RENewsletter | July 19, 2009

 

The Free environmental newsletter from RochesterEnvironment.com  

“Our Environment is changing: Keep up with the Change.”

[07/12/09– 07/19/09]

 

Need to vent? | Go to my blog: Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY

Found an important Rochester environmental story from a credible source that you think needs attention? SEND ME THE LINK.

 

Opening Salvo | NewsLinks | Daily Updates | Events | Environmental Site of the Month | Take Action |

 

[Hyperlinks work by CTRL + click to follow a link]

 

__________________________________________

 

Opening Salvo:  “Watching Fish”

 

A recent reading of local environmental news finds several interesting studies about the present state of our fish life. Things appear to be going well or not so well. For example, our Great Lakes fish populations are either doing swimmingly as noted in the New York Statewide Angler Survey 2007 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (although, given the frequent fish eating advisories, maybe that’s not entirely true) or not so swimmingly: “No sign of threat: Don't expect gov't to issue warning of dangerous fishing,” June 26, 09 NY Daily News).

 

Another report about our regional fish population indicates that fish are not doing so well: Up to the Gills: 2009 Update on Pollution in Great Lakes Fish which states “that levels of toxic chemicals in Great Lakes fish are alarmingly high, and are not improving.” And, as if eating fish were not enough of a worry, even playing on beach sand (Study: Digging in sand can increase health problems -- Newsday.com ) may be problematical. Not to mention, “The State of the Lakes: Still a Bummer” - Healthy Lakes - Healthy Lives “A new report by the US and Canadian Environmental Agencies finds that the Great Lakes ecosystem continues on a rapid decline due to toxic pollution and invasive species and poor sewage management.” Learn more at State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference | Great Lakes | US EPA

 

Certainly, much has to be qualified about implications of these reports because disparaging the fishing industry could be bad for this lucrative industry. Also sporadic and disjointed studies make concrete observations about those underwater denizens of our lakes and streams difficult.  We cannot say for sure why fish populations are dropping or how various chemicals got into our fish and what it means exactly. Very hard to point fingers these days because there’s always a lawyer’s desk to hide under.

 

But, I think it’s safe to say that fish have not fared well since the time of Samuel de Champlain. It’s safe to say that our lakes and streams around the Rochester, NY area used to have a lot more healthy fish in the late 1500’s than they do now. 

 

I think it is also safe to say that watching fish populations as we do birds and other wildlife is more than an avocation for enthusiasts or objects of study for Scientists. For, if our fish populations are ridden by pollutants and their numbers are dropping, we ought to be paying attention. Something is going on and cherry-picking the facts to present a cherished view or ignoring it altogether will not make this issue go away. The laws of nature don’t work that way.

 

I think it’s safe to say that we too are not going to be faring well if we don’t find some way to stay focused on these environmental indicators—wildlife like fish whose numbers have changed drastically in the relatively short time between Champlain and ourselves. 

 

FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com  (Click on my email for feedback)

 

__________________________________________

 

NewsLinks – Environmental NewsLinks – [Highlights of major environmental stories concerning our area from the past week]

 

·         Greening Our Colleges

·         Fox and Bear Stories

·         Ginna Nuclear Power Plant Cleanup

·         State of Great Lakes' Health

·         DEC: Fresh Water Angler Survey Report

·         Xerox Give Earth Award

·         Little Sewage Overflow

·         Adirondacks: Keeping Up with Pollution

·         "Up To The Gills" Updated Canadian Report on Toxicity in Great Lakes Fish

·         EEE Found in Local Mosquitoes

·         Energy: Gas Zones

·         Victor: On Wind Turbines

·         Brownfields Sites

·         Obama | Green Jobs | Rochester

·         4 Million to Improve NYS Water Provide Jobs

·         Testing Wells for Water Quality

·         Killing Invasives on Great Lakes

·         Energy "Extreme Fusion" U of R

·         NYS Energy Efficiency Clearing House Website

·         Law: "Cash for Clunkers"

·         Merging Conservation Groups Canandaigua

·         Development & Environment Canandaigua Lake

·         Gas-Drilling Regulations

·         Bottled Water Fewer Regulations Than Tap

·         Beach Sand Hazard

·         Great Lakes Fish - PCBs Dioxins

·         Rochester Test Site Flu Vaccine

·         Canandaigua Lakes Phosphorus Concerns

·         Rochester Smart Cars

·         Rochester Influenced by Energy Act

 ___________________________________________

 

Updates – Daily Updates – [Connecting the dots on Rochester’s environment. Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? Clicking on -DISCUSSION – will take you to my blog “Environmental Thoughts, NY, where you can add your comments.]

• 7/16/09 - While we are in the midst of a flu pandemic, it's good to stay informed and inform others: Flu.gov "Do You Know What to Do About the Flu?" Flu.gov provides comprehensive government-wide information on pandemic influenza and avian influenza for the general public, health and emergency preparedness professionals, policy makers, government and business leaders, school systems, and local communities. Help Share this Important Information Unless otherwise noted, material presented on the Flu.gov Web site is considered federal government information and is in the public domain. That means this information may be freely copied and distributed. We request that you use appropriate attribution to Flu.gov.
• 7/16/09 - What does this report say about our environment? New York Statewide Angler Survey 2007 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation The 2007 New York Statewide Angler Survey provides the results of a random survey of approximately 20,000 anglers that fished the freshwaters of New York State during the 2007 calendar year. The survey was conducted by the Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Bureau of Fisheries. The results of the survey are provided in 4 reports.
• 7/16/09 -- Maybe it's time to check on and take action for our clean water infrastructure Citizens Campaign for the Environment Clean Water, Green Jobs | "Aging and failing sewage treatment plants jeopardize human health, close beaches, harm fish and wildlife, and cost ratepayers and municipalities millions. Our nation’s sewage infrastructure is in disrepair, accumulating from long-overdue investments to improve sewage collection and treatment. Properly functioning sewage treatment plants are critical to keeping harmful pathogens and bacteria from polluting our environment and threatening public health. " --For example: Percentage of time beaches exceeded health standards in 2007 - "Ontario Beach in Monroe 37% " --from CCE - Water Protection Public Health Energy Renewable Policy Toxic Wildlife Chemical Contamination Subscribe Newsletter Jobs Calendar Pollution Air Quality Advocacy Farmingdale White Plains Albany Syracuse Buffalo
• 7/15/09 - Important Canadian report about eating fish in the Great Lakes--things are not improving: Up to the Gills: 2009 Update on Pollution in Great Lakes Fish "This report examines fish consumption advisories in the Great Lakes between 2005 and 2009. Up to the Gills finds that levels of toxic chemicals in Great Lakes fish are alarmingly high, and are not improving. The major chemical contaminants that cause consumption advisories for Great Lakes fish include mercury, PCBs, pesticides, dioxins and furans. Health effects of these chemicals include damage to the nervous, respiratory and immune system, as well as cancer."
• 7/14/09 - Find out if your organization can get state or federal monies for saving energy and money New York Energy Efficiency Clearinghouse "Governor David A. Paterson today announced the launch of an energy efficiency clearinghouse website (http://www.nyserda.org/clearinghouse), which will provide information on State-funded energy efficiency programs available to schools, hospitals and local governments. The Governor called for the creation of a single point of access to information on all State-run energy efficiency programs for schools, hospitals and local governments in his 2009 State of the State Address."
• 7/14/09 -- You've heard that you can get cash for that old clunker you are driving, what's the deal? CARS.gov - Car Allowance Rebate System - Home - Formerly Referred to as “Cash for Clunkers” President Obama signed into law a program the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This is a federal program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more details. While the CARS Act makes transactions on and after July 1 potentially eligible for credits under the CARS program, interested dealers and consumers may want to wait until all of the detailed issues that must be addressed in the implementing regulations are resolved and the final rule is issued. Issuance will occur around July 24.
• 7/13/09 - Remember you can Recycle some stuff each weekend at Brighton Farmers’ Market - Color Brighton Green Recycling at Brighton Farmers’s Market Bring the following items at the ColorBrightonGreen.org table at the Brighton Farmers’ Market and we’ll recycle them for you. Compact fluorescent lamps Compact discs Non-corroded batteries (All kinds) Clean #5 plastic Crayons (preferably with some of the paper wrapper left on) Wine corks (real cork, not plastic ones) Sneakers Plastic bottle caps --from - Color Brighton Green

 _________________________________________________

 

Events – Rochester Environmental Events Calendar – [The most complete listing of all environmental events around the Rochester, New York area.]  If you don’t see your event, or know of a local environmental event, please send me the info: FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com with (EV event) in the subject line.

 

• Genesee Valley Audubon society presents Painting Birds in Pastel by artist, Gloria Betlem July 16 & 23,  7-9 pm Two delightful Tuesday evenings This workshop is for those who like to express themselves artistically and who love birds! Some drawing experience will help you as you learn how to apply the luminous pastel colors which so perfectly express those of our fair feathered friends, and we explore bird shape, color, and expression.   $40 REGISTRATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 9  please send by July 6 for registration info: CALL 585-739-2124 or email globeing@aol.com   or     wwww.gloriabetlem.com - (studio schedule) Where:      Betlem~Divers Studio 6414 S. Lima Rd, Livonia Instructor:  Gloria Betlem, MFA is an award winning artist and teacher, with over thirty years experience as a pastel artist. Her teaching style embraces your individual needs with exceptional sensitivity and ability to communicate. She received a grant from New York State Council on the Arts this year for her bird paintings which will be shown this fall. Keep this date! Exhibition: “THE BIRDS” September 26 & 27, 1-5 PM Chip Holt Nature Center, Vitale Park, Lakeville, NY
• Wind Component Manufacturing Symposium Learn how you can capitalize on the growth of this industry by expanding your business Wednesday, July 15, 2009 8:30 am – 1:00 pm Millennium Hotel Buffalo 2040 Walden Avenue Cheektowaga, New York 14225 Tickets:$20, includes light breakfast & lunch
• Special invitation for those interested in Recycling "Sunnking Electronics Recycling and the Upstate Green Business Network would like to invite you to our combined Green Drinks! /Recycling Event on Thursday July 23rd from 6-8pm at Sunnking’s Brockport location (4 Owens Road.), Brockport, NY.  Come enjoy this opportunity to recycle and mingle with our ever-growing network of like-minded individuals, all while tasting local food and beverages, and listening to live entertainment! Please feel free to invite friends and colleagues who may be interested in this free event, as we are continually seeking new members and participants! Keynote speakers will be at the event, discussing local efforts and exciting environmental programs available to our community. We encourage you to bring any old or used electronic equipment with you to the event and recycle it free of charge! We prefer that you please RSVP at www.sunnking.com . Any further questions, please call Sunnking at 585-637-8365. Thank you and we hope to see you there! Sincerely, Kimie Romeo Environmental Coordinator Sunnking Electronic Recycling "
• POPULATION AND SUSTAINABILITY   PowerPoint by Hal Bauer, Ph.D.   Thursday, July 23, 2009, 7:00 – 9:00 PM Gilbert Hall, First Unitarian Church, 220 S. Winton Rd, Rochester   FREE and open to the public.    Hal finds the population connection among underemployment, oil depletion and fossil fuel prices, climate disruption and food crises, political conflicts and wars.    What can be done?  A transition is needed away from our narcissistic carbon-fueled competitive society.  We need a sustainable, solar powered, cooperatively-protected planet, with fewer-happier-children.   Hal studied with Dr. Paul Erlich (The Population Bomb / The Population Explosion)  He is former chairperson of the Population and Sustainability committee at First Unitarian.  Hal operates a farm in Wayland with his wife Gayle, and sells organic eggs at Abundance Co-op. - This program is part of the yearlong CREATING THE FUTURE series.  Twice a month (first Tuesday and Thursday 2 weeks later) we present a video, lecture or workshop, then discuss the topic among ourselves.  In these times we recognize unprecedented needs and opportunities for ordinary people to participate in creating the future of society.
• Think Green' at the RMSC - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Rochester, N.Y. — The Rochester Museum and Science Center will offer a new Family Friday program about conservationism and environmentalism on July 24 from 12-4 p.m. (June 22, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow
• New York Green Fest 2009 Share ideas and skills for sustainable living and Green politics, August 7-9, in Alfred, NY. Learn how to build your own wind turbine, produce videos for the internet, make tofu, make poetry, grow nut trees, and build an earth oven. Discuss economics as a cultural system, sustainable cities, the rights of nature, local sovereignty, the reality of renewable energy and liberation ecology. Listen to our plenary speakers: Virginia Rasmussen and Cyril Mychelako on the Politics of Sustainability, Art Weaver and Dan Miner on Sustainable Energy, Joel Kovel and Tony Gronowicz on Politics and Nature, Bill Kauffman and Lyn Gerry on Regionalism and Sustainability, and Steve Welzer and Jason Nabewaniec on Visioning a Green Future. Green Fest 2009 will be held on the campus of Alfred University in Alfred, NY. Alfred is in rural Allegany County, 80 miles south of Rochester. The Short Line Bus runs several buses daily between Alfred, Westchester, New York City and Long Island. Green Fest will arrange buses from Rochester for attendees.
• Healthy Buildings 2009 (http://www.hb2009.org), an international conference and exhibition showcasing innovations in indoor environmental quality and healthy and sustainable environmental technology, will be held in US for the first time in 12 years, September 13-17, 2009. Hosted by the Syracuse Center of Excellence and Syracuse University, ISIAQ's signature conference will draw more than 1,000 researchers and professionals from the disciplines of architecture, building products and services, engineering, indoor environmental quality, public health, urban planning, and workplace performance from more than 42 different countries. HB2009 includes remarkable plenary speakers such as Rick Fedrizzi, Founder of USGBC, as well as Dr. Eduardo de Oliveira Fernandes of the University of Porto in Portugal, Dr. Yuguo Li of the University of Hong Kong, and Dr. Shin-ichi Tanabe of Waseda University in Japan; who have each made immense contributions to the body of research in indoor air quality and related fields. The exhibition (http://hb2009.org/exhibition), featuring the latest advancements in green and clean technologies and innovation, will also showcase "OppEx," an Opportunity Exchange (http://hb2009.org/opportunity_exchange) that will include industry-leader keynote speakers; healthy buildings and clean and green technology product and service demonstrations; technology transfer ideas from world-class research universities; and many more opportunities for intellectual collisions among attendees. In today's uncertain economic climate, the benefit of international exchange and engagement is critical. HB2009 offers researchers, professionals, and community planners a unique opportunity to think strategically about the direction of industry and technology through academic and industry collaboration in a world going green. For more information about the conference and exhibition please visit our website at www.hb2009.org, or contact clmatthe@syr.edu. Also, in addition to the rates currently listed on the web site, there is also a $25 one-day exhibition pass for those wishing to be a part of HB2009 on a limited budget.
• Help Clean Up the World and put your activity on the global environmental map!   Held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Clean Up the World is one of the world’s largest community-based environmental campaigns with an estimated 35 million volunteers from 120 countries participating annually in environmental activities.   Join the campaign and put your group and its activity on the global environmental map by visiting activities.cleanuptheworld.org .  Activities can be conducted year round, however the campaign’s flagship event, Clean Up the World Weekend (18-20 September 2009) is a global celebration of the environmental actions and achievements of participants.   Joining Clean Up the World is simple: ■ Register online: http//:activities.cleanuptheworld.org ■ Email: info@cleanuptheworld.org ■ Visit: www.cleanuptheworld.org ■ Call: +61 2 9692 0700 ■ Post: 18 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia. Clean Up Clean Up the World partners with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to inspire and assist communities to "clean up, fix up and conserve their local environment" through carrying out initiatives ranging from waste removal and tree planting to water and energy conservation projects. Clean Up the World and its participating organisations mobilise an estimated 35 million volunteers from more than 120 countries annually.
• October 24, 2009 is INTERNATIONAL CLIMATE ACTION DAY, and is being coordinated by 350.org, the grassroots organizing brainchild of Bill McKibben. The idea is to mobilize grassroots groups all over the world to hold highly visible public / media events on 10/24/09. Each event should highlight the number 350—the maximum global atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (in parts per million- ppm) that is safe for the long term. We are already up to 387, and increasing. For more details: http://www.350.org/  We need to do something in Rochester, and to be worth doing, it should be a coordinated effort between several groups, and something creative, eye-catching…. Media-worthy! That’s the point—to have media worldwide show that there is a groundswell of popular support for a global treaty (successor to Kyoto), and that therefore world leaders must craft a plan to bring levels down to 350 ppm by the time they leave the international climate talks in Copenhagen in December of this year. Are you interested in helping? If this is to be done, we would need people to: • Reach out to other groups/ organizations to see what they are doing, and try to coordinate (for all I know, there is already an effort planned that we could work with) • Be creative- come up with a good location / “shtick” to make it media-worthy • Recruit others • Contact media

 

 

 

 

_________________________________________________

 

Action – Take Action - Often, I receive request to pass on alerts, petitions, Public Comments on local developments, and environmental items needing action by the Rochester Community and around the world. I’ll keep Actions posted until their due date. 

 

__________________________________________________

 

Award – Environmental Site of the Month Award – [On the last Sunday of each month, we present an environmental award for the Rochester-area environmental web site or blog that best promotes the need to protect and offers solutions for our area's environmental issues.]