS agencies hosting high-speed rail conference ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - State transportation and economic development agencies are hosting a conference in Albany to discuss the future of high-speed rail in New York State. (June 14, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News  [more on Transportation in our area]
• Going Green: Biofuel good for the environment - YNN, Your News Now New York sources of biofuel made from wood, grass and other forms of biomass could substantially reduce our consumption of gasoline and reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to a report from the Pace Law School's Energy and Climate Center. (June 13, 2010)TOP STORIES - Rochester - YNN, Your News Now [more on Energy in our area]
• 6/9/2010~Gray wolf petition unsubstantiated, Fish and Wildlife Service says The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has denied a petition seeking to designate gray wolves in five northeast states – Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont – as a distinct population segment under the Endangered Species Act because there is no evidence that a wolf population exists in those states.   The Service has denied additional requests to extend Endangered Species Act protection in these states to other canids (e.g., coyotes and wolf hybrids) due to similarity of appearance and to prepare a recovery plan for northeast wolves. The agency is currently evaluating the taxonomic relationship of the gray wolf to wolves found in southeastern Canada closest to the U.S. border. Any decision on the need for a recovery plan or a similarity of appearance designation will be based on analysis of that information. The Service will not be initiating a status review and has no intention of advocating a wolf reintroduction effort at this juncture.  (June 9, 2010) Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Brighton Energy Fair offers means to go green | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The fair was organized by Color Brighton Green. Its website describes the nonprofit organization as "focused on education and action to reduce our impact on the global climate and to build community through common purpose." (June 14, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• N.Y. high-speed rail gets a boost | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle New York state and the CSX railroad have set aside differences so that planning can go forward for a high-speed rail line across upstate New York. The parties have signed a pair of agreements to facilitate planning for the passenger-train track that New York intends to build. (June 14, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Transportation in our area]
• Are we wasting food waste in the Rochester, NY region? Composting food waste instead of tossing it into a landfill is gaining momentum around the country as it offers a more sustainable treatment of this inevitable by-product. Note the New York Times devotes a full section on Compost News and a local entrepreneur thrives on making a business of it: “Vermi-Green capitalizes on happy worms” (6/06/2010 Democrat and Chronicle). Instead of letting food waste rot inside a plastic-lined landfill creating a modicum of energy by capturing some of the methane gas, a healthy compost program creates a nutrient-rich and toxin-free fertilizer—and business opportunities.  (June 13, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Stem tide of VHS Make sure your baitfish are certified. - Daily Tribune: Breaking news coverage for southeastern Oakland County, Michigan Baitfish are probably the main culprit that helps pathogens enter Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes, so it's no wonder that the use of salmon eggs or minnows for bait is being restricted in some waters to slow the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. (June 06, 2010)  [More on VHS in our area]
• Fish Kill on Lake Ontario - YNN, Your News Now A portion of the Lake Ontario shoreline in Irondequoit was covered in hundreds of dead fish, prompting concern from some who live near the shore. Environmental officials said the kill is likely the result of a yearly natural occurrence. Still, neighbors said it is more than just a little annoying. (June 7, 2010) TOP STORIES - Buffalo - YNN, Your News Now [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Group urges Monroe County to oppose wind project - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Greece, N.Y. — Members of a grass-roots group of Lake Ontario shoreline dwellers attempted to fan opposition to an idea that could bring as many as 166 wind turbines off various locations of the lake’s south shore, although no specific plan or location have been outlined.  (June 11, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• Bear sightings in Irondequoit keep kids indoors - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Irondequoit, N.Y. — Students at three West Irondequot Central School District elementary schools are being kept inside after a black bear sighting in the area today, district officials said.  (June 12, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Bear spotted in Irondequoit | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle A black bear has been spotted wandering through neighborhoods west of Durand Eastman Park, the Irondequoit Police Department said Friday   (June 12, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Adopt-A-Cat month a good time to visit Lollypop Farm | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle PERINTON — Cats and kittens at Lollypop Farm are hungry and in need of attention in the morning — and they let the shelter staff making their early rounds know with sleepy meows. Each spring, areas for kittens and cats at the shelter reach near-capacity because of the steady flow of animals that people bring through the door. Lollypop Farm receives nearly 7,000 cats a year, and many of those arrive in the spring and summer.  (June 12, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Slaughter to headline rail summit | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information Rep. Louise Slaughter is slated to be the keynote speaker Monday in Albany at the New York State Summit on Rail Transportation. The purpose of the summit is to bring together experts in high-speed rail with industry representatives to grow rail and related businesses, to offer collaboration between public and private agencies to enhance competition for resources and funding, and to identify challenges and opportunities associated with expanding the state’s rail industry, said Slaughter, D-Perinton.  (June 11, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information [more on Transportation in our area]
• State Health Commissioner Says 'Less Is Best' for Pesticide Use ALBANY., N.Y. (June 10, 2010) - State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today said New Yorkers should avoid using pesticides when possible and take steps to avoid harm when the use of pesticides is necessary. "It's important to recognize that most pesticides are poisons intended to kill pests, but they can also harm you, your family and pets, if not used properly," Commissioner Daines said. "Try to avoid using pesticides, and exercise caution if you must use them." Most animal pests and weeds can be managed without the use of chemical pesticides. Often, eliminating the conditions that attract pests and allow them to survive and multiply is the key to pest control. It is easier to prevent pests than to control them once they have arrived. (June 10, 2010) New York State Department of Health [more on Pesticides in our area]
• Wind turbine opponent speaks in Greece | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle If there was any question about where Alan Isselhard stood on the issue of offshore wind turbines in Lake Ontario, it was answered by the very first thing he said. "We want to see the offshore turbine project defeated. That's what we're after," Isselhard said Thursday evening to about 125 people crowded into the small sanctuary of Lakeview Community Church on Edgemere Drive in Greece.  (June 11, 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]
• DEC workers pluck peregrine falcon chicks from lofty perch for checkups, namings | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The two peregrine falcons circled and screeched through the air above the Times Square Building while their babies were missing. The kids wouldn't be away for long. Technicians from the state Department of Environmental Conservation plucked the birds from their nest atop the building on Thursday morning and brought them inside for health checks and to place ID bands around their legs.  (June 11, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Vermi-Green capitalizes on happy worms | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle About six months ago, Ryan Heberle put 50,000 worms in a pile of dirt at the Farmington site of his business, Vermi-Green LLC. "It sounds like a lot, but it's not," Heberle said Wednesday, picking through a handful of wormy dirt to point out a worm egg. The egg is a good sign because it means his worms are happy, healthy and making babies. (June 6, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Green Business in our area]
• 06/08/2010: EPA announces $10 million for Communities to Combat Climate Change WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making available up to $10 million in grants to local governments to establish and carry out initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Climate Showcase Communities program, EPA expects to award approximately 25 cooperative agreements ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with approximately five percent of the funds ($500,000) being made available specifically for tribal governments.  (June 8, 2010) U.S. EPA Newsroom - News Releases  [more on Climate Change in our area]
• WILDLIFE: Defending the ducklings - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Bill Hewitt's seen it happen enough to be concerned: ducklings follow their parents into the Cobbs Hill reservoir and then they can't get out. | The problem is that there's a steep drop at the reservoir's edge. For adult ducks, that's no big deal; they can just fly out of the water. But the flightless ducklings are unable to climb out.   (June 9, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: County wetland is still underperforming - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper A county wetland project in Chili's Black Creek Park continues to struggle. The 13-acre project is meant to make up for nine acres of wetland that county workers disturbed during an airport runway expansion. It's part of a federal enforcement action against the county.  (June 9, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper  [more on Wetlands in our area]
• ENVIRONMENT: After BP, a closer eye on shale drilling - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper As the BP oil spill saga enters its second month, the country continues to struggle with questions: how to stop the leak, how to contain the environmental damage, what can be done to make sure this doesn't happen again, and what, exactly, led to this unprecedented disaster (June 9, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper  [more on Energy in our area]
• Governor Paterson Signs MOU for an Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium | Seeks to Advance the Public–Private Partnership for Major Wind Project off Coast of Long Island   Governor David A. Paterson today announced that steps are being taken to advance the development of offshore wind power, which will create clean energy jobs and help the State meet its energy needs in an environmentally responsible way. The Governor signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and nine other east coast governors to create an Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy Consortium. The Consortium will facilitate the partnership between the Atlantic states and DOI in the development of appropriate offshore wind energy, for which DOI is responsible for issuing leases.   “Positioning New York as a leader in the clean energy economy is one of my top priorities,” Governor Paterson said. “This will help to create jobs, provide for our energy needs, improve our economy, and make our environment cleaner for all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the Department of the Interior and the Atlantic coast governors to coordinate our efforts and ensure the development of our offshore wind energy resources in a responsible manner.” (June 8, 2010) http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/index.html [more on Wind Power in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Homeowners worried about City's future Green Project The city wants to tear down vacant and old homes to make green space parks in tough parts of the city. But what if you own a home in the targeted area? That's what some property owners are calling us about now. The plan, according to the City of Rochester website, talks about tearing down vacant homes, city owned vacant property and "relocates households within identified areas for the program." Property owners who rent their properties to tenants interpret that to mean the city will take their homes by either fair-market sales or eminent domain. (June 8, 2010) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News  [more on Green Living in our area]
• Landowners rallying in Albany Wednesday to ask legislators to stay out of DEC's way | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal Convincing the state that the Marcellus Shale can be drilled safely got a bit harder over the past several days, after natural gas explosions on rigs in Pennsylvania and West Virginia and two explosions in Texas. Nevertheless, 400 to 500 Southern Tier landowners are expected to rally in Albany today, where they will ask legislators to stay out of the way of DEC's environmental review of hydraulic fracturing and halt all industry-thwarting legislation that's threatening to delay drilling even longer. (June 8, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY [more on Energy in our area]
• Leading scientists confer at Cornell on infectious diseases | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal ITHACA -- Cornell University is hosting a cavalcade of infectious disease experts this week as part of the eighth annual Workshop and Conference on the Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases. The world's leading scientists in the ecology of infectious diseases will address topics on the emergence, transmission and re-emergence of infectious microorganisms in ecosystems -- including the roles of pathogens and symbionts of plants, lower invertebrates, wildlife and humans.  (June 6, 2010) theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal | Ithaca news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Ithaca, NY  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• RGRTA: Environment OK at bus site | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority board of commissioners declared Tuesday that a full environmental review of the authority's proposed downtown bus terminal on Mortimer Street is unnecessary and that the project would have no adverse environmental impacts. An environmental assessment was conducted for the failed Renaissance Square project, which included a larger variation of the bus terminal along with a college campus and performing arts center. But a review of the terminal in its current form has not been completed. (June 9, 2010)Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Transportation in our area]
• WXXI: Help from Rochester Headed to Gulf Disaster (2010-06-07) ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Two of Rochester's 14 Coast Guard reservists are on their way to the Gulf of Mexico to help with cleanup from the BP Oil Spill. (June 7, 2010) WXXI NewsRoom  [more on Energy in our area]
• Five offshore windmill proposals received for lakes Erie, Ontario : Local Business : The Buffalo News Five proposals have been received to construct offshore windmills in Lake Erie and/or Lake Ontario. Richard M. Kessel, New York Power Authority’s president and chief executive officer, announced Friday that a review process will get under way that is expected to end with one or more developers selected by early 2011. (June 5, 2010) The Buffalo News  [more on Wind Power in our area]
• An Old Nuclear Problem Creeps Back - Green Blog - NYTimes.com The American nuclear industry, primed to begin new construction projects for the first time in 30 years, is about as eager for an operating problem at an old reactor as the oil industry was for a well blowout on the eve of opening the Atlantic coast to oil drilling. Nonetheless, a nuclear reactor where a hidden leak caused near-catastrophic corrosion in 2002 has experienced a second bout of the same problem.  (June 7, 2010) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia  [more on Energy in our area)
• DEC Initiative Boosts Truly "Green" Lawns - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation "Be Green" Will Help Landscapers, Consumers Tap into Organic Yard Care Having a truly "green" lawn will get easier with the help of the new "Be Green Organic Yards NY" initiative announced today by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis.  (June 7, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on  Green Living in our area]
• WATERLOO — Engineers hired by Seneca Meadows Landfill have submitted a draft report on the environmental issues associated with its proposed Meadow View Mine project. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will decide by Wednesday whether the report is adequate and addresses everything requested in the scoping document.  (June 6, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Parma to clean up arsenic-laden field | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle PARMA — Recent soil tests confirm a playing field in Parma's Town Park is tainted with arsenic-contaminated dirt. And the state Department of Health has given the town two options for fixing the problem: either scrape the contaminated dirt off the field and fill it back up with clean dirt, or bury the field with an additional foot or so of clean soil. (June 8, 2010)  Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Hudson River monitoring system unveiled POUGHKEEPSIE – The newest addition to the Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System (HRECOS) was unveiled Saturday afternoon during Poughkeepsie’s River Day Festivities at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie. The state-of-the-art environmental monitoring system System, onboard the sloop Clearwater, will provide a range of real-time data taken directly from the waters of the Hudson River. According to State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, HRECOS is a monitoring network made up of eight stations along the Hudson River estuary, from New York Harbor to just north of Albany, which provides scientists with vital information about the river as well as recreationists with the information they need to know about water conditions. (June 7, 2010) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Emerald Ash Borer Infestation Discovered In Additional Woodlands Of Cattaraugus County - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Infestation Still Within Quarantine Area New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced that additional trees in the Randolph (Cattaraugus County) area have been discovered to be infested with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a tree-killing beetle first confirmed in New York last year. DEC foresters have detected emerging insects on private woodlands south of Interstate 86, but within the previously established EAB quarantine area.  (June 4, 2010) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Invasive Species in our area]
• Zebra Mussels Invade Northeast Wisconsin - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced ten more Wisconsin lakes, including six in Shawano, Menominee, and Marinette counties, are infested with zebra mussels. That means 130 lakes and rivers around the state are now home to the aquatic invasive species. (June 3, 2010) WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News - WBAY Home [more on Zebra Mussels in our area]
• Tick season reminds Upstate New Yorkers about Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and is one of several illnesses carried by ticks. In the case of Lyme Disease, the carrier is the deer tick. The AccuWeather website points out that the deer tick is most infectious in the six weeks before and after the summer solstice, June 21. Lyme Disease can be caught at any time a carrier tick bites, though, so awareness of a bite is crucial. (June 5, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts  [more on Lyme Disease in our area]
• Should you let your pickup drink biofuels? Rochester Environmental News Examiner My Bio · Articles To keep your pickup healthy and running smoothly, it requires some sort of fluid that burns. I’m not a mechanic, but I’m guessing that the brewski you love won’t work so well in your vehicle. Gasoline works... Keep Reading »  (June 5, 2010) Rochester News, Restaurants, more by Top Local Experts [more on Energy in our area]
• Brighton to hold energy fair | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle More than 20 vendors and nonprofits will be represented at the third annual Brighton Green Energy Fair, set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13. The fair will take place alongside the Brighton Farmers Market.  (June 7, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Ganondagan, RIT partner to enhance sustainable technology - Henrietta, NY - Henrietta Post Victor, N.Y. — Rochester Institute of Technology is entering into a research and education partnership with Ganondagan State Historic Site, a museum and resource center promoting the culture and history of tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. The effort seeks to enhance opportunities for Native American students and promote the benefits of indigenous technologies. Representatives of the two organizations will sign a memorandum of understanding in a ceremony beginning at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 7 in the Simone Circle in front of the Eastman Building on the university campus. (June 5, 2010) Homepage - Henrietta, NY - Henrietta Post  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Groundwater is big issue at state Envirothon KEUKA PARK — High school students from across the state got close to nature Thursday at the New York Envirothon, hosted by Keuka College for the second year in a row. Moving from station to station, more than 50 teams of students identified trees, got down in the dirt to look at soil samples and studied aquatic plants, answering test questions in an effort to become the top team.  (June 4, 2010) Finger Lakes Times Online - Front  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Bulk drop-off in Canandaigua tomorrow - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — Tomorrow is the second-to-last opportunity for City of Canandaigua residents to drop off bulk items at the transfer station. Residents can also pick up a load of free mulch. The program will run from 8 a.m. to noon. (June 5,2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
• Gillibrand to BP: Disclose chemical details - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Finger Lakes, N.Y. — U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Friday urged Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to use her legal authority to force BP to disclose confidential information about chemicals being used to disperse oil from the disastrous BP oil dump in the Gulf of Mexico.  (June 5, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Energy in our area]
• New York state gets five offshore wind power bids | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Five formal proposals to build wind turbines in the New York waters of Lake Ontario or Lake Erie have been submitted, and the New York Power Authority will spend the rest of this year going through them — behind closed doors. (June 5, 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]
• Monroe CC strengthens ties to agricultural community | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle BRIGHTON — A new greenhouse attached to one of Monroe Community College's classroom buildings is the most visible sign that agriculture has a growing presence in the MCC curriculum. This past school year, more than 850 students enrolled in 11 courses — from practical botany to business management — with an agricultural component. Some of these classes made use of the greenhouse, where — with state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems — tomatoes potted in soil thrive near micro-greens cultivated hydroponically in nutrient-enriched water. (June 5, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York  [more on Plants in our area]
• Monroe County Residents Cautioned About Rabies Risk - Rochester, News, Weather, Sports, and Events - 13WHAM.com Rochester, NY - The Department of Health reminds people that there are precautions they can take to reduce the likelihood of exposure to rabies. (June 2, 2010)  [more on Rabies in our area]
• College to implement printing policy effective fall 2010 - News Printing quota set at 450 single-sided pages per semester | More than seven million. That is not the Mega Millions Jackpot, it is the number of pages printed in Brockport's computer labs this year, and there are still a couple of weeks to go. For years Brockport has offered unlimited printing to students in the labs. While other area colleges had already implemented print quotas, Brockport students have been able to print as much as they wanted in the labs. That is about to change (May 15, 2010) The Stylus - 2  [more on Recycling in our area]
• $1.8 million in grants awarded to protect and restore Great Lakes wetlands and wildlife habitat U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius and Northeast Regional Director Marvin Moriarty jointly announced today the approval of $1.8 million in grants aimed at protecting and/or restoring 1,566 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat in Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). "New York - Ducks Unlimited, Inc. was granted $432,865 for the Indian River Lakes Wetland Protection project. It will protect 591 acres which will provide connectivity to existing protected lands, as well as protect 1.75 miles of Oswegatchie River frontage and floodplain grass and scrub. " Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEC Extends Public Comment Period on Draft Solid Waste Management Plan - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Comments Now Accepted until Aug. 16, 2010 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has extended the public comment period for the draft Solid Waste Management Plan, "Beyond Waste: A Sustainable Materials Management Strategy for New York," until Aug. 16, 2010.  (June 3, 2010)  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Genesee Trust gets $1M to preserve farmland | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information The Genesee Land Trust Inc. has been awarded nearly $1.1 million from the Farm and Ranch Protection Program, part of the United States Department of Agriculture, to preserve farmland in Wayne County.  (June 2, 2010) Home | Rochester Business Journal New York business news and information  [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• 06/02/2010: EPA Proposes New Permit Requirements for Pesticide Discharges: Action would reduce amount of pesticides discharged and protect America’s waters WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new permit requirement that would decrease the amount of pesticides discharged to our nation's waters and protect human health and the environment. This action is in response to an April 9, 2009 court decision that found that pesticide discharges to U.S. waters were pollutants, thus requiring a permit.  (June 02, 2010) US Environmental Protection Agency [more on Pesticides in our area]
• Health officials warn of rabies - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Rochester, N.Y. — Monroe County health officials are reminding residents to be cautious of rabid animals and to take precautions to avoid exposure. Officials are urging residents to check their homes for points of access for rodents such as bats and other small animals. (June 03, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Rabies in our area]
• HEALTH: Male reproduction in a chemical world - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Physically, Dr. Shanna Swan is tiny. But she may become a thorn in the side of one of this country's biggest industries. An epidemiologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Swan's research examines the effects of chemicals on the male reproductive system. Specifically, Swan studied a group of chemicals called phthalates, which are found in a wide range of soft and flexible plastic products like shower curtains. (June 2, 2010) Rochester NY News, Events, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment, Nightlife - Rochester City Newspaper [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• DEC seeks public input on air toxics - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Finger Lakes, N.Y. — The state Department of Environmental Conservation will hold an informational meeting June 7, from 1 p.m to 3 p.m., at the DEC Region 8 office, 6274 Routes 5 and 20 in Avon, Livingston County, to discuss potential revisions to the state’s Air Toxics Program. (June 2, 2010) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Lake levels are about a foot below normal | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Water levels in Lake Ontario are about a foot below normal, and 1½ feet lower than they were a year ago, portending a potentially troublesome summer for boaters. Some problems already are cropping up, but the concern is more for what lies ahead. (June 2, 2010) Democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Great Lakes in our area]