RochesterEnvironment.com

 
Our Environment is changing: Keep up with the Change. If it deals with the environment, Rochester, and the Internet, it's here.  

Get all the Environmental News for the Rochester-area, including primary sources, all the media, public officials, federal and state official departments--and the most important world environment stories. 

action

calendar

subscribe

daily updates

about RE.com

news
   
[ Home ] [ Promote REcom ] [ subscribe ] [ Daily Updates ] [ calendar ] [ news ] [ action ] [ Watch List ] [ Green Business ] [ essays ] [ check up ] [ rochester issues ] [ resources ] [ weather&climate ] [ environmentalists ] [ map rochester ] [ goodbad ideas ] [ news archive ] [ updates archive ]

We Don't Get It! :

 Essays on Nature's Indifference.

by Frank J. Regan

 

 

Rochester News Get the most important news of the day and monitor your environment daily.

Each month get RENewsletter with all enviornmental news, actions, and events to your e-mail

Subscribe to ReNewsletter:  This monthly newsletter provides you with the news you need, not simply the news you want--like most other media services.

Find all Environmental Calendar items here

 

 

Calendar Here you can find all the Rochester-area environmental events.  

Environmental Thoughts

RochesterEnvironment.com has been blogged:-so now you can discuss Rochester's Environment instantly.  Add your comments, be a part of Rochester's environmental discussion.

 Get all the environmental updates for the day.

Daily Updates Environmental info & views

* Print out or e-mail our RochesterEnvironment.com Brochure and distribute widely.

Filename: j0416014.wmfRochester Issues

 

 
resources

Environmental & Resources & Links for our area:

M0l0c1oh.gif (1869 bytes)

This page contains specific environmental resource online services for our Rochester area.  Some of these sites are non-profit organizations, government, private and business sites.  

Environmental Thoughts RochesterEnvironment.com has been blogged:-so now you can discuss Rochester's Environment instantly.  Add your comments, be a part of Rochester's environmental discussion.  

  subscribe to Environmental Thoughts feed

    Rochester Environmentalists - a list of all environmental groups in Rochester, New York --for a complete list of over 80 environmental organizations in and around Rochester, New York.

    Who you gonna call for environmental problems?  Get the ultimate guide on contacts for environmental problems from the New York State Attorney's Office: A Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Information in New York State (88 pages, requires )

      If you need news and resources for these specific topics, go to these specific pages: Rochester Issues: Get all the news and resources for these issues Zebra Mussels, Deer Problem, Lyme Disease, Rabies, Urban Sprawl, Invasive Species, Recycling, Great Lakes, Commuting, Parks, Genesee River, Fast Ferry, Pesticides, Wet Lands, Lead Poisoning, Brownfields, Dioxin, Water Quality, Finger Lakes, West Nile Virus, Geese Problem,  Air Pollution. Acid Rain Animals in Rochester, Plants and our Environment.--Environmental Health.

table of contents

Federal, State, County, City& townships Environmental  Resources 

Cancer & the Environment 

Products and the Environment 

Fishing and Wildlife 

Rochester-area Environmental Programs 

Environmental Law 

Humane Societies (Brings up a separate page)  

Private Environmental groups 

Trails & Parks 

Action Groups in NYS 

Rochester-area links 

Pollution & Monitoring 

Shopping Green 

Environmental Information from the Experts 

Environmental Education -Rochester-area  

Environmental Politics 

 Specific Environmental  Topics Related to the Rochester Area

Mercury Contamination

Living Green in Rochester

  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation exists to:"conserve, improve, and protect the New York State's natural resources and environment, and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well being."

 

  •  New York State Environmental Resources

    • New York State Department of the Environment (DEC) -- This is the source authority for environmental laws and permits and information for New York State's environment.  Find out information for these areas: Commissioner, DEC Directories, DEC Regional Offices, Freedom of Information (FOIL), Environmental Justice, Bond Act, Hearings and Mediation, Office of General Counsel, Careers & Internships, Permits, Applications, DEC Regulations, For Small Businesses, Env. Notices (ENB), Sporting Licenses, Impact Assessment (SEQR), Press Releases, Announcements, Public Affairs & Education, Publications & Reports, Green Buildings Initiative Map DEC, Education Centers, Youth Camps, For Educators & Students, Getting Outdoors, Open Space, Hudson River, Great Lakes, Fish, Wildlife & Marine Hunt, Fish, Trap, Lands & Forests, Minerals, Encon Officers, Forest Rangers, Mercury Management, Water, Environmental Permits, Solid & Hazardous, Materials, Air Resources, Pollution Prevention, Environmental Remediation 
      • Environmental Notice Bulletin The Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB) is an official publication of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, published since 1976 in accord with Environmental Conservation Law Article 3-0306(4). It is published weekly, 52 weeks a year. --from New York State Department of the Environment (DEC)
      • NYSDEC Environmental Protection Fund Created in 1993, the New York State Environmental Protection Fund provides mechanisms for open space conservation and land acquisition.
      •  NYSDEC - Spill Response & Remediation Accidental releases of petroleum, toxic chemicals, gases, and other hazardous materials occur frequently throughout New York State. Even small releases have the potential to endanger public health and contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soils. What is being done about this problem? How can concerned citizens help? The information presented here can answer these and other questions.
    • Local links to Environmental Justice: This just in from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources -A new resource has been added to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website. The resource entitled, "Local Organizations Related to Environmental Justice in New York State" provides contact information for local chapters of grassroots, statewide and national nonprofit organizations that do work related to environmental justice in New York State. Listings are organized by DEC Region and County and can be accessed at http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ej/index.html , click "Local Organizations Related to Environmental Justice in New York State," found under the heading "Additional Resources."
    • New York State Department of Transportation  Find official information on these topics: Jobs at NYSDOT, Doing Business with NYSDOT, Road Work & Roundabouts, Local Offices, Structures Design & Construction, Traffic Engineering & Highway Safety Division, Frequently Asked Questions, Aviation, Public Transit, Bicycles & Pedestrians, Environmental Initiatives, History of NYSDOT, Freight & Economic Development, Mapping & GIS, News Releases, Materials, Soils & Transportation Research, NYSDOT Programs, Site Info, Motor Carriers &Trucking, Passenger, Rail.
    • New York State Biodiversity Institute -The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) was created during a time of increasing awareness of the urgent need to preserve global and local biodiversity. State Education Law (Section 235-a (2,3)) of 1993 mandated the establishment of the BRI within the New York State Museum to meet these demands. The BRI is funded through the Environmental Protection Fund and includes a number of collaborators, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Natural Heritage Program and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Current projects focus on biodiversity stewardship, biodiversity education and biodiversity research to assess environmental quality and change. Activities of the BRI are guided by an executive committee, which is appointed by the legislature and the governor of New York.
    • Quality Communities Clearinghouse The Quality Communities Initiative demonstrates New York State’s commitment to working with local government leaders and community organizations to find smart, innovative solutions to strengthen our economy, environment, and improve the quality of the place we call “home.”
    • Not Me Not Now -Between 1980 and 1990, the adolescent pregnancy rate increased dramatically in Monroe County. By 1993, the county had the highest teen pregnancy rate in New York State. The high numbers of teen pregnancies affected not only the teens, their babies, and parents, but the entire community.
    • New York State Open Space Conservation Plan New York State's 1998 Open Space Conservation Plan proposes what open space and historic sites should be preserved for the future and describes how we can conserve and manage these resources in a sensible and affordable way. The Open Space Conservation Plan is a joint effort between DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), working with nine Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) appointed jointly by the state and local governments.
    • New York State Government Information Locator The NYS ILS provides a single point of access to information services provided by New York State Government agencies, the State Legislature and the Judiciary.
    • Phone numbers and faxes for New York State Department of Health Center for Environmental Health: Center for Environmental Health Phone Listing -- New York State Department of Health
    • NYSDEC - Endangered Species List
    • Asbestos Information  & Accredited NYSDOH Asbestos Training Sponsors Listing from (A-E) -- AAA Environmental, Inc. through ERM - Northeast --NYS Department of Health 
    • New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. 
    • Pothole sightings: To report dangerous potholes on New York state highways other than the Thruway, call (800) 768-4653.
    • New York's Nature Centers
    • New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA) is committed to keeping its members informed on important news and information regarding the rural water, wastewater, and solid waste industries. In addition, we are determined to promote the effective exchange of knowledge between systems.
    • New York State Citizen Guide: Welcome to the New York State Citizen Guide. This is where New Yorkers can find answers to State related questions, locate State services and access those services online.
    • New York State Assembly: Get all information and contacts for your NYS Assembly. 
    • New York State GAP Welcome to the home page of the New York State GAP project! The GAP project is a National Effort to systematically inventory and plot the distribution of all plants and animal species in the U.S. For a more detailed description of this project at the state level, click on the Overview on the left. The Final Product is completed and can now be ordered.
    • NYPCA New York Parks and Conservation Association is the only organization working statewide to protect New York's parks and help communities create new parks. Founded in 1985, NYPCA has grown from a small group of park advocates to over 2600 members from every region of the state. Our mission is to protect and advocate for existing parks and the state's natural and historic resources, and to promote the creation of new kinds of parks such as greenways, rail trails and heritage corridors.
    •  New York Nature Centers
    • Science Teachers of NY State -- Central Western Section "The Central Western Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State comprises the counties of Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Orleans, and Yates. Its purpose is to promote science education and provide programs benefiting students and teachers."
    •  New York State | Citizen Guide Find information on these subjects: Air, Land and Water - Disability Issues (Environment) - Environmental Regulation - Initiatives and Funding Programs - Natural Disaster - Natural Resources - Regions
    • New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets 10B Airline Drive Albany, NY 12235 1800-554-4501

Quality Communities Clearinghouse The Quality Communities Initiative demonstrates New York State’s commitment to working with local government leaders and community organizations to find smart, innovative solutions to strengthen our economy, environment, and improve the quality of the place we call “home.”

  • County Environmental Resources

    • Finger Lakes Land Trust Founded in 1989, the Finger Lakes Land Trust works to protect the natural integrity of the Finger Lakes Region. Our work involves establishing nature preserves, holding conservation easements, educating for responsible stewardship, and working cooperatively with private groups and public agencies. We are a non-profit organization supported by donations from members and grants received from private foundations and government agencies.  Finger Lakes Land Trust, 202 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850,Phone: (607) 275-9487,Fax: (607) 275-0037 info@fllt.org
    • www.GottaQuit.com. Monroe County unveiled its youth smoking cessation campaign Monday. The initiative features a Web site  Teens between the ages of 14 and 18 can get instant message counseling as well as e-mail reminding them of the date they commit to stop smoking.
    • Monroe County Environmental Management Council The Monroe County Environmental Management Council (EMC) is advisory to the County Executive and the County Legislature on environmental issues. It is a division of the Department of Environmental Services. Membership is comprised of volunteers from every town in the county as well as the City of Rochester and the Village of Honeoye Falls. Ten at-large members and representatives of county agencies are also members of the EMC. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month (except June, July, and August) at 4 PM; locations vary per month. All meetings are free and open to the public.
    • Monroe County County Clerk's office Monroe County is the only county in the state, and the second in the country, to offer Internet access. Get Applications and Permits, Records Retrieval and Filing, Search the County Clerk's Electronic Indexing Database, and Department of Motor Vehicles

    • Monroe County Water Authority   All you want to know about the water company that supplies Rochester (NY) and its environs. Extensive tables summarize the results of the 1999 water quality monitoring program. The site includes a fine description of experiments that kids of all ages can do to learn more about water.

    • Monroe County Soil and Conservation District :MCSWCD offers a number of programs and services in order to serve your conservation needs. Agriculture, Urban Issues, Tree and Shrub Program, Education, Stream bank Erosion, Ponds, Backyard Conservation, Fish Stocking. - All NRCS & SWCD programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, political beliefs, religion, sex, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation or disability.

    • Wayne County Soil and Conservation District: In 1944, Wayne County was declared a soil & water conservation district. The mission of this district was to serve as a local agency to manage, protect and conserve the county's soil, water and natural resources. In addition, the district was to assist landowners, municipalities, business and the agricultural communities in the best use and overall conservation of our natural resources.

    • Ontario County Department of Planning & Research 
    •  Erie County Works Edward A. Rath County Office Building, 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York 14202
    • "The Environmental Health Committee of the Board of Health is charged with collecting community input about the Environmental Health Report Card. (File is in Portable Document File Help for format.) The Committee will assess the information gathered and make recommendations to the Board of Health regarding priorities for action to improve the environmental health of our community. Included with the report card is a form to give people an opportunity to provide input about priorities for action. Please feel free to fill it out, make comments and send it back to us."
    • GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL The U.S. Department of Transportation requires every metropolitan area with a population over 50,000 to have a designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to qualify for receipt of federal highway and transit funds. The Governor of New York State designated the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) as the MPO responsible for transportation planning in the nine-county Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties.
    •  Livingston County, NY
    • Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council The Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council (G/FLRPC) will identify, define, and inform its member counties of issues and opportunities critical to the physical, economic, and social health of the region. G/FLRPC provides forums for discussion, debate, and consensus building, and develops and implements a focused action plan with clearly defined outcomes, which include programs, personnel, and funding.
    • Rochester NY public transportation,Transit,ROCHESTER NY Regional Transit Service, 1372 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14609, 585-288-1700 - Headquartered on Main Street in Rochester and governed by 11 commissioners, RGRTA oversees public transportation in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Wayne and Wyoming counties. It also serves as the host agency to a planning organization known as the Genesee Transportation Council.
    •  Mill Seat Landfill - Monroe County's landfill - Waste Management of New York, LLC, assumed the operation of the Mill Seat Landfill on January 15, 2002. With the largest network of landfills in the industry, we utilize state-of-the-art engineering, construction and monitoring methods to help protect the environment and ensure the safe and responsible disposal of waste. The landfill's total property is 385 acres. The footprint of the landfill is 95 acres. The construction cost is $60 million. The design capacity is for 1,945 tons per day. Stage one and stage two of the landfill comprise 52 acres. Future stages three and four, 43 acres. The site life is expected for the year 2017.

 

The Center for Environmental Information, Inc. (CEI) is a private, nonprofit, education organization, founded in Rochester, New York, in 1974. CEI provides information and communication services, publications, and educational programs in order to: advance public understanding of environmental issues; act as a communication link among scientists, educators, decision makers and the public; advocate informed action based on the free exchange of information and ideas.

 

  • City and townships Environmental Resources

     

    • Department of Environmental Services (DES) Service Guide Department of Environmental Services Frequently Called Service Numbers for the city of Rochester - 30 State Street, Room 300B, Rochester, NY 14614 (716) 428-6855. Rochester helps you be a better environmentally friendly citizen: Have your got your Book For All Seasons A Guide to the City of Rochester Environmental Services -from the City of Rochester?
    • New York State Department of Health (Rochester Office) Triangle Building, 335 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604 - phone (716) 423-8067
    • Welcome to Key to the City-- a wealth of information sent here by all the people of the United States.
    • Town of Brighton Comprehensive Plan Update Town Comprehensive Plan — The materials, written and/or graphic, including but not limited to maps, charts, studies, resolutions, reports and other descriptive material that identify the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, devices and instruments for the immediate and long-range protection,, enhancement, growth and development of the town located outside the limits of any incorporated village or city.

    • Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce The Chamber wants to know your opinion on issues of importance to you. Send us an e-mail, join a discussion, or submit an article for one of our business publications.

    • New York State Department of Health (Rochester Office): Triangle Building, 335 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604, (716) 423-8067

    • Town of Pittsford Yard Debris Pickup

    • Rochester Museum and Science Center -- including Cumming Nature Center, Strasenburg Planetarium, Kid's Club. 
    • ROCOSH, the Rochester Council on Occupational Safety & Health, is a non-profit organization that assists workers and labor unions in their struggles for better safety and health conditions on the job. We believe every worker is entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, and we work to promote that goal.
    • The Independent Media Center of Rochester - The Independent Media centre is a grassroots organization committed to using media production and distribution as a tool for promoting social and economic justice. It is our goal to further the self-determination of people under-represented in media production and content, and to illuminate and analyze local and global issues that impact ecosystems, communities and individuals. We seek to generate alternatives to the biases inherent in the corporate media controlled by profit, and to identify and create positive models for a sustainable and equitable society."
    •  2003 Flower City Looking Good Program for Gardeners and Environmentalists City of Rochester, New York "Making All the Difference"2003 Flower City Looking Good Program for Gardeners and Environmentalists This year marks the 13th year for the City of Rochester Flower City Looking Good Program for gardeners and environmentalists. Over 2,000 volunteers are making a difference to the community through this vital program. Because of the success of this initiative, along with such significant community involvement undertakings as Neighbors Building Neighborhoods and the City's comprehensive master plan, Renaissance2010, the City of Rochester, New York, received an important international award.

 

  •  Cancer & the Environment

    • The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's mission is to make eradication of breast cancer a priority through education and advocacy, to empower women and men to participate fully in decisions relating to breast cancer, to provide support to those coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, and to promote and focus research into the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of breast cancer.
    • In order to protect our environment we have to have sufficient data to determine if there is an environmental risk.  One of the best projects in our area is the New York State Health Department's Cancer Surveillance Improvement Initiative (CSII) - Cancer Mapping and Related Information The Cancer Surveillance Improvement Initiative (CSII) began in 1998. It is designed to answer questions of many New Yorkers about the cancer incidence in their communities. It provides maps of cancer incidence; maps of risk factors, including environmental information, also will be produced. CSII also provides information on cancer, its possible causes and how to interpret maps and graphs.
    • Radon.com Radon Information Center.  Learn all about the dangers of radon. 
    • BREAST CANCER: a selected guide to the resources Breast cancer is a complex and devastating disease and the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the United States today.--University at Buffalo.

Established in 2000, the Monroe County Stormwater Coalition is comprised of 27 municipal members. By working together, Coalition members are able to comply with the federal stormwater regulations and improve water quality in a cost-effective manner. At this time, the Coalition is funded through membership fees and state and federal grants. However, the Coalition is pursuing a long-term funding strategy.

The Coalition meets on a monthly basis and leadership is provided by a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Executive Committee. The Coalition has two staff persons that are housed at the Monroe County Department of Public Health. The work of the Coalition is advanced by 4 task groups: Construction, Education/Public Participation, Illicit Discharges, and Pollution Prevention.

 

  •  Products and the Environment

     

  •  Making your backyard safe for the environment

    • For news and links on Plants and Trees in Rochester check Plants and Our Environment. 
    • Rochester Gardening Gardening in Upstate New York This web site is meant to encourage the transfer of information relating to the varied interests of gardeners living near Rochester NY. This is accomplished by presenting some material which is local in content, and links to resources found elsewhere on the Internet.
    • Broccolo Tree and Lawn Care: A Practical, Responsible Approach to Lawn and Tree Care. We work to keep the trees, gardens, and lawns at your residential or commercial property healthy. We are a family-owned, Rochester-based company and an acknowledged leader in the care of nature's assets. We use responsible methods of integrated pest management, including careful monitoring and using smaller quantities of pesticides than most of our competitors.2059 Brighton-Henrietta Townline Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 Office: (716) 424-4476 Fax: (716) 292-0995 Email: btlc@broccologroup.com

    •  -- The Web site of the National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org.

    • -- The Web site of the National Audubon Society, www.audubon.org.

    • -- The gardening helpline of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, 473-5335.

    • -- The Soil and Water Conservation District of Monroe County, 473-2120, ext. 101.

    • -- The Rochester Civic Garden Center (classes, nature walks, horticultural library), 473-5130.

    • Caring for your lawn organically: A healthy lawn will not need pesticides. If properly maintained, your lawn will be naturally resistant to weeds and harmful insects. Here are some basic tips for having the healthiest lawn possible.--from NYPRIG

    • SHADE TREE ANTHRACNOSE Anthracnose is a leaf disease caused by fungi that are active in the early spring. It can highly disfigure leaves on susceptible trees, and this very noticeable damage often concerns homeowners greatly, especially in the spring. Shade tree anthracnose is separate from dogwood anthracnose, which is a different disease caused by a much more virulent fungus that requires early and aggressive management. Call the city's Forestry Division at 428-7581 or Cornell Cooperative Extension at 461-1000.

 

  •  Fishing and Wildlife

    • US. Fish and Wildlife: New York State Office. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission is, working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people." We are the only agency of the U.S. Government with that primary mission. The Service helps protect a healthy environment for people, fish and wildlife, and helps Americans conserve and enjoy the outdoors and our living treasures. The Service's major responsibilities are for migratory birds, endangered species, certain marine mammals, and freshwater and anadromous fish.
    • About Coyotes These items about Coyotes in New York State: Coyotes in Suburbia, Coyotes or Coydogs? Where did they come from? How many are there in New York? Solving Problems
      Coyotes at a Glance --NYS DEC. 
    • Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) The refuge serves as a nesting, feeding, resting and staging areas for migratory waterfowl. The varied habitats support approximately 266 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, plus reptiles, fish, amphibians and insects. Bald eagles have maintained an active nest on the refuge since 1986.
    • National Wildlife Refuge System from the US Fish Wildlife. 
    • 1999 - 2000 Health Advisories Chemicals in Game and Sportfish --From the NYS Department of Health.
    • From the DEC: Hunting, Fishing, License, General Fish and Wildlife Questions: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fwsitemap.htm Specific questions about hunting and fishing:
      send an email to       fwinfo@gw.dec.state.ny.us
    • The New York River Otter Project  Welcome to the world of the exciting New York State River Otter Project. Now entering its sixth year, the project seeks to educate people about the value of partnering to accomplish a significant wildlife restoration project, the return of the River Otter to Central and Western New York State.
    • Everything you wanted to know about NYS fishing laws, where to fish, where to launch your boat, etc. Go to Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Site Map by the NYS DEC. 
    • 2000 Health Advisories Chemicals in Game and Sportfish --from NYS Department of Health
    • Migratory Bird Permits: Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and National Management Plan for the Double-Crested Cormorant.  The Fish and Wildlife Service is developing a comprehensive nationwide management plan for the double crested cormorant.  The new management plan is being driven by concern over the bird's impact on commercial and recreational fishery resources, and the FWS has already issued permits to kill the birds to aqua cultural facilities in 13 states. File is in Portable Document File Help for format.)
    • SERVICE WILL PREPARE NATIONWIDE CORMORANT MANAGEMENT PLAN --from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
    • Olga Fleisher Ornithological Foundation, Inc  For the preservation of bird and wildlife integrity and conservation of the land they depend on... OFOF, Inc. proudly manages this 79 acres of diverse, high quality wetlands for bird and wildlife habitat conservation. Huckleberry Swamp provides significant functions including storm water retention, groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, and possibly rare plant habitat. Resulting values include water quality improvement and opportunities for recreation, education and aesthetic appreciation (Environmental Design and Research, P.C. 1999). P.O. Box 17718 -Rochester, NY 14617 -(585) 338-1820

 

  •  Rochester-area Environmental Programs

    • Trying to fix an environmental problem? Environmental Justice Community Impact Research Grant Program Environmental Justice Community Impact Research Grant Program for Communities Exposed to Multiple Environmental Harms and Risks in New York State - Purpose The DePartment of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) will use Environmental Justice Community Impact Research Grants to provide State assistance funding through Partial advance payment and Partial reimbursement for projects that address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks.--from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting NY's Environment and Managing its Natural Resources 
    • Cornell Center for the Environment - Cornell's gateway to environmental research, education and outreach. 200 Rice Hall • Cornell University • Ithaca, NY 14853 |
    • Environment & Natural Resources Initiative --from Connell Cooperative Extension Improve the quality and sustainability of human environments and natural resources by: conserving and ensuring the quality of water supplies, promoting environmental stewardship and sound decision making about the management of natural resources, promoting community, agricultural, and residential environmental enhancement, preparing youth to make informed environmental choices, enhancing science education through the environment
    • Since 1985, the Downtown Community Forum (DCF)  has contributed to the development of a better-informed citizenry by showcasing the diversity of opinion within the Rochester community. DCF gatherings provide an opportunity to explore important issues and exchange ideas in an ecumenical, nonpartisan, democratic, and value-centered setting.
    • A great time for you and your children and a chance to learn about helping our environment is UnEARTHing  Exhibit the at the Strong Museum: This highly interactive, kid-friendly exhibit explores the relationship between Americans and the environment, and features the familiar things we have created, used, and thrown away since 1850.
    • Environmental Groups in Rochester -- from the Monroe County Library System.
    • Healthy Schools Network, Inc. Environmentally safe and healthy learning environments for
      children, for personnel, and for their communities
    • The UR program for The teacher teams My Environment, My Health, My Choices: Curriculum Development Program-- five next summer and 10 more by 2003 -- will work with UR to develop lesson plans and field work that give students an expanded sense of environmental issues. Sciences to coach teams of teachers from 15 schools over the next seven years. The mission: Combine science, social studies and health lessons into an integrated program of environmental science that goes beyond the ABCs of recycling.
    • Rogers Environmental Education Center is operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The DEC is responsible for protecting New York's natural resources. The Rogers Center is devoted to teaching people about these resources and using them wisely.
    • R.I. T. The National Center for Remanufacturing and Resource Recovery provides technical assistance and applied research and development to the remanufacturing industry and manufacturers interested in remanufacturing and resource recovery techniques. Our goal is to provide effective tools and solutions that are both economically and environmentally sound.
    • Chet's Habitat: In the arena, you'll find out all about the Chet the Cheetah program, resources for teachers and information on how to license the program for your own community.
    • ADOPT-A-STREAM Water pollution affects us all. Although there are no easy remedies, correcting water pollution depends on a future generation of informed, concerned citizens. Adopt-A-Stream is an interdisciplinary program which gives classroom learning a real-life application, enhances students' problem-solving capabilities, and can provide community recognition of the students efforts. --Delta Laboratories, Inc., 1820 East Ave, Rochester , NY 14610, (716) 242-2400
    • The ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY program, a Monroe County Department of Transportation sponsored initiative, looks for community-minded companies, clubs, or organizations to signal their commitment to keeping Monroe County looking good by "adopting" stretches of highway and pledging to keep them litter-free.
    • WEC - Publications includes - Community Water Watch Program: & Great Lawns/Great Lakes Program:
    • Best Friends: Feral Cat Care Resources  How to Care for Feral Cats. It includes just about everything you need to know to get started on a simple neighborhood program.
    • Ethics and the Environment' A seminar in environmental ethics offered through the Rochester Scholars Program. This course is an introductory seminar in environmental ethics.
    • New York wildlife. We are a coalition of environmental and government agencies, businesses, and private individuals dedicated to increasing awareness about NY wildlife. website is http://newyorkwild.org New York Wild will endeavor to be more than just another website with animal cams. For example, it will add an educational component for each of the animals that it is showcasing. It will also bring to its viewers new insights about the wildlife of New York State, their values to us as a society and their individual habitat needs, so crucial in today's expanding population. Finally, New York Wild will be a year-round website focusing on a wide variety of animals throughout the entire year. No other website has ever endeavored to accomplish this task.
    • Adirondack Research Consortium In 1994, a small group of academics and representatives of Adirondack non-governmental organizations and state policy organizations met to discuss forming an interdisciplinary society committed to promoting and disseminating research on the region. At the time, extensive research in diverse disciplines was being conducted in the region with little communication to local stakeholders or researchers across disciplines. A local perception had evolved that viewed the academic research community as acquiring research from the region and only reporting the results to national and international meetings and journal publications. There was little incentive and few formal mechanisms to report research back to the Adirondack community.
    • Rochester Museum & Science Center - including Cummings Nature Center, Museum, Strasenburg Planetarium.

  •  Environmental Law

    • NYSDEC Environmental Justice Program: Send to: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Office of Environmental Justice., 625 Broadway, 14th Floor, Albany, NY, 12233-1500.  Phone: 518- 402- 8556, FAX: 518-402-9018. Toll-free Environmental Justice hotline 1-866-229-0497, or e-mail at ej@gw.dec.state.ny.us What is Environmental Justice? Environmental Justice is defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
    • Law.com/ New York  is where legal professionals and law students come for news, legal information and e-law services. 
    • How a Bill Becomes a Law in New York State  from New York State Assembly
    • New some hard-to-get information from difficult sources, check how FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)  
    • The attached is a handy website for those wishing to sue a government organization when they deny a FOIL: http://article78.com/primer/1.html
    • Center for Health, Environment and Justice The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) was founded in 1981, as the Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste (CCHW), by Lois Gibbs community leader at Love Canal. CHEJ believes in environmental justice, the principle that people have the right to a clean and healthy environment regardless of their race or economic standing.
    • Got a legal (maybe environmental) problem? Check out RochesterToday.com's Find Law, a list of all the major legal links for Rochester. 
    • Class Actions: At Hagens Berman, we pride ourselves on being one of the premier law firms in the country in class action litigation. To the side is a list of our active class action cases with verdicts and/or settlements pending. Clicking on the name of each current class action will show you information regarding that suit, such as lead counsel and type of Hagens Berman specialty. Some class action information sections will also contain supporting material, such as press releases and copies of the latest amended version of the complaint filed with the court.
    • New York State Civil Liberties Union: The NYCLU is a statewide organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of New Yorkers' civil liberties as enumerated in the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New York
    • From the DEC: Law Enforcement or Forest Rangers: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/protection/index.html

     

  •  Environmental Information from the Experts

    • Asbestos An estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry, particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. --from OSHA.gov
    • Search Your Community --from the EPA. Enter your zip code and get these facts about your area: Envirofacts: Pollution, hazardous waste sites, and other regulatory, EnviroMapper: "Live" and customizable computer-generated maps of regulated sites throughout the United States., Surf Your Watershed: Environmental conditions and activities in watersheds throughout the United States., UV Index:
      Ultraviolet (UV) Index Forecast A daily forecast of the expected intensity of Ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 
    • USGS Real-Time Water Data: Data from realtime streamflow gages are relayed to the District's office through telephone lines or the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data-collection system. Data are transmitted from each station at intervals of either 3 or 4 hours and are loaded onto the District's computer system.
    • SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: The mission of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry is to be a world leader in instruction, research, and public service related to the understanding of the structure and functional dynamics of world ecosystems; the development, management, and use of renewable natural resources; and the maintenance and enhancement of biological diversity, natural resource options, and environmental quality.
    • www.environment-buffalo.org Ecology and Environment Resources in Buffalo, New York
    • American Lung Association of Western New York The American Lung Association® (ALA) is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a National Office and constituent and affiliate associations around the country. Founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis, ALA today fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and environmental health. ALA is funded by contributions from the public, along with gifts and grants from corporations, foundations and government agencies. ALA achieves its many successes through the work of thousands of committed volunteers and staff.

     

  •  Rochester-area Environmental Education

     

    • Environmental Education Associates Environmental Education Associates is committed to providing appropriate education services to a variety of clientele, ranging from professionals employed in the private and public sectors to indviduals who may wish to obtain training to secure positions in the expanding environmental and safety industry. EEA, in affiliation with the State University of New York at Buffalo Toxicology Research Center, has been an industry leader in providing quality certification, recertification and awareness programs since 1991.
    • Welcome to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Our research program is the foundation upon which other Lab programs are built. We strive to understand the causes and consequences in the distribution and abundance of North American birds. We are also looking at survival and breeding success of cavity-nesting species and forest birds of conservation concern. Our work in the area of animal sounds has made us world leaders in whale and elephant communication. Results of Lab research are published in the scientific literature and made available for a wide variety of scientific, education, and conservation uses.
    • SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
    • Environmental Education Grants The Grant Program sponsored by EPA’s Office of Environmental Education supports environmental education projects that enhance the public’s awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions that affect environmental quality. Since 1992, EPA has received between $2 and $3 million in grant funding per year and has awarded about 1,700 grants. Grants of $25,000 or less are awarded in EPA’s ten regional offices, and grants of more than $25,000 are awarded at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Applying for a grant — Each year EPA's Office of Environmental Education releases a Solicitation Notice in the Federal Register that provides instructions for obtaining a grant. Fiscal Year 2002 Solicitation Notice.
    • Internet Resources -- Environment From Rochester Institute of Technology's (R.I.T.) Library - Subject-based Internet Resources
      Environment
    • UB Green - UB Green, an umbrella website for University at Buffalo (UB) environmental standing activities and programs. This site is maintained in the UB Green Office of University Facilities. UB has the environmental impact of a modest size city. Through campus environmental stewardship we can make campus operations less consuming of natural resources and less polluting of natural ecosystems. By committing ourselves to becoming a "green campus" we can better fulfill our educational mission and demonstrate environmental leadership. We have started on this critically important endeavor --though we have a long way to go before we achieve anything approaching genuine environmental sustainability.
    • Hobart and William Smith Colleges :: Finger Lakes Institute Is dedicated to the promotion of environmental research and education about the Finger Lakes and surrounding environments. In collaboration with regional environmental partners and state and local government offices, the Institute fosters environmentally-sound development practices throughout the region, and disseminates the accumulated knowledge to the general public. 601 S. Main Street Geneva, NY 14456 E-mail: fli@hws.edu  (315) 781-4390

  •  Pollution & Monitoring

    • New York Beach Monitoring and Closure Practices Check up on the health of our beaches. --from National Resources Defense Council. This is the full text and tables of NRDC's annual survey of water-quality monitoring and public notification programs at U.S. beaches. The survey, published in August 2000, is based on information reported for 1999. The beach-specific information contained in the online maps is not included in the print version of this report.
    • Corporate Watch is an online magazine and resource center designed to
      provide you--every day Internet users--activists, journalists, students,
      teachers and policy makers--with an array of tools that you can use to
      investigate and analyze corporate activity.
    • HazDat, "the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Hazardous Substance Release/Health Effects Database, is the scientific and administrative database developed to provide access to information on the release of hazardous substances from Superfund sites or from emergency events and on the effects of hazardous substances on the health of human populations." Query and Search the HazDat Database
    • Search for toxic pollution in your area! The Right-to-Know Network provides free access to numerous databases, text files, and conferences on the environment, housing, and sustainable development.

    • Citizens are asked to report complaints to the city's environmental services hotline at 428-5990.

    • If you are concerned about an odd chlorine taste or odor in your water, you can call City Environmental Services at 428-5990.

    • MTBE Contamination.com. Providing information about water contamination caused by the gasoline additive MTBE.
    • Get Monroe and Surrounding Counties Superfund/Hazardous Waste Map, & Toxic Release Inventory, from The Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club.
    • Current Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Water Levels --From The Great Lakes Information Network "Your Bridge to the Great Lakes Region"
    • Environmental "TIP" Line: 1-800-ENCRIME (1-800-362-7463) & Environment & COMPLAINT FORM FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RELATED MATTERS--from Office of NYS Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.
    • Just enter your zip code and find out what pollutants are being released into your community--and who is responsible. From http://www.scorecard.org/  Learn about what air pollutants endanger our health and you can even take action on this issue at Scorecard.
    • Healthy Home "The Southwest Area Neighborhood Association (SWAN), the Rochester Fatherhood Resource Initiative (RFRI) , and the University of Rochester Medical Center have created a Healthy Home to help people find and deal with environmental health hazards in their homes. Some of the hazards include asthma triggers, lead, mold, pests, unintentional injuries, and carbon monoxide. Informational checklists as well as resource lists provide the visitor with steps that they can take to create a healthier home."

     

  •  Specific Environmental Topics Related to the Rochester Area

    • Adirondack Forest Protection
      • The Association For The Protection of the Adirondacks: Vision - To provide a leadership role as an advocate for the continued success of the New York State Forest Preserve and the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, acting as a catalyst and forum for interaction and problem-solving by diverse interests. Mission - To protect and enhance the natural resources and the human values of the Adirondack and Catskill Parks and the New York State Forest Preserve.
      • Adirondack Park Agency The APA is a New York State government agency, consisting of approximately 60 staff and an eleven-member board. In 1971 the APA was created by the State Legislature to develop long-range land use plans for both public and private lands within the Park.

       

  • Mercury Contamination

     

    • ATSDR - ToxFAQs: Mercury Exposure to mercury occurs from breathing contaminated air, ingesting contaminated water and food, and having dental and medical treatments. Mercury, at high levels, may damage the brain, kidneys, and developing fetus. This chemical has been found in at least 714 of 1,467 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
    • CPCS: Mercury and its Many Forms Broken thermometers are the cause of numerous calls to the Poison Center. Thermometers with a silver line contain elemental mercury. Thermometers with a red or blue liquid do NOT contain mercury. There is much misinformation about mercury, its various forms and its dangers. Three different types of mercury exist, varying in their levels of toxicity. They are elemental mercury, inorganic mercury and organic mercury.
    •  EPA - Mercury The Environmental Protection Agency is working to reduce the amount of mercury in the environment.
    •  Mercury Emergency Fact Sheet The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prepared the following information for the benefit of communities affected by mercury spills or releases. Teach