April 2004 news

• Democrat & Chronicle: Forum focuses on saving state's coastal wetlands — New York’s Great Lakes coastal wetlands are under increasing pressure from developers — and local municipalities need more money, research and cooperation to reverse the trend. That’s the broad outline of concerns raised at the 10th annual New York State Wetlands Forum, a two-day gathering that wrapped up Thursday. (April 2, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Wind farm of 150 turbines planned for Wolfe - A renewable energy firm and a hydro company have agreed to build a $400-million wind farm on Wolfe Island, the firms announced yesterday. “We are looking at up to 150 turbines,” Ian Baines, president and chief operating officer of Canadian Renewable Energy Corp., said. All the testing is completed, the project has the support of Wolfe Islanders, and construction is almost ready to begin, Baines told The Whig-Standard in an interview from his firm’s Mississauga headquarters, (April 2, 2004) Osprey Media Group Inc. - The Kingston Whig-Standard
• Democrat & Chronicle: Trout season starts across the state Opening day lures dads and kids together. (April 2, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Deer Dilemma -- Farmers in Monroe County say that deer destroy up to 80 percent of their crops. Now, Clifford Crouch--a state assemblyman from Binghamton--has proposed a year-round deer hunting season to alleviate the state-wide problem. (April 2, 2004) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
• Snowmobiling raises pollution concerns The state’s plan to expand snowmobiling in the Adirondacks is pitting concerns over pollution, water quality and wildlife against the tourism dollars the growing hobby could generate in the economically fragile wilderness. (April 2, 2004) Press-Republican Online Home Page
• Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter - Slaughter Announces Transport Projects for Rochester - Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY28) today voted for H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, which provides $4.9 million for transportation projects in Rochester. (April 2, 2004) Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter - Home
• Environment DEC: DEC Announces Proposed Fishing Regulations for 2004-2006 Proposed freshwater fishing regulations for 2004 to 2006 have been announced to help enhance fishing opportunities statewide. DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposals until April 12, 2004. The proposed changes to sportfishing regulations for 2004 to 2006 are the result of careful observations and studies by DEC staff and have been discussed with various angling interest groups over the past year. DEC now is seeking additional feedback from a wider audience regarding the proposed changes. Once finalized, the new regulations would go into effect on October 1, 2004.--from  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Environment DEC: Deer Season 2003 Statistics Available The results of the 2003 deer hunting season are in. The total deer take was slightly more than 253,000, and includes more than 107,000 bucks and nearly 146,000 antlerless deer. As anticipated, modest declines in total deer take were recorded in all major hunting zones, except for Long Island, where only a slight decrease was noted. --from  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• Democrat & Chronicle: Local parks add features — In the months ahead, those visiting Monroe County parks will have more to see but also have to pay more to do some park activities. (April 3, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: County has blue box woes Dutiful trash recyclers still need a how-to - Although 52 percent of the county’s solid waste gets recycled — well above New York’s statutory goal of 40 percent — there is still much to be learned about what can be recycled (not soccer balls) and how it should be put out at curbside. (April 5, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• State urged to toughen lead paint re-tests, save children - A Rochester study found that most apartments cleaned under the state's guidelines were still well above the federal hazard standard, according to researcher Katrina Smith Korfmacher of the Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center. (April 5, 2004) Newsday.com: News, Entertainment and Sports
• Kodak falcons start this year's family (Rochester-AP) -- Mariah the peregrine falcon and her mate, Kaver, have started courting again in a nest box atop the Kodak Office tower. Mariah laid her first egg of the season last week and her second this past weekend. (April 6, 2004) 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
• Democrat & Chronicle: Study: Cleanup of lead can fail UR research finds amounts harmful to kids remain in homes. ALBANY — The state is failing to ensure that lead-based paint is properly removed from homes where children live, according to a report by advocacy groups released Monday.
  The report found that homes treated for hazardous lead paint had similar dust-lead levels four months later compared with homes that weren’t treated. (April 6, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• County Announces New Recycling Initiative For Public Events - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks today announced a new initiative aimed at increasing container recycling at public events. The pilot program will begin with this year’s Lilac Festival in May...(April 9, 2004) Monroe County
• ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP WILL BE APRIL 19-23 FOR CITY RESIDENTS  - City Environmental Services crews will take away almost any bulk refuse set out by residents between the curb and the sidewalk in front of their homes on the night before their regular collection day during the week of Mon., April 19 through Fri., April 23. --(April 9, 2004)  CitySite
•  EPA prepares smog ratings for up to 506 counties - WASHINGTON - When the Environmental Protection Agency decides next week which counties violate its more protective federal smog standard, more than 500 counties could be on the list - mostly in the eastern third of the country and Southern California.-(April 9, 2004)  http://www.mercurynews.com
• Bountiful bears kept hunters busy - State saw record harvest in 2003 as animals roamed far for food, became easy targets Last year was a great year to be a bear hunter in New York state, although it may not have been such a good one to be a black bear. A cool spring and dry summer in 2003 produced fewer nuts and berries, and by fall, hungry bears were feeding in areas more easily accessible to hunters.- (April 9, 2004) Mercury News: Bay Area news, technology, jobs, cars & real estate
• WXXI: Monroe County Population Shows Little Growth (2004-04-08) ROCHESTER, NY (2004-04-08) Estimates released by the Census Bureau say the fastest population growth in the Rochester area is in Ontario County, but New York's fastest growth continues to be downstate. (April 9, 2004) Public NewsRoom
• Many states don't meet beach water standards - WASHINGTON — After today, 70 percent of the nation's coastal and Great Lakes states risk having the Environmental Protection Agency tell them how they must run state programs to monitor beach water quality. EPA officials confirmed late Friday that only nine states have updated their laws fully in accordance with Congress' requirements: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas and Virginia. Another 21 of the 30 states with ocean or Great Lake beaches have failed to meet Congress' deadline today for adopting federal health standards that aim to protect swimmers from unsafe levels of contamination. Those states are Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington and Wisconsin. (April  11, 2004) MaineToday.com
• Democrat & Chronicle: Genesee river current has a new spark — The Genesee River once drove the Rochester economy by powering flour mills. Now city officials want it to power a new emerging industry — fuel cell technology. The city has applied for a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority grant to study the feasibility of using the river and the 96-foot-high waterfalls downtown as a hydrogen source to power fuel cells. (April 11, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Boston.com / News / Local / Mass. / 21 states not meeting EPA monitoring deadline on beach water quality After Saturday, 70 percent of the nation's coastal and Great Lakes states risk having the Environmental Protection Agency tell them how they must run state programs to monitor beach water quality. (April 13, 2004) Boston.com
• The New York Times > National > Clear Skies No More for Millions as Pollution Rule Expands — More than half the nation's population lives in or around areas that violate clean air standards, according to a list to be released on April 15 by the federal government. The list is a long-delayed result of federal standards revised in 1997 and will sweep beyond traditional smog-filled metropolises like Houston, Los Angeles and New York to encompass smaller cities like Little Rock, Ark., and Birmingham, Ala., where the air appears relatively clear. In San Antonio, which has begun taking steps to combat air pollution, the local government broadcasts warnings telling children not to play outside even on some days when the skies are azure blue. (April 13, 2004) The New York Times > Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
• Democrat & Chronicle: Kodak: 7 of 8 emission goals met  — Eastman Kodak Co. announced in Rochester today that its five-year global plan to reduce emissions and conserve energy met seven out of eight goals set in 1999. The eighth goal, a pledge to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 percent, fell short by only 3 percent. Kodak’s chief greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, largely a product of burning coal for energy. (April 13, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Monroe County flunks ozone test — Monroe County is among 470 counties and 100 metropolitan areas nationwide that fail new, tougher federal standards for ozone, a pollutant linked to power plants and vehicles. This afternoon’s news from the Environmental Protection Agency closely parallels a draft report released in December, which flunked Rochester for the first time. (April 15, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Kodak releases emissions report - Kodak released its fifth and final report on the company's environmental goals Tuesday morning. The company has been reducing emissions under a five-year plan. MSNBC - News Front Page
• Yahoo! News - EPA Says 474 Counties Fail Air Standards - WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection agency told officials in 31 states Thursday they must develop new pollution controls because the air in some of their counties, home to more than 150 million people, does not meet federal health standards. The EPA, acting under court order, identified all or parts of 474 counties that either have air that is too dirty or that contributes to neighboring counties' inability to meet the federal air standards for smog-causing ozone. (April 17, 2004) Yahoo! News
• Public Safety Monroe County, as a part of the Winter Weather Preparedness Week 2003 announced that the County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) has launched ‘Project Prepare!’, a new public alerting program in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Participation in this program will enhance alerting capabilities for weather related hazard conditions and civil emergencies. -- from Monroe County
• Democrat & Chronicle: Webster weighs open space again Voters to consider $5.9 million effort to keep land undeveloped. -  WEBSTER — It’s not unusual to drive through suburban neighborhoods and notice construction crews clearing away trash, earth or trees from previously undeveloped land. Some communities and residents don’t mind steady growth and development as a means to maintain a solid tax base, provide amenities for the community and attract new business and residents. But others are wary that too much new construction will result in a community without parks, ballfields or wooded areas for people and animals. (April 18, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• MSNBC - Kids get burns from nearby creek Four kids suffered skin injuries they say felt like burns. Now their parents say a creek in the town of Ontario, Wayne County is to blame.  (April 18, 2004) MSNBC - News Front Page
• WXXI: EPA Says Rochester Region Fails Ozone Standard (2004-04-15) ROCHESTER, NY (2004-04-15) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says the Rochester region is failing to meet new health standards for ground level ozone pollution. As a result, motorists in the Rochester area may be forced to buy reformulated gasoline which costs more per gallon. (April 18, 2004) Public NewsRoom
• Payment Due: State and local groups in over 25 states, including New York, are holding events to generate public support for reinstating the polluter pays principle to replenish the federal Superfund. On April 15, while live cameras at post offices across America cover the tax day story, groups will hold media events sending the message that polluters – not taxpayers – should pay for toxic waste cleanups. Thousands of stickers will be distributed for people to place on their IRS envelope and/or to send to policymakers. Call the BE SAFE Coalition at 518-402-8678 to get involved. Or visit: www.besafenet.com/superfundaction.htm.  THE GREEN SHEET-from Environmental Advocates of New York -The Green Sheet is our monthly bulletin of statewide environmental activism.
• DEC targets 36 percent drop in area - ithacajournal.com The state Department of Environmental Conservation wants to cut the deer population by 36 percent in the wildlife region that includes the southern half of Tompkins County. A task force -- with members representing sportsmen, farmers, rural land owners, motorists, environmentalists, tourism workers and forest owners -- compromised on the number after weighing concerns of their various constituents. (April 18, 2004) theithacajournal.com - News and information for - Ithaca and Tompkins County, N.Y.
• Jack Bradigan Spula no longer works as environmental reporter for City Newspaper.  City's says, City Newspaper: Jack Spula "We're sorry to notify readers that longtime City writer Jack Bradigan Spula is no longer on our staff. As readers know, Jack has great strengths, and he has made important contributions to this newspaper. His broad breadth and depth of knowledge and his coverage of such issues as the environment, human rights, and national and international affairs have informed and challenged us all. He has a knack for connecting the dots on crucial issues and --- especially important at this time, in this country --- of putting local issues in the context of national developments and trends."
• Sierra Club Lobbies For Earth - The Sierra Club urges everyone to take another look at the list of recyclables on the back of the blue pages in the phone book. Members say a little effort can go a long way. The public is invited to the 6th annual Sierra Club environmental forum April 20 at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Church on South Winton Road. Call (585) 244-2625 for more information --(April 19, 2003)  R News: Your NewsChannel
• Holley Residents Sue Diaz... Again - Two years after a chemical leak contaminated their homes, residents in Holley are suing Diaz for the second time. (April 19, 2003)  R News: Your NewsChannel
• Democrat & Chronicle: 2nd Diaz company named in suit— Claiming that a Holley chemical company responsible for a 2002 chemical release improperly transferred its assets to an Arkansas company, nearly 200 Orleans County families have filed a $60 million lawsuit against the out-of-state company. (April 19, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Environmental measures riding rough water— ALBANY — It could be rough sledding for the environmental agenda this year in the state Legislature. The goals include closing the Indian Point nuclear plants, expanding the bottle-deposit bill, expanding wetlands protection and prohibiting backyard trash burning. But none of the items has caught fire at the Capitol, where school funding and county fiscal woes have dominated. (April 20, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• EPA's Clean Beaches Plan Bush administration makes strong commitment to clean beaches Apr. 20 - The administration announced its commitment to further protect the water quality of the nation’s beaches, ensuring compliance with the BEACH Act of 2000. The Act requires coastal states, including those bordering the Great Lakes, to adopt updated pathogen criteria by April 10, 2004. By June 30, EPA will propose federal revised standards for the states and territories that have not yet done so. (April 20, 2004) Environmental Protection Agency
• Democrat & Chronicle: Wind power now an option (April 20, 2004) — Starting today, electricity customers of Rochester Gas & Electric can get all or some of their power from wind turbines based in New York. It’s a first for the state, which hopes to buy 25 percent of its electrical power from alternative sources by 2012. Customers have three ways to sign up: Through a form coming with the normal bill in May, on the Internet (www.rge.com) or by calling (877) 743-9463 (April 20, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Report targets toxic risks to children UR doctors, others hope it will serve as pediatric desk reference - — When it comes to the risks children face from environmental hazards, health professionals, researchers and environmental activists agree on one thing: There are too many unanswered questions. Children are more vulnerable than adults to toxic substances, yet they are exposed to thousands of chemicals that have never been tested for effects. (April 20, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Bike giveaway part of Earth Day -— In big ways and small, local folks want to make a difference on Earth Day, a time of environmental celebration and alarm that today marks its 34th year. (April 22, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Speakers debate Kodak air quality Those three were among nine citizens who Wednesday night took the last public opportunity to comment on a proposed new five-year hazardous waste permit for Kodak Park. (April 22, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• EPA Lawyer Critical Of Feds - One of New York’s top environmental lawyers says the federal government is weakening when it comes to cleaning up and preventing air pollution. Peter Lehner, New York bureau chief for the Environmental Protection Agency, spoke at the Rochester Sierra Club's annual forum.(April 22, 2004) R News: Your NewsChannel
• Bill pushes for access to hazard data - Lawmaker wants all environmental data on Internet - New York residents should have better access to environmental information through the Internet, a state assemblyman said Wednesday. (April 22, 2004) pressconnects.com | Binghamton, NY | Press & Sun-Bulletin
• Land donations from province enlarge Rouge Park east of Toronto  - MARKHAM, ONT. -- Ontario is creating what it calls the largest natural park in urban North America by donating land to expand the Rouge Park east of Toronto. The government is turning over more than 1,432 hectares of land -- consisting of 271 government-owned properties -- to the park, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay said yesterday.  (April 23, 2004) globeandmail.com - Canada's best source for news continuously updated from The Globe and Mail
• U.N. wants to end confusion about Chernobyl  - VIENNA (Reuters) - Although the world may never know the full impact of the world's worst nuclear disaster, the United Nations nuclear agency wants to put an end to the confusion for millions of victims of the Chernobyl accident. The disaster occurred 18 years ago, at 1:24 a.m. on April 26, 1986, when an explosion at Reactor 4 of the Ukrainian power plant spewed a cloud of radioactivity across Europe and the Soviet Union. (April 25, 2004) Latest News and Financial Information | Reuters.com
• Pesticides too harmful to use in any form, doctors warn - The link between common household pesticides and fetal defects, neurological damage and the most deadly cancers is strong enough that family doctors in Ontario are urging citizens to avoid the chemicals in any form. The frightening message came yesterday when the Ontario College of Family Physicians released the most comprehensive study ever done in Canada on the chronic effects of pesticide exposure at home, in the garden and at work. (April 25, 2004) globeandmail.com - Canada's best source for news continuously updated from The Globe and Mail
• Democrat & Chronicle: Effort looks at lake growth Talk will be on planned houses in Canandaigua, protecting water.— CANANDAIGUA — According to Canandaigua Lake watershed watchdogs, more than 800 houses are on the drawing boards to be built in coming months around the north end of the lake in the towns of Canandaigua and Gorham. In the past decade, hundreds of others have been built in the two towns, along with scores of additional residences that have sprouted on scenic hilltops that drain into the south end of the 16-mile-long lake from the rural townships of Naples, South Bristol, Italy and Middlesex. (April 26, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Gun club working with EPA — PENFIELD — A local firing range is working with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to make sure that lead contamination is not an issue. Last year, a Penfield resident expressed concern to the EPA that the suburban gun club could be contributing to lead pollution in the area. April 26, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Wind-farm hearing draws a crowd - Some 170 people turned out Saturday night in Italy. ITALY - Residents from as far as East Bloomfield and Conesus spoke at a public hearing in Italy Saturday on a proposed wind-farm moratorium. messenger@mpnewspapers.com
• Earth Day — Trail toil along the Pathways -Wes Utter of Newark trims a tree along the Ontario Pathways trail in Stanley on Saturday as part of an Earth Day observance. A crew cleared the trail of trash and debris, as well as planting new trees. Earth Day was observed on Thursday. messenger@mpnewspapers.com
• Windmill windfall in the works - Local governments and people who lease land to wind energy companies could cash in if two projects go forward.
  PRATTSBURGH - Two developers who want to build wind farms in Italy and Prattsburgh have offered a total of $650,000 in payments in lieu of taxes to the towns, counties and schools. Daily Messenger
• WXXI: Pataki Brings "Clean Bus" Funds to Monroe (2004-04-22) ROCHESTER, NY (2004-04-22) Governor Pataki marked Earth Day in Rochester by announcing that some school buses will be more environmentally friendly. Three local school districts will be participating in the "New York State Clean Air School Bus Program." It's designed to modify existing diesel school buses into cleaner running vehicles. (April 26, 2004) Public NewsRoom
• Huge Adirondacks land deal LAKE PLACID — It is the biggest land conservation deal in New York’s history. Gov. George Pataki announced Thursday that the state will preserve 257,425 acres of International Paper-owned land in the Adirondack Park through a combination of easements and purchases. The land represents nearly all of IP’s Adirondack holdings and is spread across nine counties, including parts of Clinton, Essex and Franklin. Press-Republican Online Home Page
• Democrat & Chronicle: Algae problem's solution delayed — Doing something about algae at Ontario Beach has taken a back seat to trying to prevent the Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes. For five years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been working with Monroe County to look at ways to control the algae at Ontario Beach. About $1million in federal funds has already been spent looking for remedies. But the project is on hold. ”We don’t have the money for it at this moment,” said Corps of Engineers spokesman Pat Jones, who is based in Buffalo. (April 28, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Polluted lakes turning turtles into turtlettes - researchers studying wildlife on the Great Lakes have found sexual abnormalities in male snapping turtles, with penis size diminished and some males able to produce egg yolk protein, a capability normally found only in females. The research, conducted by biologists with the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada, is part of a growing body of international evidence indicating that many species are suffering from exposure to so-called gender-bending chemicals, industrial pollutants that have been found to mimic sex hormones. (April 28, 2004) globeandmail.com - Canada's best source for news continuously updated from The Globe and Mail
• Democrat & Chronicle: Greatest Show on Earth isn't, animal-rights group says People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals protests Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus coming to town. (April 28, 2004) — In a cage, in a cold rain, and almost in the nude, Annie Judah sat at State and Main streets during the downtown lunch hour Tuesday, shivering and suffering for her cause with nothing to protect her except painted-on tiger stripes, panties and the sign she held across her bare chest.  (April 28, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: PBS looks at Lollypop Farm Program will focus on the Pet Peeves help line — PERINTON — The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm will be featured on a national program on animal treatment. The Kenneth A. Scott Foundation awarded more than $70,000 to The Visionaries Inc. on Tuesday to produce a 30-minute program that will begin shooting next week and air this fall. Visionaries is a nonprofit organization that uses the media to tell stories of people and organizations making positive social change.  (April 28, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Webster gives OK to preserve 1,020 acres Town voters approve revamped $5.9 million plan by 161 votes - WEBSTER — The second time proved to be the charm for open space advocates in the town. More than 3,600 people cast ballots Tuesday at Webster Schroeder High School to vote on the $5.9 million open space proposal, which was passed 1,906 to 1,745. About 6,000 voters turned out in April 2002, when a $22 million proposal was rejected by 1,078 votes.  (April 28, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Open space is on the table - The nine-month moratorium would halt new construction south of the Thruway. If you live south of the Thruway in Henrietta, there's a chance it could be awhile before you get new neighbors. Messenger Post Newspapers
• DOT Begins Spraying Weeds - The New York State Department of Transportation will begin mowing the grass and chemically treating the roadside on highways.  For more information about the roadside work, call the DOT toll free at 1-877-201-8762. R News: Your NewsChannel
• City's air ranks worse than N.Y.'s in particle pollution - When it comes to particle pollution, Chicago's air is even dirtier than New York's. The American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report, released Wednesday, takes note of particle pollution -- in addition to ozone -- for the first time (April 29, 2004) Chicago Sun-Times
• WXXI: Monroe, Wayne Fail Lung Association "Smog Test" (2004-04-29) ROCHESTER, NY (2004-04-29) More than half the nation's population lives in high-smog regions, and many Rochester-area residents are among them. That's according to a new report from the American Lung Association. (April 29, 2003) Public NewsRoom
• Democrat & Chronicle: Monroe, Wayne flunk smog test Lung Association report faults 17 N.Y. counties for ozone levels. - (April 29, 2004) — A new report shows that Monroe and Wayne counties both flunk a national group’s test for air quality. According to “State of the Air: 2004,” released today by the American Lung Association, the two counties — with 15 others statewide — received an “F” for ozone pollution. (April 29, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle