November 2005 news

•  Sea of Studies Doesn't Help Restoration of Great Lakes - Money Woes Undercut Hopes for Clean Water - CHICAGO, Oct. 29 -- From the algae blooms in Lake Erie to the invading zebra mussels in Lake Michigan, threats to the Great Lakes ecology stretch from A to Z. That would include B for bacteria, M for mercury and T for toxic spills. Chicago beaches close routinely because of E. coli contamination. Advisories are in place about eating fish contaminated with dangerous chemicals. Environmental advocates warn about sewage overflows, water diversion and the increasing demands of a thirsty population. Lake Huron and the rest of the Great Lakes face many threats that officials are asking the federal government to help address.  After many years of haphazard government stewardship, a broad study effort convened by the administration discovered much agreement on the vast water system's troubles. The problem is the cost. A draft report released in July suggested spending $20 billion in the coming years -- several times more than current expenditures, and more than influential members of the Bush administration consider affordable. washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines
•  Vaccine delays fuel fresh worries - Some area flu clinics are canceling because demand is far outstripping the availability Whether high-risk patients, such as the elderly and chronically ill, can get flu shots. Many doctors are having trouble getting vaccine, and some public clinics are being cancelled as demand exceeds supply. To get an updated list of flu shot clinics in Monroe County, go to www.monroecounty.gov  and click on "flu shot," or call (585) 753-5600. (November 5, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Most schools still use pesticides, report says — Pesticides have been linked to cancers, asthma and a range of other health problems, but only about a quarter of local schools avoid using the chemicals, according to a report released Thursday by Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides. "Twenty years ago, everyone was using pesticides, inside and outside," said Judy Braiman, RAMP spokeswoman, who has led the periodic surveys since they began in 1987. "Now, with what we know about pesticides ... I'm surprised so many are still using (these chemicals)."  (November 4, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  WXXI: Activists Say Fewer Schools Using Pesticides (2005-11-03) ROCHESTER, NY (2005-11-03) The organization "Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides" says seven private schools and public school districts in Monroe County have stopped using pesticides over the past five years. RAMP has been pushing Rochester-area schools since the late 1980s to quit applying pesticides inside their buildings. They argue that pesticides -- especially those containing neurotoxins -- are a particular risk for young children and adolescents.
•  FEDERAL AGENCIES BACKING DOWN FROM GREAT LAKES RESTORATION - In a report to the President, federal agencies are turning their back on the Great Lakes and the citizens of the region. The condition of the lakes is worsening and they remain extremely vulnerable. The lakes are nearing a tipping point. The federal agencies recognize this vulnerability; but they refuse to provide any new resources to fix it. Bush can fix this misguided report from these federal agencies. This report and its recommendations are utterly unsatisfactory. He needs to honor his commitment to the Great Lakes by acting to restore them. --from Great Lakes Restoration
•  U of R discusses bird flu pandemic - News - MSNBC.com The fight against a possible bird flu pandemic in the U.S. took center stage at the University of Rochester on Saturday. Government and local health officials discussed a strategy for fighting a potential outbreak. President Bush recently laid out a national strategy for dealing with a possible bird flu pandemic. On Saturday Congressman Tom Reynolds hosted a summit to make sure public health officials and the medical community are on the same page. Rochester, NY news from WHEC-TV - MSNBC.com
•  Local Leaders Push For The Passing Of Proposition Two - A Bi-partisan group of local lawmakers, along with business and labor leaders gathered in downtown Rochester on Friday to push for passage of the transportation bond act. That measure, which is proposition number two on next Tuesday's ballot, would fund nearly $3-billion-dollars worth of road, bridge, and other transportation projects around the state, including several in Monroe County. http://www.wham1180.com
•  Are We Ready For The Bird Flu? Researchers at the University of Rochester are on the case of the bird flu, and they have been for some time now. They met Saturday with local lawmakers and community leaders to discuss whether we're ready here for a potential bird flu pandemic, in a session hosted by Congressman Tom Reynolds. http://www.wham1180.com
•  Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) - County Executive Brooks Announces Opening of Home Energy Assistance Program for 2005-2006 - County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that the 2005-2006 heating season’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will open on November 1st this year. "The projected rise in heating costs has many residents, especially seniors, worried about the cost of heating their homes during the winter months," said Brooks. "This federally funded program can be a lifeline for those on fixed incomes or those struggling to make ends meet. Last winter, HEAP was able to serve 35,000 Monroe County households. This year, we anticipate that even more households may find themselves in need of assistance." --from Monroe County
•  People speak of need to help Great Lakes  — The mission of protecting the Great Lakes is getting larger by the day. And the governments of the United States and Canada must respond by facing broad impacts like those from global climate change, invasive species and emerging contaminants, area residents said Thursday night. Members of the International Joint Commission visited the city this week as they began the work of redrafting a 33-year-old, precedent-setting agreement between the two nations in which they agreed to work together to reduce pollution in the lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. About 20 residents turned out at City Hall to share their views. Comments from Thursday's session will be posted at www.ijc.org/glconsultations  within a week. Early in 2006, public comments from the 14 sessions, held throughout the Great Lakes basin, will be consolidated and presented to the American and Canadian governments. Work on redrafting the agreement is expected to begin in March, and a second round of public comment sessions will be held before a final draft is approved sometime next year. (November 11, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Vehicle emissions rule approved - N.Y. move against greenhouse gases called likely to change manufacturing — The air above Rochester's skyline could be cooler and clearer in the future, now that New York auto dealers must sell cars and trucks that produce lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The state Environmental Board on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to the rule, which requires better control of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons by model year 2009.  What's at stake:  Public health. The state Environmental Board gave unanimous approval Wednesday to stricter environmental standards for automobiles sold in New York. The new rule requires better control of emissions by model year 2009. California and Vermont already have such rules; eight other states expect to adopt similar rules by year's end. Together, they account for 30 percent of the U.S. auto market. (November 10, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Car-deer collisions rising — A surge in the number of deer carcasses Larry Stell pulls from the side of the road is as much a sign of fall as the color change in the leaves and the cool bite in the air. "As soon as (mating) season starts, it just explodes," said Stell, owner of Magnum Force Pest Elimination, the contractor that removes carcasses from state roadways in Monroe and Wayne counties. (November 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Experts on recycling to meet in Rochester - 'Zero waste' advocates say company leadership is key - (November 13, 2005) — Recycling is easy, maybe too easy. Despite advancements in technology and the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" mantra that most third-graders can recite, American landfills are filling faster than ever. Recycling rates peaked in the 1980s and in recent years have stalled or even declined in many places. "We're consuming more and throwing away more. ... We can't just recycle our way out of it," Linda Christopher of the Grassroots Recycling Network said Friday. The key, she said, is thinking about waste throughout a product's life, changing the way we think about production, packing and reuse — an approach that the nonprofit network calls "zero waste." (November 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Greyhound group celebrates 3rd birthday -— FAIRPORT — Greyhound Adoption of Greater Rochester will celebrate its third birthday Sunday with a bash fit for all "45-mph couch potatoes" and their owners. Since incorporating as a nonprofit organization, the Fairport-based group has found homes for 155 retired racing greyhounds. Some of them have been second adoptions by a family and, in some cases, even a third.  (November 11, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  NYSDEC Open Space Conservation Plan New York's Open Space Conservation Plan serves as the blueprint for the State's land conservation efforts, which during the past ten years, has conserved more than 924,000 acres of land across the State with an investment of more than $586 million in State land acquisition funding. The draft plan is now available for public review and comment. The comment period on the Draft closes at 4:45 p.m., January 18, 2006. --from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources
•  EPA Region 2 News 2005 EPA Funds Rochester Community-Based Projects To Reduce Local Exposure To Pollution EPA Funds Rochester Community-Based Projects To Reduce Local Exposure To Pollution FOR RELEASE: Thursday, November 3, 2005 (#05129) NEW YORK, N.Y. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $303,000 to the Center for Environmental Information in Rochester as part of the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant program. CARE supports communities in creating and using collaborative partnerships to reduce exposure to pollutants. The center was chosen out of a field of 132 applicants nationwide in this inaugural year of the CARE program. “CARE is a new EPA initiative designed to help communities improve their local environment for residents and workers,” EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg explained. “This can best be accomplished when groups at the local level identify areas of concern and set the agenda for action. EPA will provide technical assistance and support throughout the process.”
•  Buffalo News - State adopts tougher rules on emissions from vehicles ALBANY - The state joined California on Wednesday in requiring automobile manufacturers to adhere to strict new emission controls that officials say will reduce global warming and could cut the number of smog alerts in Western New York communities each summer. The edict will force car and light truck makers to incorporate design changes that reduce emissions from greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, by 30 percent by 2016. (November 11, 2005) The Buffalo News
•  Onondaga Lake is Breathing Again - A new study says Onondaga Lake is showing signs of improvement when it comes to cleanliness. The study shows oxygen levels in the chemical-choked lake have improved to the point where Onondaga County no longer needs to plan on pumping oxygen into the lake's bottom. That plan would have cost about $12.4 million. R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  DEC speaker: Controlling invasives takes teamwork -— New York state can't afford not to take action to control invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian milfoil -- but success requires collaboration, state official Lynette Stark said today. Stark, a representative of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, was in Rochester speaking to local arborists, nursery owners and landscapers.  (November 16, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Earth-Friendly Kids Honored - They pledge to recycle and help conserve the earth's resources and on Tuesday night, students throughout western New York were honored for their efforts to beautify our region. Students in the Wayne Central School District's elementary school in Ontario received a state award for turning in the most pledges for "America Recycles Day." http://www.rnews.com
•  Is Ethanol New York's Future? - Could ethanol be New York's future cash cow? New York State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan Rudgers said there are about two million acres of former farmland in New York that could be used to grow crops to make ethanol. http://www.rnews.com
•  Few attend hearings on nuclear plants The Nuclear Regulatory Commission should consider the environmental impact of Nine Mile Point's nuclear plants on zebra mussels, said one speaker at a meeting Thursday night at Scriba Town Hall. The comment was one of several made by five people who attended public meetings held by the federal nuclear agency to review the environmental impact of renewing Constellation Energy's licenses for its two nuclear plants in Oswego County. (November 18, 2005) Syracuse.com
•  Big hope for big trees - Regional duo explores area forests for champions - — For Richard Cook and Douglas Bassett, a simple walk in the park is anything but. Every tree in their path is a contender, to be sized up against their mental lists of soaring, sprawling trees. Cook, a landscape contractor from Irondequoit, and Bassett, a naturalist from Leicester, Livingston County, have spent the past five years on a mission to get local specimens recognized on state and national lists of big trees. (November 17, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Cool cars - Cars may be one of the leading sources of greenhouse gases, but in a few years that will be a little less true of New York's. Starting in 2009, the state will require all cars sold here to meet California's tough new emission standards for gases that are linked to global warming --- carbon dioxide and methane, among others. City Newspaper
•  New landfill to be topic Nov. 28 TYRE — Details on a landfill Scepter Inc. would like to build in town will be available during a public information meeting Nov. 28. The event, set for 7 p.m. at the McGee Fire Hall, will help answer questions on the management and regulation of the facility and potential impacts on neighbors and the town. Scepter, of 42 Auburn Road, Seneca Falls, an aluminum processing facility, would like to establish a landfill off Route 318 that would allow for the daily disposal of 55 tons of aluminum salt cakes, which are unusable byproducts of the recycling process, and fly ash. (November 11, 2005) Finger Lakes Times Geneva, NY
•  WXXI: City Breaks Ground for New Water Works (2005-11-18) ROCHESTER, NY (2005-11-18) Rochester city officials broke ground Friday afternoon on a 12-million dollar project to give the city a new Water Works. The new Water, Lighting and Parking Meter center is replacing the former city Water Works on the same site at Dewey Avenue and Felix Streets. City Environmental Services Commissioner Ed Doherty says it's an opportunity to improve city water service, and better the working conditions of city employees at the same time. (November 18, 2005) wxxi NewsRoom
•  Great Lakes annual water use data available - The Great Lakes Commission is pleased to announce the release of the Great Lakes Regional Water Use Database annual reports for 2001 and 2002. These reports are now online at www.glc.org/wateruse/database/ . from Great Lakes Commission | Commission des Grands Lacs
•  Negotiators reach deal on Great Lakes After four years of talks, negotiators have reached a deal aimed at preventing outsiders from raiding Great Lakes water and encouraging more efficient use of the coveted resource within the region. “There were many difficult issues that required compromise, but a consensus has been reached,” said David Naftzger, executive director of the Council of Great Lakes Governors. The Citizen, Auburn NY
•  UR researcher explores lead's insidious effects - Science plays role in campaign against pollutant — As local leaders struggle to reduce Rochester children's exposure to lead, local scientists are learning that the pollutant can harm the body in countless subtle ways. Michael McCabe's lab researches how a wide range of environmental toxics, such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxins, mercury and lead, can transform biological systems. (November 23, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Pesticides still being used at schools - INA survey by a local activist group cites Pittsford as one of the districts still using some chemicals. A local activist group says four public school districts and two private schools set a good example when it comes to pesticide use. Brighton-Pittsford Post
•  Can N.Y. residents, coyotes coexist? - Wildlife expert says we'll have to as animal creeps into suburbs — The high yippy howl of a group of Eastern coyotes is becoming a common sound in the suburbs surrounding Rochester. But that sound need not inspire fear, said wildlife rehabilitator Elise Able, during a recent presentation to local Sierra Club members. "They are in New York, and they are here to stay, so we need to learn to coexist with them," Able said. The state Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that New York has 20,000 to 30,000 coyotes, medium-sized members of the canine family that have appeared in the Northeast over the past 50 years.  (November 26, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Animal rescue group to open first shelter soon - Animal Service League seeks more volunteers and donations - — IRONDEQUOIT — In a little more than a month, the Animal Service League Inc. will celebrate the grand opening of its first permanent home in a former machine shop on Dubelbeiss Lane. But the 2,000 square feet of space won't solve all of the nonprofit shelter group's problems. (November 26, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Crow tourism suggested in Auburn Pro-crow group downplays droppings, aims to have tourists flocking city.  - Auburn's crow roost could be something the city can brag about, not just complain about, local animal activists believe. "To me, they're making too much of the crow poop," CROW Committee member Rita Sarnicola said. "Let's get off the bombast so we can see the other possibilities." For years, many residents have complained about the mess left behind by the more than 60,000 crows that spend the winter in downtown. This winter, the city will embark on a seven-day dispersal program in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's wildlife services. Last January, a similar program moved about 64 percent of the roost from downtown. (November 26, 2005) Syracuse.com: Latest News and More
•  Animal Group Suggests Eco-Tourism - According to an animal activist group, Auburn's troublesome crows could actually be helpful because of Eco-tourism. For years, residents have grumbled about the mess left by the more than 60,000 crows that spend the winter downtown. This season, the city and U.S. Department of Agriculture are planning a seven-day dispersal program like the one last January that removed more than half of the roost. The group called CROW or Citizens Respectful of Wildlife, does not oppose humane relocation but does want some crows to remain in the city. (November 25, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Katrina Dogs To Find New Homes Here - The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm is taking care of several dogs that survived Hurricane Katrina. The 14 dogs arrived at the shelter Sunday. They were rescued following Hurricane Katrina, now living at the local shelter. The animals come from a shelter in Mississippi that's sent hundreds of abandoned and homeless pets to other shelters around the U.S. (November 22, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Battle Lines Set as New York Acts to Cut Emissions - New York Times ALBANY, Nov. 23 - New York is adopting California's ambitious new regulations aimed at cutting automotive emissions of global warming gases, touching off a battle over rules that would sharply reduce carbon dioxide emissions while forcing the auto industry to make vehicles more energy efficient over the next decade. The rules, passed this month by a unanimous vote of the State Environmental Board, are expected to be adopted across the Northeast and the West Coast. But the auto industry has already moved to block the rules in New York State, and plans to battle them in every other state that follows suit. Environmentalists say the regulations will not lead to the extinction of any class of vehicle, but simply pressure the industry to sell more of the fuel-saving technologies they have already developed, including hybrid systems that use a combination of electricity and gasoline. And that, they say, will curtail one of the main contributors to global warming. (November 26, 2005) http://www.nytimes.com
•  The Globe and Mail: Wind, hydro projects win approval Toronto — At least 1,000 new wind turbines will soon dot Ontario's landscape after the province approved nine new renewable energy projects. The move is part of the government's goal to increase the amount of green energy produced in the province by 2010. Energy Minister Donna Cansfield said the eight wind projects and one hydro project will provide 975 megawatts of clean renewable energy – enough to power 250,000 homes. The projects were awarded after the province made a second request for more renewable power in April, 2004. (November 21, 2005) globeandmail.com - Canada's best source for news continuously updated from The Globe and Mail
•  The Globe and Mail: Kyoto comes to Montreal
•  Would capturing the wind save cash? The village of Webster is looking into using the unorthodox power source to create electricity.  With the rising prices of traditional petroleum-based fuels, the village of Webster is trying to stay one step ahead of the energy cost curve. Webster Post
•  BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Montreal climate summit to begin The first United Nations climate conference since the Kyoto agreement came into force in February is due to begin in the Canadian city of Montreal. Delegates will discuss how targets on cutting greenhouse gas emissions over the next seven years will be met. Talks over the next fortnight will also focus on what further action to take after 2012 but the US says it will resist attempts to be drawn in. (November 28, 2005) BBC - bbc.co.uk homepage - Home of the BBC on the Internet
•  Inspection disputes are raising suspicions in city - Norwood says there's an effort to derail legislation on lead paint - — Cases of renters refusing admittance to inspectors is on the rise in Rochester, and City Councilman Wade Norwood says the upswing is part of an effort to derail lead-based paint legislation before it gets on the books. The legislation — a rough outline of which will be circulated among City Council members this week — would tie lead checks to routine occupancy inspections. If inspectors can't get into the apartments, however, they can't find the problem. (November 27, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Study offers a dire prediction for waterfowl population The wetlands that produce most of North America's ducks and other waterfowl could be lost to global warming in a few decades, says a new study. StarTribune.com