June 2006  News (The most recent news stories are at the top.)

• Could canola be the fuel of the future? A company called Northern Biodiesel is growing canola in Webster, and they're hoping to market it as an alternative to petroleum diesel fuel. "Canola oil is probably the best crop you can grow for biodiesel because the percentage oil per unit mass. It's almost double that of soybeans," said Northern Biodiesel President Jason Masters. (June 30, 2006) WROC TV NEWS 8 NOW ROCHESTER NEW YORK - Local Story
• City zeros in on lead - Sweep of thousands of rentals begins in July; landlords wary.— Lead inspectors will begin sweeping through Rochester's older rental housing in July and a top city official expects that 60 percent of units will fail the test, complicating an already shaky housing market. With the city's new anti-lead law set to take effect Saturday, 8,000 to 10,000 rental units will be checked for hazards in the first 12 months. The cost of making a unit safe is expected to be from $3,000 to $14,000, and landlords will bear the brunt of that expense. (June 30, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• globeandmail.com : Turbines are blowin' in the wind; Canada passes megawatt benchmark The new turbines popping up on the landscape across the country in recent months have pushed Canada's capacity to generate electricity from wind past the 1,000 megawatt mark. That's a benchmark only 12 countries in the world have passed, according to the Canadian Wind Energy Association, which represents companies that plan, build and operate wind turbines. Still, wind's 1,000 megawatts fulfill only 0.46 per cent of Canada's electricity demand, enough to power about 315,000 homes. That's a far cry from the roughly 60 per cent of the country's power that is generated from hydro, 19 per cent from coal, 15 per cent from nuclear, and 5 per cent from gas. (June 29, 2006) globeandmail.com
• Ontario Beach smells of algae early this year Although the beach can be closed because of algae — if visibility is reduced in the water or if the algae breeds bacteria — the beach has remained open for swimming so far this season. The exception was Wednesday, when it was closed because of heavy rains and runoff.   — Visitors to Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte in recent days have been greeted with the unpleasant aroma of decaying algae. (June 29, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• MPNnow.com: Canandaigua considers pesticide mailing The trick is deciding what kind of — and how much — information people need. CANANDAIGUA — The city Environmental Committee has proposed mailing information about the proper use of lawn chemicals to city residents instead of adopting tighter regulations or an outright ban of the chemicals. Last week, officials examined a sample booklet on pesticides that Ward 1 Councilman Travis Nixon, chairman of the committee, suggested the city use. Some committee members, however, thought the booklet was too large and too expensive to mail. (June 28, 2006) Messenger Post Newspapers
• WXXI: Supporters Say Alternative Energy Could be Rochester's Future (2006-06-26) ROCHESTER, NY (2006-06-26) Senator Hillary Clinton says Rochester could be a "National Capital" for the alternative energy business -- if local businesses and governments will work together. WXXI Public Broadcasting Council
• Perry Meeting Debates Wind Farm - There was barely room to move at a special town meeting in Perry. At issue are wind farms and whether they are right for the town. It’s an issue that has divided residents. Town board members unanimously voted Monday to give themselves 30 days to read through a 2,000 page recommendation given to them by an outside company investigating the pros and cons of wind farms. (June 27, 2006) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• 13WHAM-TV || Rochester - New Warnings About Exposure to Heated Plastic -- For years, scientists have warned women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to be cautious about eating certain foods or consuming certain drinks. Recently, researchers have discovered a link between exposure to bisphenol (BPA) in the womb and cancer. Environmental Health Experts are concerned that BPA in some plastics might leach out when heated. ((June 25, 2006) 13WHAM-TV || Rochester
• Ginna seen as example of unfair title deal — In February 2004, the new owners of the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in Wayne County bought a title insurance policy for the plant. The company, Constellation Energy, paid a division of First American Title Company of New York more than $1 million in premiums for a $400 million policy. That policy, however, raised eyebrows among New York regulators, who considered it an illegal deal handed out by the insurer to a major property owner. (June 24, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Ecology could aid economy - Experts urge linking the two as a way to spur region's development  — AUBURN — Western New York has a choice to make. The region can continue to prop up its aging industrial base or it can take advantage of its assets — chiefly a beautiful environment and a well-educated work force — to build a clean, green, profitable business community, speakers said Friday at a conference on the environment and economic development in this Cayuga County city. "In a region that is clamoring for economic development, the challenge is: Do we take anything we can get, or do we rise to the level of sustainable development?" asked Evan Lowenstein, an environmental consultant from Rochester. (June 24, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Old sneakers get new life - Old sneakers containing no metal will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Monroe County Resource Recovery Facility, 1845 Emerson St.  (June 23, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• WXXI: University of Rochester Conference to Study "Flu as a Weapon" (2006-06-21) A conference in Rochester this week looks at ways the flu could be modified and potentially used as a bioweapon. The two-day symposium in Rochester examines how the flu invades the body and how the body responds. Scientists will also talk about the potential of the flu being modified and used as a lethal weapon -- and how to prevent that from happening.(2006-06-21) Public NewsRoom
• Commissioner Novello Advises New Yorkers to Take Precautions to Protect Themselves, Family from Hot, Humid Weather ALBANY, June 20, 2006 – With the temperatures already reaching the 90s in parts of New York State, State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H. is urging New Yorkers to stay out of the heat. If you must be outdoors in the sweltering conditions there are precautions you can take to avoid heat-related illness. The elderly, infants, young children, people who have mental illness and those who are physically ill are at the highest risk. "We all enjoy the outdoors. However, with the recent stretch of high temperatures across much of New York everyone must take precautions to protect themselves and those who are at greatest risk from heat-related illness this summer season," said Dr. Novello. "Common forms of heat-related illness are heat stroke (or sunstroke), heat exhaustion and heat cramps." Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and is accompanied by hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion. Heat stroke occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit and could render the victim unconscious. New York State Department of Health
• NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES $12 MILLION FOR RESTORATION OF LAKE ONTARIO AND TRIBUTARIES Occidental Chemical Corp. to Pay for Damages to Natural Resources -New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today announced that New York State has reached a settlement of the State’s natural resource damage (NRD) claim for Lake Ontario and its tributaries. Occidental Chemical Corporation has agreed to pay the State $12 million in five equal payments over four years, which will be used to support projects to improve the area’s recreational fishing. “Lake Ontario is one of the most important and widely used lakes in the State. This is a tremendously valuable legal agreement for Lake Ontario and the people of the region. The money from this agreement will help restore the recreational fishery of Lake Ontario and its tributaries. It should be a shot in the arm to the tourism and fishing interests on this beautiful lake. It also sets a strong precedent for other restoration efforts,” said Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. (June 21, 2006) Office of New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
• Spencerport to discuss future of waste water treatment plant The Village of Spencerport will be decommissioning its waste water treatment plant and will be seeking public participation and comments on the proposal. "We are going to have an information update, let the community know what we are planning to do with the waste water treatment plant and what it entails when we turn it over to Monroe County Pure Waters," Mayor Ted Walker said. (June 18, 2006) Westside News Inc.
• Delphi's fuel cell wins key approval - It's a promising sign for company's future here— In a milestone for Delphi Corp. with implications for the Rochester area, the company has won the first of three rounds of approval from the Department of Energy for a fuel cell that could be available for commercial vehicles or other uses by 2011. With the decision, the auto parts maker appeared to make progress Monday toward a smoother exit from bankruptcy, with plans to strengthen its business in the future with important fuel-cell technology. (June 21, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Critters that sport fish feed on are dwindling Number of invasive species in lake is up — Lake Ontario is known for its monster lake trout — muscular, gray-green fish that keep anglers awake at night with anticipation. The slimy sculpin — a 3-inch-long, mottled brown fish with mucus-coated skin that more than lives up to the fish's name — gets considerably less attention. "Why should we care about the little critters? Without them, there are no big critters," said Sean Hanna, director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's regional office in Avon, Livingston County. (June 20, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Virus that can kill fish is found in lake for the first time— A deadly virus that can infect nearly every species of fish in Lake Ontario has been found in the lake for the first time.The virus, known as viral hemorrhagic septicemia, has been detected in both round gobies, an invasive species, and muskellunge, a native fish, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.  (June 20, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Council considers study of reservoirs - City under pressure to upgrade water facilities as 2009 deadline looms— Cobbs Hill and Highland Park reservoirs must be covered, retrofitted with additional treatment systems or taken out of service to comply with federal regulations taking effect in 2009. The prospect likely means millions in added expense for the city, which must similarly deal with its Rush reservoir on Rush-Henrietta Town Line Road. But the historic Cobbs Hill and Highland reservoirs, being central to the parks that surround them, present unusual challenges. (June 19, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Program explains new lead paint law — City resident Michael Taggart raised a son, now 20, who was poisoned by lead paint. But even he had never heard some of the frightening statistics that spurred local leaders to take action on this long-ignored environmental problem. Nationwide, 2 percent of children are poisoned by lead. In New York, with its older housing stock, the figure more than doubles to 5 percent. But in some Rochester neighborhoods, up to 30 percent of children have elevated lead levels in their blood. (June 14, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Tree Pests Return for Summer - If you have elms, oaks, or maples in your yard keep an eye out for pests that could do some serious damage. Your trees could be under attack by a new pest in our area canker worms. The annual regulars are back as well; gypsy moths, forest tent caterpillars and Honeoye locust moths. Jun 15, 2006 R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
• Air quality health advisory this weekend - The Department of Conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for this weekend. Areas affected by the advisory include Central New York and Lake Ontario. (June 16, 2006) Finger Lakes Community, News and Information
• Find out how Lake Ontario water levels are set ALEXANDRIA BAY – The group that controls the water levels on Lake Ontario will give a look behind the scenes as it meets in Alexandria Bay Tuesday. The International Joint Commission’s International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board of Control will host its annual meeting with the public from 7 to 9 pm. Tuesday, June 20, at the Village Municipal Building, 110 Walton Street, Alexandria Bay. (June 13, 2006)  MPNnow.com: Rochester and Western Finger Lakes News, Entertainment, Sports, Opinions, Photos and More
• 6/17/06 -- New York State Office of Homeland Security, State Emergency Management Office and State Health Department Hold Full Scale Health Emergency Preparedness Drill in Upstate New York The New York State Office of Homeland Security, the State Emergency Management Office and the State Health Department today announced that more than 200 agencies, including representatives of New York State, local governments, health care providers and international response partners are participating in an intensive, full-scale pandemic flu response exercise in Western New York. This comprehensive, coordinated response is one of the largest drills of its kind to be conducted in New York and Canada to date. (June 13, 2006) New York State Department of Health
• 6/16/06 -- NET Director Molly Clifford today announced that the Neighborhood Empowerment Team, Community Development and Law Department will host an information forum for city residents on the City's new lead legislation, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Mon., June 19 at School #17 auditorium, 158 Orchard St. NET, DCD and Law staff will present the City's implementation plan for the first year of the lead ordinance, passed in Dec., 2005 by City Council. The new, comprehensive ordinance is designed to make Rochester's rental housing stock lead safe over the next three years by a combination of inspection and testing, interim controls of properties with lead paint, and education of tenants and landlords on the dangers of lead to children. Agencies that provide Lead Safe Work Practice Training and other resources related to lead hazard control will be in attendance.
• Area leads in business strategies that add conscience to profits — At Penn Yan Aero, a small Yates County company that rebuilds airplane engines, caustic, polluting solvents have been replaced by a giant dishwasher that uses pressurized water to clean grease, oil and paint off engine parts. The company saves money on purchasing solvents and disposing of the waste. Slowly a new breed of corporate leader is emerging, asking: Why spend time and money solving environmental problems when you can avoid them in the first place? (June 3, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Three show way with creative approaches— Area companies with their creative approaches are often cited as leaders in sustainability. Here are three. Xerox Corp. started looking at sustainability 15 years ago when Patricia Calkins was hired to assess the environmental impact of one product, a printer-copier. The company examined everything from the environmental costs of obtaining raw materials, including paper, to the consequences of disposing of the product when its useful life ended, to the pollution from transporting materials via trucks. The surprising results: More than half  (June 3, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Tests at Durand: Water quality iffy - Ontario beach, Hamlin also can have nasty days -  A one-day analysis of water quality at Durand-Eastman beach, where swimming has been banned for 40 years as a result of water pollution, indicates that the shore there is no more contaminated than Rochester's primary swimming beach at Ontario Beach Park. However, both beaches will inevitably have closures this summer. Water sampling — including a series of tests commissioned by the Democrat and Chronicle on samples taken May 17 — shows that pollution problems remain. (June 1, 2006) Democrat & Chronicle
• Environmental Protection Agency - EPA Press Release: EPA Takes Off to Kick Off Beach Season (NEW YORK, NY) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) beach surveillance helicopter, the “Coastal Crusader,” is tuned-up and ready for action; it will scan the coastal waters of New Jersey and New York and gather water samples for EPA’s annual beach monitoring program. Each summer, EPA takes samples of coastal waters to determine whether the levels of bacteria in the water are safe for the millions of people who flock to the beach every year. In addition, EPA has given New Jersey and New York about $600,000 in grants to help them test for pathogens in recreational waters this year. (06/01/2006) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency