October 2007  

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

• 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
• Spitzer participates in carbon markets partnership meeting on global warming - Lisbon, Portugal -- A coalition of European countries, U.S. states, Canadian provinces, New Zealand and Norway Monday announced the formation of the International Carbon Action Partnership to fight global warming. New York Governor Spitzer was among those participating. (Oct. 30, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• Never say never, when it comes to coyotes - Rochester, NY - MPNnow “I may know a lot about coyotes, but I’m not an expert,” Scott Smith told a crowd at Finger Lakes Community College on Oct. 23. “I don’t think there is a real coyote expert in the country.” Smith, a wildlife biologist who has worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for 18 years, was not just being modest. It’s impossible to have a complete understanding of the coyote, he explained, because Canis latrans is one of the most adaptable, rapidly evolving species in the mammalian world. Coyotes’ size and color vary based on what part of the country they live in, and there are few things they won’t eat, few animals they won’t attack if challenged or in dire need of food.(Oct. 31, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Rochester gets $1.6M more to get the lead out — Rochester officials announced plans Tuesday to use a new $1.6 million federal grant to replace hazardous windows, doors and porches to prevent childhood lead poisoning over the next three years. The city has received more than $10 million since 2003, mostly in federal funding, to rehabilitate 632 units by 2008. It has completed 60 percent of that effort so far. The new funding will be applied to an additional 100 homes (October 31, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Climate change already upon us - In 50 years, New York will be like Georgia, expert says — At first blush, the forecast doesn't sound that bad. Temperatures in upstate New York have climbed, on average, 1 degree over the past 50 years and will do the same during the next 50. The biggest seasonal change is in winter: Over the past 50 years, average winter temperatures have risen 2 degrees. (October 31, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Green business solutions topic of conference — A coalition of labor, business and environment groups, the New York Apollo Alliance, will put on a conference to discuss possibilities and goals of an “energy-efficient economy” Nov. 8 at the New York State United Teachers conference center, 30 N. Union St., Rochester. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost to attend is $25. To register, contact Trang Tran at the Workforce Development Institute, (518) 272-3500 ext. 114. The registration deadline is Nov. 2 -(October 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Will the feathers fly?  This Cohocton, N.Y. - Watchdog groups protesting wind turbine projects in Cohocton, Italy and Prattsburgh have listed the threat to birds as one of the reasons not to put up turbines here. Tall towers and turbines have always taken a high toll on avian life when placed in the path of migrating birds. But recent research indicates that the number of bird deaths caused by fly-ins with tall towers is decreasing. (Oct5. 30, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• County Hosts Consumer Energy Expo - Everyone can do their part to help save energy and protect the planet. That was the message at the first ever Consumer Energy Expo in Rochester. The county gathered energy specialists together to help educate the public on how to become more energy efficient. (Oct. 27, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Union, wind farm developer reach deal - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Bath, N.Y. - The dispute between labor and the developer of wind farm projects in the town of Cohocton has been put to rest. Representatives from project developer UPC Wind and the local Ironworkers council agreed on the use of local construction labor for the projects in the Dutch Hill and Lent Hill regions. The agreement was disclosed Thursday at a meeting of the Steuben County Industrial Development Agency. (Oct. 27, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Monroe County contributes $250,000 to preserve Parma's farmland — Monroe County will kick in $250,000 to help the town of Parma preserve farmland. County Executive Maggie Brooks announced Friday that the county has committed funding from its Green Space Initiative to support Parma's effort to save open space. The initiative set aside $2 million for open space projects from tobacco settlement money received in 2000. About $925,000 remains in the fund. (October 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Voters statewide to decide on Adirondack well — ALBANY — The top of the new well in the tiny Adirondack hamlet of Raquette Lake, Hamilton County, is only 10 feet wide and 12 feet long, and it serves only 71 families. Yet it is important enough to have its fate decided by every New Yorker who goes to the polls in November. (October 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• DEC Announces Grants To Help Improve Habitat, Expand Recreational Opportunities DEC Announces Grants To Help Improve Habitat, Expand Recreational Opportunities Projects to be Funded by DEC’s Habitat Access Stamp Program ALBANY, NY (10/26/2007; 1109)(readMedia)-- More than $100,000 will be given to local projects across New York State to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as increase public access for outdoor recreation as part of a grant announcement made today by Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis. Funding for the grants is generated from the sale of DEC’s Habitat Access Stamps. NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
• Grants announced to help improve habitat, expand recreational opportunities - Albany -- More than $100,000 will be given to local projects across New York State to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as increase public access for outdoor recreation as part of a grant announcement made today by Department of Environmental Conservatio Commissioner Pete Grannis. Funding for the grants is generated from the sale of DEC’s Habitat Access Stamps. (Oct 27, 07)  New York State News on the Net!
• www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SPITZER UNVEILS CUTTING-EDGE GLOBAL WARMING REGULATIONS New York to Be Part of First ‘Cap and Trade’ Program in the Nation  - Fulfilling his pledge to provide sound environmental stewardship, Governor Eliot Spitzer today unveiled new draft regulations to carry out a cutting-edge regional program that will cut greenhouse gases emitted by New York power plants. Today, New York issued draft regulations for implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is an agreement by 10 Northeastern states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under RGGI, participating states will each issue their own regulations, and when fully implemented RGGI will achieve a 16 percent reduction in emissions from projected business-as-usual emissions. Under the groundbreaking draft regulations established by Governor Spitzer, a power plant would have to buy enough carbon credits or allowances (one allowance per ton of emissions) to cover its emissions in a flexible, market-based system that are similar to those used to combat acid rain. (Oct. 24, 07) GOV SITE
• Greenhouse-gas emissions would fall under Spitzer proposal — ALBANY — Gov. Eliot Spitzer unveiled new regulations Wednesday to cut greenhouse-gas emissions from New York power plants by 10 percent over the next 12 years. New York is one of 10 Northeast states that have banded together to try to reduce the greenhouse gases, in the absence of what they see as an effective federal effort. (October 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Victor contamination prompts possible health study — The state Department of Health has called a meeting for Nov. 5 to discuss the possibility of a contamination-related health study of Victor village residents. (October 26, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• States eye lakes water management :: News :: Post-Tribune Great Lakes water levels are near historic lows. And with droughts in the Southeast and Southwest, the pressure to turn to the Great Lakes as a source of fresh water is growing. So is the need for states to pass the Great Lakes Compact to prevent diversions. (Oct. 26, 07) Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana
• Global warming regulations unveiled - Albany -- Governor Eliot Spitzer Wednesday unveiled new draft regulations to carry out a regional program that will cut greenhouse gases emitted by New York power plants. Today, New York issued draft regulations for implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. (Oct. 25, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• LEAD CONTAMINATION FROM OLD FIRING RANGE FOUND AT PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING FACILITY Rochester Fire Chief John Caufield announced today that lead dust was discovered in and around a portion of inactive duct work last week at the Public Safety Training Facility, located at 1190 Scottsville Rd. The ducts, which lead from an old Rochester Police Department gun range, were opened up for roof repairs over the facility’s Rochester Fire Department Apparatus Repair garage. The ducts have been inactive since 1989, when a new firing range opened. Tests performed to date have shown elevated levels of lead dust in the work space. The lead contamination is limited to the garage location of the training facility.  (Oct. 23, 07) Welcome to the City of Rochester
• The Future Is Drying Up - Scientists sometimes refer to the effect a hotter world will have on this country’s fresh water as the other water problem, because global warming more commonly evokes the specter of rising oceans submerging our great coastal cities. (Sept. 21, 07) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
• 2007 Public Meetings on Bear Management - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation With black bears thriving in New York State, the DEC has slated a series of public education workshops to provide an overview of the natural history and current status of black bears and to seek public input on future management. After dramatic reductions in the black bear population in the 1800s, conservation measures paved the way for a comeback. Bears have had secure populations in the Adirondacks, Catskill and Allegany Regions for many years, and in the last few decades bear populations have significantly expanded in number and distribution throughout New York. NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
• UR dog suit one of a litter of cases — Colleges here and across the country, long accustomed to dealing with service dogs for people with physical disabilities, are now contending with a new demand: animals that lend emotional support for the mentally disabled. (October 22, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Hinchey touts partnership with proposed NY Solar Energy Consortium - Washington -- Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) met this week on the National Mall with members of Cornell University's Solar Decathlon team to see their student-designed innovative home that is entered in the competition. The 2007 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is a competition sponsored by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy where 20 teams of college and university students from the U.S., Canada, Spain, Germany & Puerto Rico design and build revolutionary solar powered houses. (Oct. 19, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• DEC captures black bear on Monroe County's west side - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Parma, N.Y. - Officials with the New York Department of Conservation captured and released a bear today that spent the summer and fall living around western Monroe County. According to Mike Wasilco, a regional wildlife manager for the DEC for Region 8, the bear was captured in a trap behind a house on Manitou Beach Road, near the Braddock Bay wildlife management area, around 11:30 p.m. Thursday. This afternoon, wildlife management officials transported the bear to Yates County, where it was released on public forest land. Based on the size - 170 pounds - and shape of the bear, Wasilco said it was either a two- or three-year-old male. (Oct. 19, 07) http://www.mpnnow.com/favicon.ico
• Deer in Albany County Had Virus - The state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed a group of deer found dead last week in Albany County died from an insect-borne virus. (Oct. 17, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Black bear caught near Braddock Bay - A black bear that had apparently been wandering all over Monroe County for months was caught in a trap set by the state Department of Environmental Conservation late Thursday near Braddock Bay. DEC wildlife technicians recovered the bear and transported the animal early today to the Southern Tier, in a more natural habitat, said Michael Wasilco, the DEC regional wildlife manager. (Oct.19, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
• Region to make way for bicycles - Local bike commuters say their ranks will continue to grow, with more people wanting to save money, improve their health and help cut pollution. Municipalities such as Rochester and Brighton are trying to make travel safer and easier for them. ( Oct.18 , 07) Democrat & Chronicle
• Monroe County's consumer energy expo coming to Greece - Rochester, NY - MPNnow The Energy Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Greece Community and Senior Center, 1 Vince Tofany Blvd. "This free Energy Expo gives residents a valuable opportunity to learn steps they can take to conserve energy, and in turn, save more of their hard-earned money,” said Brooks in a statement. “It will also provide information on new, state-of-the-art technologies that can help make their homes more energy efficient.” (Oct. 18, 2007) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• MAYOR ANNOUNCES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON AT DURAND-EASTMAN BEACH Mayor Robert J. Duffy today announced that 2007 attendance at Durand Eastman Beach has exceeded expectations. More than 62,000 residents and visitors enjoyed the amenities at the beach this year, up from the nearly 9,300 who attended last year’s inaugural season. The beach was open for swimming May 26 - Sept. 9 this year and last year’s shortened season ran from July 17 - Sept. 4. Welcome to the City of Rochester
• First case of deer disease in New York Albany -- Recent tests for Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in several Albany County deer have come back positive, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Tuesday. This is the first confirmed detection of EHD in New York State. EHD does not present a threat to human health. (Oct., 17, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• www.whec.com - Irondequoit Bay water level IRONDEQUOIT - The drought over the last several months is having an effect on Lake Ontario and wetlands adjoining the lake. Experts say the lake is heading toward lows not seen since the 1960's. (Oct 15, 07) http://www.whec.com/
• BROOKS, DUFFY: JOINT COMPUTER RECYCLING EVENT SET FOR OCTOBER 20 Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy announced that the County and the City will be partnering with Metro Waste Paper U.S., Inc. and its subcontractor Sunnking, Inc. to host a free computer recycling collection for County residents. This will be the fourth computer recycling collection scheduled for County residents, and the first done in partnership with the City of Rochester. This appointment only collection will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 20th, 2007 at the Monroe County Transfer Station. Appointment times must be made by calling 753-7600 (Option #3). After making an appointment, residents will be sent a confirmation with instructions on how to pack the material and directions to the facility. --MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY
• Lead Poisoning Prevention Week observed - Oswego -- Over the past few months, millions of children’s toys and other items in the U.S. have been recalled due to high levels of lead. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be observed from Oct. 21 to 27, when the Oswego County Health Department reminds parents that most children with lead poisoning do not look or feel sick. Kathleen Smith, Oswego County Public Health director, said that parents can find a complete list of products that have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on the Internet at www.cpsc.gov (October 15, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• Disease Threatens New York Deer The State Department of Environmental Conservation is asking that bow hunters keep an eye out for sick, dying or dead deer. The DEC said preliminary tests on deer found dead this week in Albany County indicate that they may have died of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD. (Oct 13, 07) http://www.rnews.com/
• Birds' changing behavior is warning of global warming - cleveland.com The return of robins, the blooming of daffodils and the crack of the bat on Opening Day have symbolized the arrival of spring for generations in Northeast Ohio. But in recent years, many of the robins never left, having spent the entire winter flying about in flocks in search of crab- bapples and ornamental cherries to feed on. (September 30, 07) http://www.cleveland.com/
• Canada's wind farms blow away turbine tourists So many drivers are gawking at the enormous wind turbines along Lake Erie that they're creating a safety hazard, while in Alberta, TransAlta Corp. responded to visitor demand by creating an IPod audio tour for people keen to learn more about its three wind farms. Wind farms have surprisingly become tourist attractions across Canada, luring thousands of visitors - some from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Europe - curious about the electricity-generating turbines. (October 2, 07) canada.com - Canadian news, entertainment, television, newspapers, free email and more
• globeandmail.com: Ethanol push could threaten water supplies WASHINGTON — When it comes to solving the fossil fuel crisis, it seems like every silver lining comes accompanied by a dark cloud. As attention turns more and more toward using corn and other products to produce ethanol for fuel, experts warn that increased production of these crops could pose a threat to the nation's water supplies. (October 10, 07) globeandmail.com: Canada's National Newspaper
• Get your shot to avoid the flu — Public flu-shot clinics have started operating in the Rochester area. And while supply was limited in some recent years, anyone is welcome to get a flu shot this year. Health officials say October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season may run from October to May, but most cases of the respiratory illness occur from December through March. For information on dozens of flu clinics scheduled in October and November, go to www.monroecounty.gov/health-flu  or call (585) 753-5600 to hear recorded information. (October 12, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• ENVIRONMENT: Concern for Corbett's Glen - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The Brighton Planning Board will review Nightingale's site plans on Wednesday, October 24 at the Brighton Town Hall, at 7 p.m. ((October 10, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
• County commercial pesticide use falls — Commercial pesticide use reported in Monroe County dropped by 14 percent between 2004 and 2005, according to a report recently released by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Genesee, Livingston, Ontario and Orleans counties also saw drops over this time period, while in Wayne County, commercial pesticide use rose by 36 percent in the period, the most recent for which figures are available. For additional information about pesticide use in New York, go to www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/298.html  (October 11, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• Rochester to receive state brownfields grant - Rochester – The city is going to receive a nearly $3.4 million state Environmental Conservation Department grant for remediation of environmental contamination at 1000 Driving Park Avenue. (October 10, 07) New York State News on the Net!
• Land Trust walk will help keep the region green - Rochester, NY - MPNnow People who participate in the walk-a-thon are sponsored to walk either 2 or 4 miles. Potter said walkers seek a minimum of $2 for every mile they walk and donations are also welcomed. The event raised over $1,000 in its first year, with some 40 people walking. It made almost $800 last year, said Potter. Fast facts -Who: The Genesee Land Trust What: Walk-a-thon When: Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Ellison Park on Blossom Road Why: To raise funds and environmental awareness For more information call: (585) 256-2130 (October 10, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• DEC hires outside experts in Victor toxin case - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Victor, N.Y. - The state Department of Environmental Conservation has contracted with Malcolm Pirnie, a national consortium of independent environmental engineers, scientists and consultants, in its investigation of underground contamination in the western part of town. (October 10, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Wind turbines arrive in Cohocton - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Cohocton, NY - Massive wind turbines could be rising in the town within a few weeks. Rick Towner, local spokesman for the Massachusetts wind-energy company UPC, said permits allowing the developer to begin the ground work for the 420-foot-high turbines will be signed soon, signaling the next phase of the construction of 50 wind turbines. (October 9, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
• Global warming could cause rise in sewer bills Increase in storms may overwhelm system upgrades - Global warming, already on the hook for declining polar bear populations, disappearing glaciers and rising sea levels, may also increase your sewer bill. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency climate change expert says warming temperatures over the next several decades will be accompanied by an increase in the number and severity of storms. The combination will reduce the effectiveness of scores of federally mandated sewer improvements and water treatment upgrades designed to stop almost all of the sewage pollution flowing into rivers and creeks when it rains. (Oct.3, 2007) Post-Gazette NOW
• DEC Shuts Down Victor Mine - A big development in Victor's water contamination woes. The state shut down a mine and gravel operation in the town suspected of being the source of the problem. (October 4, 2007) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Area state leaders push Article X agreement State representatives are talking about Article X and what its impact and ramifications could be on municipalities throughout the state when it comes to siting wind turbines. It was the threat of Article X legislation that prompted Town of Hamlin Supervisor Dennis Roach to speed up the timeline for the town's Wind Tower Committee's work. The committee had been formed to research the impact wind turbine placement in the town would have, and to come back to town officials with recommendations pertaining to set backs and environmental issues. The committee was originally given a timeline that extended to December but was summarily moved up by Roach when talk of Article X began surfacing among state representatives. Roach has consistently said he wants to have the town's regulations in place before the state made its own determination on sitings for turbines. (September 30, 2007) Westside News Inc.
• Ancient Medicinal Plant Yields Modern Leukemia Drug - ROCHESTER, New York, October 2, 2007 (ENS) - A compound derived from feverfew, a common medicinal plant that has been used for centuries to reduce fever, will soon be tested on humans for its ability to attack the roots of the deadly blood cancer leukemia. Environment News Service
• DEC chief visits Hemlock, a plus for possible watershed sale— New York state's environmental commissioner paid an unannounced visit Thursday to Hemlock Lake, taking in the grandeur of one of the last undeveloped Finger Lakes. He came away impressed — a development that can only be seen as positive by advocates of the notion that the state should purchase and preserve forever the land around Hemlock and Canadice lakes that now is owned by the city of Rochester. (October 5, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
• ROCHESTER SELECTED TO RECEIVE BROWNFIELD GRANTS FROM NYSDEC Mayor Robert J. Duffy announced today that the City will receive nearly $3.4 million from the N.Y. State Dept. of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for remediation of environmental contamination at 1000 Driving Pk. Ave. The Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grant is one of the largest environmental cleanup grants awarded to the City in the last 20 years. (October 6, 2005) Welcome to the City of Rochester
• Russell Station plans change — Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. has withdrawn its application to convert Russell Station to a clean coal power plant and will instead go with the option of rebuilding the Greece site as a natural gas power plant. (September 29, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle

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