On the Alert

•A Question of Lead-ership: New legislation to address the dangers of lead poisoning ų the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act of 2002 (Intro 101) ų has recently been introduced in the New York City Council. Intro 101 would replace the outdated Local Law 38. A joint hearing of the CouncilÕs Housing and Buildings and Health Committees will take place at City Hall on November 14th at 11:00AM. Intro 101 was introduced by Councilman William Perkins from Central Harlem and 30 other members but to date, Council Speaker Gifford Miller refuses to sponsor the bill. The NYC Coalition to End Lead Poisoning (NYCCELP) expects the pro-landlord lobby to turn out a sizable crowd. It is important that the lead billÕs supporters turn out as well. NYCCELP is asking citizens and organizations to be at City Hall on November 14th at 10:00AM for a large rally and news conference prior to the hearing. For more information, contact Timothy Logan at own@nyceja.org or 212-239-8882.

•Gas Attack: The Millennium Gas Pipeline, proposed to carry natural gas to the metropolitan area, is currently planned to start in Canada, travel through New York State, cross the Hudson River and enter Westchester County in the Town of Cortlandt. Along much of its path, there will be extensive blasting, including in the Hudson River. In May, 2002, the NYS Department of State ruled that the Millennium Pipeline project is inconsistent with the stateÕs Coastal Zone Management Act. Millennium appealed to the US Department of Commerce, which has the power to override New YorkÕs decision. The Commerce Department will hear comments from the public on the proposed route November 13th starting at 10:00AM at the Tarrytown Hilton. Not Under My Backyard (NUMB), a Westchester-based organization opposed to the project, is asking citizens to also gather at the Hilton at 7:00PM as a show of support. For more information call Dani Glaser at 914-736-1322 or visit: www.numb-in-ny.org.

•Under Pressure: Thanks to state Assemblymember David Koon and Senator James Alesi, a new law just signed by Gov. George Pataki will limit childrenÕs exposure to arsenic, a known human carcinogen. The law prohibits the use of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood in public parks and school playgrounds and requires existing playground equipment to be treated to seal and prevent leaching from the wood. CCA has been used for decades to treat lumber to render it virtually impervious to insect infestation, rot and decay. This lumber, commonly known as pressure-treated, has been used extensively in a variety of outdoor building projects including decks, fencing, picnic tables and playgrounds. However, recent testing shows that high levels of carcinogenic arsenic leaches from pressure treated lumber and can get on childrenÕs clothing and hands. Schools and municipalities must now respond to assure that children are safe. Schools should not accept donations of CCA-treated wood scraps or products, and no new playground equipment should be installed using CCA-treated wood. For more information, call the Healthy Schools Network at 518-462-0632 or email healthyschools@aol.com.

For Your Information

Water World: The Metropolitan Water AllianceÕs (MWA) new H2O Access map shows how to get on, along and in the Hudson River in New York and New Jersey between the Verezzano Narrows and Piermont Marsh. H2O Access: The Lower Hudson maps nearly 100 places citizens can access the river, including marinas, boat ramps, launches, parks, cultural facilities, landmarks, and places to fish, swim, birdwatch, bike or enjoy a meal. All sites are located along the Hudson River. Purchase H2O Access by mail for $4.50, plus $2.50 for shipping. It is also available at Urban Center Books, 457 Madison Ave. at 51st St. in Manhattan. For more information, contact Carter Craft at 800-364-9943.

Facelift: The Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC) recently launched a redesigned and improved website. WTC is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting public health and the environment by identifying and promoting alternatives to toxic chemicals and pollution. The revamped website includes informative fact sheets and other publications, a healthy schools pesticide action kit and an action center. Visit WTC at: www.watoxics.org.

Power Points: On Long Island and in the Great Lakes region, New Yorkers are planning for clean, sustainable energy. Take a look at Great Lakes UnitedÕs (GLU) draft Green Energy Action Agenda or the draft Long Island Citizens Energy Plan published by the Long Island Sustainable Energy Alliance. These plans chart the way from New YorkÕs reliance on dirty fossil fuel burning plants toward non-polluting energy sources such as wind and solar, and emphasize getting more from less by improving energy efficiency. Read the draft Green Energy Action Agenda online at www.glu.org, or contact Maria Maybe at 716-886-0142 or mmaybee@glu.org. The Long Island draft energy plan is available at www.seali.org or by calling Gordian Raacke at 631-537-8282.

CaN Do: YouthCaN is a youth run organization that uses technology to inspire, connect and educate people worldwide about environmental issues. YouthCaNÕs 2003 conference is set for May 5 at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC, with other projects ongoing throughout the year. Students can attend the conference, host an event at their school, collaborate with other students on a project and more. To get involved, email youthcan@us.iearn.org or visit: www.youthcanworld.org.

Activists' Corner

WHEATÕs Up: The Westchester Health and Environmental Alliance Team (WHEAT) was formed by a small group of activists working to uncover local public health threats. WHEAT uses research, media exposˇs, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation in its fight to end any hazards it uncovers.
    WHEAT is currently seeking to have Shore Park, located in Pelham Manor on Long Island Sound, tested for environmental pollutants such as lead. For decades prior to being converted to a park, the Shore Park site was a shooting range. In addition, the Village of Pelham Manor used the site as a landfill. Fly ash and bottom ash generated from Pelham ManorÕs incinerator is also buried at the site. WHEAT is collecting signatures for a petition that will be presented to federal, state and local agencies in support of testing Shore Park. Sign the petition at: www.wheatny.org.
   Contact WHEAT at 70 Willow Dr., New Rochelle, NY 10805 or 914-633-6832.

November

1-2: Planning Into Practice: A Conference for Community-Based Groups, Professionals & Institutions, sponsored by the Municipal Art Society Planning Center and Hunter College Urban Affairs and Planning. Brookdale Campus, Hunter College, 425 E. 25th St. (at 1st Ave.), Manhattan. $15. Call 212-750-3972.

4: Native American Environments: Struggle for Land and Life, talk by Winona LaDuke, Native American activist and writer. Siena College, Roger Bacon Science Building, Key Auditorium, Route 9, Loudonville. 7:00PM. Email: jlombard@nycap.rr.com.

11: The 2002 Advocate Awards, Environmental Advocates of NYÕs annual gala. This yearÕs honorees are CIVITAS, Federated Conservationists of Westchester County and Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington. Laura Belle, NYC. 5:30PM. Call Deb Sgambelluri at 518-462-5526 ext. 230 or email dsgambelluri@eany.org.

13: Public hearing on the proposed route of the Millennium Gas Pipeline through Westchester County. Held by the US Department of Commerce. Tarrytown Hilton, 455 South Broadway, Tarrytown. 10:00AM. Call Dani Glaser at 914-736-1322. (See On the Alert.)

14: NYC Council hearing on the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act of 2002 (Intro 101). City Hall, Manhattan. 10:00AM rally. Contact Timothy Logan at New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, 212-239-8882. (See On the Alert.)

14-15: Energy in Schools 2002, conference for educators, administrators and facility managers organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and NYS Energy Research and Development Authority. Email Chris Mason at cmason@nesea.org or visit: www.nesea.org.

15-16: Youth Energy Summit, sponsored by Kids Against Pollution as part of their Kid Power! campaign. Kids will learn about the importance of energy consumption, where it comes from, the impact that it has on their environment and more. Albany. Call 315-266-0185 or email: kap@kidsagainstpollution.org.

16: Three Perspectives on Agriculture & Health: Individual, Farm, & Community, a forum sponsored by the Regional Farm & Food Project. St. JohnÕs Lutheran Church, 160 Central Ave., Albany. 1:00PM-5:00PM. Followed by the 9th Annual Community Harvest Dinner at 5:30PM. Call Chris Reed at 518-672-7743.

16: How to Build a Better, Greener House: A Seminar on How You Can Have a Better House and Save Money by Building Green, sponsored by the Hudson Valley Sustainable Communities Network. Ski Lodge at Thomas Bull Park, Rt. 416, Montgomery. 8:30AM-12:45PM. $10. Call 845-687-9253.

20: Cool New York ų A Global Warming Summit, organized by Environmental Advocates. Join local activists, environmental groups and faith community leaders to help plan how to reduce our impact on global climate change in local communities. Keynote by author Bill McKibben, luncheon address by Mark Van Putten, president of the National Wildlife Federation. Albany. Call Christine Vanderlan at 518-462-5526 ext. 240 or email cvanderlan@eany.org.

20: Sierra Club speaker social featuring author Peter Kick with his new book on hiking in the Catskills. Highland Cultural Center, 54 Vineyard Ave. Highland. 7:30PM. Free. For directions, call 845-691-6008. For info, call 845-255-5528.

22-23: The Promise of Place: Community-Based Education in the Northern Forest Region, a regional conference presented by the Northern Forest Center in partnership with Shelburne Farms. Eagle Mountain House, Jackson, NH. Fees vary. Call Lidie Whittier Robbins at 207-824-8263.

23: Smart Growth Success in the Hudson Valley, conference sponsored by the Hudson Valley Smart Growth Alliance. Mohonk Mountain House Conference Facility, New Paltz. 9:00AM-1:00PM. Call Mary Ann Johnson at Scenic Hudson, 845-473-4440 ext. 267.