March 2005 news

•  Holley studies ethanol plant - — HOLLEY — Officials from the village of Holley, the town of Murray and the Orleans County Economic Development Agency visited an ethanol-producing plant in South Dakota late last month to prepare for the possibility that a biofuel manufacturer may want to build at Holley's 95-acre business park. (March 6, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Buffalo News - Group lobbying for bills to protect animals A Western New York delegation will join the League of Humane Voters of New York State in Albany on March 15 to lobby legislators for the passage of three bills to protect animals from cruel practices. (March 7, 2005) The Buffalo News
•  Will project spark a renaissance downtown? - City and county officials see, in Renaissance Square, the chance to revive a section of downtown that they say has been a deterrent to development. The area "has been kind of a wasteland for a while with Midtown (Plaza) diminishing, as well as (the North Clinton Avenue) corner with nothing going on at all," said City Council President Lois Giess. (March 6, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  GOVERNOR PATAKI ANNOUNCES $136 MILLION FOR WATER PROJECTS -Low-Interest Loans Will Support 29 Projects in 20 Communities - Governor George E. Pataki today announced nearly $136 million in low-interest, long-term loans to 20 communities throughout New York State for 29 projects to prevent water pollution and protect local drinking water supplies. The loans are provided through the New York State Revolving Funds (SRF) programs, regarded as a leader among the nation's SRF Programs. --New York State Department of Health
•  Governor Pataki Announces Expansion of New York Power Authority Clean School Bus Program - Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will expand its Clean School Bus Program, installing control devices to significantly cut harmful diesel emissions on 1,500 to 2,000 New York City school buses. The $6 million program had initially sought to retrofit up to 1,000 school buses. The NYPA program is already providing cleaner fuel for 2,800 school buses in New York City, more than two-thirds of the school buses operating in New York City. - New York State Department of Health
•  Grants combat farm runoff — Ontario County is getting more than $500,000 in state funding for projects that will help farmers protect lakes, streams and rivers from agricultural runoff. The grants were announced Monday by state Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, Seneca County. (March 8, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Coyote Contest Draws Hundreds - A month long coyote hunting contest is underway in the Ontario County town of Richmond. About 300 hunters have signed up to take part in the event, which is being hosted by the Honeoye Fish and Game Club. (Mar 06, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Lake meeting today at RIT - A meeting on the state of Lake Ontario's fisheries is set for 7 to 10 p.m. today at the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science Auditorium, Building 76, at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Henrietta. (March 8, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  More Money For Renaissance Project - Just back from Washington D.C, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has more money promised for Rochester's Renaissance Square Project. (Mar 04, 2005) - R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  MSNBC - Pet telethon exceeds goal Rochester, NYUSA - NEWS 10NBC would like to thank everyone who supported this weekend's 9th annual pet telethon. We raised $137,862.00 for the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm. Dozens of animals were adopted into new families as well.(March 8, 2005)  MSNBC
•  Wind farm at depot?: Plan could make use of concrete igloos at site Following a Friday meeting in Rochester, Seneca County officials are considering whether wind power is a viable energy source for the area’s 10,000 or so residents. (March 8, 2005) Finger Lakes Times Geneva, NY
•  City Newspaper: Turning Main Street’s vital corner When Renaissance Square is built --- and more than half of the needed $230 million in funding is already lined up --- it will have an immeasurable effect on Rochester's downtown. For good or ill, the project will alter the character of downtown's architecture. (March 8, 2005) City Newspaper
•  Donation will help fight lead poisoning in Rochester - A local health insurance company is joining the fight against lead poisoning in Rochester. Tuesday morning Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield gave a $140,000.00 grant to the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning. The money will help fund the Lets Make Lead History campaign that teaches parents about the dangers of lead poisoning and how they can protect their children. (March 8, 2005) 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
•   State funds to help keep waterways free of farm waste - More than $300,000 in state grants will help keep agricultural runoff from contaminating waterways in Orleans and Genesee counties. Assemblyman Charles H. Nesbitt, R-Albion, Orleans County, has announced that $284,763 in state Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control Program funds will be used to implement best management practices on four farms in the Oak Orchard Watershed. (March 13, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Is road salt a ticking time bomb? - Bleached highways, rusting cars, drive-by pepperings by snow plows. We've all had experience with the one seasoning that winter seems to dish out in abundance: road salt.  In the Rochester area, road crews spread at least 150,000 tons of road salt during the 2003-04 winter season. Nationally, nearly 20 million tons of salt was sold for highway uses in 2003, according to the Salt Institute, an industry group.  (March 11, 2005) —Democrat and Chronicle
•  Journal Gazette | 03/11/2005 | EPA toughens power-plant rules  WASHINGTON – The Bush administration Thursday ordered reductions in smog and soot pollution across 28 states in the East, South and Midwest with the goal of making the air cleaner to breathe for people downwind of coal-burning power plants.  Consumers who get electricity from the companies’ plants can expect their monthly power bills to increase eventually by up to $1 to pay for the changes. Journal Gazette : Fort Wayne news, sports, jobs, homes, cars
•  House OKs bill aiding area roads, Renaissance Square - WASHINGTON — Rochester-area transportation projects would receive more than $46 million in federal funding under a six-year highway bill the House passed Thursday. The bill includes $8.5 million for Renaissance Square in downtown Rochester. (March 11, 2005) — Democrat and Chronicle
•  Blues support anti-lead ads -Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Rochester Region, on Tuesday announced a four-year grant of $140,000 to the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning to help fund the Let's Make Lead History advertising campaign. (March 11, 2005) — Democrat and Chronicle
•  Opponents present case vs. wind farm - A group of residents opposed to the proposed location for 14 wind turbines in Springwater worked at getting the word out Saturday. SPRINGWATER - More than 150 people from Springwater and surrounding communities turned out Saturday to hear an impassioned plea to oppose a developer's proposal to build industrial wind turbines in the hills.  Messenger Post Newspapers
•  Hundreds sign up for coyote hunt - HONEOYE, N.Y. A western New York coyote hunt has drawn hundreds of contestants -- as well as some protests. The monthlong hunting contest is underway in the Ontario County town of Richmond, south of Rochester. About 300 hunters have signed up for the event sponsored by the Honeoye (HONEY'-oy) Fish and Game Club. NBC3
•  Lake Level Rising - Ecologists say thanks to a wet summer and fall and a cold, snowy winter, the level of Lake Ontario is much higher than a year ago. The lake level is up eight-inches. Rising water levels in Lake Ontario and the other Great Lakes is good for lakefront property owners, the shipping industry, and the environment. (March 13, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Landfill Launches Industrial Park A landfill in Seneca County announced a new venture Friday that promises to help both the environment and the economy. Seneca Meadows already turns the landfill’s methane gas into electrical power. It is now taking the idea a step further. (March 13, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  County Considers Pesticide Law - It was standing room only in the Monroe County legislature chambers Tuesday. Dozens of people turned out to tell lawmakers what they think about law aimed at regulating the use of pesticides. State lawmakers passed the Neighborhood Notification Law in 2000. They gave counties the option of adopting it. The law requires that residents be notified if pesticides are being used in their neighborhood. Monroe county lawmakers are considering making it law here. (March 13, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  The New York Times > New York Region > Power Plant That Pollutes Northeast Agrees to Cut Emissions Ohio Edison, the operator of one of the dirtiest coal-fired power plants in the country, has agreed to sharply cut harmful emissions that drift across state lines and cause respiratory problems throughout the Northeast. The agreement, announced yesterday in Washington, is one of the most significant settlements ever for cleaning the air and improving the health of millions of people who live downwind from the plant, on the banks of the Ohio River, state and federal officials said. (March 20, 2005) The New York Times > Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
•  Lawn sprays evoke passion - Pesticide applicators fight county neighbor-notification bill -  Mary Ann Cole of Rochester refuses to use pesticides in her yard. Len Mills of Penfield refuses not to. Cole and Mills put real faces on a debate that is unfolding in the political arena this year. At issue is a bill proposed in January by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. (March 14, 2005) —Democrat and Chronicle
•  City Newspaper: Clearing the air Talk about pressure. Less than a week after he was tapped by President Bush to head the Environmental Protection Agency, the administration's faltering clean-air policy forced Acting EPA Administrator Steve Johnson into the spotlight. On March 9, the president's Clear Skies legislation stalled in the Senate Environment and Public Works committee. Time for plan B. (March 16, 2005)  http://www.rochester-citynews.com
•  Turf wars - Say it or don't spray it. - That's the message from backers of a proposal before the county legislature that would opt Monroe into a 48-hour neighbor notification law for spray pesticide. The law was passed by the state legislature, but counties must opt in before it takes effect locally. Arrayed on the side of the proposal are environmental groups, several physicians, and the Breast Cancer Coalition. But local licensed pesticide applicators attended the leg meeting in force, as did representatives of their trade associations. Whether it's the claim that pesticides are benign if properly used, or that they're carcinogenic and toxic to pets and children, both sides say that the available science is on their side. The next pesticide hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, in Legislative Chambers, at 6 p.m.--(March 16, 2005)  http://www.rochester-citynews.com
•  Lollypop Farm purchases van for pet therapy travel - The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm has purchased a new van for its Pet Assisted Therapy (PAT) Program. The van will be used to make PAT visits year-round, five-days-a-week to more than 90 locations. (March, 2005)  Westside News Inc.
•  Ethanol Could Boost Area Corn Crop - New York farmers may soon help lower prices at the pump. Ethanol, which is found in gasoline, can be produced from corn. Empire Biofuels is planning on building an ethanol plant in Seneca Falls. The company expects to break ground this September.(March, 2005)   R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  Renewable Energy Could Bring Jobs - A new report from New York State's comptroller says thousands of jobs could be created if the state were to step up its commitment to generating more electricity through renewable sources. The report calls for the state to expand solar, wind and hydropower, as well as develop crops like corn and soybeans that can be processed into fuel. Comptroller Alan Hevesi says that 43,000 jobs could be created by 2013. There are about 170 renewable energy companies in the state. (March 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  GOVERNOR PATAKI, MAJORITY LEADER BRUNO AND SPEAKER SILVER SIGN BROWNFIELDS AGREEMENT Announce Funding for 53 Brownfield Projects in Communities Across New York State - Governor George E. Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that makes available $30 million for local communities to develop strategies to cleanup and reuse brownfields, as well as for grants to assist communities in participating in the redevelopment of brownfields. The Agreement authorizes the allocation of funds for the Brownfields Opportunity Area Program (BOA) and Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) created as part of the historic Superfund and Brownfields Law enacted in 2003. The MOU also provides funding for the development of a state-wide groundwater database to assist communities in evaluating groundwater issues related to the cleanup of contaminated properties. ---The Monroe County Department of Environmental Services intends to complete a Pre-nomination Study for Renaissance Square, which is located in downtown Rochester and is approximately three acres in size. The area is characterized with 15 potential brownfield sites. The County's objective is to revitalize the area through three catalytic projects: a new transportation facility, a downtown community college campus, and a performing arts center. The County also intends to complete Pre-nomination Studies for Airport/Buell Road area in the Town of Gates which is approximately 96 acres in size and for an area located in the eastern portion of the City of Rochester where there is a concentration of potential brownfield sites.
•  Great Lakes' invasion to begin - Seaway ships carry exotic species, critics say - — The St. Lawrence Seaway opens for the shipping season today. It's an event that also opens the Great Lakes to an annual invasion of exotic bugs, fish and plants that could upset a vast but fragile ecosystem. Most of the invaders hitchhike inside the ballast water that keeps big ships stable on the high seas. The federal protections against ship-borne invasive species are too weak, critics say. (March 25, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Rochester natural-living calendar published -  (March 25, 2005) — In a first for the Rochester natural-living community, a 2005 calendar of events has been published.  Released today by the nonprofit Center for Sustainable Living, the 20-page booklet lists activities in the Rochester area, April through September. The booklets are available at Abundance Cooperative Market, 62 Marshall St.; Lori's Natural Foods Center, 900 Jefferson Road in Henrietta; the Rochester Folk Art Guild in Middlesex, Yates County; and the Cumming Nature Center on Gulick Road in Naples, Ontario County. (March 25, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Land deals to guard wetlands - Nature Conservancy saves 200 acres in Montezuma complex - — In a coup that will protect more than 200 acres of woodland, meadows and marsh, the Rochester-based chapter of The Nature Conservancy has bought two properties within the Montezuma wetlands complex. The deals were wrapped up last year but were just announced Friday. What's at stake:The Montezuma wetlands complex includes a national wildlife refuge. The marshes, swamps, streams, ponds and woodlands there provide critical shelter and feeding areas for birds along a migratory path known as the Atlantic Flyway. For more on Montezuma, go to: www.fws.gov/r5mnwr/ (March 27, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Researcher sees wider danger to health from toxic waste sites - Breathing in pollutants believed root of heart, lung, other damage - — Living near toxic waste sites increases the risk for many chronic diseases — and the cause is breathing in organic pollutants. That's the controversial hypothesis outlined in a University of Rochester lecture on Thursday by Dr. David O. Carpenter. He's a Harvard-educated physician and public health researcher whose work at the State University of New York at Albany focuses on environmental toxicology. (March 25, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Brighton board gives OK for new Walgreen's store — BRIGHTON — A controversial proposal to build a Walgreen Co. store that has drawn both support and criticism from the community was approved Wednesday night by the Town Board. The project calls for a 14,800-square-foot Walgreen's building on 2.7 acres at 1650 Elmwood Ave., on the northwest corner of South Clinton and Elmwood avenues. (March 24, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Stormwater experts trained - 300 meet here to learn about curbing pollution, erosion - — After any rain, "stormwater" washes into sewer systems, streams and lakes. It contains some environmental worries: eroded soil, fertilizer, pesticides, oil and pet waste. That pollution, and stiffening federal laws to control it, make stormwater experts a necessity for governments of all sizes. On Wednesday, 300 such experts wrapped up a three-day annual training conference at the Clarion Hotel in Rochester. What's at stake: Protecting water quality in New York's 11 major watersheds requires reducing runoff from farms, cities and suburbs. Pollution is worst from urban sources, according to the New York state Soil & Water Conservation Committee, co-sponsors of a Rochester conference this week. From July 30 to Aug. 4, the Soil & Water Conservation Society, an international group, will hold its annual convention in Rochester. For more on the society, go to: www.swcs.org .For more on the committee, go to: www.nys-soilandwater.org. (March 24, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Study: Household dust a risk - Samples turn up over 30 harmful industrial chemicals - What's at stake: Chemicals in common household products can compromise indoor air quality, which may already be affected by tobacco smoke, radon, pet dander, mold, lead dust and bacteria. In 2002, the federal Environmental Protection Agency reported that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air. (March 23, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  17,000 tons of dirt is removed from site - One phase of Brockport cleanup is done, DEC reports — BROCKPORT — After removing tons of contaminated soil, sediment, wood, pipe and debris, the state Department of Environmental Conservation says no further cleanup needs to be done along a tributary near the former 3M/Dynacolor site. Anyone with comments on the tributary cleanup can direct them to: Kelly Cloyd, project manager, Department of Environmental Conservation, 6274 East Avon-Lima Road, Avon, NY 14414. (March 23, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  UR prof leads avian flu study - Federally funded move to test a vaccine needs 450 volunteers  — A University of Rochester scientist is leading a national study on bird-flu vaccine, aiming to find both a safe and effective dose. Dr. John Treanor, professor of medicine and director of UR's Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit, is overseeing the federally funded study of a vaccine made by Sanofi-Aventis. About 450 volunteers are being sought nationally, with about one-third to be recruited in Rochester. How to volunteer- What: A clinical study on the safety of bird-flu vaccines.
  Where: University of Rochester Medical Center, 600 Elmwood Ave. Who is eligible: People ages 18 to 64 who have no chronic medical problems.
  What's involved: Participants will undergo screening and have their blood sampled. If they qualify for the study, they'll receive two injections of vaccine or placebo 28 days apart. The first test group will also undergo additional lab tests aimed at detecting side effects. Timing: Screening will be this week and next. The first group will be inoculated the week of April 4. - Call: (585) 273-3990.- For more on bird flu, go to www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm . (March 23, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Carp threaten Great Lakes ecosystem, industry - Another exotic species of fish is threatening to wreak havoc on the lucrative Great Lakes fishing industry. But, even though the threat is real, experts aren't sure exactly how to stop it. Sometimes growing to more than 120 pounds, the Asian Carp are considered a bold, destructive invader species, capable of devouring all the food needed by native species. (March 29, 2005) CTV.ca | CTV News, Shows and Sports - Canadian Television
•  Several more firms chosen for $230M downtown project — Local officials today announced the selection of several engineering, construction and architectural firms chosen to work on the $230 million downtown Renaissance Square project. Boston-based Moshe Safdie & Associates has been tapped as the lead architectural firm; the company will begin work immediately on developing a work plan for the project. (March 29, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Control Those Sheep-Nabbing Coyote -- Some farmers blame the Department of Environmental Conversation for introducing coyote to our area in order to help control the deer population. As a result, the numbers of coyote have increased and some farmers claim the coyote are attacking sheep and cow herds.  (March 29, 2005) 13WHAM-TV || ROCHESTER
•  Otters making a comeback - The slinky critters have done well in Honeoye Lake, but they face a threat as their numbers increase. HONEOYE - There's more to do on Honeoye Lake these days than hunt for bullhead and carp - if you're an otter, that is. (March 29, 2005) Messenger Post Newspapers
•  Contestants bagged 56 coyotes - Two hunters who tied for first place will each receive $500. - RICHMOND - With the upstate coyote population reported on the upswing, hunters who entered a coyote hunting contest say this winter was a particularly good one for killing the elusive creatures. (March 29, 2005) Messenger Post Newspapers
•  Where it stands - The lakefront makeover. - With the lakefront drawing renewed interest from developers, the City Council has to decide how it should ultimately look. How tall should the buildings be? How much say should the city have in building designs? Where should parking be permitted? Should the city require an access road behind Parkway Plaza to keep traffic off Lakeshore Drive. (March 29, 2005) Messenger Post Newspapers
•  WXXI: Israeli Architect, Numerous Local Design Firms to Plan Renaissance Square (2005-03-29) ROCHESTER, NY (2005-03-29) An internationally acclaimed architect has been recommended as design architect for the proposed Renaissance Square project in downtown Rochester. But mainly it will be a host of local planning and contracting firms that map out the project at Main Street and Clinton Avenue. (March 29, 2005) Public NewsRoom
•  Hunters Kill Fewer Deer - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says hunters in New York killed about 208,000 deer during the 2004 season. That's an 18% drop from the previous year. In our region, the number of deer that hunters killed dropped about 15%. (March 29, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
•  EPA: Extend Input on Onondaga Lake - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said New York State should allow more time for public input before the state cleans up the floor of polluted Onondaga Lake. (March 29, 2005) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens