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RochesterEnvironment.com

September 2009 NewsLinks Archived 

RochesterEnvironment.com

These archived Newslinks for this month represent just one month in over a decade of posting Rochester-area NewsLinks for our area.

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Don't have the time to check this site every day for Rochester environmental news --Get RochesterEnvironment.com Newsletter one a week in your e-mail. & get all the news, events, actions for the week. RENewsletter - a WEEKLY newsletter about Rochester, New York's environment.  Get the most important news of the day and monitor your environment. This newsletter provides you with the news you need, not simply the news you want--like most other media services. 

• OUTDOORS: A bird in the hand - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper Local study tracks migration | Volunteers at Braddock Bay use mist nets to monitor the passage of songbirds during spring and fall migrations. In the last decade alone, they have tagged 98,000 birds from approximately 130 species.  (September 30, 09) Rochester City Newspaper [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Zero Waste group mounting fight vs. landfill - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — A local opposition group is raising money to fight Ontario County’s plan to allow landfill operator Casella Waste Systems Inc. to do a pilot waste-to-fuel project at the county landfill.  (September 30, 09)Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow  [more on Energy in our area]
• Rochester's Washington Grove sparks controversy | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle On a Saturday in mid-July, a small group of volunteers set out to create a new trail head to Washington Grove, a 25-acre wooded area on the eastern slope of Cobbs Hill. (October 1, 09) http://www.democratandchronicle.com/ [more on Parks in our area]
• New York State Paves Way for Gas Drilling With Release of Environmental Review - ProPublica A long-anticipated draft environmental review laying out proposed laws for natural gas drilling in New York’s Marcellus Shale has been released by the state after 18 months of study and several delays. State officials say the guidelines, which are 809 pages long and extremely detailed [1], address key concerns, including the disclosure of fluids used in the drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing and the onsite handling of drilling waste. (September 30, 09)  [more on Energy in our area] ProPublica - Journalism in the Public Interest
• DEC proposes new Marcellus Shale drilling safety measures, mitigation strategies ALBANY - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released a draft of the Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS) governing potential natural gas drilling activities in the Marcellus Shale formation, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced, Wednesday. (October 1, 09) New York State News on the Net! [[more on Energy in our area]
• City of Rochester | City Awarded U.S. DOE Clean Cities Funding (Friday, September 25, 2009) – Mayor Robert J. Duffy is pleased to announce that the City of Rochester has been awarded $26,150 as part of the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicle Pilot Grant Program. The money, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used for six GEM electric vehicles for use at Mt. Hope and Riverside cemeteries and two compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles for use by the west-side parking monitors.  (September 25, 09) City of Rochester [more on Energy in our area]
• More effort needed to control sewer overflow :: Local News :: Post-Tribune MERRILLVILLE -- A large amount of stimulus funding should be spent on improving infrastructure to avoid millions of gallons of sewage overflowing into the Great Lakes, a new report says. (September 29, 09)http://www.post-trib.com/ [more on Great Lakes]
• MPNnow PHOTO GALLERY: Students learn about conservation in Ontario County RSS MPNnow.com — 25th Annual Ontario County Conservation Field Days for 6th grade students. MPNnow.com — 25th Annual Ontario County Conservation Field Days for 6th grade students. (September 29, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Curb your car week planned in Brighton - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Brighton, N.Y. — Color Brighton Green is holding another the fall edition of Curb Your Car Week next week. From Oct. 4 to 10 the group is hoping that area leave their car behind for at least one trip. Suggested alternatives are biking, walking, busing, carpooling, telecommuting and combining trips. (September 30, 09) [more on Green Living in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Warning: look out for local coyotes A warning Tuesday from an Irondequoit couple about an ongoing problem with coyotes. Their beloved cat was killed and the two say it could happen to your pet. (September 30, 09) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Federal, Local Dollars Help Make Home Heating More Efficient - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports (Rochester, N.Y.) - We all know that making your home more energy-efficient is a smart way to save money, but the initial investment costs money.  The good news is -- there is help. (September 28, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Green Living in our area]
• Ontario County residents will have their say on bus service this week - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow “Our analysis of the system suggests that while the fixed-route service is doing a good job carrying passengers, the system may be improved to better meet passenger needs and expectations,” according to the county’s recommendation report, issued by the planning and transportation departments. (September 29, 09)  [more on Transportation]
• Dog Flu Virus Contagious - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports (Rochester, N.Y.) - There’s a new flu virus going around in among man’s best friends, and vets think the dogs should be immunized.  (September 25, 09) Top Stories - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Seneca Meadows Education Center earns top environmental ranking Education Center has programs for adults and children SENECA FALLS — Seneca Meadows’ Environmental Education Center on Route 414 has been awarded the highest possible ranking for its environmentally friendly design. September 25, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online  [more on Environmental Education]
• Jaywalking at the landfill? - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Seneca, N.Y. — The Ontario County landfill would host a renewable-energy plant, generating electricity from solar and wind power, if $6.5 million in federal stimulus dollars pays for half the project.  (September 26, 09) - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Energy in our area]
• Concern over Great Lakes fish will remain even after current toxins fade | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle New York's advisories on consumption of Lake Ontario fish are based on chemicals that, for the most part, were banned decades ago and are increasingly rare in the environment. If current trends continue, officials say, the advisories based on those legacy pollutants can be moderated in the not-too-distant future. (September 27, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York[more on Wildlife in our area]
• Lake Ontario's fish less toxic, but alerts unheeded More than three decades after New Yorkers were first warned to limit their consumption of Lake Ontario fish, levels of toxic chemicals in the fish have plummeted. (September 28, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Rochester RocEarth | Democrat and Chronicle
• Green Habitat Home It's a first for the state. This weekend a "green" habitat for humanity house will be unveiled in Rochester.  (September 24, 09) RochesterHomePage [more on Green Living in our area]
• Senate passes $400M Great Lakes bill | detnews.com | The Detroit News Washington -- The Senate easily passed legislation tonight containing $400 million for Great Lakes restoration by deterring invasive species, cleaning up highly polluted sites and expanding wetlands. The funding level for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative falls short of the $475 million passed by the House in June and supported by President Barack Obama.  (September 24, 09) The Detroit News | detnews.com | Saturday, September 26, 2009 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and Michigan [more on Great Lakes]
• DEC Joins International Effort to Crack down on Illegal Transportation of Hazardous Waste - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Working with INTERPOL and Canadian authorities, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently participated in an international initiative targeting the illegal transportation of hazardous waste, Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. The two-day operation (Sept. 23-24) focused on major transportation routes in the Buffalo-Niagara region, with NYS Environmental Conservation Officers and investigators checking transporters entering the U.S. at the Peace Bridge and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. Canadian agencies checked transporters on the other side of the border. The operation targeted vehicles potentially carrying waste of all forms - including industrial and chemical waste. (September 25, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Brownfields in our area]
• ATTORNEY GENERAL CUOMO SUES WESTCHESTER COMPANY & EMPLOYEE FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING OF RAW SEWAGE AND CESSPOOL WASTE INTO NYC DRINKING SUPPLY TRIBUTARY Chappaqua Septic, Inc. waste hauler dumped raw sewage and offensive and noxious waste into stream in residential neighborhood that supplies NYC drinking water   WHITE PLAINS, NY (September 24, 2009) - Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a lawsuit against a Westchester County-based waste hauling company and one of its employees for illegally dumping septic tank and cesspool waste containing raw sewage, condoms, sanitary napkins, and other noxious and offensive wastes into a neighborhood stream in the Town of New Castle that is a tributary to a New York City drinking water supply.  (September 25, 09) HOME - OFFICE OF THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW M. CUOMO [more on Water Quality]
• Thompson seeking testimony on state water quality BUFFALO - State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (D- Parts of Erie & Niagara Counties), Chair of the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, announced the public hearing schedule to solicit input and obtain feedback from the public on water quality in New York State. (September 25, 09) New York State News on the Net! [more on Water Quality]
• Cornell Chronicle: Environmental engineering accreditation Cornell's environmental engineering degree program, created in 2002, has been accredited by ABET Inc., certifying that the program meets the most rigorous standards of quality and education of the environmental engineering profession. (September 14, 09)  [more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Cornell Chronicle: Cornell unveils climate neutrality plan Cornell's new Climate Action Plan, released Sept. 15, will not only make the university far more energy efficient but also could save Cornell hundreds of millions of dollars over the next 40 years (September 15, 09) Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future - News [more on Climate Change in our area]
• Land trust celebrates a milestone - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — The Finger Lakes Land Trust celebrates 20 years Saturday with a public reception featuring wine, food, artists’ exhibits and information about its projects. Since it was established in 1989, the organization has permanently protected nearly 11,000 acres of open-space land in the region, working with landowners and communities (September 24, 09) - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Urban Sprawl in our area]
• Wet weather has yellow jacket wasps nesting in area homes | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The unusually wet summer season in the Rochester region has resulted in an excess of yellow jacket wasps swarming around homes. Since the wet weather kept wasps and bees from usual food and nesting cycles, they are now looking to homes to settle in before the cold weather kicks in, area bee experts say. (September 25, 09) http://www.democratandchronicle.com/ [more on Wildlife in our area]
• Watertown Daily Times | DEC destroys nests to manage cormorants The state Department of Environmental Conservation has destroyed more than 1,300 cormorants' nests on the St. Lawrence River and the eastern basin of Lake Ontario as part of its management program. (September 23, 09) Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York [more on Wildlife in our area]
• With Little Clout, Natural Gas Lobby Strikes Out : NPR Last in a three-part series There is almost a century's worth of natural gas in shale rock formations all over the country, enough to make a significant change in the debate about America's energy future. But as Congress moves toward writing a new national energy policy, natural-gas lobbyists have been mostly missing in action (September 24, 09) [more on Energy in our area]]
• MOULE: Politics and county parks - News Blog - Rochester City Newspaper County parks have been the focus of several controversies in the past year, and at this point, it's almost certain they'll be an issue in the County Legislature elections. (September 22, 09)  [more on Parks in our area]
• You have the power to save on energy bills : MoneySmart : The Buffalo News Most homes, including yours, waste energy. That inefficiency is costing you plenty, but it doesn’t have to, according to the editors of Consumer Reports. Buffalo News -- Home (September 21, 09)  [more on Energy in our area]
• City can sue 'smog' plants A federal appeals court has ruled that New York City and eight states can sue utilities to force them to cut carbon-dioxide emissions at their power plants. (September 23, 09) New York News | Gossip | Sports | Entertainment | Photos - New York Post [more on Air Quality in our area]
• Wegmans offers water bottle refunds | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Wegmans Food Markets is offering refunds to customers concerned about the liners in a popular Swiss-made reusable water bottle. (September 19, 09)   [more on Recycling in our area]
• State Unveils Green Hospitality Certification Program - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation New Initiative Encourages Hoteliers to Go Green, Save Green -- 43 Establishments Signed On as Initial Participants New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the launch of a new initiative to certify lodging establishments as "green" for employing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Forty-three hotels and inns -- spread across every region of New York - are the first to sign on for the certification process. Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation (September 22, 09) [more on Living Green in our area]
• County Educates Thousands About Recycling at Clothesline Arts Fest County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Monroe County’s Recycling Education Campaign reached out to thousands of festival-goers at the Clothesline Arts Festival in Rochester last weekend. “Street Teams” and “Promo Bike” riders handed out nearly 3,000 memo-pads made of 100% post-consumer recyclable paper to festival patrons. “Monroe County’s Recycling Education Campaign continues to educate consumers across our community about which paper items they can and cannot recycle so that we can become a more sustainable County,” said Brooks.  (September 23, 09)  [more on Recycling in our area]
• Who's Looking At Natural Gas Now? Big Oil : NPR Second in a three-part series | In the energy world, Big Oil has long been the key player — with one notable exception: The natural gas business in the United States is dominated by small, independent companies. More than 80 percent of U.S. natural gas supplies are produced by companies with a market capitalization of less than $500 million. On average, these companies have only a dozen employees. (September 23, 2009) Morning Edition : NPR [more on Energy in our area]
• Rediscovering Natural Gas By Hitting Rock Bottom : NPR First in a three-part series. | In recent years, natural gas producers in the United States have struggled, mostly in vain, to be taken more seriously in the energy world. (September 22, 09) Morning Edition : NPR [more on Energy in our area]
• Sometimes crap happens | Toronto & GTA | News | Toronto Sun Sewage spills are unavoidable, but we'll learn how to stop them, councillor says  |Sewage spills into Lake Ontario -- such as the one that happened in 2006 -- are unavoidable but that will change over time, a prominent city councillor insisted yesterday. "We have a $1-billion plan over the next 25 years which is in the process -- large retention tanks and trunk sewers -- which will over time solve the problem of sewage leaks," said Councillor Adam Giambrone, a member of Toronto's public works committee. (September 21, 09) Toronto Sun [more on Great Lakes]
• Frack Fluid Spill in Dimock Contaminates Stream, Killing Fish - ProPublica Pennsylvania environment officials are racing to clean up as much as 8,000 gallons of dangerous drilling fluids after a series of spills at a natural gas production site near the town of Dimock late last week. ProPublica - Journalism in the Public Interest (September 22, 09) [more on Energy in our area]
• H1N1 Town Hall Meeting; PSA Winner Announced According to the Centers for Disease Control, H1N1 is already widespread through 20 states. (September 22, 09) [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Genesee River alive and well in Rochester |Most of us know the local history. Rochester cut its teeth on the power of the Genesee River. The rambling water powered the grist mills that processed wheat and gave Rochester its early nickname, "Flour City." The ability to ship that high-quality flour to the world via the Erie Canal made Rochester a boomtown in the early 1800s. (September 22/09) http://www.democratandchronicle.com/ [more on Genesee River]
• Governor vetoes hunting in Ontario County - News- msnbc.com Ontario County, N.Y. -- A local proponent of a law that would allow rifle hunting in parts of Ontario County is applauding Gov. David Paterson's veto of the bill.Daily Local News Source - MSNBC - Local / Regional Business, Sports and Entertainment News from Across the US - MSNBC.com- msnbc.com (September 18, 09)  {more on Wildlife in our area]
• St. John Fisher Prepared in Case Swine Flu Hits (Rochester, N.Y.) - Most colleges have plans in place to set up flu shot clinics and prevent the spread of the illness once it hits. Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Wind, solar eyed for landfill Ontario County seeks stimulus funds to create renewable energy park CANANDAIGUA — Officials hope to receive $6.5 million in federal stimulus money to create a renewable energy park that would include wind turbines and solar panels at the Ontario County Landfill. (September 19, 09)Finger Lakes Times Online  [more on Energy in our area}
• DEC Announces Proposed Freshwater Sportfishing Regulations for 2010-2012 - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced proposed changes to the current freshwater fishing regulations to better enhance fishing opportunities and protect the State's freshwater fisheries resources. DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposals until November 2, 2009.Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation {more on Wildlife in our area]
• Obama Seeks National Oversight of Waters - NYTimes.com The Obama administration called Thursday for a comprehensive national system for regulating the use of federal waters along the nation’s marine and Great Lakes shores, now administered by a hodgepodge of federal, state or other agencies with often-conflicting goals.  (September 19, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Weigh in on county bus service, routes - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. The results of an online survey about improving Ontario County’s public bus service will be discussed during two open-house events later this month. Staff from the county Planning Department will be on hand to review and explain the results of the survey that generated nearly 600 responses. (September 19, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Transportation in our area]
• New Route for RGRTA - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports (Clyde/Galen/Lyons, N.Y.) - In this economy, public transportation is becoming a more popular option for many. (September 19, 09) http://www.13wham.com/default.aspx [more on Transportation in our area]
• Parking spaces become mini-park for a day | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The mini-park, located outside the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, was the city's entry into PARK(ing) Day 2009, an international event that combined artists, activists and local governments in a bid to "reclaim pavement for people," said Evan Lowenstein of the Landmark Society of Western New York. (September 19,09) [more on Parks in our area]
• Power Plants Don't Have to Suck (Literally) For decades, electric power plants have quietly preyed on America's waterways and devoured our fisheries, but their actions have largely escaped government accountability. Now - after years of successful litigation brought by environmental groups - the federal Environmental Protection Agency and many states like California have the opportunity to do something meaningful to prevent this senseless slaughter. (September 12, 09) Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post [more on Energy]
• September 18, 2009 Marks the Second Observance of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day HIV/AIDS Not Limited to Younger Adults: Number of New Yorkers Infected Ages 50 and Older Increasing ALBANY, N.Y, (Sept. 17, 2009) - September 18 marks the second annual observance of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day and highlights the challenge of HIV prevention, care and treatment for the increasing number of New York's older adults living with HIV/AIDS. "The number of adults ages 50 and over living with HIV/AIDS has been increasing in recent years, due in part to highly effective medications which have prolonged life for many HIV-infected people, as well as an increase in older adults with newly diagnosed infections," said State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. "The New York State Department of Health (DOH) continues to work with an extensive network of health care providers and community partners to address the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment needs of New York's aging population."  (September 18, 09) New York State Department of Health [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Households still a source of phosphorus. — Environmental Health News Readers would benefit from knowing Lake Erie's main sources of phosphorus, a nutrient that may be responsible for the recent rash of algal blooms. A September 8th article – “Green gunk bad sign for Lake Erie" – in the Windsor Star describes the algal blooms that have been plaguing Lake Erie. Reporter Craig Pearson explains that excessive nutrients – especially the increasing levels of phosphorus – are most likely feeding the cyanobacteria (called blue-green algae) blooms that are impacting recreation and the overall health of the lake. (September 14, 09) Environmental Health News: Front Page [more on Great Lakes]
• The Associated Press: Report: Great Lakes toxic cleanups lagging badly TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Cleanup of the most polluted sites in the Great Lakes is moving so slowly it will take 77 more years to finish the job at the existing pace, according to a federal report. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency still does not know the full extent of the problem even though the highly contaminated spots were identified two decades ago, said the report by the agency's inspector general. (September 16, 09) The Associated Press | The essential global news network [more on Great Lakes]
• Funding For Renewable Energy Projects  The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has released $95 million for renewable energy projects in support of the State’s efforts to further the development of large-scale renewable resources, including wind, biomass and hydroelectric projects. The release of funding for large-scale renewable energy projects is the latest step to grow New York’s clean energy economy. This money will also help to further Governor Paterson’s goal of increasing the state’s proportion of renewable energy by 30 percent by 2015. More information can be found at http://nyserda.org/rps/index.asp (September 16, 09)  [more on Energy in our area]
• Eastman House will welcome members of Water for Sudan - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Penfield, N.Y. — Water for Sudan recently concluded its fifth successful drilling season in remote villages of Southern Sudan. The Rochester-based not-for profit provides clean drinking water to thousands of people in Africa’s largest country, one of the world’s poorest. To celebrate its best-ever drilling season, Water for Sudan is inviting supporters to a public event Sept. 21 at the Eastman House.MPNnow Home RSS (September 17, 09) [more on Living Green in our area]
• FLCC to host ‘Go Green’ tour - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Hopewell, N.Y. — Tickets are on sale for a bus tour sponsored by Finger Lakes Community College to view sustainable practices in action at local businesses and homes.MPNnow Home RSS (September 17, 09) [more on Living Green in our area]
• Group rallies city to cut carbon dioxide | Nonprofit organization Cool Rochester is encouraging residents to decrease local carbon dioxide emissions by 1 billion pounds over the next three years. (September 16, 09)MPNnow Home RSS [more on Living Green in our area]
• Home Stretch for Federal Wind Guidelines | For nearly two years, Audubon has been participating in a federal advisory committee formed to provide recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior on guidelines for reducing the impacts of wind development on birds and wildlife. (September 14, 09) National Audubon Society [more on Wind Power in our area]
•  Farmers use GPS technology to aim for increased productivity, profit | theithacajournal.com | The Ithaca Journal When road designers lay out new highways, they make use of satellites and on-the-ground positioning systems to guide their work. A Rochester-area company with a satellite office in Groton, working with a regional dairy cooperative based in Ithaca, is bringing that technology to farmers so they can guide their tractors on autopilot to distribute seed and fertilizer according to soil variations, even within the same row. (September 14, 09) theithacajournal.com | Ithaca zagform | The Ithaca Journal [more on Plants in our area]
• Swine flu guide released for small businesses - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Canandaigua, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Small Business Administration today released a guide book to help small businesses plan for the possibility of a swine flu outbreak this fall. (September 15, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Rochester-area foot traffic gets boost from new sidewalk law | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The law is a significant update of existing town code. Before, the Planning Board could require sidewalks in subdivisions and in places where they would mitigate an environmental impact. Now, the board can require sidewalks for most developments simply to improve the townwide system and to encourage biking and walking, said Town Supervisor Sandra Frankel.  (September 15, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York   [more on Transportation in our area]
• NY college student dies of swine flu - News- msnbc.com ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) - Cornell University reports that a 20-year-old student has died of complications related to H1N1 influenza and 520 students have been diagnosed with influenza-type illness in the past three weeks. (September 14, 09) MSNBC - WHEC-TV [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Rochester Teachers File Grievance Over Toxic School  | The Rochester teacher's union doesn't want any school employee working at a building declared a brownfield site. (Sept 11, 09)RochesterHomePage [more on Brownfields in our area]
• Spraying of Cicero Swamp ordered after first human case of EEE virus in 26 years is detected - syracuse.com Syracuse, NY -- An Oswego County resident has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a rare, potentially fatal brain-swelling virus spread by mosquitoes. (September 11, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Going green 'makes sense in dollars and cents' for SUNY ESF - syracuse.com The State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry community lives by a simple mantra, President Cornelius Murphy told listeners at the semester's first Thursday Morning Roundtable, a weekly civic forum. (September 10, 09) Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Environmental Education]
• One Vaccine Shot Seen as Protective for Swine Flu - NYTimes.com Defying the expectations of experts, clinical trials are showing that the new H1N1 swine flu vaccine protects with only one dose instead of two, so the vaccine supplies now being made will go twice as far as had been predicted. (September 10, 09) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Groundbreaking Carbon Market Reaches One-Year Milestone - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Latest Auction Nets $27.4 Million for New York as State Advances Governor's Clean Energy Agenda State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis today hailed the success of New York's participation in the most recent sale of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution allowances - noting that the pioneering cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases has now reached its one-year milestone. Wednesday's auction, the fifth held by the 10 states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), generated more than $66.3 million to invest in the clean energy economy. New York's share of the proceeds is approximately $27.4 million. (September 11, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Energy in our area]
• Monroe County Unveils First LEED Silver Certified "Green" Project Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Monroe Community College (MCC) President Anne M. Kress unveiled the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) plaque at MCC’s Louis S. and Molly B. Wolk Center for Excellence in Nursing. The U.S. Green Building Council awarded the County LEED Silver Certification for its sustainable design and construction of the building. (September 11, 09) MyMonroe. Opening Up Government. | Monroe County, NY [more on Green Living in our area}
• Toxin-producing green goo returns to plague Lake Erie A mysterious green gunk found in Lake Erie recently may indicate that an explosion of toxic algae is again threatening to suffocate the lake. University of Windsor professor of biological sciences Jan Ciborowski believes the goo is cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which feed on phosphorus and produce toxins.  (September 8, 2009) canada.com – Breaking news‚ Canada‚ World‚ Weather‚ Travel‚ Video & more [more on Great Lakes]
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES HEALTH INSURERS MUST COVER CHILDREN’S FLU SHOTS Vaccinations for Seasonal Flu and Novel H1N1 Meet Provisions of the State Child Wellness Law, Not Subject to Co-Payment, Co-Insurance or Annual Deductible Governor David A. Paterson today announced that insurers must cover seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccinations for children who are aged 19 and younger and enrolled in comprehensive health plans. The policy is consistent with New York’s preventive and primary care provisions known as the Child Wellness Law, which require insurance coverage for vaccinations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This year, ACIP has advised that children should receive both the seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines. Therefore, under State law, they must be covered and not subject to co-payment, co-insurance or annual deductible. (September 10, 09) www.ny.gov/governor [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• New York plans to start water bottle deposits in October | pressconnects.com | Press & Sun-Bulletin ALBANY -- New York plans to start collecting 5-cent deposits on bottles of water next month, saying a recent court ruling gives it the right to begin the program. But some bottlers don't see the situation the same way and said it would impossible, particularly for smaller companies, to have the program running next month.  (September 11, 2009) [more on Recycling in our area]
• Where it stands: New sidewalks in Henrietta - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Henrietta, N.Y. — The issue Henrietta is filled with a mix of retail areas and residential neighborhoods — which creates a flurry of traffic. Supervisor Michael Yudelson — with the help of the Town Board — is trying to make the neighborhood more “walkable,” he says. Some streets, like Beaconsfield Road, Colonnade Drive and Commons Way, don’t have sidewalks, creating a potentially unsafe situation for pedestrians. The town is looking to change that. (September 11, 09) Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow [more on Transportation in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Growing number of hybrid cars causing concern for blind and visually impaired Sales of hybrid cars are growing all over the world but with more of these vehicles on the road, there are also growing safety concerns from the blind and visually impaired community. The reason? Hybrids might be too quiet. (September 11, 09) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment [more on Transportation in our area]
• www.WHEC.com - Midtown Plaza asbestos tour Another milestone for Midtown Plaza. Asbestos abatement is about to begin and construction crews say they are sensitive to people's memories of Midtown. (September 11, 09) www.WHEC.com - Rochester, NY News, Weather, Sports, Health, Investigative, Entertainment
• U.S. to spend additional $475 million on Great Lakes WINDSOR, Ont. — Environmentalists and academic researchers on both sides of the border are applauding an Obama administration initiative that will see an added $475 million pumped into Great Lakes restoration and cleanup — the largest-ever single investment of its kind. (September 5, 09) canada.com – Breaking news‚ Canada‚ World‚ Weather‚ Travel‚ Video & more [more on Great Lakes ]
• TRANSPORTATION: Shuttle across downtown? - News Articles - Rochester City Newspaper The city is looking at ways to keep a downtown parking problem from growing. There isn't a shortage of parking, says a 2008 study, but the parking that is available isn't near the locations where it is most needed. (September 10, 09) Rochester City Newspaper [more on Transportation in our area]
• Irondequoit Conservation Board plans lecture series - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Irondequoit, N.Y. — The Irondequoit Conservation Board has announced a lecture series during its regularly scheduled meetings. The board will be using the lecture series to draw attention to important environmental topics, including storm water management, the status of the double crested cormorants on Irondequoit Bay, and a discussion of invasive species. (September 10, 09)Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow {more on Environmental Education in our area]
• Water bottle deposits to start | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle ALBANY — New York plans to start collecting 5-cent deposits on bottles of water next month, saying a court ruling gives it the right to begin the program. But some bottlers don't see the situation the same way and said it would be impossible, particularly for smaller companies, to have the program running next month. (September 10, 09)democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle | Rochester news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Rochester, New York [more on Recycling in our area]
• WXXI: Environmentalists Warn Senators: Act on Bills or Face Consequences (2009-09-08) ALBANY, NEW YORK (WXXI) - The State Senate returns Thursday, and environmental groups say they'll be watching for passage of key environmental bills, which are on the Senate agenda. (September 9, 09) WXXI NewsRoom
• Residents to ask for vote on landfills | WATERLOO — Four residents plan to urge the Seneca County Board of Supervisors tonight to schedule a public vote on a local law that would limit landfill expansion in the county. (September 8, 2009)Finger Lakes Times Online  [[more on Recycling in our area]
• RGRTA adds 50 'clean' buses | The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority today unveiled 50 new “clean-diesel” buses that the authority said would save taxpayers $750,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs. (Sept 9,09) democratandchronicle.com | Rochester RocEarth | Democrat and Chronicle [more on Transportation in our area]
• Greece dog park delayed by rain  An extra-wet spring and summer means dogs on Monroe County's west side have had to wait a few more months to run free in a county park. The county's first dedicated dog park was originally slated to open in July. But rainfall in the preceding months turned Greece Canal Park's dog park site into a muddy mess, hindering crews from installing fencing and a compacted crushed stone surface. (September 8, 09) http://www.democratandchronicle.com/ [more on Parks in our area]
• Rainfall could bring big bee die-off | recordonline.com Experts believe half of state's colonies at risk | State data suggests that as much as half of New York's roughly 68,000 colonies are at risk. Record-high rainfalls have grounded bees through much of the spring and summer, diluting nectar and washing away pollen they need to make food for winter. http://www.recordonline.com/ (September 4, 09)  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• As Shad Numbers Continue to Fall, Dec Plans to Close Hudson River Fishery to Protect Dwindling Stock - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Three Public Meetings Slated for September With the American shad population in the Hudson River at historic lows, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) plans to propose closing recreational and commercial fishing for American shad in the Hudson and prohibit commercial landings in marine waters. DEC will hold three public information meetings in September to outline steps to be taken to save this historically important species. (September 1, 09) Press Releases - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Action in our area]
• Comment period extended for mining proposal WATERLOO — The deadline to submit comments on the issues that should be addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Seneca Meadows Landfill’s proposed 153-acre mining project is now Sept. 11. The original deadline was Aug. 31. (September 5, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online  [more on Action in our area]
• Schools ready if swine flu returns | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Last spring, school administrators got a pop quiz on H1N1. Now, they say, a summer of doing their homework has them ready for any trick questions. (September 7, 09) http://www.democratandchronicle.com [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• New York state may offer cold cash for old fridges - syracuse.com Has your refrigerator's constant hum been replaced by a startling sputter? You might want to coax it to last through fall. That's when the state expects to start handing out millions to people who buy energy efficient appliances. New York will get $18.7 million from the federal government through the Economic Recovery Act. The total pot is $296 million -- states get funding based on their population. (September 3, 09)Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com [more on Recycling in our area}
• Area biofuels makers find differing levels of success | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Both companies' products can be found in fuel tanks across the Rochester region. But the two firms, both of them key parts of the region's alternative energy industry, are finding differing levels of success. August 30, 09) http://www.democratandchronicle.com/ [more on Energy in our area]
• Household hazardous waste collection planned in Chili - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnow Chili, N.Y. — Monroe County’s Department of Environmental Services and the towns of Chili, Gates, Riga and Wheatland and the villages of Churchville and Scottsville have partnered to hold an appointment-only household hazardous waste collection from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Chili highway garage, 3235 Chili Ave. (Sept. 4, 09) [more at Calendar] Home - Canandaigua, NY - MPNnowThe Press Republican - Article: Dead fish raising concerns "I counted 91 bass washed up on shore between Rocky Point Beach and the State Park beach," Conley said of the discovery. "They were all fresh kills, and they were all trophy-sized bass."  (Sept. 2, 09) The Press Republican  [more on Wildlife in our area]
• EPA Seeks Public Input on National Enforcement Priorities Through Online Forum WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched an online discussion forum to receive public input on the future priorities for EPA’s national enforcement program.  The public will be able to provide feedback through the EPA Web site until December 1, giving them a forum to submit ideas for EPA to consider for new areas of enforcement focus. All ideas will be evaluated and considered for recommendation to the EPA administrator about the future direction of EPA’s national enforcement and compliance priorities. The current enforcement priorities through 2010 focus on significant environmental problems, including pollution from stormwater runoff, air toxics, concentrated animal feeding operations, and mineral processing.  To submit suggestions for potential priorities:  http://blog.epa.gov/enforcementnationalpriority/   Information on the enforcement priorities:  http://www.epa.gov/compliance/data/planning/priorities/index.html (August 31, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [[more on Action in our area]
• CTV Toronto - Environmentalists protest York's sewer expansion plan - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television About 100 environmentalists were out Saturday to protest York region's new sewage system project. York is planning to expand an existing sewer pipe into the Pickering region and into Lake Ontario. Environmentalists say the plan has been poorly thought out.  (August 29, 09) CTV.ca | CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television  [more on Great Lakes]
• Prepare for Swine Flu, But Don’t be Alarmed - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports Washington, D.C. - (AP) - Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says people should expect "a big influx" of swine flu cases this fall and brace for it as best they can (Sept. 2, 09) Home - 13WHAM.com - Rochester News, Weather, and Sports [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• Mayor defends boosting Newark water capacity NEWARK — Village resident Barbara Meeks last night questioned the Village Board’s decision to invest $6,500 to study increasing the water plant’s capacity. The village board is hoping to increase the plant’s capacity by 600,000 gallons of water daily — to four million gallons — in order to sell water to other municipalities. (Sept 2, 09) Finger Lakes Times Online  [more on Water Quality in our area]
• 5 targets of Great Lakes cleanup | detnews.com | The Detroit News Five target areas Congress could allocate up to $475 million for Great Lakes cleanup and restoration. A look at how the money would be spent: The Detroit News | detnews.com | Wednesday, September 2, 2009 | News, sports, features, blogs, photos and forums from Detroit and Michigan (August 31, 09)   [more on Great Lakes]
• DEC Announces 2009-2010 Waterfowl Season Dates - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation September Goose and Other Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Provide Diverse Hunting Opportunities Across the State New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the Department's season selections and other regulations for waterfowl hunting this fall. These regulations will become official as soon as federal and state rule-making procedures are finalized in the next several weeks. (August 27, 09) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
• City of Schenectady Wins State Drinking Water Taste Contest City of Rochester Takes Second Place ALBANY, NY (September 1, 2009) - The New York State Department of Health (DOH) today announced the City of Schenectady the winner of the 2009 New York State Drinking Water Taste Test. The City of Rochester was runner up. Schenectady won the coveted title for best-tasting drinking water in New York over 150 other community water systems during the final competition held today at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. (Sept. 2, 09) New York State Department of Health [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Media Advisory: Five More Regional H1N1 Preparedness Town Hall Meetings Scheduled to Inform Public on Plans to Combat Expected Return of H1N1 Flu Media Advisory: Five More Regional H1N1 Preparedness Town Hall Meetings Scheduled to Inform Public on Plans to Combat Expected Return of H1N1 Flu ALBANY, N.Y. (August 31, 2009) - State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D. will be joined by state officials from the State Education Department (SED) and the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) at five regional Town Hall Meetings to brief local officials and the public on preparations for the expected resurgence of novel H1N1 flu. On Monday, Governor David A. Paterson kicked off the "Novel H1N1 Preparedness Town Hall Tour" at the first forum held at Harriet Myers Middle School in Albany. (See press release at: http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_0831092.html.)  (August 31, 09) New York State Department of Health  [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON KICKS OFF H1N1 PREPAREDNESS TOWN HALL TOUR Informs Public on New York Emergency Response Plan to Combat Expected Return of H1N1 Department of Health to Hold Forums across the State in Preparation of Upcoming Flu Season Governor David A. Paterson today kicked off the “Novel H1N1 Influenza Town Hall Meeting Tour,” where he announced a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy and vaccination plan to prepare for the upcoming flu season and possible resurgence of the novel H1N1 flu. The Governor made the announcement at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School in Albany, during the first of six public information town hall meetings that the Department of Health (DOH) will convene in cities throughout New York. The forums will provide updates to local officials, schools, and residents on the State’s actions to prevent and reduce incidents of the virus in New York. (August 31, 09) Press Releases [more on Environmental Health in our area]
• GOV SITE - GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES $87 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR DRINKING WATER PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE Funds to Improve Aging Drinking Water Systems, Create Jobs, and Boost Local Economies Governor David A. Paterson today announced $87 million for drinking water projects across the State through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A total of 14 projects will receive financing to improve drinking water systems, creating jobs and protecting public health. “Safe, potable water is necessary for our lives and livelihood and these economic recovery funds will support major capital improvements to our drinking water systems,” Governor Paterson said. “In addition to improving the quality of our water, these funds will also create new jobs and promote economic development. I thank President Obama and our Congressional Delegation for setting aside stimulus funds for these critical projects.”  (August 31, 09) Press Releases [more on Water Quality in our area]
• Green is Brighton's best color | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle The award, which is open primarily to residents of Brighton and the surrounding area, recognizes homeowners who use smart practices to keep their energy use low and efficient. (Sept 1, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Rochester archive1 | Democrat and Chronicle [more on Living Green in our area]
• Gift of land will preserve 'Mudville' on the Genesee River | democratandchronicle.com | Democrat and Chronicle Tucked away along a meandering stretch of the Genesee River, the Genesee Valley Wildlife Management Area is accessible only by dead-end road or by boat. Other than much-better-known Letchworth State Park, the 771 acres of forests, fallow farm fields, wetlands and wooded hills split by gullies on the Livingston-Allegany county line is the only piece of state-owned land on the entire Genesee River (Sept 1, 09) democratandchronicle.com | Rochester archive1 | Democrat and Chronicle [more on Parks in our area]