May 2005 news

•  Wetland protection may grow-— Every month — rain, snow or shine — members of the Crescent Trail Association in Perinton set off on an excursion, using the 40 miles of single-file trails that wind through town. Along the way, the hikers get regular views of the wildlife-rich marshy areas now getting so much attention in Albany Local groups applaud state proposal to guard smaller areas  (May 2, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Deal at Braddock Bay keeps more land green Genesee Land Trust buys five acres — The Genesee Land Trust, a nonprofit conservancy group based in Rochester, announced Monday that it has bought five undeveloped acres in the western corner of Braddock Bay. The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, ensures the land will be preserved as wild habitat for the millions of migratory birds that flood the region in spring and fall. It's part of a green corner of Greece along Lake Ontario called the Braddock Bay/Salmon Creek complex, a marshy, wooded patchwork of public and private land. (May 3, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  State's 'north coast' scrutinized - Spencerport sewage switch is one move to help Ontario's shore.- (May 7, 2005) — As early as 2008, Spencerport will shut down its sewage treatment plant and link into Monroe County's system. That will reduce accidental pollution affecting Long Pond in Greece. The plan is the kind of small, local action that — when multiplied by the hundreds — could reverse environmental damage to the streams, wetlands and estuaries bordering Lake Ontario. What's next - The Rochester-based Center for Environmental Information is promoting its Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative by distributing a pledge to help restore and protect New York's "north coast. " For a mailable version, go to www.ceinfo.org . Or call (585) 262-2870.
•  Environmental experts meet in Rochester to discuss Great Lakes problems - Cleaning up the algae at Charlotte Beach was one of the issues discussed by environmentalists from across the nation at a meeting in Rochester Friday. The group wants to solve that problem and others facing New York’s northern coast. For the past few summers the health department has closed Charlotte Beach periodically because of problems with algae. Often the odor is so strong people haven't wanted to use the beach. News 10NBC learned Rochester is among a number of communities along the great lakes with beach problems, problems that aren't that easy to fix.10NBC / WHEC TV-10
•  Algae Study Done By Year's End -The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it should complete its study on the algae problem in Lake Ontario by the end of this year.  May 05, 2005 R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Deer disease threatens to sicken area economy - — WASHINGTON — A deadly deer disease could cost upstate New York's hunting industry millions of dollars unless the federal government steps in quickly, Sen. Charles Schumer warned Wednesday. Seven deer in Oneida County recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a fatal illness of the nervous system that afflicts deer and elk. What's at stake - Deer hunting in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region. Chronic wasting disease, fatal to deer, could spread from Oneida County, threatening the state's hunting industry.(May 12, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Rochester one of five upstate cities that will take part in new tree program - SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) – Rochester is among five upstate cities that will take part in a program that aims to plant more than 100,000 new trees over the next five years. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton says the first phase of the urban greening program will involve grants from American Forests and Coleman Natural Foods for the purchase and planting of trees. In the second phase, Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, Binghamton and Poughkeepsie will share 100-thousand trees donated by American Forests and Coleman Natural Foods. 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
•  Saturday's your chance to junk air conditioners — Stay Cool! on Saturday at a free public event designed to get inefficient air conditioners out of homes and into the trash. Stay Cool!, a program of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, has organized the statewide collection of 260,000 old air conditioning units in the last five years. For household hazardous waste pickups at any other time, county residents may call (585) 760-7600. (May 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  State Health Department Reminds New Yorkers to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves, Pets from Rabies ALBANY, May 13, 2005 – State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H. today reminded New Yorkers to take precautions against rabies by avoiding contact with any wild animals and vaccinating their pets. As part of the State's public awareness efforts, Governor Pataki has proclaimed May as 'Rabies Awareness Month' in New York State. Dr. Novello said "It is important to note that no humans have been confirmed with rabies in New York State over the past five years. However, rabies is a public health issue that we continue to combat in coordination with communities statewide to help better educate New Yorkers about the disease and the precautions they should take to avoid being exposed to rabid animals." New York State Department of Health
•  State Health Commissioner Novello Urges New Yorkers to Take Precautions to Avoid Tick Bites, Prevent Lyme Disease ALBANY, NY, May 11, 2005 - State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., today launched an education and awareness campaign, "Be Tick Free" to urge New Yorkers to protect themselves against potential tick-borne diseases that may cause chronic health conditions. As part of the State's public awareness efforts, Governor Pataki has proclaimed May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in New York State. Dr. Novello said, "Lyme disease is a serious illness that we continue to combat in coordination with local health departments to help better educate New Yorkers about the disease and the precautions they can take to avoid being bitten by ticks. Our coordinated efforts with communities where ticks are reportedly most prevalent are going a long way to help us in the fight against Lyme disease." New York State Department of Health
•  Landfill lawsuit tossed out - Judge backs Albion board's rejection of dump on Erie Canal - — A state Supreme Court justice has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the Albion Town Board over a decision two years ago to deny permits for a landfill proposed along the banks of the Erie Canal. Waste Management of New York LLC had proposed opening a 72-acre Towpath Environmental and Recycling Center on a closed landfill along the canal bank between Densmore and Transit roads near the Murray town line. The new landfill would have expanded the old Orleans Sanitary Landfill, which closed in the early 1990s when its owner was charged with accepting too much trash and falsifying business records. (May 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  The Backyard Habitat Garden Tour: Saturday, June 18 from 9 to 4 p.m. - Tour features yards demonstrating excellent wildlife habitat plantings. Includes two nationally certified wildlife gardens; Park and East Avenue neighborhoods, Brighton, Irondequoit, the Children’s Garden and a woodland habitat nestled within a Genesee Land Trust conservation easement. Tour is self-guided and self-paced. Gardeners are available for questions. Tickets are $15 for non-members and $12 for GLT members and will be available this spring at GLT and Wegmans. Volunteer Garden Greeters needed! Please call Margaret Potter at 256-2130. Click here for sneak preview of some of this year's gardens --from Genesee Land Trust
•  Positive Cases of Chronic Wasting Disease Found in New York State - Two positive cases of CWD have been identified in wild deer in Oneida County, and DEC has filed emergency regulations to ensure the proper handling of deer and prevent further spread of CWD in the wild herd. Positive cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in New York State have previously been confirmed in white-tailed deer from captive herds in Oneida County. CWD is a transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer and elk. There is no evidence that CWD is linked to disease in humans or domestic livestock other than deer and elk. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
•  Pesticide appliers fight law - Lawn care companies push for registry instead of notification. -— Call it a day of turf wars. On Tuesday, three separate events in Rochester underscored a months-long local battle over a proposed law that would restrict commercial pesticide use in Monroe County. Lawmakers are deliberating a notification law that passed in 2000 in Albany, and has an opt-in provision for counties. Endorsed by county executive Maggie Brooks in January, the measure would require applicators to give neighbors of lawn care clients written 48-hour notice before spraying pesticides. Industry sources say that would mean 100,000 letters going out five times a year. What's next - The Monroe County Legislature will likely vote on the 48-hour pesticide neighbor notification bill on June 14, during the next full session. Lawn care companies say their alternative, a voluntary registry, would make a better law.  (May 11, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Report: Nearly all of N.Y. wetlands in legal limbo - ithacajournal.com ALBANY -- About 94 percent of the wetlands in New York are in legal limbo with no current government oversight, according to a report released Thursday by the Sierra Club. More than 270,000 wetland areas, ranging in size from one-acre bogs to 12-acre swamps, are too small to meet the minimum requirement for state oversight, the report said. Meanwhile, a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court decision struck down the federal government's ability to regulate small, isolated wetlands. As a result landowners and developers have lots of leeway to decide whether to fill in a wetland or build a road through it. The Sierra Club, together with other environmental groups and a hunting and fishing organization, called on the state Senate to pass a bill that would give the state Department of Environmental Conservation jurisdiction over small wetlands. Report: Nearly all of N.Y. wetlands in legal limbo - ithacajournal.com
•  DEC Tests Mendon Site Groundwater - The Department of Environmental Conservation is testing groundwater near a Mendon housing tract where more than 100 barrels of contaminants were found. The barrels contained paint and solvents. Workers grading land at a construction site in Mendon made the discovery last week. The DEC believes they were buried on the site at least 30 years ago. (May 12, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  ER Schools Wants to Use Fuel Cell -East Rochester residents learned more about the school district's proposal to use alternative power. The district wants to install a hydrogen fuel cell to produce electricity. (May 10, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Wind farm plan takes a licking in Livingston — SPRINGWATER — The Town Board heard the voices of the people Sunday on a proposed 14-turbine wind energy farm that has stirred controversy and emotions throughout the community. An overwhelming majority of those who officially registered their position opposed the wind farm, which PPM Atlantic Renewable wants to build. What's next: The Springwater Town Board will discuss a possible moratorium on wind farms during its meeting at 7 p.m. June 6 in Town Hall, 8022 S. Main St.(May 16, 2005)  Democrat and Chronicle
•  Schumer announces Chronic Wasting Disease plan — Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-NY, announced a plan today that will help hunters brace for the impact of Chronic Wasting Disease. The first case of the fatal disease, which strikes deer and elk, was confirmed this year in Oneida County. Chronic Wasting Disease is not transmitted to humans; transmission among animals is not well understood. (May 11, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Aging Sewer Systems Fouling Great Lakes - Sewage is fouling the Great Lakes and other waters in the region because many municipal waste treatment systems are failing to stop overflows, environmental groups said in a report Tuesday. Most municipal systems in six Great Lakes states that combine stormwater with domestic and industrial sewage haven't met minimum federal standards for preventing such discharges, nor have they received approval for long-term plans to control overflows, the report said. (May, 2005) ENN: Environmental News Network
•  Experts say Mendon site is no Love Canal — HONEOYE FALLS — So far, no problem. But stay tuned. That was the message Wednesday night as members of the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Monroe County Health Department met with residents to discuss environmental contamination at the Rolling Plains subdivision in Mendon. "People shouldn't be getting sick," said county Health Director Dr. Andrew Doniger. "We really don't think you are living in the next Love Canal." (May 19, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  State may expand Canadice park - But the Office of Parks and Recreation's plan to buy more property isn't necessarily a good thing, says the town supervisor.  CANADICE - Town officials are wary about the state's plans to enlarge and improve the Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area. Messenger Post Newspapers
•  Farm Runoff - More than $300,000 in state grants will help keep agricultural runoff from contaminating waterways in Orleans and Genesee counties. Assemblyman Charles H. Nesbitt, R-Albion, Orleans County, has announced that $284,763 in state Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control Program funds will be used to implement best management practices on four farms in the Oak Orchard Watershed. WGRZ-TV -- 2 On Your Side in Western New York
•  West Nile Shows Up in Perinton Crow - The West Nile Virus has surfaced in Monroe County early this season. The Monroe County Health Department says a dead crow found in Perinton was carrying the mosquito-borne illness. This is the second case in New York State. (May 17, 2005)  R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  PoughkeepsieJournal.com - State moves to follow California's vehicle emissions guide ALBANY — New York will adopt California's tough standards for motor vehicle emissions later this year under new regulations being sought by Gov. George Pataki to cut down on air pollutants and greenhouse gases. New York would be the first state outside California to adopt the standards on vehicle emissions like carbon dioxide, according to the Republican governor's office. The regulations mandate new vehicle certification levels for all passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles starting with the 2009 model year. Poughkeepsie Journal Home Page
•  Pesticide notification law stirs debate - Opponents are pushing for a voluntary registry. The question of whether to participate in an optional state law requiring neighbors to be notified 48 hours in advance of pesticide spraying is stirring controversy in Monroe County. East Rochester Post
•  Golisano joins wind farm debate - Former gubernatorial candidate forms agency aiding opposition - Prattsburgh | Former state gubernatorial candidate Tom Golisano has formed an agency designed to assist communities opposed to wind farms. Golisano announced the formation of Save Upstate New York at a standing-room-only meeting in Prattsburgh Central School on the proposed $80 million, 53-turbine EcoGen wind farm project in the towns of Prattsburgh and Italy.  Corning Leader
•  Pesticide law ok? -It took a little while to happen, but the pesticide notification law now appears poised for approval in the Monroe County Legislature. The law will require lawn-care companies who plan to spray pesticides to notify neighbors of the property being sprayed at least 48 hours beforehand. Seven other counties have opted into the same legislation, (Erie and Tompkins in this part of the state), and New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg signed a similar law last week. May 18-24 City Newspaper
•  London Free Press: News Section - Great Lakes water threatened A new report on their health warns of the dangers of continuing pollution. A new report on the health of the Great Lakes says the water is safe to drink, but threatened by continuing pollution, and you still need a guidebook to be sure the fish are safe to eat. The report, in a departure from many previous ones filled with tough-to-absorb scientific lingo, is written in plain language, meant to be "public friendly," say officials at Environment Canada. (May 27, 2005) London Free Press:
•  State Health Department Urges New Yorkers to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves from Potential Exposure to West Nile Virus
  The arrival of Memorial Day historically marks the beginning of summer, it also signifies the beginning of increased mosquito activity in New York State. To increase public awareness, State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. P.H., is urging New Yorkers to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and protect themselves from potential exposure to West Nile virus. (May 27, 2005) New York State Department of Health
•  Polluted sites shown on map - Schumer says gas additive has contaminated 89 places in county - With massive gasoline storage tanks towering in the background, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., stood Friday on Genesee Park Boulevard and unveiled a map showing 89 spots in Monroe County that have been contaminated by methyl tertiary butyl ether, a gasoline additive and potential carcinogen.  (May 28, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Monroe's parks face undergrowth of worry - Amid joys of a gemlike system lie concerns over development, vandalism, nature itself - But the rave reviews are sometimes shaded with worry. Public parks also face challenges, including declining staffs and shrinking budgets — although officials contend that the parks have not suffered greatly from the cuts. Other problems: vandalism, breakneck ATV riders, parking woes and pressure from developers. You can help - To get involved, contact: City of Rochester, (585) 248-6770. County of Monroe, (585) 256-4956. www.rochesterenvironment.com , for list of local environmental groups. (May 29) Democrat and Chronicle
•  City parks easily absorb cut; no big disruptions — In the 2005-06 fiscal year, the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department budget was cut by $122,800, or slightly less than 1 percent. The reduction has not compromised the city's ability to maintain its parks, said Loretta Scott, Rochester's parks commissioner. Cuts were limited to swim programs with the fewest participants. (May 29, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Golisano fighting wind farms - Says towers will mar landscape; proponents cite cheaper power — After running three times for governor, Tom Golisano now has another campaign: against wind power. Rochester's resident billionaire and founder of Paychex Inc. is leading the charge against a state-backed plan to add hundreds, possibly thousands, of wind turbines in New York, including in the Finger Lakes region. The turbines would be as tall as 400 feet — almost as high as downtown Rochester's Xerox office tower, which soars 440 feet. And they would be as wide as a football field. (May 29, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  13WHAM-TV || Rochester - Schumer Wants Contaminated Sites Cleaned Up Albany, NY) - US Senator Chuck Schumer (D,NY) is threatening to filibuster a new energy bill. He said it would let oil companies off the hook for cleaning up the chemical MTBE, a gasoline additive that has been linked to cancer. Schumer said there are 89 sites in Monroe County where leaks were not cleaned up. 05/27/05 13WHAM-TV || Rochester
•  WIXT NEWSCHANNEL 9 - Wind Power Concerns ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - Billionaire Tom Golisano is using his own cash to help wage a battle against a plan that could lead to hundreds of wind turbines being set up across upstate New York. A policy was adopted last year by Gov. George Pataki and the state Public Service Commission requiring 24 percent of New York's electricity to be generated by renewable resources by 2013. (May 30, 200) WIXT NEWSCHANNEL 9