November 2007

(The most recent news stories are at the top.)

• CH Energy Group subsidiary to build, operate upstate renewable energy plant - Auburn -- A special purpose subsidiary of CH Energy Group, Inc., CH-Auburn Energy, LLC, has entered into a 15-year contract to supply the City of Auburn in Cayuga County with a portion of its electricity needs by constructing and operating a three-megawatt electric generating plant in Auburn that will use renewable energy from the municipal landfill and wastewater treatment plant. (Nov 30, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• Over $25 million in EPF grants announced - Albany -- Governor Eliot Spitzer Thursday announced $25.3 million in Environmental Protection Fund grants awarded to local communities and organizations across New York State to assist with waterfront revitalization projects, historic preservation efforts, expanding open space, and increasing access to public lands. Genesee Valley/Rochester Region Region Total: $1,580,970 -Town of Batavia (Genesee) $134,000 The Archaeological Conservancy (Livingston) $ 20,000 Town of Avon (Livingston) $500,000 Village of Pittsford (Monroe) $229,795 Town of Gates (Monroe) $159,250 Town of Chili (Monroe) $ 50,000 Town of Sweden (Monroe) $298,075 Genesee Waterways Center (Monroe) $189,850 (Nov 30, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• Process begins at ethanol plant in Shelby - Western New York Energy is grinding corn at the first alternative facility in the Northeast — SHELBY — Within a few days, the first batch of fuel ethanol produced in the Northeast will be pumped out of a large white tank in rural Orleans County. The Western New York Energy LLC ethanol plant is owned and operated by John M. Sawyer Jr. and his son, Michael Sawyer, both from Geneseo. The plant means new jobs for 50 people, a new market for corn growers and the potential for Rochester-area consumers to have an alternative to gasoline. (November 30, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Manure lagoons referred to planning board  MANCHESTER - The town planning board made no decision on two manure storage lagoons Tuesday night, instead referring the matter to the county planning board, town officials said. (Nov 29, 07) Finger Lakes Times Online
• States join lawsuit against EPA -Case fights loosening of rules over reporting, tracking of toxic chemicals — New York joined a coalition with 11 other states Wednesday in suing the federal government to force stricter reporting and tracking of commercial use and storage of toxic chemicals. In a lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan, the states are seeking a reversal of a move last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that relaxed the requirements for companies to report toxic chemicals they use. (November 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Hamlin board to discuss wind tower laws tonight - Discussion planned on how to protect town if project proposed — The Hamlin Town Board will discuss proposed laws to regulate wind towers during a workshop meeting tonight at Town Hall. The draft legislation, prepared by attorneys from Hodgson Russ, was outlined to the board during a Nov. 14 meeting. (November 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• DEC shows Victor citizens options cleaning up contaminated groundwater — Three interim cleanup options for contaminated groundwater in a part of western Victor were outlined Wednesday for citizens who trickled into public sessions held by state officials. State environmental officials will select one of the options, all of which would cost more than $1 million to implement, early next year. If all went as planned, actual cleanup work could begin in mid- to late 2008, said Jason Pelton, state Department of Environmental Conservation project manager for the Victor site. (November 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Great Lakes face trouble on 2 fronts - Global warming and droughts in the U.S. could put a drain on both Erie and Ontario WASHINGTON — If you’re thinking that global warming might make Western New York a more comfortable place to live, think again. Sure, the temperatures would be warmer, but in a mere 23 years, Buffalo could be bordered by a lake that is nearly two feet more shallow, thereby wreaking havoc on the shoreline, recreation and shipping. (Nov 28, 07) The Buffalo News
• ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO SUES EPA FOR DENYING THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS -  Cuomo Leads Coalition of 12 States to Overturn EPA’s New Restrictions ~ Lack of Transparency Increases Risk to Workers, Community Members, and the Environment - NEW YORK, NY (November 28, 2007) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York and eleven other states are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over new regulations denying the public access to information about toxic chemicals in their communities. -The EPA will allow thousands of companies to avoid disclosing information to the public about the toxic chemicals they use, store, and release into the environment by rolling back chemical reporting requirements. The suit seeks to overturn the weakened reporting requirements and provide the public with the access they had in the past. (Nov 28, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
• The Proof Is In The Tree Bark ScienceDaily (Nov. 26, 2007) — A study by Indiana University researchers found the chlorinated flame retardant Dechlorane Plus in the bark of trees across the northeastern United States, with by far the highest concentrations measured near the Niagara Falls, N.Y., factory where this chemical is produced.Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology
• DEC: Lake Source Cooling has no impact No deal yet for CU to reduce monitoring sites - A regional engineer from the state Department of Environmental Conservation asserts that, based on information available to the state, Lake Source Cooling has had no impact on water quality in southern Cayuga Lake. Cornell and the Tompkins County Water Resources Council requested in August that the DEC allow Cornell to reduce the number of monitoring locations specific to Lake Source Cooling so they can shift resources to other monitoring and research in the lake that they describe as more “strategic,” “optimal” and “lake-based.” (Nov 21, 07) The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
• Hamlin Wrestles With Wind Power The Town of Hamlin in western Monroe County is studying a proposed law that would govern wind power development. ROCHESTER, NY (2007-11-20) WXXI NewsRoom
• Short supply of top trees - Rochester, NY - MPNnow A couple of rainy summers followed by this year’s drought has created a dearth of high-quality Christmas trees upstate. The region had about three inches less rainfall than normal from June through September. As a result, Christmas trees didn’t grow as much and aren’t as vibrant as hoped, according to the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, Inc. (Nov 25, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
• ENVIRONMENT: Sickly pines will start coming down - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper Diplodia tip blight is increasing and it is almost impossible to eradicate. As many of the area's pines die, the appearance of parks and residential landscapes will undergo a dramatic change. (Nov 21, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
• State buys land in the towns of Gorham, Junius to protect it — More land in the Finger Lakes region will be protected from development now that the state has purchased 172 acres in Ontario and Seneca counties. The land will be available for recreation, but state environmental officials say a portion of the property is also needed to protect water quality and endangered species in and around Canandaigua Lake. (November 24, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Statewide group forms to fight toxins - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Community activists from across the state joined forces Tuesday in ongoing efforts to tighten government oversight and regulations of contaminants — particularly industrial solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE). State officials are investigating groundwater contamination from TCE and other harmful chemicals in and around a mile-long portion on the western part of town. (Nov 21, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Wind power will help wean Ontario off coal, company official says - NewsFlash - mlive.com SARNIA, Ontario (AP) — The president of a private firm that is erecting half a dozen giant wind turbines in southwestern Ontario says wind power can help the province wean itself off coal-fired plants. The 262-foot-high turbines being built near Forest will provide clean power to about 3,000 local homes, said Glen Estill of Sky Generation. (Nov 19, 07) MLive.com: Everything Michigan
• Fairport plans ban on outdoor furnaces - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Fairport, N.Y. - Outdoor furnaces will soon be banned in the village of Fairport. The village board approved a local law prohibiting the use of any outdoor equipment used to heat homes and outlined conditions for any existing units although there are none known to be in the village.(Nov 19, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• News - Scientists Examine Bird Deaths on Great Lakes BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Environmental experts suspect that more than 100 loons and other migratory birds found dead on Great Lakes shores in the past week were poisoned by botulism after feeding on invasive mussels and fish. State Department of Environmental Conservation scientists say Type E botulism has been causing die-offs on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario for several years. (Nov 15, 07) WGRZ 2 On Your Side in WNY
• MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks today announced that the County together with the Town of Irondequoit will hold an appointment-only Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection November 17, 2007. --from MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
• FEDERAL ENERGY DEPT. TO IMPROVE APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY Attorney General Spitzer today announced an agreement under which the federal Department of Energy (DOE) will set new standards to sharply increase the energy efficiency of many types of domestic appliances, such as home ranges and ovens, air conditioners and dishwashers. This action settles a federal lawsuit against DOE brought by New York and a coalition of 14 other states, the City of New York and three public interest groups. 9nov 13, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
• ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO & 5 OTHER STATES DEMAND NRC CONSIDER TERRORISM AND EARTHQUAKES WHEN RELICENSING NUCLEAR PLANTS WHITE PLAINS, NY (November 15, 2007) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he and the Attorneys General of five other states have submitted a letter to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expressing serious concerns about the NRC’s continued disregard of safety issues - including susceptibility to earthquakes or terrorist attacks - when deciding whether to renew the operating license of a nuclear power plant beyond its initial 40 year term. (Nov 15, 07) Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew M Cuomo
• Deer found dead upstate test positive for disease -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY ALBANY -- State conservation officials reported Tuesday that additional deer in upstate New York were found infected with an insect-borne virus that had not been detected in New York state before this year. (Nov 14, 07) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
• More Deer Found Infected with Virus - State conservation officials say they've found more deer infected with an insect-borne virus that had not been detected before this year. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), (Nove. 13, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Dam it! - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Whether city residents welcome them as natural wonders or revile them as pests, beavers are their new neighbors in Canandaigua. Evidence of at least one family of the water-dwelling rodents is all over the trails and stream banks of Lagoon Park, behind the retail plazas on Routes 5 and 20. (Nov. 15, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Manchester manure lagoon put on hold - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Plans to begin filling a manure lagoon with 2 million gallons of dairy farm waste were put on hold Tuesday by Town Supervisor Bill Eddinger. About two dozen people attended the Town Board meeting to voice concerns about dairyman John Mueller’s new empty manure lagoon on Armington Road. They also brought a petition signed by about 85 residents opposing the lagoon. (Nov. 14, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Speech looks at toxic threats to kids — Children's health and the environment will be the focus of a national expert's talk today at the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, 840 University Ave. "In today's world, the air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat, homes we live in and parks where we play are all susceptible to a host of environmental toxins," said Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, chairman of the department of community and preventive medicine and professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. "Although these toxins can affect everyone, those most at risk are our children." (November 13, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• THE WARNING TO CONGRESS: Legislators: Hands off our water Two House members from Michigan demand no diversion of the Great Lakes to other states (NOV.09,07) Detroit Free Press - www.freep.com - Your local Detroit news source.
• Senate overrides Bush's water bill veto - CNN.com The U.S. Senate today handed President Bush his first veto override -- authorizing $23 billion in new water projects that will benefit the Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, Everglades and other areas. (Nov. 8, 07) CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News
• TREE TEAM PROJECT ENCOURAGES VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH CITY STREET AND PARK TREES - The City will host a volunteer tree care event at Jones Square Park, corner of Jones and Plymouth Avenues, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon, on Saturday, Nov. 17. The activity is a part of the Richard Nolan Tree Team Project aimed to encourage volunteers of all ages to assist with community tree plantings, to mulch park trees and to otherwise help with the greening of Rochester via city tree care and educational projects. City forestry and horticultural staff will coordinate these efforts. Participants will learn about trees, how to tell trees apart, how to take care of them and how they benefit the environment. Scouts can also earn nature badges through this program. Participants should bring a shovel, a large bucket and work gloves (if available) and wear pants and sturdy shoes. Some tools, wheelbarrows and pruners will be provided. No registration is required, and the event is dependent on weather. No rain date will be scheduled in the event of rain. For more information call 428 6770, M F, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. --Welcome to the City of Rochester
• State Health Department Holds Mass Vaccination Training Exercise BUFFALO, N.Y. (Nov. 8, 2007) – Up to 1,500 state employees are participating in a state Health Department training exercise today at the South Campus of the University at Buffalo (UB) to help public health officials rehearse a public health response in the event of a medical emergency. The state Health Department is conducting a Point of Dispensing (POD) exercise to evaluate the state's emergency response w hen rapidly delivering vaccine to nearly 1,500 state employees in a short time period. New York State Department of Health
• New York joins car-emissions lawsuit - Albany -- New York Thursday joined in a multi-state lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for delaying a decision on whether to allow states to aggressively reduce car and truck emissions, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis announced. New York State News on the Net!
• Rochester Gets Anti-Lead Grant - ROCHESTER, NY (2007-10-30) A top official the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was in Rochester Tuesday to present a check for over 1.6-million dollars to help the city in its ongoing effort to eliminate lead poisoning. HUD Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi -- the former mayor of Syracuse -- says the money represents an investment in children. WXXI Public Broadcasting Council

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