May 07 News

DEC proposes new trapping regulations - Albany -- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Wednesday proposed new trapping regulations designed to reduce the chance that dogs may be caught in certain types of traps set on land. The official proposal is published in the May 30, 2007 issue of the New York State Register, available on-line at: www.dos.state.ny.us. The required 45 day public comment period will end on July 16, 2007 (May 31, 07.New York State News on the Net!
Riga discusses need, costs for water Town of Riga residents learned what expanding public water might cost them, and how long it might take to get it during a public information meeting on Wednesday, May 16 at the Churchville-Chili Intermediate School Auditorium. Town Engineer Paul Chatfield and Special Counsel Marcia Havens gave a presention on the findings of a Water Feasibility Study to a crowd of about 100 people. (May 20, 07) http://westsidenewsonline.com/
Elms not easy to replace — Question: In light of the recent article "Elm trees making national comeback" published April 29 in the Democrat and Chronicle, I am wondering: What was Rochester's legacy regarding elm trees and what plans, if any, does our city have for the elm? Answer: Back in the mid-1960s, old-time residents of Nunda Boulevard could remember when the trees were first planted along their city street in 1925. (May 28, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Victor soon to breathe easier - Special fund to begin flowing to protect homes hit by toxic plume — Installation of ventilation systems to protect against toxic vapors, paid for by a special state Senate grant, should begin soon in a pocket of western Victor. A number of homeowners have been contacted this week about the systems, and a contractor has set dates for home visits or system installation, said Victor town finance director Michael Dollard. (May 27, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
DURAND BEACH TO RE-OPEN FOR SEASON Mayor Robert J. Duffy and County Executive Maggie Brooks today announced the re-opening of Durand-Eastman Beach for legal public swimming. Late yesterday, the Monroe County Department of Health issued the permit after a final inspection. City and County staff had been working since April to provide updates to their safety, operating and site plans and again have secured a permit to use the beach as a bathing facility in accordance with the New York State Sanitary Code. (May 24, 07) Welcome to the City of Rochester
RG&E: RG&E PROPOSES REDEVELOPMENT OF RUSSELL STATION POWER PLANT SITE Rochester, NY, May 1, 2007 – RG&E today informed the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that it plans to build a new 300-megawatt (mw) electricity generating plant at the site of Russell Station, the company’s coal-fired power plant in the Town of Greece. The submittal to the NYISO represents the first formal step in siting and building the new power plant. RG&E will operate the current plant until the Rochester Transmission Project (RTP) is completed. The proposed plant will replace the existing plant. (May 1, 07) RG&E: Home Page
Energy East Proposes Redevelopment of Russell Station Power Plant Site PORTLAND, Maine, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy East Corporation's subsidiary Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E) informed the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) that it plans to build a new 300-megawatt (mw) electricity generating plant at the site of Russell Station, the company's coal-fired power plant in the Town of Greece. The submittal to the NYISO represents the first formal step in siting and building the new power plant. (May 2, 07) Business, financial, personal finance news - CNNMoney
Cleanup of brownfield sites is at crawl - 'Tens of thousands' in 4-year-old program not getting aid — ALBANY — The polluted former industrial sites that most need government help to get redeveloped aren't getting the aid they need, slowing revitalization of upstate cities, according to a report released Tuesday. The state's 4-year-old "brownfields" program to provide redevelopment subsidies at the sites of former factories, gas stations and other facilities, has completed cleanup of only 25 sites out of the "tens of thousands" that need attention, said Jody Kass of New Partners for Community Revitalization, a Manhattan-based community group. (May 23, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Pesticide law takes hold — but its when-to varies - 48-hour notification rule broadly interpreted Supporters of the pesticide Neighbor Notification Law say that alerting neighbors beforehand permits them to take precautionary steps, while lawn care companies consider the law an unnecessary burden — but one that cannot be ignored. (May 23, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Bear visits Avon looking for eats — AVON — A female black bear has been spotted wandering around Avon. Sean Hanna, the regional director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, says her presence is unusual but isn't cause for alarm. At this time of year, mother bears send their children off to find their own territory. Each new generation forges a little farther north and east from the Allegany Mountains. Bears have recently been spotted in Palmyra, Canandaigua and now Avon. (May 23, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Deadly Fish Virus Spreading Rapidly - SYRACUSE (AP) — A deadly, fast-spreading aquatic virus is reaching epidemic proportions in New York’s two Great Lakes and has already spread into the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York, a Cornell University fisheries expert said Tuesday. The viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus — or VHS — has now been identified in 19 species in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, including muskellunge, New York’s No. 2 sport fish, said Paul Bowser, a professor of aquatic animal medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine. (5/23/07) The Post-Journal, Jamestown New York
Club Teaches Reducing Home Energy - There’s plenty buzz about global warming and saving energy and anyone looking at going green. But where do they start. The Sierra Club is running a workshop on reducing energy use at home. It will start with a documentary on two people who have significantly reduced their carbon footprint. “It shows the reasons for their concerns specifically with coal powered electricity,” said Bob Siegel of the Sierra Club. “They show how they were committed to reducing their impact to zero and how in fact they went about doing that. (May 21, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Virus killing lake fish -- and tourism? Die-offs may hurt fishing industries - — Dead fish, killed by a virus, are becoming more prevalent in the Rochester area this spring. Weakened by the stresses of winter and spawning, fish are particularly vulnerable this time of year to a deadly virus known as viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, which has rapidly circled the globe and last year made its way into New York state waters. (May 22, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Late Protest To Landfill Plan Rises - Making a mountain out of a landfill. That's what opponents to the proposed expansion of the High Acres Landfill are rallying against. They're trying to build momentum heading into a town zoning hearing Tuesday that will allow for public comment on Waste Management's plan to expand the landfill. (May 21, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
West Nile virus ravages seven species of birds - WASHINGTON - Birds that once flourished in suburban skies, including robins, bluebirds and crows, have been devastated by West Nile virus, a study has found. Populations of seven species have had dramatic declines across the continent since West Nile emerged in the U.S. in 1999, according to a first-of-its-kind study. The research, being published today by the journal Nature, compared 26 years of bird-breeding surveys to quantify what had been known anecdotally. (May 17, 07) http://www.nydailynews.com/index.html
Waterloo may ban outdoor wood stoves - WATERLOO - The Village Board is considering banning the use of outdoor wood-burning stoves, which Mayor Ted Young said pose problems because they “do not have tall enough chimneys to carry smoke away from homes.” (May 15, 07) Finger Lakes Times Online
MPNnow.com: Bristol adopts windmill rules The Town Board made a few revisions following talks with residential windmill suppliers. BRISTOL — The Town Board voted unanimously last night to adopt a law regulating windmills, towers and satellite dishes after making a few changes at the suggestion of residential windmill suppliers. The original proposal would have limited residential windmills to a height of 60 feet, but Supervisor Wayne Houseman said the town would increase the maximum height to 120 feet from the ground to the tip of the rotors. (May 15, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
MPNnow.com: New DEC chief wants talks on Hemlock, Canadice watersheds A spokesman for the city of Rochester insists that it’s not necessarily a sale negotiation. ROCHESTER — The new head of the state Department of Environmental Conservation has asked Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy to open negotiations on the future of city-owned watershed lands around Canadice and Hemlock lakes. A letter to Duffy from DEC Commissioner Alexander Grannis confirms statements made in April by state Parks and DEC officials at a Sierra Club meeting in Rochester. (May 21, 07) Messenger Post Newspapers
Campaign tells people about water issues — The Rochester Museum &Science Center is part of a coalition that has launched a new multimedia campaign designed to raise awareness and educate the community on how our daily activities affect the area's water quality. "Most of our residents believe that industrial pollution is our greatest threat affecting water quality," said Jim Sperry, executive director of the Water Education Collaborative, based at the museum. (May 19, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
State Health Department Issues Annual Fish Advisories ALBANY, May 18, 2007 - The New York State Department of Health (DOH) today released changes in New York's health advisories as part of its annual guide for chemicals in sportfish and game. The annual health advisories provide advice for sports anglers, hunters and the general public about how to reduce exposure to chemical contaminants in sportfish and game. Health advisories now apply to 135 New York State waters. This year's sportfish guide includes new advice for Onondaga Lake (due to mercury); the Valatie Kill between Nassau Lake and Kinderhook Lake (due to PCBs); and part of the Mohawk River (also due to PCBs). DOH is also advising women of childbearing years and children under the age of 15 to avoid eating any fish from these waters. No additional waters have new advisories. New York State Department of Health
It's not easy being green, so town seeks residents' input - Ideas wanted on how to save energy, protect environment — IRONDEQUOIT — In April, the town of Irondequoit announced that Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. would be removing some older incandescent street lights in the Summershire and Hoover lighting districts, on Beach, Lake and Parkview terraces and on Burwell, Maplehurst and Rawlinson roads. (May 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
City Council Approves Tax Abatement Plan, Lake Appraisal - 13WHAM.com The Council has also taken the first step toward selling Hemlock and Canadice lakes to New York state for use as state park land. The council voted to allow an appraisal of the property, but only if the city agrees not to sell to private developers. - 13WHAM.com
Council OKs lakes' appraisal - City Council voted Tuesday night to authorize an appraisal of Hemlock and Canadice lakes. Midland Appraisal Associations will be paid up to $28,000 for the work. - (May 16, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Hazardous waste recycling is free during 'Stay Cool' — PITTSFORD — Residents are encouraged to turn in old or inefficient air conditioners, dehumidifiers and household hazardous waste (paint, flammables, etc.) items to be recycled free during the 2007 Stay Cool! Program from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Pittsford Highway Garage, 60 Golf Ave., Pittsford. Appointments must be made by Friday to turn in household hazardous waste items. Pittsford and East Rochester residents should call (585) 248-6250 to make an appointment; Perinton and Fairport residents should call (585) 223-5115. - (May 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Victor to get aid for vapor shields - Emergency relief to come from $50,000 Nozzolio grant — Stepping in where New York's executive branch has not, a state senator pledged to provide a $50,000 grant to pay for health-related work in a portion of Victor beset by contaminated groundwater. State Sen. Michael Nozzolio said Wednesday that the money would pay for testing and for installation of home ventilation systems to protect against intrusion by toxic vapors. (May 17, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
State Health Commissioner Participates in Tick Dragging Exercise to Kick Off Lyme Disease Prevention Month ALBANY, May 14, 2007 – New York State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., will kick off Lyme Disease Awareness Month today by participating in a "tick dragging" exercise in Columbia County to highlight the need for Lyme disease prevention. "Governor Spitzer has proclaimed May Lyme Disease Awareness Month to remind New Yorkers that Lyme disease remains an urgent health concern in our state, with more than 73,000 confirmed cases reported since 1986," said Dr. Daines. "The good news is that Lyme disease is preventable by taking simple precautions such as wearing light colored clothing, by tucking pants into socks and doing a tick check after walking in wooded areas." New York State Department of Health
www.whec.com - City of Rochester and Monroe County Water Authority work on new water agreement Talks continue between the City of Rochester and the Monroe County Water Authority on a new water-sharing agreement. The existing 30-year deal expires next year. One of the options on the table is a county takeover of the city system. Most city residents get their water from the Cobbs Hill reservoir. It's piped in from Hemlock and Canadice lakes. The county system gets its water from Lake Ontario. The city and county already share water. In fact there are more than 50 interconnection points between the city and the water authority. (May 8, 07) www.whec.com - Front Page
OK for NYSEG ‘smart meters' could come by Sept., peak hours to cost more - New York State Electric & Gas Corp. officials hope to roll out as early as September an advanced metering system they hope will trim their customers' electricity bills and allow the company to better manage demand for electricity. Switching to a “smart meter” system is also a way to protect the environment by reducing the need to build more energy generation sources, said James P. Laurito, president and chief executive officer of NYSEG and Rochester Gas & Electric. ( May 12, 07) The Ithaca Journal - www.theithacajournal.com - Ithaca, NY
Wind Farm at Forefront In Hamlin - Despite a one year moratorium on development of a wind farm in the town of Hamlin, residents are keeping the issue at the forefront. New signs are popping up near the proposed site. Some are in favor. Some are strongly opposed. (May 3, 07) R News: As It Happens, Where It Happens
Hearings planned on power lines — Rochester has been added as the site of one of a series of federal public hearings on two proposed electricity "transmission corridors." Federal officials said Wednesday that they would expand the public hearings on the designations, which could spur the building of major new power lines in many states regardless of local opposition. (May 10, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Festival explores birds, climate change — Nearly 1,500 people flocked to last year's Bird Festival at Braddock Bay Park, and organizers expect even more this year. Next weekend, the Bird Coalition of Rochester and the Genesee Valley Audubon Society will host the fifth annual bird festival to mark International Migratory Bird Day, which is observed on the second Saturday in May. The theme for this year's festival is climate change. (May 7, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Anglers must join virus fight - Syracuse.com - Fishermen will be asked to produce a receipt to prove their bait fish are disease-free. A pernicious viral disease capable of wiping out large numbers of fish in Central New York is looming up in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, and the state Department of Conservation has joined federal officials and others in taking measures to stop its spread. The culprit is viral hemorrhagic septicema - VHS for short. The disease causes fish to hemorrhage and destroys the organs that make blood cells. The state has targeted the sale and transportation of bait minnows as one way to stop the migration of VHS, but even that may prove fruitless, officials say. (May 6, 07) Latest News and More from Syracuse.com
Group decries artificial turf - Some high school fields called threat to people, environment — BRIGHTON — A local environmental group said Friday that artificial-turf fields, which have sprung up at several area schools, could be dangerous to children's health and to the environment. Rochesterians Against the Misuse of Pesticides held a news conference at Brighton Town Hall to discuss the topic. More than a dozen local schools or school districts have recently installed the turf or are hoping to do so. (May 5, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Hybrid Cars--Good for the Budget - 13WHAM.com Monroe County has increased the number of fuel efficient hybrid cars and trucks in its service. (May 2, 07) Home - 13WHAM.com
Lyme and tick-borne diseases research center opens at Columbia - Columbia University Medical Center has opened the first endowed research center for chronic Lyme disease in the world. The Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center in New York will use its vast resources to bring together various disciplines from within and outside the University to address fundamental clinical and basic science questions that plague adults and children affected by Lyme disease. (May 9, 07) New York State News on the Net!
Energy East Proposes Redevelopment of Russell Station Power Plant Site PORTLAND, Maine, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energy East Corporation's subsidiary Rochester Gas RG&E will operate the current plant until the Rochester Transmission Project (RTP) is completed. The proposed plant will replace the existing plant. (May 2,07) The Earth Times Online Newspaper, Serving the Planet
DEVELOPMENT: Towns hope to control growth pressure on 250 - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper In some localities, the development pressure along state Route 250 would easily turn the road into a multi-lane highway flanked by extensive commercial growth. But Stephen Aldrich, a project manager for the Henrietta-based engineering firm FRA, says the diligence of communities along the corridor has kept that from happening. And, he says, Route 250 seems to function well as a two-lane road with pockets of commercial development and short four-lane stretches. (May 1, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
Pills offered to residents near Ginna — For only the second time, Monroe and Wayne counties are offering protective medication to people who live or work within 10 miles of the Ginna nuclear power plant in case of a radiation leak. The federal program, started in the wake of elevated concerns after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, entails giving free potassium iodide to each individual living or working in parts of Wayne County, Webster and Penfield. The over-the-counter medication doesn't protect a person from radiation overall, but it does protect the thyroid from exposure. Ginna is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Wayne County. (May 3, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
N.Y. may pull plug on incandescent bulbs — ALBANY — An Assembly bill introduced this week could mean lights out for traditional light bulbs. The bill would ban the sale of incandescent light bulbs, the kind that most people use now, by June 2012. Supporters seek to replace traditional filament bulbs that they say contribute to global warming with energy-saving halogen or fluorescent lights. (May 3, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle
Algae woes spur spray park idea - Pollution at Charlotte beach defies easy fix, says Army Corps — Algae problems and closures at Ontario Beach Park cannot be eliminated, so the best alternative is to build a spray park, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommends. There's just one catch: The federal government won't fund a spray park, so any action would fall to Monroe County, which owns the park. (May 1, 2007) Democrat & Chronicle

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