December 2007 News

Irondequoit residents can recycle Christmas trees (December 31, 2007) — Used Christmas trees may be dropped off at the Helen McGraw Library branch (at 2180 East Ridge Road). Trees can also be taken to the Helmer Nature Center (at 154 Pinegrove Avenue) where they will be ground into chips to maintain the center’s trails. (Dec 31, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
Chemical in plastic bottles stirs concerns Worries about a hormone-mimicking chemical used in the trendy sports accessory led a major Canadian retailer to remove Nalgene and other polycarbonate plastic containers from store shelves in early December. (Dec 31, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
The plight of the honeybee - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Last year, beekeepers across the country and around the globe watched their hives dwindle down to nothing. So far this winter, the situation looks just as bleak. At issue was — and is — a mysterious condition known as colony collapse disorder, or CCD. In affected hives, almost all the adult bees have vanished completely. Only the queen and a few adult bees remain, with no carcasses left behind to explain the sudden population loss. Bees from other hives keep their distance, leaving the food stores in the affected hives untouched. In western New York, the damage has been acute. (Dec28 , 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
A Coalition Seeks Toxic Chem Ruling - A statewide coalition is pushing for stronger regulations on a toxic chemical. The chemical is called trichloroethylene or TCE. It’s a problem residents in one Victor neighborhood are dealing with after the chemical was found in groundwater. The DEC thinks it seeped into the ground from a mining operation on Malone Road. (Dec 30, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
ENN: New study increases concerns about climate model reliability ROCHESTER, NY (Dec. 11, 2007) — A new study comparing the composite output of 22 leading global climate models with actual climate data finds that the models do an unsatisfactory job of mimicking climate change in key portions of the atmosphere. “The usual discussion is whether the climate model forecasts of Earth’s climate 100 years or so into the future are realistic,” said the lead author, Dr. David H. Douglass from the University of Rochester. “Here we have something more fundamental: Can the models accurately explain the climate from the recent past? “It seems that the answer is no.” Environmental News Network
EPA Approves Plan by Northeast States to Lower Mercury Levels in Fish | Newsroom | US EPA (Boston) Today EPA announced the approval of a Northeast states’ plan designed to lower mercury levels in fish throughout New England and New York. The plan calls for a ninety-eight percent reduction from 1998 levels of mercury from atmospheric sources in order to make mercury levels in fish low enough for the states to lift fish consumption advisories. For several years the Northeast has experienced elevated levels of mercury in certain fish species that has resulted in thousands of fish consumption advisories at lakes and rivers across the region. The approved plan addresses the requirements of the Clean Water Act that require states to develop pollution budgets, or Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL), for polluted waters. (Dec 27, 07) Press Releases from Region 2 | Newsroom | US EPA
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SPITZER ANNOUNCES $26 MILLION IN RECYCLING GRANTS Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced that recycling programs throughout the state will receive $26 million in recycling grants made available through the state Environmental Protection Fund. The funding will be divided among 92 municipalities and solid waste management authorities to buy trucks and sorting equipment, improve facilities and promote recycling. MONROE COUNTY Town of Chili: $6,683 for recycling equipment. Village of Honeoye Falls: $22,500 for recycling equipment. Village of Pittsford: $90,492 for recycling equipment. Village of Scottsville: $8,000 for recycling equipment. Village of Webster: $52,954 for recycling equipment. (Dec 27, 07) New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer Press Releases & Audio
New leader against alien species -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY Wildlife biologist to head new state office in effort to control invasive plants and animals that enter New York ALBANY -- A 54-year-old state wildlife biologist will lead the state's fight against invasive species like zebra mussels, which choke upstate lakes, and the approaching emerald ash bore, an Asian beetle that is killing millions of trees in the Midwest. (Dec 27, 07) Albany NY News - Times Union - Serving Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy
Recycling money doled out - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Gov. Eliot Spitzer has announced $26 million will go to sewer districts and municipalities across the state to promote recycling efforts. Sharing in the windfall will be Manchester-Shortsville Joint Sewer District and the village of Victor. The money may be used for buying trucks and sorting equipment, improvements to facilities and recycling programs. (Dec 30, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Brooks Announces Christmas Tree Recycling Programs - Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that residents can once again recycle their Christmas trees, free of charge, at a number of locations across Monroe County. A list of drop-off locations, instructions, and hours of operation is attached, and can also be found at www.monroecounty.gov .
Brighton Development Concerns Bird Lovers - 13WHAM.com – An open field along the Erie Canal in Brighton could soon be home to a new neighborhood called The Reserve. Environmentalists are concerned about the project's impact. (Dec 27, 07) - 13WHAM.com
Recycle Those Electronics! - 13WHAM.com If you found a new computer or television under your tree this year, you may be wondering what to do with the old one. Now through February 2 you can drop it off to be recycled-- for free. (Dec 28, 07) - 13WHAM.com
New state office addresses invasive species ALBANY, N Y (2007-12-26) There's a new state office in New York that deals with the threat of invasive species. Hundreds of non-native plants and animals have invaded the state in the last decade, posing threats to the environment and the economy. WXXI NewsRoom
Localities to share in $26M recycling funds— In an effort to promote local recycling programs across the state, Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced Thursday that $26 million has been awarded to 92 municipalities, including five in Monroe County. The town of Chili and the villages of Honeoye Falls, Pittsford, Scottsville and Webster received grants to purchase recycling equipment through the state Environmental Protection Fund. (December 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
CITY ANNOUNCES FIVE HOLIDAY TREE RECYCLING SITES City residents will be able to drop off their trees for recycling at five convenient locations from today, Wed., Dec. 26, through Jan. 31. • Ferrano St. at Colfax St., at the City’s Materials give-back site. • Genesee Valley Park tennis court parking lot, Genesee St. extension. • Culver Rd. & Norris Dr., east of the Cobbs Hill Recreation Center. • Beach Ave. at Estes St. (west of Lake Ave.). • Norton Village Recreation Center parking lot, 330 Waring Rd. Trees may also be placed at the curb for pick up on residents’ regular collection days. All lights and ornaments must be removed before trees are dropped off at a recycling site or taken to the curb. Holiday tree mulch will be available only at the Ferrano St./Colfax St. drop off site. Contact the Office of Customer Satisfaction at 428-5990 (TTY 428-7600) 24 hours/day for more information. -- Welcome to the City of Rochester
Office fights non-native species — The New York Department of Environmental Conservation opened an Office of Invasive Species this week. Four full-time staffers will be devoted to controlling non-native species that can harm the environment or human health. Steven Jay Sanford, a DEC biologist and the office director, said the goal is to coordinate efforts involving state agencies, universities and nonprofit organizations. (December 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Recycle Your Christmas Tree - 13WHAM.com (Rochester, N.Y.) Below is a list of places to drop your tree for recycling. 13WHAM.com
Lighthouse Point project wins court case with DEC— IRONDEQUOIT— The State Supreme Court has ruled that the state Department of Environmental Conservation was wrong to exclude the proposed Lighthouse Pointe development from the State Brownfield Cleanup Program. Lighthouse Pointe Property Associates LLC aims to build upscale condos, townhouses, restaurants and a promenade on the site of a former city dump bordering the Genesee River on the eastern side of the Col. Patrick O'Rorke Bridge in Irondequoit. The project is expected to cost about $200 million. (December 25, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Voice Your Choice Deadline Nears - The deadline is fast approaching, but you still have a little time to choose your electricity supplier. Rochester Gas and Electric is reminding customers to "voice your choice" by 7 p.m. on December 28. (Dec 21, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Maple syrup shortage taps wallets - Prices are up after poor spring weather kept production down— If you'll be giving or serving New York maple syrup this holiday season, you probably paid more for it this year. A combination of consumer demand and a supply shortage have boosted prices 10 percent to 20 percent at many area retailers. (December 24, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Businesses can seek certification for eco-friendly offices - Council's standards validate how eco-friendly buildings actually are.For a building to be LEED certified, it must meet certain criteria set by the Green Building Council for things such as water efficiency, energy consumption and building location, said Tracie Hall, executive director of the Green Building Council Upstate New York Chapter. If a business goes beyond the basic criteria, by adding green innovations, the building may receive a silver, gold or platinum LEED certification. Buildings can be refurbished to meet LEED requirements. They do not need to be built from scratch, Hall said. (Dec 23, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SPITZER CRITICAL OF FEDERAL GLOBAL WARMING DECISION Governor Eliot Spitzer today criticized the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to disapprove a waiver for the motor vehicle greenhouse gas standards adopted by California, New York and eleven other states. Two federal courts have upheld those standards, and a waiver from EPA is all that is needed before those standards can be enforced. The standards were set to go into effect with the automobile manufacturers' 2009 model year lines. By 2016, the standards would result in a 37 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and a 24 percent reduction from light trucks. (Dec 20, 07) GOV SITE
New project will assess 'health' of community — Two local community service agencies have joined forces in an effort to address key social issues in the Rochester area by using a systematic, data-driven strategy. Under the preliminary project design, 12 program categories of health and well-being of the Rochester community have been established: Poverty and general well-being; children and youth; education; the economy; community engagement; community safety; health; environment; arts and culture; housing; transportation; and technology. - (December 20, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
$35 million announced to protect over 13,000 acres of farmland statewide - Albany - Governor Eliot Spitzer Thursday announced approximately $35 million in funding through the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Program to protect nearly 13,300 acres of active farmland across New York State. The funding is the largest dollar amount ever dedicated for farmland preservation, and will go to protect the largest single amount of acreage in the program’s 11-year history. The funding will go 35 farms in 22 counties. (Dec 21, 07) New York State News on the Net!
City Landlords Challenge Lead Laws - Rochester's lead abatement law - it set a standard for city landlords and the nation. New research found more rental properties are now safe because of the lead law, but landlords who are literally paying for this ordinance challenge that perception. (Dec 20, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Plans OK’d for manure lagoons - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Manchester, N.Y. - Site plans for controversial manure lagoons were approved by the Planning Board Tuesday night. (Dec 20, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Group warns Ohio's future bleak if greenhouse effect is unchecked COLUMBUS — The impact of climate change on Ohio could be perilous unless action is taken to curtail greenhouse gases, a conservation group warned. Ohio faces a future of extended droughts and extreme heat, loss of important species and increased pressure from agricultural pests, among other things, said the group, Nature Conservancy. (Dec 20, 07) Dayton Daily News | Dayton, Ohio, News and Information
Green Bay Press-Gazette - VHS impacts use of bait Ice anglers must get rid of minnows before leaving water body MADISON — Wisconsin ice anglers are feeling the squeeze from new rules designed to combat viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, and the impact is no drop in the bucket. In an effort to stem spread of the disease, the Natural Resources Board initiated an emergency rule on Nov. 2 prohibiting the transfer of water or fish — including minnows — from one body of water to another. (Dec 16, 07) Green Bay Press-Gazette
DEC unveils kids' magazine — ALBANY — Fourth-graders at Albany's Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology were energized Tuesday by a wildlife-watch and snowshoeing adventure in a snowy city park. The children were being supervised by Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis, who was at the school to unveil the Department of Environmental Conservation's new publication, Conservationist for Kids. (December 19, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Solar panels to help power County Office Building — Monroe County's latest effort to be kinder to the environment won't be cheap, and the return on investment is relatively low. But the county thinks it's worth it. While the cost to install solar panels on the roof of the County Office Building will largely be covered by settlement payments from oil companies, not tax funds, the project will only eliminate about 4 percent of the energy costs generated in the building. (December 19, 2007 Democrat & Chronicle
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets NYS Council on Food Policy Issues Report to Governor - The New York State Council on Food Policy was created in May of 2007 by Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Executive Order No. 13, in which it is recognized that a need exists to support the State’s agricultural industry as well as to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to safe, affordable, nutritious food. The twenty-one members of the Council on Food Policy were appointed in September of 2007 after a rigorous and thoughtful selection process. The Council members include seven state agency heads and 14 members from the public and non-profit sectors. Together they represent nearly all aspects of the food system. At the time of appointment, Governor Spitzer charged the members of the Council with the tasks of helping the State coordinate its food-related policies and promote healthier communities.
Tests to be conducted on roosting patterns of American crows -Albany – At the request of the City of Albany, wildlife biologists with the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Wildlife Services, will be conducting a non-lethal pilot project to investigate techniques to change roosting patterns of American crows roosting in the city. (Dec 19, 07) New York State News on the Net!
www.whec.com - Results are in on Rochester's new lead law The idea was to "get the lead out" and it looks like it's working! Tonight the results are out on the impact of Rochester’s new "lead law" to cut down on lead poisoning. (Dec 18, 07) www.whec.com
www.whec.com - Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning receives $25,000 donation The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning received a $25,000 donation from Roberts Communications to support its educational outreach. The donation will fund home visits and educational programs that reach thousands of families who work with children. (Dec 18, 07) www.whec.com
CLEARING THE AIR FOR WIND TURBINES - Wind energy developers and the federal government say differeing states guidelines for protecting wildlife from new wind turbines is hindering the nation's ability to take advantage of this renewable energy. (Dec 17, 07) Environment Report
Auburn to use clean renewable energy to heat, cool municipal buildings =Auburn - Mayor Timothy Lattimore of the City of Auburn, and Roger Kelley, president and chief executive officer, New York Power Authority, Monday announced completion of a comprehensive $3.9 million project that includes a geothermal heating and cooling system, a computerized energy-management network and a variety of energy-efficiency upgrades at 13 city-owned facilities. The project was designed, implemented and installed under the supervision of NYPA’s Energy Services and Technology unit. (Dec 18, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Rochester to Albany: Let’s make a deal - Rochester, NY - MPNnow All other players are out of the game as the city of Rochester and New York state prepare to negotiate a price for the 7,100 acres the city owns around Canadice and Hemlock lakes. Until recently, city leaders had said they were considering all options. But the latest statements from the mayor’s office and the state Department of Environmental Conservation suggest that something environmentalists have feared — the sale to a developer — is off the table. (Dec 17, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
DEC testing in Victor called inadequate — State environmental workers returned to a section of western Victor on Tuesday to begin a new round of tests for the presence of intruding toxic vapors. But their work plan has been scaled back — and that decision, like others, doesn't sit well with some residents. A pocket of the Ontario County town has been in the spotlight much of this year because of groundwater contamination that was first uncovered in 1990. State officials spent years tracing the source of industrial solvents in the groundwater and testing residential drinking-water wells for the chemicals' presence. (December 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Environmental backlog/Day 2: Change at DEC frustratingly slow — Like many other interest groups in New York state, environmental advocates were keenly optimistic that Gov. Eliot Spitzer would push new initiatives and complete tasks that his predecessor, George Pataki, had left undone. "We entered this year with high expectations," said Laura Haight, senior environmental associate for New York Public Interest Research Group. (December 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Vapor intrusion may be crucial test for DEC — By some accounts, New York is at the cutting edge on a hot-button environmental concern. Others say the state was tardy and has years of work to do. At issue is vapor intrusion, a phenomenon in which chemical vapors can rise from underground contamination and accumulate in buildings, putting occupants at risk. (December 16, 2007) (December 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC scrambles to catch up on environmental projects — The agency charged with protecting New York's environment, weakened by years of deep staff cuts, faces a mountain of environmental work left undone. Despite burgeoning public interest in "green" issues, major programs to reduce air pollution are not fully implemented. Hundreds of water pollution permits are out of date. Dam inspections have been called inadequate. Hundreds of old toxic dump sites have not been cleaned up. And cleanup regulations have been weakened. (December 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Penfield consolidates recycling centers — PENFIELD — Starting next month, Penfield residents won't be able to use the recycling center at the Penfield Highway Garage because it is closing to combine with the High Acres Landfill and Recycling Center in Perinton. The recycling center at 1607 Jackson Road will officially close Jan. 14. About 320 to 400 total cubic yards of paper and containers were recycled monthly at the center. (December 15, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT: Great Lakes water pact inching along - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper New York could soon join two other states and two Canadian provinces in trying to prevent outsiders from taking Great Lakes water. (Dec 11, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
Opponents slam pay-to-hunt proposal — Opponents of a proposed pay-to-hunt preserve at the former Seneca Army Depot placed the plan squarely in their sights Thursday — and blasted it. At a morning public hearing in the town of Varick, about 70 people braved the winter storm to challenge a plan by a Waterloo-based company for the preserve at the depot site. More than 25 people spoke, with only one voicing any support for the proposal. (December 14, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DEC extends emergency trapping regulations - Albany - The State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended emergency regulations that will help reduce or eliminate the capture or killing of pets in body-gripping traps. The extension was filed with the Department of State on Dec. 11, 2007. New York's 2007-08 trapping season opened on Oct. 25 in most areas of the state and the restrictions apply to the setting and use of body-gripping traps. (Dec 14, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Rare deer in hunters' sights - Company calls for preserve at ex-Army depot A plan to open a pay-to-hunt preserve on a large swath of the former Seneca Army Depot — an area between Seneca and Cayuga lakes where a herd of rare white deer roams — has sparked protests from some officials in Seneca County, conservationists and animal rights activists. A town supervisor has asked the state to intervene and remove the Seneca County Industrial Development Authority as the lead agency for an environmental review of the proposal. (Dec 12, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
Grants announced to reduce home heating costs Albany - More than $3 million in energy conservation grants will go to community organizations for weatherization projects that will reduce heating costs for more than 1,400 families across New York. (Dec 11, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Smart Growth Cabinet formed - Albany -- Governor Eliot Spitzer Monday created a Smart Growth Cabinet that will review state agency spending and policies to determine how best to discourage sprawl and promote smart land use practices. (Dec 11, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Rochester's lead law shows positive results — An estimated one-third of Rochester's rental properties have been made lead safe. But a better-than-expected response to the city's new lead law is worthy of both praise and skepticism, according to a study released Monday. The Centers for Governmental Research analysis found continued high compliance rates — 94 percent of properties passing visual inspections; 85 percent passing follow-up dust wipe tests — and claimed that landlord expenses have been lower than anticipated. (December 11, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
CGR Report Says Rochester Lead Law is Working Bud Lowell - ROCHESTER, NY (2007-12-10) A report from the Center for Governmental Research says more than 16-thousand Rochester homes and apartments have been inspected under the city's anti-lead poisoning law. (Dec 11, 07) WXXI NewsRoom
Anti-power-line group gets organized - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Citizens in Naples and South Bristol have organized to lobby against the electrical transmission line Rochester Gas & Electric plans to build from Eelpot Road to Bristol Mountain. Several hundred citizens from Naples, South Bristol, Italy, Cohocton and Rochester have expressed opposition to this power line, said Renae Rennoldson, spokeswoman for the organization. Their main concerns are maintaining the scenic views, wind power involvement, environmental issues and health concerns, she said. (Dec 08, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
Local ethanol plant a no-go — A first-of-its-kind ethanol plant won't be constructed in the town of Greece after all. A year ago, then-Gov. George Pataki announced that the state would spend $14.8 million toward construction of the plant in Greece, perhaps positioning the Rochester region as a leader in alternative energy. But the plant instead will be 130 miles east of Rochester, at the former Griffiss Air Force Base outside Rome, Oneida County. A ceremonial start of work on the Mascoma Corp. plant is set for Monday. (December 8, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Animals in North on endangered list; Accent: Species at risk Posted By Punch, Rachel Posted 22 hours ago If you ask Dokis First Nation elders about the eastern hog-nose snake, they may tell you a story of a beast who will rise up like a cobra and blow poisonous gas in your face. Ojibwe legend has it the snake - known to them as the blow adder or puff adder - is responsible for the death of a set of twins who were picking berries on Andy's Island in Dokis Bay years ago. (Dec 09, 07) The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA
Environmental Excellence Award winners - Albany -- An aggressive school “go green” program that features the creative use of earthworms, an energy innovation that boosted a North Country yogurt plant and some old-fashioned elbow grease applied to invasive plants in the Adirondacks were just some of the projects cited in the 2007 Environmental Excellence Awards announced Friday by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis. (Dec 08, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Duluth News Tribune | Bill would set aside billions for conservation Legislation requiring cuts in global warming greenhouse gases passed a U.S. Senate committee this week with a little-known provision earmarking billions of dollars to conservation and wildlife projects. The new money, more than $175 billion over two decades, would go toward research, buying and managing sensitive habitat and taking additional action to help wildlife survive climate change. (Dec 07, 07) http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/
Wind towers continue to generate contention in Hamlin - Rochester, NY - MPNnow Hamlin, N.Y. - After months of work and three reports on the effects of wind towers on nearby land, people and other living creatures, the long blades of the gleaming wind turbines continue to cut across Hamlin. A testy meeting of Hamlin’s Town Board and its defunct Wind Tower Committee on Nov. 29 showed how deep the cut is. (Dec 06, 07) Homepage - Rochester, NY - MPNnow
Organic farming to be topic of forum - (December 6, 2007) — The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County is hosting a workshop Tuesday to help consumers understand what is meant by the term organic gardening and the many labels that are associated with it. (Dec 06, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
Paradigm Environmental Services driven by demand for product testing - Company busy as worries about product safety mount. Paradigm Environmental Services, 179 Lake Ave., is a full-service company certified and equipped to perform high-quality analyses in environmental chemistry, asbestos and lead-based paint. The company studies a wide range of materials to determine their composition and recommend the best methods to deal with them. (Dec 01, 07) Democrat & Chronicle
Awards Honor Green Business Do you know a business that has been a friend to the environment? The Rochester Business Journal and Bank of America are sponsoring the local environmental leadership awards. (Dec 4, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Ethanol Plant Up And Running - New York state's first ethanol plant is up and running in Orleans County. The plant cost $90 million to build and is expected to churn out 50 million gallons of ethanol per year. Western New York Energy built the facility in the town of Shelby. (Dec 3, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
ENVIRONMENT: Wind towers: Not on my back yard - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper Setbacks continue to be the biggest sticking point in Hamlin's proposed wind-tower regulations. | The initial draft of the regulations called for a minimum of 1,000 feet between towers and residential structures, unless the structure's owner is leasing land to a wind developer. (Dec 05/07) Rochester City Newspaper
ENVIRONMENT: You're getting warmer - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The Kyoto Accord began the race to halt global warming. On its 10th anniversary, why are we barely past the starting gate? (Dec 05/07) Rochester City Newspaper

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