January 2007 news

MPNnow.com: Canadice: This may be the year for zoning Dividing the town into districts is the supervisor’s top goal for 2007. CANADICE — Canadice, the only town in Ontario County without zoning, could divide itself into three districts this year, said Supervisor Bonnie Drake. (Jan 29, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
ENVIRONMENT: What's the future for Canadice and Hemlock Lakes? - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper Now, unease over the lakes' future is alive again. A water-sharing agreement between the City of Rochester and the Monroe County Water Authority will expire in 2008. Under the current agreement, the city makes a tidy little profit (several million dollars each year) by selling excess water from Hemlock and Canadice Lakes to the county system. But the city's system also faces expensive capital upgrades. The county, meanwhile, is planning a large new intake plant for the eastside suburbs. (Jan 17, 2007) Rochester City Newspaper
MPNnow.com: Open land, uncluttered views - Nationwide, private land set aside for conservation grew 54 percent, from 24 million acres to 37 million acres — an area larger than New England — between 2000 and 2005, according to a recent study by the Land Trust Alliance, a Washington-based umbrella group of local, state, and national land-conservation groups. National groups such as the Nature Conservancy were key in this push for preservation. But the biggest drivers for growth were volunteer local and state land trusts, whose protected acreage has doubled from 6 million acres in 2000 to 11.9 million acres. Meanwhile, the rate at which those associations were saving land tripled to 1.2 million acres a year between 2000 and 2005.(Jan 23, 2007) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
MPNnow.com: Algae-busters to take another crack at Honeoye Lake - A company hired to spray the water with alum ran into problems last fall. HONEOYE — More alum will have to be spread in Honeoye Lake this spring to combat the algae that causes the water to cloud and smell bad on hot summer days. Thomas Harvey of the Ontario County Planning Department told the Canadice and Richmond town boards last week that the application last September was 80 percent successful. (Jan 25, 2007) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
N.Y. gas stations already use ethanol, but it'll become even more common — You probably don't know it, but you're likely already using ethanol. Gas stations in the Northeast have switched from the additive MTBE to a 10 percent ethanol blend, based on concerns about MTBE's impacts on health. (January 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Ethanol potential fuels high hopes - Eyes focus on upstate as it emerges as alternative fuel hot spot — In a snowy field outside Medina, two circular tanks rise out of the ground while construction workers dig and lay railroad track. By November, the owners of Western New York Energy LLC say a new plant will begin taking corn and turning it into more than 50 million gallons of fuel annually. (January 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
$10M grant to fund research, infrastructure - ITHACA — Cornell University announced Friday that it has received a $10 million grant from the state that will aid in developing technology for industrial-scale production of ethanol. Cornell will use $6 million of the money from the Empire State Development Corp. to turn a 1950s-era workshop on the first floor of Riley-Robb Hall into state-of-the-art labs. Related state-of-the-art equipment will be bought with the remaining $4 million. (Jan 22, 07) The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
UR scientists win health fellowships — Two University of Rochester researchers have been chosen for an Environmental Health Sciences fellowship designed to make the latest research about environment and health understandable to the general public. These science communication fellows are a new project by the nonprofit, Virginia-based Environmental Health Sciences, publisher of environmentalhealthnews.org (January 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Not Too Late For Flu Shots Increase in Number of Flu Cases Reported - Vaccine Supply is Plentiful ALBANY - JANUARY 24, 2007 - The New York State Health Department today reminded those New Yorkers who have not already been vaccinated for influenza (flu) that it's not too late to get their annual shot. Influenza activity has been increasing over the past few weeks in New York and surrounding states. To date, influenza has been reported in 37 New York State counties and in the five boroughs of New York City. This year health care providers and local health departments have ample supplies of flu vaccine. Each year the flu season begins in late October and usually lasts through March or even April or May. Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop immunity against the flu. Symptoms of influenza are similar to cold symptoms, but come on more swiftly and are more pronounced. Other symptoms can include a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, chills, a severe headache and muscle aches, as well as a cough or sore throat. (Jan. 25, 2007) New York State Department of Health
DEC schedules sessions on securing wildlife populations - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Tuesday announced that DEC is accepting applications for projects aimed at securing New York's wildlife populations and their key habitats, thereby preventing future listings of species as threatened or endangered. These projects will be funded through the State Wildlife Grant Program. Approximately $2.94 million in funding is available for projects that implement the recommendations outlined in the New York State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation strategy. Funding for these projects is provided by the SWG Program, administered through the U.S. Department of Interior. (Jan. 25, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Rochester Bird-Flu Expert to Testify Before Congress - Infectious disease expert John Treanor, M.D., will testify before a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Wednesday about the threat of a bird flu pandemic. Treanor, professor of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, will speak about the status of research aimed at developing an effective vaccine against bird flu. The research comes through Treanor�s role as director of the University�s Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit, or VTEU, part of a Federally funded network of seven centers that the nation relies on to protect its citizens against infectious threats. (Jan 25, 2007) Media-Newswire.com - Press Release Distribution - PR Agency
Foreign Zebra mussels likely harming Canadian drinking water: study - Yahoo! News MONTREAL (AFP) - A European mussel introduced accidentally to North America in the 1980s could be tainting Great Lakes drinking water quality, affecting its taste and causing an explosion of toxic blooms, Canadian researchers said. In tests, zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) changed basin water chemistry, creating favorable conditions for masses of cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) or blooms to grow, researchers at Ryerson University in Toronto said in a statement. (Jan 23, 07) Yahoo! News - Top Stories
Monroe County landfill gas to electricity plant construction gets big boost - A $200,000 state grant and $9.5 million in low-cost financing from the New York Power Authority will assist in the construction of Monroe County’s landfill gas to electricity plant. (Jan 21, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Brooks Joins NYPA Officials to Announce State Investment in Mill Seat - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks was joined by State Senator James S. Alesi, New York Power Authority (NYPA) Trustee Michael Townsend, Waste Management District Manager Jeff Richardson and other local officials to announce a $200,000 state grant and $9.5 million in low-cost financing from the NYPA to assist construction of the County’s Landfill Gas to Electricity plant. The $9.7 million project will produce 4.8 megawatts of power. “This innovative project offers environmental and economic benefits,” said County Executive Brooks. “Harnessing the energy in the landfill allows us to access a productive source of power. With the state grant and NYPA low-cost financing, Monroe County taxpayers will benefit from this initiative for many years to come.” --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
Brooks Unveils Pandemic Flu Information Campaign - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced the County has launched efforts to educate, inform and prepare the public for a potential outbreak of Pandemic Flu. The outreach plan includes a new Pandemic Flu page on the County website as well as an educational brochure that will be made available at all Monroe County Wegmans pharmacies. “Monroe County has been working aggressively with our partners at the local, state and federal levels to develop plans, and be prepared in the event of an outbreak,”said County Executive Maggie Brooks. “An informed public is critical to the success of this plan, and I am grateful to Wegmans for their partnership in this effort.” --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
County unveils pandemic flu Web site, brochure — Monroe County has unveiled a new brochure and Web site dedicated to educating the public about planning for pandemic influenza. A pandemic flu, which means a widespread outbreak of a potentially deadly influenza, has not happened yet. But outbreaks of a bird-based flu that spread to humans in Southeast Asia has forced health and government officials over the last few years to plan for a worldwide outbreak of such a flu. (January 19, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Riga power plant gets boost - New York Power Authority to supply low-cost financing, grant - — The New York Power Authority will bankroll the $9.7 million construction of a power plant at the Mill Seat landfill in Riga, officials announced Thursday. Monroe County officials are eager to generate excitement about its plan to use landfill gas to produce power to sell on the electric grid. Already, the county in its 2007 budget banks on selling the energy upfront for 10 years at a cost of $4 million to $5 million. Rather than make $300,000 a year or so in profits on the county-owned plant, the county wants to take the money in a lump sum to cover this year's deficit. (January 19, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Buffalo News - Shrimp may upset life in lake SYRACUSE - Another invasive species - a half-inch long ravenous shrimp from Eurasia - has been found in Lake Ontario, raising concerns among scientists that the tiny crustacean could mean dire consequences for the lake's food chain. The discovery of bloody red mysid - whose scientific name is Hemimysis anomala - was made in a lake sample taken last spring near Oswego, said Chuck O'Neill Jr., an invasive species specialist with New York Sea Grant. Its only other confirmed appearance in the Great Lakes region was last November in a channel of Muskegon Lake, which empties into Lake Michigan. (January 18, 2007) The Buffalo News
Group to discuss wind farms in Hamlin — Could Hamlin be a good spot for a wind farm? That's what the town's Wind Tower Committee will investigate in coming months as the nine-member group works to develop regulations for developers interested in producing wind power in Hamlin. The town currently has no regulations regarding wind tower placement (January 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Over $1 million targeted for Buffalo lead poisoning control - U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer has announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $1,112,880 in funding to the Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning as a Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant. LHRD funds will be used by the Office of Strategic Planning to assist homeowners in rehabilitating their homes to make them lead-free and for education and outreach. (Jan 16, 2007) New York State News on the Net!
Hudson fish near nuke plant contain strontium-90 — In what could be the Lower Hudson Valley's next environmental controversy or just a laboratory mistake, fish in the Hudson River have been found to contain traces of strontium-90. The radioactive isotope was discovered leaking almost a year ago at the Indian Point nuclear power plants, and tests on 12 fish found four with detectible amounts. The tests were conducted for Entergy Nuclear Northeast, which owns the plants, after researchers pulled the fish from the river in late summer — six from more than 10 miles upriver in the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge area and the rest from around Indian Point. (Jan 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
New regulations shouldn't affect anglers 01/12/07 If you are involved in tournament fishing on Michigan's Great Lakes or inland waters, there are probably some rule changes affecting this sport in the immediate future. The reason for new regulations is an attempt to stop or at least slow the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). As the rules originally came down from the US Dept. of Agriculture, it would have been illegal (for anyone, not just tourney anglers) to transport any of 29 species of live fish across state lines of those states bordering the Great Lakes plus Ontario and Quebec. That would have put a damper on tourneys that originate in Michigan waters whose contestants travel by boat to Canada or Ohio to catch their fish. The Ile Camera - Heritage Newspapers
London Free Press - City & Region - New bait fish rules gut area industry Ontario's $20-million live bait industry has been left reeling by provincial restrictions on harvesting and transporting bait fish in a bid to stop the spread of a deadly new fish virus. "It's terrible. It is just devastating to the tourism industry, outfitters and people involved in commercial bait harvesting. This is huge," said Dennis Shaw, owner of the Bass Haven outfitting business at Mitchell's Bay. (Jan 14, 07) London Free Press
Wind power along Lake Erie just might fly Local leaders propose a windy addition to the Lake Erie horizon - massive wind turbines that would crank out megawatts and spin off research, development and jobs. An energy task force will recommend to Cuyahoga County commissioners next month that the region pursue a demonstration project of four to 10 turbines, spinning at least three miles out on Lake Erie. (Jan 14, 2007) cleveland.com: Everything Cleveland
Mayors Present 10-Point Plan on Issues Impacting Cities The leadership of The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM), led by Conference President Trenton, New Jersey Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, met with newly-elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a special strategy session on Capitol Hill. The purpose of the meeting was for mayors to discuss critical issues facing America's cities and to forge new partnerships as Congress sets it legislative agenda. 1) Energy and Environment Block Grant The mayors are calling for a block grant to provide funding directly to cities and urban counties for programs that improve community energy efficiency; develop and implement community strategies to reduce carbon emissions, develop and implement community and transportation energy conservation programs; encourage the development of new technologies and systems to decrease the nation's dependence on foreign oil; and promotion and development of alternative/renewable energy sources. Mayors who attended the strategy session include: Rochester (NY) Mayor Robert Duffy ( Jan 13, 2007) YubaNet | News and Information
Christmas tree mulch available— PITTSFORD — The town's highway department will collect Christmas trees that are placed curbside with plastic wrap and decorations removed. (January 14, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC extends public comment period on key global warming policy - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Wednesday announced that it is providing the public an additional 60 days to offer their comments on a preliminary global warming rule that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants - a major contributor to global warming. The new deadline for comments is March 13, 2007. Under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, seven Northeast states agreed to implement a cap-and-trade program that will be the first mandatory cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas pollution in United States history. A preliminary draft regulatory proposal was released by DEC on December 5, 2006. The additional time will allow more New Yorkers to offer their views on this critical issue. (Jan 11, 2007) New York State News on the Net!
Buffalo News - Some decry state's effort to save fish Dozens of local bait dealers and sport fisherman challenged the state Monday on its methods for containing a deadly virus that is killing off a wide variety of fish in the state's inland waters, including the Niagara River, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. While not at all dangerous to humans, viral hemorrhagic septicemia is a serious pathogenic virus affecting fresh and saltwater fish of varying species, sizes and age ranges, said Paul E. McKeown of the state Department of Environmental Conservation Region 9 Fisheries Unit. (Jan 10, 2008) The Buffalo News
Survey finds increased interest in dairy goats and sheep in New York -The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has released the results of the Dairy Goat and Sheep Survey, which was conducted to obtain a current and comprehensive view of the industry. The results show a significant increase in interest in dairy goat and sheep operations in New York State over the past decade. The survey was initiated in response to the dramatic increase in dairy goats last reported in the 2002 Census of Agriculture. In 2002, USDA reported 1,146 farms in New York having 12,822 dairy goats. This represents a 68 percent increase over the 5,000 dairy goats counted in 1997. Dairy sheep are not counted in the National Census, however anecdotal observations indicate increases in these operations as well. (Jan 10, 2007) New York State News on the Net!
MPNnow.com: Energy, development and politics Electricity will flood the school district in the early part of the year and elections will dominate in late 2007. EAST ROCHESTER – From the hum of electricity at the school to neighborhood development – several issues that made headlines in 2006 will see print again as East Rochester moves through 2007. When the switch is finally flipped sometime in January, the East Rochester school district will be generating its own electricity. In October, a roughly 16-ton fuel cell was placed in the outdoor courtyard area in front of the school. The cell — which is 10 feet long, 18 feet wide and 10 feet high — goes through a process that converts natural gas into electricity. (Jan. 4, 2007) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
MPNnow.com: South Bristol's Wesley Hill Nature Preserve grows A Canadice resident has sold 32 acres to the Finger Lakes Land Trust. SOUTH BRISTOL — The Wesley Hill Nature Preserve now spans nearly 400 acres and includes a portion of one of the region's largest gorges, thanks to an Ontario County family. The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced this week it has purchased 32 acres from Canadice resident Don Schenkel. (Jan. 5, 2007) MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
MPNnow.com: Why is it so warm? Storms in the West have been getting headlines, but even more puzzling are record highs in the East tied to something called the North Atlantic Oscillation. Is global warming responsible? Some experts are zeroing in on a seesaw climate pattern that occurs over the North Atlantic, called the North Atlantic Oscillation or NAO — less publicly known than El Niño, and certainly less understood. MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
Henrietta adds a new park - Features of the 71-acre park include trails, a picnic shelter — HENRIETTA — Residents will soon have 71 acres to enjoy along the Genesee River at a new town park. The park, tentatively called Riverfront Park, is just south of Scottsville-West Henrietta Road, near the Riverton Golf Course. It will feature trails, a picnic shelter and at least one playground, but no ball fields. "Maybe there will be some little ponds along the way, possibly a boat launch along the river," said town Supervisor Jim Breese. For close to three years, officials have been planning to acquire the land, but the deal was sealed just last month. (January 8, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Fairport Electric rewards customers for using Energy Star appliances - News - MSNBC.com If you buy or switch old appliances to Energy Star labeled appliances within the year, you can receive a rebate from the village anywhere from $80 to $2,000 per customer. "We not only want to get people to buy appliances that are more efficient, but we are also trying to get people to replace old. Less energy-efficient appliances earlier than other wise," said Ken Moore, village administrator. (January 07, 2006)
Canine Quarantine in Wayne County - 13WHAM.com Kyle Clark (East Williamson, N.Y.) -- Wayne County supervisors have laid down quarantine for dogs. They must be kept indoors or under control 24 hours a day between now and mid-April. The law is designed to protect the county's deer population and ensure a better hunt next season. 13WHAM: Local News (RSS 2.0)
Windfarm opponents to get day in court ROCHESTER - Opponents of proposed wind farm projects in the town of Prattsburgh will have their day in court. The state Appellate Court recently ruled against a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency by the Advocates for Prattsburgh. The Advocates allege SCIDA did not adequately review environmental information provided by wind farm developer EcoGen before the board gave the review its final approval late last year. Steuben Courier
Researchers Will Work With Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Susan Powers, associate dean for Research and Graduate Studies at Clarkson's Coulter School of Engineering, was paying special attention today when Governor Pataki announced that $24 million was being awarded to two companies for the development and construction of the state's first cellulosic ethanol plants. That's because Powers and other environmental researchers and students at Clarkson will participate in the project with Mascoma Corporation, one of the companies receiving the state funding. Mascoma, with the help of a $14 million grant from the governor, will build a 500,000-gallon-a-year cellulosic ethanol pilot facility in Greece, near Rochester. (January 06, 07) Energy News from EnergyDaily.com
Weird warmth puzzles plants - With springlike temperatures and no snow cover, buds making early arrival. — As above-normal temperatures have stretched into January, the Rochester region's landscapes have been growing faster and without their usual insulating blanket of white. That creates an unusual dynamic for plants and wildlife. (January 6, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Warmth Brings Out The Buds - Most Januaries, we don't expect to see the kinds of things one will notice on a walk through Highland Park. But a much warmer-than-usual winter means flowers are flowering, and buds on trees and shrubs are budding. (January 5, 2007) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Green Party to meet Monday— The Green Party of Monroe County’s annual meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday in the fifth-floor conference room, Auditorium Center, 875 E. Main St., Rochester. (January 5, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Recycle your tree and improve nature park’s trails — People can recycle their Christmas trees from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Tinker Nature Park, 1525 Calkins Road. The mulch generated will be used on the park’s nature trail. (January 5, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Water bureau opens a 'green' building — Old public works buildings that stood more than 70 years along Felix Street have been ground into inch-diameter rubble of brick and concrete and now lie just below the surface of the new Water Bureau Operations Center. "We had a huge mountain of this recyclable material," said Michael Bushart, senior engineer in the city's water bureau. "That became the foundation material for either the parking lot, the building, or some backfill." Reuse of the old structures is one reason the new center could become the first municipal building in Rochester recognized for outstanding design by the U.S. Green Building Council. Bushart said the city will submit its application later this month for certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold project. (January 5, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
PoughkeepsieJournal.com - State to host meeting on fish virus NEW PALTZ - The Department of Environmental Conservation will host a meeting Thursday to present information and answer questions about the wild fish disease, viral hemorrhagic septicemia. The virus is a pathogen of fish and does not pose any threat to public health. Relatively common in continental Europe and Japan, prior to 2003 the disease was limited in North America to marine species in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In freshwater, VHS had been associated primarily with trout and salmon. Formal public comments on the draft regulation will not be accepted during the informational meetings. The draft rulemaking is available at http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/propregs . Public comments can be submitted to DEC by writing to: Shaun Keeler, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4750; or by calling DEC at (518) 402-8920.
Rochester - The new ethanol: hope or hype? - Rochester gets in on the next big thing in biofuels - News & Opinion - News articles - City Newspaper Energy -It's the holy grail of renewable-energy research: a liquid fuel that can be harvested sustainably, burned cleanly, and doesn't come from an unstable part of the world. And maybe, just maybe, it will be manufactured at a plant near you. The fuel in question is ethanol. Specifically, cellulosic ethanol. Ethanol is an alcohol made from fermenting sugar that can be burned as a fuel in internal combustion engines. Rochester - News, Music, Restaurants, Events, Arts and Entertainment Newspaper - City Newspaper
Officials to discuss VHS virus - With all the phenomenal fishing in nearby Great Lakes waters, the biggest fishing story for 2007 begins with a public informational session on Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) to start the new year. The Department of Environmental Conservation has arranged a series of informational meetings statewide, with Western New York sessions to be held for Region 8 in the Holiday Inn at Waterloo on Wednesday and Region 9 at Woodlawn Beach State Park in Hamburg on Jan. 8. Both meetings are set for 7-9 p.m. The Buffalo News
Where's winter? El Niño said to cause startling warmth in East — Maybe Rochester's winter hitched a ride out of town on the high-speed ferry. Regardless, winter weather has been notably absent. Last month, the Rochester area saw the least amount of snowfall of any December on record with the National Weather Service going back to 1940. (January 4, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle