News for January, 2005

• Town clinches deal for open space - Allowing one extra home on a lot will add to the town's stock of open space, at no cost, while adding no net increase in development. The town will pick up just over 21 acres of new open space ­ for free - if a new agreement on a subdivision goes through. Perinton-Fairport Post
•  Toxic trouble by ZIP code - Don't panic, says author of study, but demand cleanup of toxic sites Researcher David O. Carpenter at the State University of New York at Albany published the study in the December issue of Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. It says hospitalization rates for infectious respiratory disease are as much as 20 percent higher in affected ZIP codes when compared with others statewide, excluding New York City. (January 10, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Vote on zoo may ease long feud - Brooks plan for bigger elephant exhibit cools dispute over expansion vs. preservation — The head of the Landmark Society of Western New York expected elephants to be an issue when he was invited recently to a meeting in Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks' office. (January 10, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Legislators seek to revive Renaissance aid — ALBANY — In an unexpected move, the state Assembly on Monday will try once again to put back in the budget about $1.7 billion in spending cuts that Gov. George Pataki issued last summer, including $18 million for the Renaissance Square arts center in Rochester. (January 8, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Make room for elephants, keep Seneca the same - A $4 million zoo expansion plan is seen as a compromise by groups opposed to past proposals.
  - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks last week announced a major improvement to the Seneca Park Zoo that just may sit well with Irondequoit neighbors. Irondequoit Post
•  WXXI: Brooks Expects Renaissance Square Money (2005-01-11)  - ROCHESTER, NY Governor George Pataki didn't mention the Renaissance Square project in his State of the State message, but Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is hoping for more than a mention when the governor releases his executive budget next week. About 52 million dollars more. (2005-01-11) Public NewsRoom
•  DEC Consent Decrees for Coal-Fired Power Plants Governor George E. Pataki and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer announced landmark agreements that will dramatically reduce harmful emissions from the State's two largest coal-fired power plants. The consent decrees listed above will result in a nearly 42 percent annual reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nearly 16 percent yearly reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from 2002 levels. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting New York's Environment and Managing Its Natural Resources
•  TheStar.com - Make or break year for nuclear power - $1 billion riding on the revival of Unit One reactor Pickering tour shows the risks and complexity It's not much to look at, sitting in the midst of a cavernous turbine hall at the Pickering nuclear generating station: A bright yellow metal box, about the size of a Greyhound bus, as Ontario Power Generation's Scott Berry says. But cranking the generator inside that box — a 100-tonne magnetic bar spinning inside 21,336 metres of copper windings — is the entire focus of Pickering's current billion-dollar nuclear project. (January 14, 2005) TheStar.com - News/News
•  Brooks Announces County Environmental Photography Competition - This year's competition is entitled " Capturing Monroe County's Environmental Treasures". Entry form is available on this page Photography Competition -- from Monroe County
•  State Health Department Launches nyhealth.gov Web Site Features Enhanced Capabilities, Increased Efficiency for Public Use
  ALBANY, January 13, 2005 — The New York State Department of Health today announced that it has launched a new redesigned web site, http://www.nyhealth.gov, which features enhanced capabilities and increased efficiencies for public use. (January 15, 2005) New York State Department of Health
•  GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCE NEW YORK'S LARGEST COAL PLANTS TO SLASH POLLUTION LEVELS Largest Reductions in Air Pollution Levels Ever Attained Through A Settlement Landmark Agreements Will Enhance Air Quality throughout the State, Improve Public Health and Reduce Acid Rain  Governor George E. Pataki and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today announced two landmark agreements that will dramatically reduce emissions from six upstate coal-fired power plants, including the state's two largest polluting power plants.  Combined, the settlements represent the largest reduction in air pollution levels ever attained through settlement in New York. Together they will reduce NOx emissions by more than 18,000 tons annually – the equivalent of removing 2.5 million cars from New York’s roads. SO2 emissions will decrease by more than 123,000 tons per year – the equivalent of removing every diesel truck and bus operating in the United States. --from Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
•  Chili Town Board approves appraisal, may sell controversial site -  "In our master plan, it's been recognized as a park," Powers said. "It's been utilized as a park for years and years. Monroe County records shows it's a park. The sale would have to be approved by the state Legislature (January 15, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  GOVERNOR PATAKI ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO PROTECT MORE THAN 104,000 ACRES OF ADIRONDACK FORESTLAND State to Acquire Conservation Easements on Former Domtar Industries Land Third Largest Land Agreement in State History Partnership with the Nature Conservancy and Lyme Timber to Preserve Working Forests Will Create New Public Recreational Opportunities and Support Local Economy - Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the State has reached agreement with The Nature Conservancy and Lyme Timber Company to ensure the protection of 104,000 acres of Adirondack forestland formerly owned by Domtar Industries, Inc. in the "Sable Highlands" region of Clinton and Franklin counties. The State will acquire working forest easements on more than 84,000 acres and will eventually acquire an additional 20,000 acres purchased from Domtar by The Nature Conservancy. (January 15, 2005) --NYSDEC Press Office - Governor Pataki's Environmental Press Releases
•  Testing continues of ruptured pipe near Erie Canal - A single boom will remain in the canal this winter to collect materials that may linger after a gas and diesel fuel leak. Soil cleanup is a bit trickier. - Test results on the ruptured pipe that leaked 700 barrels of petroleum product into the Erie Canal and surrounding soil should be known by mid January. (January 15, 2005) Gates-Chili Post
•  USDA Rids Auburn Of Crow Problem - There seem to be fewer crows in Auburn today than there were a week ago. That's thanks to a weeklong crow-scaring test by the US Department of Agriculture. (January 15, 2005)  R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Lead paint plan may be held up for a year — The city administration is pushing a new plan to reduce the danger of lead paint poisoning among children. The proposal — modeled after a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program — focuses on trying to catch lead problems during city inspections of rental properties. (January 17, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Jan. 26 conference will examine western N.Y.'s 'air power' future. - Jan. 26 conference will examine western N.Y.'s 'air power' future. — BATAVIA — Wind power is coming to western New York, apparently in a big way. As farmers and other land owners have been asked in recent months to sell, lease or use their land to harness wind energy, a Jan. 26 conference, sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Genesee Community College, aims to answer questions about the issue. If you go What: Wind energy conference. When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26. - Where: Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia. Registration: Must be made by Jan. 20. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040, ext. 112, or visit the extension office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Registration also can be done at www.cce.cornell.edu/genesee . (January 17, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  The Globe and Mail: Lawn-care opponents mark turf 'The gloves are off,' ad says, signalling pesticide industry's desire to step up fight - Fearing that the Canadian movement to ban the use of pesticides on lawns will take root in the United States, the American lawn-care industry has thrown down the gauntlet. "The gloves are off," declares an industry ad running in trade magazines under a picture of masculine-looking leather gardening gloves lying atop a lush green lawn. globeandmail.com - Canada's best source for news continuously updated from The Globe and Mail
•  Activists criticize new Hochstein studio space -— To local consumer advocates, the dedication of new studio space for the Hochstein School of Music & Dance hit a sour note Friday. New carpeting in the student music rooms is creating toxic fumes, according to Judy Braiman, co-founder of Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides.  (January 22, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  All flu shot limits lifted - The New York state Health Department on Friday lifted all restrictions on who can get a flu shot. When the vaccine shortage started in October, for example, only those 65 and older and those with chronic illnesses could get a shot. (January 22, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  SPITZER HAILS FEDERAL DECISION ON ONONDAGA COUNTY WETLAND Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today hailed a decision by the federal government to apply protective regulations to a sensitive wetland in Onondaga County. The decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers means that a 19-acre parcel in the Town of Lysander will be considered a protected federal wetland. The site is slated for development as a housing subdivision.  "I applaud this decision," Spitzer said. "Wetlands are vital natural resources that improve water quality, prevent flooding and provide essential habitat to wildlife. I hope this reversal signals a broader decision by the Bush administration to conform its wetland policy to the mandates of the Clean Water Act and provide greater protections for critical wetlands throughout the state and nation."  (January 22, 2005)  Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
•  Recycling Center Upgrades - County Marks America Recycles Day with Improvements at Recycling Center - State Grant Allows for Expansion of Paper Recycling - In recognition of America Recycles Day (November 15, 2004), Monroe County announced the completion of a two-year, $1.6 million project to upgrade the Monroe County Recycling Center. The equipment improvements will allow increased efficiency and enhanced recycling for the community. Monroe County
•  Councilmen call for release of state 'brownfields' funds -  Money to clean industrial sites has been held up by disagreement in Albany on how to distribute grants - Gridlock in Albany could cost West Brighton tens of thousands of dollars that could be used to clean up industrial sites in that neighborhood, City Council members charged yesterday. City Councilman Michael McMahon (D-North Shore) joined Environmental Protection Committee chairman James Gennaro (D-Queens) and other Council members in calling upon the state's political leaders to agree on a deal allowing several million dollars in grant money to go to community groups seeking to clean up polluted industrial sites known as "brownfields." SILive.com: Everything Staten Island
•  Tax credits might be available for ethanol operation - SENECA FALLS — Investors in an ethanol plant planned for Seneca Falls believe they may be eligible for new tax credits proposed by Gov. Pataki in his budget address Tuesday. The spending plan calls for offering a tax credit of up to $1 million annually for the next five years for producers of biofuels such as ethanol, which is made from corn and provides a safe, renewable fuel source.(January 22, 2005)  Finger Lakes Times Geneva, NY
•  Lights Brought Crows To Auburn - After a week long effort to rid the City of Auburn from it's infamous flock of 60,000 crows, Cayuga County officials say it was newer, brighter lights that attracted the birds to the city. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Legislature approves new elephant exhibit - Lilac and Genny C, Seneca Park Zoo's elephants, as well as Genny C's expected baby, will have a new home. A plan to build a new African elephant exhibit at Seneca Park Zoo has been given the go-ahead by the county Legislature. Irondequoit Post
•  Monroe County Legislature votes to take more trash to Mill Seat - Monroe County Legislators pushed through the issue of accepting out-of-county garbage at the Mill Seat Landfill in Riga as a 'Matter of Urgency' at their January 11 meeting. Legislator Robert Colby (R-20th), who represents the Riga area, requested the proposal be tabled. "I'm fully aware of the situation because I attended three of the four meetings in Riga," Colby said. "Even though I was prepared to vote I felt the citizens of Riga should have had the right to explain their feelings about the matter to the legislature." (January 23, 2005)  Westside News Inc.
•  Gearing up for bird counting  - The Great Backyard Bird Count will take place February 18 through 21 and on Tuesday, January 18 from 7 to 8 p.m. details will be given on how to participate in the international event. This event will help everyone prepare for a trip to the backyard, which can be anywhere you happen to be - home, school yard, a local park, the balcony of a high rise apartment or a wildlife refuge. The Great Backyard Bird Count reminds us that North America's birds consider the whole continent to be one great big backyard. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a terrific way to nurture children's curiosity about birds and nature. The event will be held at Braddock Bay Park in Greece, on East Manitou Road, north of the Lake Ontario Parkway. The lodge is wheelchair accessible with adjacent parking. Suggested donations of $1 per person or $5 maximum per family is welcomed. For information, call 585-392-5432 or e-mail salmonvalley@att.net .(January 23, 2005)  Westside News Inc.
•  Holley residents file new law suit In their continuing quest for justice from Diaz Chemical, residents in the Village of Holley have filed another law suit. Holley residents filed the suit on January 4 in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York against Novartis AG, a Swiss pharmaceutical firm, and related companies. (January 23, 2005)  Westside News Inc.
•  Horse and cattle removed pending investigation - — DARIEN — Seven animals found on a Genesee County farm Friday have been taken away pending a livestock neglect investigation, sheriff's deputies said (January 30, 2005) . Democrat and Chronicle
•  'Dangerous' Global Warming Possible by 2026 - WWF - OSLO (Reuters) - World temperatures could surge in just two decades to a threshold likely to trigger dangerous disruptions to the earth's climate, the WWF environmental group said on Sunday. It said the Arctic region was warming fastest, threatening the livelihoods of indigenous hunters by thawing the polar ice-cap and driving species like polar bears toward extinction by the end of the century. Latest Business News and Financial Information |
•  Rochester researchers identify risks for Parkinson's disease ROCHESTER, N.Y. University of Rochester researchers say they have identified early environmental risks for Parkinson's disease. The disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects one in every 100 Americans over age 60. Two recent studies by Rochester scientists were both published in the journal NeuroToxicology. They add to an increasing body of science that implicates chemical exposures in Parkinson's and other diseases that affect the nervous system.NBC3 WSTV.com
•  County starts work on pesticide bill - (January 28, 2005) — Lawyers for Monroe County started work Thursday on drafting a proposed law that would require residential pesticide applicators to give neighbors 48 hours notice before spraying. It would make Monroe only the eighth county among the state's 62 counties to opt into New York's Neighborhood Notification law, passed in 2000. The bill will be introduced as early as next month, said Larry Staub, spokesman for county executive Maggie Brooks. (January 30, 2005) . Democrat and Chronicle
•  AP Wire | 01/28/2005 | Zebra mussels likely suspects in Great Lakes algae ills CLEVELAND, Wis. - A rising tide of stringy, smelly algae on Great Lakes beaches in recent years likely results from zebra mussels creating clearer water while also adding nutrients to the lake bottom, researchers say. The algae, called Cladophora, may get even more blame that it deserves for the putrid smell, said Vicky Harris, a water quality and habitat restoration specialist for University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute. (January 30, 2005) http://www.duluthsuperior.com
•  Green Bay Press-Gazette - Salt use sparks environmental concerns When a plow passes, spreading salt and sand in its wake, most drivers are relieved to know the road behind it is left safer. But as an avid fly fisherman, Bob Meyen of Salt Point, N.Y., also is thinking about how high concentrations of salt running off the road into streams can be toxic to fish.Green Bay Press-Gazette.com
•  UR links Parkinson's to PCBs, fungicide - — In two companion papers, University of Rochester researchers have identified early environmental risks for Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects one in every 100 Americans over age 60. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the now-banned lubricants that persists in the environment, disrupt a type of nerve cell that degenerates in the course of the disease. (January 27, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  news @ nature.com - Internet project forecasts global warming - Biggest-ever climate simulation warns temperatures may rise by 11 ºC. The greenhouse effect could be far more severe than experts had previously predicted, according to results from the world's biggest climate-modelling study. In the worst-case scenario, doubling carbon-dioxide levels compared with pre-industrial times increases global temperatures by an average of more than 11 ºC. But as well as a predicting a bigger maximum rise, the project has also increased the range of possible temperature changes. news @ nature.com -  - latest science news & features
•  Preview given of lake-level study — For years, Jack Moore of Rochester has watched high water levels in Lake Ontario gobble up the sandy beach in front of his Hamlin cottage and knock car-size rocks out of erosion-control structures. "This is a hot issue," said the 65-year-old, whose family has owned the cottage since the 19th century. Officials who manage water levels in the lake aren't listening, he said. But Tuesday evening, about 80 area residents — Moore among them — got a sneak preview of a five-year, $25 million international study that will measure the impact of fluctuating water levels on houses, beaches, dunes and shoreline protection structures.  (January 26, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Breeding misery? The Humane Society of Yates County aims to rid the area of puppy mills. From the road, it may look like a well-kept farm, pretty and peaceful. Messenger Post Newspapers
•  Full speed ahead for lakefront regs - City leaders must decide - and soon - how tall buildings should be and where parking lots can go. CANANDAIGUA - City leaders want to build an access road behind Parkway Plaza and allow taller buildings on Lakeshore Drive to make the lakefront more attractive to both developers and visitors. Messenger Post Newspapers
•  Newsday.com: Governors ask Congress not to weaken states' environmental powers WASHINGTON -- New York Gov. George Pataki and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are pressing Congress to protect key parts of the Clean Air Act as lawmakers and the Bush administration seek to change the law. The two moderate Republicans on Tuesday urged senators considering updating the act not to reduce the powers states have now to enforce environmental regulations or create tougher state regulations. Newsday.com: News, Entertainment and Sports