July 2005 news

•  Great Lakes Agreement Forged - ALBANY, NEW YORK (2005-06-30) Governor Pataki and the governors of eight other states that border the Great Lakes have agreed on a plan to preserve the Lakes and prevent outside interests from taking their water for other purposes. The updated draft agreement adds stronger provisions to prevent unregulated diversion of water from the Great Lakes. As water supplies in other parts of the country and the world become scarcer, there are concerns that the largest collection of freshwater lakes on the planet could be increasingly attractive to companies looking to sell it and ship it to other places. (July 1, 2005) wxxi NewsRoom
•  106 geese from town park rounded up and killed - Stiglmeier Park visitors were stunned by what they didn't see at the Cheektowaga Park on Wednesday - Canada geese. Federal workers, at the request of the town, rounded up 106 geese Tuesday night and took them to an out-of-town poultry processor. "I don't understand," said an emotional Marie Yetman, part of a grass-roots group that had been working to prevent the killing of the geese. "They're gone." More geese will appear, said John J. Jaroszewski Jr., director of the town parks division. "They'll probably be in the park within a day or so," he said. He said it took several hours for a handful of U.S. Department of Agriculture staff members to put the 106 geese into crates Tuesday night. The geese are molting and cannot fly. (July 2, 2005) The Buffalo News
•  Chemical applied to Sodus Bay to get rid of weeds, health guidelines issued - If you plan on heading to Sodus Bay you might want to wait. A strong chemical is now in the water to help clear the bay of stubborn seaweed and other weeds. But, some say that chemical could cause health problems. A group of neighbors trying to stop the treatment from happening lost their battle this time but are still looking for answers when it comes to their safety. It's a big concern for people who live near the bay including Debra Brown. “This is not a proper time to do it and people coming in on boats in and having no idea that this is happy at all.”  (July 6, 2005) 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
•  Improving Stormwater Quality - Minimizing pollutants in stormwater runoff is a continual and growing concern throughout the nation. The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972 with goals of eliminating pollutants discharged to the nation’s waters and to achieve a level of water quality that provides protection for fish, shellfish, wildlife and recreation. In the 1970s, local emphasis was placed on building and upgrading wastewater treatment facilities. In the 1980s, the emphasis shifted to Industrial Pretreatment; in the 1990s, to improving stormwater quality for large municipalities; and in the 2000s, to working on improving stormwater quality in medium and small municipalities. Monroe County Stormwater Coalition
•  State's Blood Supplies Critically Low, Commissioner Novello Calls on New Yorkers to Donate - In response to critically low blood supplies statewide, State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello today urged New Yorkers eligible to donate blood to do so. "Current blood supply shortages are forcing many hospitals across the state to cancel elective surgeries. We need donations now to avert critically low blood supplies. Give the gift of life, donate today," said Dr. Novello. Those residents living in upstate counties who wish to donate blood are urged to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-448-3543. In the New York City Metropolitan area, donors may contact their local hospital or the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-BLOOD. New York State Department of Health
•  A Strategy to Restore and Protect the Great Lakes -Draft Action Plan July 2005 - In December 2004, the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration of National Significance (GLRC) was launched, creating a unique partnership of key members from federal, state, and local governments, tribes, and other stakeholders for the purpose of developing a strategic action plan. This strategic plan was intended to build upon the extensive regional efforts to date, working together toward a common goal of restoring and protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem for this and future generations.  --U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
•  Great Lakes Regional Collaboration draft document - The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC) is a wide-ranging, cooperative effort to design and implement a strategy for the restoration, protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes. The draft plan was released for public comment on July 7, 2005. A 60-day public comment period will occur July 7 through September 9, 2005.
•  Billions Needed to Improve Great Lakes, Coalition Says - WASHINGTON, July 7 - A coalition of government agencies, businesses and environmental groups on Thursday offered a blueprint for improving the deteriorating health of the Great Lakes, including spending $13.75 billion over five years to stop untreated sewage from overflowing into the lakes from aging wastewater treatment plants. The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
•  Wide-ranging Great Lakes cleanup proposed -Associated Press - TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – From cleaning toxic hot spots to repelling the exotic species invasion, a blueprint requested by President Bush calls for governments at all levels to help solve the Great Lakes’ biggest environmental problems. A partnership of federal, state, tribal and local agencies released a draft plan Thursday for restoring the lakes ecosystem, which officials said remains in peril despite improvements in the past 30 years. FortWayne.com : Fort Wayne news, sports, jobs, homes, cars
•  City Newspaper: Green plans It's surprisingly tough to find full-time environmentalists in Rochester. National advocacy groups tend to gravitate toward centers of media or government like New York or Albany, and even statewide and regional groups pass our city by. At recent hearings for the 48-hour pesticide neighborhood notification bill you could have bumped into the paid staffers of environmental advocacy groups based out of Buffalo and Syracuse, and even Long Island. But none from Rochester. (Caveat: The state Public Interest Research Group does open an office here for the summer canvassing season, but only for canvassing; the nice college kid you gave that check to doesn't spend her evenings lobbying lawmakers.) City Newspaper
•  Public ponders 3 lake plans - Meetings will seek comments on water levels - — For the first time in nearly 50 years, New Yorkers will get a chance to determine how water levels are regulated in Lake Ontario. Based in part on public comments this summer, a new water regulation scheme will be chosen in 2006 from among three candidate plans. They were developed over five years in an intensive $25 million U.S.-Canadian study. The plans are being outlined in a series of public hearings on both sides of the border, including two this month in the Rochester area. (July 11, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Hosta Virus X - Growing attention is being given to "Hosta Virus X", as it is apparent that is not limited to one area of the country. Hosta affected by virus are present in shipments by major vendors to varied garden centers. Regional hosta experts have reported seeing signs of Hosta Virus X in plants at a number of upstate NY garden retailers. Depending on the coloration of the varieties' leaves, the signs of Hosta Virus X may be apparent or tough to detect. Definitive tests in the laboratory are the only way to positively identify if the plant contains the virus. Below, normal and virus-affected leaves of hosta. --from Rochester Gardening
•  Ginna plant to hold a drill today - If you live in Wayne County or eastern Monroe County and you're up early today, you might see a lot of firetrucks and other emergency workers. "Don't panic," said Wayne County Fire Coordinator Rick Bond of Sodus. "It's a drill that we're required to do." The Ginna nuclear power plant is holding the drill to see how procedures work in an emergency situation. The simulation will center on two areas — the Ginna parking area in Ontario as well as a plaza parking lot at Route 104 and Slocum Road. (July 10, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Land trust raising money to buy Grimes Glen — A western New York land trust has set its sights on buying and preserving Grimes Glen, a wild 26-acre patch of land just off a residential street in Naples, Ontario County. The deep glen is privately owned but for decades has been a de-facto public park. A creek that scours the glen is walkable in sneakers. Wooded hillsides are untouched by invasive plants. What's next The Finger Lakes Land Trust has until the end of 2005 to exercise its purchase option for Grimes Glen. For more on the campaign, or for information on guided field trips to the glen, call the Canandaigua office at (585) 394-4189. (July 6, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Environmental Advocates Praises Improved Plan to Protect Great Lakes Water -(Albany, NY) – Environmental Advocates of New York today applauded the release today of two draft agreements designed to prevent destructive diversions of water from the Great Lakes and environmental damage caused by unregulated water use within the Great Lakes Basin. The eight U.S. governors and two Canadian premiers of the states and provinces bordering the Great Lakes unveiled the revised draft agreements after nearly a year of negotiations to incorporate the more than 10,000 public comments that were received following an initial set of draft proposals last summer. Environmental Advocates of New York
•  Monroe to Treat Toxic Hogweed - Monroe County plans to used a herbicide to kill a toxic weed that's flowered in Ellison Park. County health director Dr. Andrew Doniger said park crews will apply Roundup to the portion of the park where Giant Hogweed has grown. Giant Hogweed is a toxic invasive species indigenous to Asia.When its watery sap comes in contact with human skin, and that skin is exposed to sunlight, painful, burning blisters that can later develop into blackened scars can result. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  N.Y. may cap gas emissions - ALBANY - People looking to purchase motor vehicles starting in 2009 may find many more environmentally friendly options if a regulation proposed by the state Department of Environment and Conservation is approved. The department held a hearing last week on a measure that would require companies to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from cars and trucks they sell. Modeled after California's emissions-cutting rules, the regulation would, starting in 2009, lower the cap on the levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide fleets of cars are allowed to emit. Companies that do not meet these requirements would not be allowed to sell their cars in the state. Star-Gazette.COM - Local News
•  DEC Announces Adoption of New Deer Hunting Season Changes - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced the adoption of a number of proposed changes to the Southern Zone deer hunting season for 2005. "After several months of evaluating the input received from the public, DEC's modifications to the deer hunting season structure represent a number of changes that will enhance youth hunting opportunities, expand existing seasons, and create new and unique opportunities to learn about additional deer management tools," Commissioner Sheehan said. "These changes reflect the changing needs of deer management and deer hunters." New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
•  Whomp of ferry waves stirs shoreline concerns — On the Fourth of July, Ronald Arndt invited friends over to his beachfront home in Kendall, Orleans County. He supplied the refreshments. The entertainment was supplied by Rochester's high-speed ferry, plying Lake Ontario waters 2 miles offshore: a 10-minute succession of crashing waves 3 or more feet high. (July 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Ecological issues pursue fast ferry - Environmentally speaking, size matters. The Spirit of Ontario, Rochester's high-speed ferry, is a big machine. It's nearly as long as a football field (284 feet), capable of high speeds (50 mph) and powered by four immense diesel engines (rated together at 44,000 horsepower). The ship, nicknamed The Cat, has an environmental footprint to match its size. Included are impacts from air pollution, fuel consumption and noise. The ferry also has the potential to erode beaches, disturb shoreline habitats, and stir up sediments. What's at stake
  Air quality and, perhaps, serenity. Rochester's high-speed ferry runs on polluting marine diesel fuel and, some say, makes too much noise doing it. These are just two of the environmental impacts that contribute to an ongoing public debate about the merits of the big ship. (July 14, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  City Newspaper: Green plans It's surprisingly tough to find full-time environmentalists in Rochester. National advocacy groups tend to gravitate toward centers of media or government like New York or Albany, and even statewide and regional groups pass our city by. At recent hearings for the 48-hour pesticide neighborhood notification bill you could have bumped into the paid staffers of environmental advocacy groups based out of Buffalo and Syracuse, and even Long Island. But none from Rochester. (Caveat: The state Public Interest Research Group does open an office here for the summer canvassing season, but only for canvassing; the nice college kid you gave that check to doesn't spend her evenings lobbying lawmakers.) City Newspaper
•  New water plant a step closer -The Basket Road facility is receiving $4 million in federal funds to start the $140 million project. Construction of the Monroe County Water Authority's newest water treatment facility on Basket Road could begin as early as next summer thanks to a $4 million grant from the federal government. Webster Post
•  Brownfields clean up grants announced - Governor George Pataki yesterday announced nearly $1.2 million in Environmental Restoration Program grants to investigate environmental contamination at 10 sites in Cortland, Genesee, Madison, Oneida, St. Lawrence, Schenectady, Suffolk and Sullivan counties. The grants are being funded through the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. Batavia, NY News
•  Crowd considers plans to regulate Lake Ontario levels — Along Lake Ontario, east and west of Rochester, any meeting on water levels draws a bigger crowd than a rock concert. Thursday evening was no exception, when more than 200 people crowded into a meeting room at Greece Town Hall to listen to experts outline three alternate plans to regulate water levels in Ontario. On the Web - To see the IJC's study process, go to www.losl.org . For a look at the alternate plans, click on "What's New." Public comments are welcome through Aug. 5.(July 22, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Urban farm will add greenhouse, classrooms - Trash-filled lot turned into gardens -  Advocates for an urban farm in northeast Rochester broke ground Wednesday for a new agricultural center on Sander Street. It will occupy a corner of the Vineyard, a 2.7-acre farm there. The plot of trees and greenery is a pleasant echo of the farm it once was, starting in 1872. On the Web - To learn more about the Vineyard and related urban gardens in northeast Rochester, go to www.grubrochester.com or www.nena10.com . To help, call (585) 544-0140.  (July 21, 2005) —Democrat and Chronicle
•  Renaissance Square forum being held Tuesday - News - MSNBC.com Rochester, NYUSA - You can express your ideas and ask questions about the Renaissance Square project during an open house workshop being held Tuesday at Monroe Community College. The workshop is being held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center. Rochester, NY news from WHEC-TV - MSNBC.com
•  WXXI: Senate Panel Puts Another $8 Million Into Renaissance Square (2005-07-21) ROCHESTER, NY (2005-07-21) Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton say the Senate Appropriations Committee has recommended another eight million dollars in federal funding for the Renaissance Square project. The full United States Senate still has to approve the funding, which is included in the Fiscal 2006 Urban Development Appropriations Bill. wxxi NewsRoom
•  Brooks Announces County Environmental Photography Competition - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that the Monroe County Environmental Management Council (EMC) is sponsoring the 2005 Environmental Photography Competition and Show. Entries must be postmarked by August 17, 2005 or received at the EMC office at 111 Westfall Road by August 19, 2005... Monroe County
•  City Park Lake More Like City Dump - Laura Arney is a member of the Rochester branch of the Sierra Club. She said all the trash is a real cause for concern for a number of reasons, including that many birds mistake garbage for food. Eating it can make them sick or even kill them. "This is not the type of environment that we want wildlife in,” Arney said, “and it's not much to put a gum wrapper or a potato chip wrapper in your pocket and take it home with you." (July 26, 2005)  http://www.rnews.com
•  Congress OKs funds for Renaissance Square, roads — WASHINGTON — Rochester's Renaissance Square downtown development project will end up getting nearly $17 million under the final version of the federal highway bill passed Friday. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., secured $10 million to design and build the transit center, which will include a new Monroe Community College campus and a performing arts center. (July 30, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Possibly poisonous playgrounds in Monroe County - The Environmental Protection Agency reached a voluntary agreement with the wood preserving industry in 2003 to phase out the use of CCA as a wood preservative. However, many of Monroe County's municipal playgrounds were built in the early 1990s, when CCA was still a common wood preservative. WROC TV NEWS 8 NOW ROCHESTER NEW YORK
•  Water authority building second plant as part of Homeland Security plan - Homeland Security is one reason why the Monroe County Water Authority is building a second water treatment plant. The plant will be located on Basket Road in Webster, not far from Lake Ontario. The new plant would add 50 million gallons to the approximately 140 million gallons a day coming from the Shoremont Plant in Greece. The water authority has transmission lines that cross under the Genesee River. 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
•  State seeking public comment on invasive species State environmental officials want to hear stories of New Yorkers' encounters with invasive plant and animal species to help form strategies to protect native flora and fauna — and Beth Herr is eager to contribute. The state released a draft report by a special task force on the subject and will hold public meetings next week to hear what residents of different areas have to say about things like Mile-a-Minute, a fast-growing weed from Asia, and phragmites, a 14-foot-tall reed that some say is choking other plants out in local wetlands. Meeting Tuesday; input until Sept. 14 - For those interested in commenting on the Invasive Species Task Force's report about non-native species of plants, animals and pathogens, the closest public meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Department of Environmental Conservation's regional headquarters, Meeting Room 3, 21 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz. Comments on the report will be accepted through Sept. 14. Written comments can be sent electronically to fwhabtat@gw.dec.state.ny.us  ("ISTF Report" in subject line) or mailed to New York state Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4756, Attn: ISTF Report.
•  Tainted water doubles beach closings, report says - (July 29, 2005) — Contaminated water closed beaches in New York state more than twice as often in 2004 as it did the year before, says a report released Thursday by the National Resources Defense Council. The tally: 1,503 such closings statewide last year, compared with 692 the year before. On the Web - For the report, go to www.nrdc.org .Democrat and Chronicle
•  Lead taints 88% of older city homes - UR surveys exteriors in 2 neighborhoods; results called 'stunning' - UR surveys exteriors in 2 neighborhoods; results called 'stunning' - (July 30, 2005) — Close to 90 percent of older houses in Rochester's core neighborhoods show signs of exterior lead contamination. That's the conclusion of a University of Rochester Medical Center study released Friday. The study was based on intensive field inspections of houses in two neighborhoods during two weeks in mid-July. Democrat and Chronicle
•  Urban ag -The Rochester Vineyard Community Garden is a center-city secret. There are no signs leading up to it, and it's not easy to see from the street, tucked away on a parcel of land just off Sander and Bay Streets. But this little oasis is about to become a lot more visible. Last week, the NorthEast Neighborhood Alliance and the Greater Rochester Urban Bounty Group broke ground for the garden's Agricultural Center, a 2,400 square foot, two-story complex that will include a commercial kitchen, classrooms, conference facilities, and retail space. Visitors will enter through a 480-square-foot greenhouse. http://www.rochester-citynews.com
•  City deer in cross hairs - Canandaigua officials may turn to hunting to control a deer population that has caused accidents, ruined lawns and attacked pets.  CANANDAIGUA - Residents on North Pearl, West Gibson and Chapel streets asked members of the city's Environmental Committee Thursday to do something to control an increasing deer population that is wreaking havoc in their lawns and on the roads. Daily Messenger
•  S. Bristol — 'It's too late' to stop lake project - But the state does plan to conduct an environmental review of an upscale home project off Seneca Point Road.  SOUTH BRISTOL - The Town Board won't try to stop Ketmar Development from building up to 20 upscale homes and 30 boat slips on a rise above Canandaigua Lake. Daily Messenger
•  Human West Nile Virus Infection Now Identified in New York State, Health Officials Urge Prevention Putnam County Youth Tests Positive for West Nile Virus - ALBANY, NY, July 28, 2005 – State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. P.H. today announced that a Putnam County youth has tested positive for West Nile virus and urged New Yorkers to take extra measures to protect themselves from this potentially serious infection. Results from the State Health Department's Wadsworth Center laboratories repeated earlier findings from a commercial laboratory indicating West Nile virus infection. The child became ill several weeks ago but has since recovered. With yesterday's announcement that two New York City residents have been preliminarily diagnosed with West Nile fever, health officials are stressing the need for additional precautions. "These findings should remind all New Yorkers that we must renew our efforts to reduce the potential for serious illness by protecting ourselves from mosquito bites," Dr. Novello said. "Although older New Yorkers, who are at highest risk of health effects from West Nile virus, should be especially careful, infection can occur in all age groups with potentially severe consequences." New York State Department of Health
•  WXXI: Groups Want Dirty Power Plants Cleaned Up (2005-07-26) ALBANY, NEW YORK (2005-07-26) Environmental groups say six of the top ten dirtiest power plants in the Northeast are located in New York State. They are urging Governors of Northeastern states, who are working on a pollution reduction pact, to come up with strict new rules to curb emissions. A report, using data from the US Department of Energy, found a small number of dirty power plants in the northeastern United States are responsible for producing over half of the pollution in the region that is associated with global warming. Those plants include Dunkirk and Huntley in Western New York, Northport, on Long Island, and Roseton, in Newburgh, in the Hudson Valley. All of the plants are decades old and were grand fathered in under the federal clean air act. It was assumed at the time that the plants would eventually close, and newer, cleaner plants would take their place. Melinda Sobin, of the New York Public Interest Research Group, says that hasn't happened. She says the result is dirtier air, and inefficient power plants. wxxi NewsRoom