November 2006 news

• Ending Years of Dispute, New York Buys the Final Piece of Sterling Forest - New York Times Years of controversy over a privately owned 575-acre tract of Orange County woodland within Sterling Forest ended yesterday when New York State bought the land for $13.5 million from a developer who had wanted to build 107 mini-estates on it. The long battle over the land parcel in the town of Tuxedo pitted local residents and preservationists against the proposed subdivision, Sterling Forge, in the heart of the 20,400-acre Sterling Forest. In 1998, Sterling Forest was the largest acquisition by the state’s park system in 50 years. (November 29, 2006) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
• New York warned of disease carried by fish - News - MSNBC.com The Department of Environmental Conservation is issuing new rules to prevent the spread of a deadly fish disease. Officials have issued a regulation against taking bait from many New York waterways, including Lake Ontario and Conesus Lake.(November 29, 2006)  MSNBC - WHEC-TV
• Coast Guard's live-fire plan still roils lakes— Opponents are still making waves about a Coast Guard plan for live-fire ranges at 34 Great Lakes sites, including one off Irondequoit Bay. Since the Coast Guard announced plans to create live-fire zones — all at least five miles offshore — in the Federal Register on Aug. 1, boaters, environmentalists and politicians have been in an uproar.  (November 29, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• TheStar.com - Great Lakes a giant `toilet,' study finds Billions of litres of untreated urban sewage and toxic effluents that flow into the Great Lakes each year are threatening a critical ecosystem that supplies drinking water to millions of people, a landmark study to be released Wednesday concludes. Even though municipalities in the Great Lakes region have spent vast sums of money in recent decades upgrading their waste-water plants, the situation remains appalling, says the report by the Sierra Legal Defence Fund. (November 29, 2006) TheStar.com - News/News
• Asian carp could threaten Great Lakes  CADILLAC - Two electronic barriers separate Lake Michigan from the Chicago ship canal. If the barriers are breached, it could prove devastating to the Great Lakes region. The effort is underway to control the movement of two species of Asian carp, which are “knocking on the door,” according to Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Supervisor Tom Rozich. (November 29, 2006) Cadillac News
• State Health Department Marks National Influenza Vaccination Week ALBANY, NY, November 27, 2006 – New York State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., today kicked off National Influenza Vaccination Week and encouraged those New Yorkers who have not already been vaccinated to get their annual flu shots. "Flu season is here and it's not too late for those New Yorkers who still need to be vaccinated to contact their healthcare provider and make an appointment," said Commissioner Novello. "Especially if you are a healthcare worker, caretaker, have a chronic medical condition or live with someone who has a chronic medical condition, I strongly urge you to get vaccinated for the flu. Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should get vaccinated."Those at higher risk for flu include: Anyone with chronic illnesses such as heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes; Pregnant women and infants aged 24 months to 59 months; Residents of long term care facilities; People aged 50 years or older; and, Health care workers and caregivers of high risk persons. New York State Department of Health
• Great Lakes Groups Take Aim at Coast Guard "Live Fire" Proposal  the Coast Guard proposes to establish 34 "live fire" practice zones on the Great Lakes. More than a dozen environmental organizations have joined the Allliance for the Great Lakes in calling on the U.S. Coast Guard to postpone implementation of its live firing plan over the Great Lakes until more research is done. In a Nov. 13 letter to Coast Guard Cmdr. Gustav Wulfkuhle, the organizations also call for substantial changes to the Coast Guard's controversial proposal to establish 34 live fire practice zones on the Great Lakes. --FROM Alliance For The Great Lakes
• New Water Diversion Would Derail Great Lakes Protection - More than a dozen lake advocates have joined the Alliance for the Great Lakes in urging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to reject a Lake Michigan diversion request until adoption of a critical interstate compact that would protect Great Lakes water. New Berlin, a Milwaukee suburb straddling the western boundary of the Great Lakes basin, seeks DNR approval to pump Lake Michigan water to its residents living outside the watershed. --FROM Alliance For The Great Lakes
• Energy choice is due soon - Options on electricity rate, supplier offered By 7 p.m. Dec. 29, the last business day of the year, customers are being asked to choose which company they will buy electricity from and how they wish to pay for it — either a fixed or variable monthly price per kilowatt hour. Voice Your Choice, now in its third year, is an outgrowth of the state's efforts to deregulate the market for power in New York and save consumers and businesses money by providing more choices. In a deregulated world, utilities such as RG&E and New York State Electric and Gas Corp. face competition from energy services companies. (November 26, 2006)  Democrat and Chronicle
• www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO REDUCE HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL VEHICLES New Law Requires Use of Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel, Retrofitting of Vehicle Exhaust Systems Corning Incorporated Efforts Illustrate Economic Potential of Clean Energy Technologies Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed legislation that will require the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and emissions control technologies in heavy-duty diesel vehicles owned, operated or leased by the State. This new law will help to improve air quality and protect the health of New Yorkers. Click here for large scale picture The Governor was joined by Congressman John R. “Randy” Kuhl, State Senator George H. Winner, and State and local business officials at the bill signing event, which was held at the headquarters of Corning Incorporated in Steuben County. The company is a leading manufacturer of particulate filters, which are critical components of emission control systems that reduce pollutants in diesel exhaust. (11/01/06) http://www.ny.gov/
• TheStar.com - Ontario takes wind out of turbines Private wind developers looking to erect wind turbines in Lake Ontario and other major lakes have been told by the Ministry of Natural Resources to put their plans on hold. The provincial ministry, in a note sent this week to prospective developers, said new applications for offshore wind projects are no longer being accepted and all existing proposals are being deferred until offshore energy resources and potential environmental impacts are more thoroughly studied. http://www.thestar.com/
• WATER PLANT HEARINGS SET - The state Department of Environmental Conservation will hold two public hearings on November 30 on the Monroe County Water Authority's controversial plan for a new plant in Webster. Technically, the principal issues have to do with the water the plant would suck in from LakeOntario: an average of 35 million gallons a day. That intake, the quality of that water, the more than 1 million gallons of backwash from the plant's filtering system that'll go back into the lake each day: all those are subject to public comment. So is possible effect on coastal erosion. There are even two small patches of wetland --- together totaling a little less than 7 acres --- that will be disturbed if the project is approved. http://www.rochester-citynews.com/
• delawareonline ¦ The News Journal ¦ Salt remains the road de-icer of choice in Northeast MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y. -- American Rock Salt mine and its predecessors have supplied the salt used to de-ice roads in much of the Northeastern United States. This mine alone produces 18,000 tons of salt each day, and the company sells about 3 million tons per year. delawareonline ¦ The News Journal, Wilmington, Del.
• From Welcome to the City of Rochester - Mayor Robert J. Duffy is sending City Forestry Technicians John Steinberg and Rick Rebar to the Buffalo area to assess hazardous trees resulting from the largest Fall snowstorm in that city's history that dropped up to two feet of snow and left more than 380,000 homes and businesses without power and closing some schools for more than a week. The Oct. 12-13 storm had a death toll of 12 people, including one person hit by a falling tree limb. The certified arborists have been commuting almost daily to southern Buffalo since late Oct. to inspect and identify dangerous trees for removal. After the storm, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown issued a plea to area leaders requesting much-needed items, volunteers, arborists and construction equipment. In addition to offering services of the City's Forestry Division, City Hall employees responded by holding a donation drive to collect non-perishable food items, baby formula, baby diapers, bottled water, blankets, carbon monoxide detectors, batteries and other items. The items that were collected will be delivered to Buffalo by Steinberg and Rebar this week. "We remember the 1991 ice storm vividly and we know what it's like to be working around-the-clock and cleaning up to restore power as quickly as possible. These efforts are the least we could do to help our upstate neighbors." said Mayor Duffy. News Media: For more information, contact Dept. of Environmental Services Commissioner Paul Holahan at 428-6855.
• PSC staff schedules consumer energy fairs for RG&E electric customers - The New York State Public Service Commission staff has scheduled three energy fairs to provide residential electric customers of Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation opportunities to meet representatives of energy service companies and RG&E and obtain information about electric supply choices being offered in RG&E’s service territory. The energy fairs are in response to requests by consumers that the Commission assemble ESCO and RG&E representatives in a common setting so that consumers can ask the representatives questions on a one-on-one basis. The consumer energy fairs sponsored by Commission Staff in partnership with RG&E are designed to assist customers in making a decision about their energy supplier under RG&E’s “Voice Your Choice” program. RG&E customers will be able to obtain printed information at the fairs and directly with ESCO and RG&E representatives. Commission staff will be available to provide details about customer choice in energy providers, green power and energy efficiency.   -from New York State News on the Net!
  • Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Courtyard by Marriott East Penfield 1000 Linden Park Rochester, NY 1:00 - 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Holiday Inn Rochester Airport 911 Brooks Avenue Rochester, NY 1:00 - 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, November 30, 2006 The Renaissance Del Monte Lodge 41 North Main Street Pittsford, NY 1:00 - 7:00 PM
• State Biodiversity Research Institute grants announced - The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute has awarded $526,000 in grant funds for biodiversity research, conservation and education efforts in New York State. These grants support research projects that will improve the basic understanding of New York State plants and animals, from fungi and insects to turtles and bats. They also will increase the importance of the state’s invaluable natural history collections. With this support, scientists and educators will examine how different species, such as clams, birds, and plants, interact in their natural environments and identify how species and communities react to potential threats, such as non-native invasive species. New York State News on the Net!
• Clinton named chair of Subcommittee on Superfund and Environmental Health - Senator Hillary Clinton Friday was appointed to chair the Subcommittee on Superfund and Environmental Health. As chairwoman, the senator will have jurisdiction over a significant portfolio of environmental laws and programs. The subcommittee’s purview includes the Superfund hazardous waste cleanup program, the brownfields redevelopment program, and environmental health issues such as exposure to toxic chemicals. The subcommittee is part of the Environment and Public Works Committee, on which the senator has served for six years. The full Environment and Public Works Committee has jurisdiction over most environmental issues and oversees the work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The full committee also has jurisdiction over the nation’s highway system and the water infrastructure work of the Corps of Engineers. New York State News on the Net!
• Flood of criticism delays facility - DEC to hold two hearings on proposed Webster water plant — Even before a single statement has been made at upcoming hearings on the Monroe County Water Authority's proposed east side water plant, the hearings have had an impact: The authority has had to put off construction of the facility by at least a year. The public hearings, scheduled for Nov. 30 in Penfield and Webster, are open to anyone offering an opinion on the authority's $128 million plant, which would draw water from Lake Ontario. The hearings are expected to draw some noteworthy critics of the proposed plant, including Rochester city officials and the local Sierra Club chapter. (November 20, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• County committee endorses sustainability program for Tompkins County government - An employee-based effort to develop sustainable practices in Tompkins County government has gained key support from a committee of the county legislature. The Legislature’s Government Operations Committee, meeting on Wednesday, endorsed the program by unanimous vote, recommending that the County Administrator formally appoint the Tompkins County Sustainability Team and that the team be charged with developing an action plan to promote sustainable practices by Tompkins County government. New York State News on the Net!
• Canada wants Coast Guard to keep the lead out of Great Lakes  - The U.S. Coast Guard's plan to conduct weapons training on the Great Lakes with lead bullets may violate an international agreement designed to reduce toxic chemicals in the lakes, according to the Canadian government. The government of Canada sent a letter to the Coast Guard this week expressing a number of concerns about a proposal to conduct live-fire weapons training at 34 sites on the Great Lakes, 14 of which are on Lake Michigan. Canada's top concern: The Coast Guard's plan to fire as many as 430,000 bullets containing lead, copper and other heavy metals annually, which would deposit about 6,900 pounds of lead and 2,800 pounds of copper in the Great Lakes each year. MLive.com: Everything Michigan
• 2006 state open space conservation plan announced - Governor George Pataki Wednesday announced the release of the 2006 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, which provides an outline for protecting environmentally-sensitive lands and waters throughout the state. The first State Open Space Conservation Plan was adopted in 1992, and updated versions were released in 1995, 1998, 2002, and 2006. The plan sets the framework to protect some of the most environmentally important lands and waters in the state, and has been instrumental in efforts to expand public parklands, preserve working landscapes for forestry and farming, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors to access the beauty and natural resources of the Empire State. (11/16/06) New York State News on the Net!
• DEC announces second round of Habitat/Access funding grant applications - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Denise Sheehan Tuesday announced that the agency is again requesting proposals for grants that will fund projects aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat and public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other fish and wildlife related recreation and study. "DEC is committed to protecting New York's unique habitats and enhancing outdoor recreational activities for all ages," Commissioner Sheehan said. "This grant program, funded with the help of the State's most dedicated environmental stewards, will ensure continued protection of our sensitive ecosystems and essential wildlife habitat while further enriching outdoor experiences for sportsmen and women across the Empire State." (11/16/06)  New York State News on the Net!
• Canal 'clean sweep' completed The Adopt-A-Trail program for the Town of Sweden completed its fifth season on October 28 with an end-of–season sweep of the Erie Canal towpath in the town. The volunteers do litter control and light maintenance of the trail. Eight organizations each are responsible for one section of the trail; the same organizations have served all five years. (November 5, 2006) Westside News Inc.
• Monday is deadline to comment on Lake Ontario gun range — Monday is the deadline for members of the public to submit comments on the U.S. Coast Guard's plan to create a safety zone for live gunfire training about six miles north of Irondequoit Bay. The proposed safety zone is one of 34 gun ranges planned on the Great Lakes for Coast Guard members to shoot at floating targets with a machine gun. (November 11, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• WXXI: State Says Bird Flu Found in Niagara County Ducks (2006-11-02) TONAWANDA, NY (2006-11-02) The State Department of Environmental Conservation says a form of bird flu has been found in wild ducks in Niagara County. But it says the birds had what they call a "low pathogenic" form of the virus which poses no risk to humans. The ducks came from the Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge. Two of 26 tested had the infection. It's a form of the H5N1 virus that has caused concern around the world -- but it's a form that typically causes only minor sickness in birds and has never made people sick. (November 11, 2006) Public NewsRoom