THE GREEN SHEET

Vol. 8 - No. 10
October 2003

Lead Story: Air Assault
On the Alert
For Your Information
Activists' Corner
The Month Ahead
Contact Information

Air Assault

New York’s environmental groups are joining with others around the nation to oppose the Bush Administration’s plan to weaken the Clean Air Act (CAA). Dubbed Clear Skies, the Bush scheme will insulate the Midwest coal industry and power producers from having to make cuts in emissions that would protect New York’s air quality and stop acid rain. Environmental Advocates of New York, the Adirondack Mountain Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the American Lung Association, the New York Public Interest Research Group and many others have concluded that the administration’s plan would mean worse pollution for New York. The groups are calling on New York Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton and the state’s Congressional representatives to fight the Clean Air Act rollback.

Airborne pollutants from coal burning power plants in the Ohio Valley and the Midwest cause extensive acid rain damage in the Adirondacks, the Catskills and the Hudson Highlands. Of the 2,800 lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park, over 500 are too acidic to support plants and animals. Recent studies show that acidified lakes and forests will not recover unless emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are reduced another 75-80 percent.

Up to 90 percent of the acid-rain forming pollution drifting into our state comes from plants to the west. Yet the White House initiative would practically eliminate New York’s ability to seek pollution cuts from those sources. And, by eliminating New Source Review (NSR), Bush would allow the oldest and dirtiest plants to keep polluting indefinitely. Under NSR, old power plants that were exempted from controlling pollution when the CAA was created must adopt modern emissions controls when they undertake major renovations or expansions. New York has successfully sued companies for violating NSR, most recently winning a case against Ohio Edison Company that will eliminate 200 million tons of pollution.

In place of the Clean Air Act’s enforcement mechanisms and regulatory requirements, the President’s legislation would set national emission caps that are less protective than current law. Contact your representatives in Congress. Urge that they oppose the President’s air pollution plan. For more information, visit: www.cleartheair.org.

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On the Alert

♦Plant Study: The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has determined that the proposed Croton Water Treatment Plant may have a significant adverse impact on the environment, so a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) must be prepared. The 290-million gallon per day facility would provide filtration and disinfection of the Croton Water Supply. The DEIS will evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of the plant at three possible locations, two in the Bronx and one in Mount Pleasant, Westchester County. Written comments on the draft scope will be accepted until October 10. Send comments to Angela Licata, Assistant Commissioner, NYC DEP, Office of Environmental Planning and Assessment, 59-17 Junction Boulevard, 11th floor, Flushing, NY 11373. For more information, contact Mark N. Page at 718-595-4395 or mpage@dep.nyc.gov. The draft scope can be found at: www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/news/notices.html.

♦For the Birds: Migratory birds face many challenges in the US, from habitat loss and pesticides to entanglement in fishing lines and collisions with towers. Now the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has produced A Blueprint for the Future of Migratory Birds, a draft strategic plan to strengthen and guide the service’s Migratory Bird Program over the next 10 years. Citizens and organizations may submit comments on the draft plan. Comments must be postmarked by October 10, and may be submitted online at http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/mbstratplan/mbstratplan.htm, by email: mbstratplan@fws.gov, or by mail: Migratory Bird Strategic Plan Steering Committee, USFWS, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, ms-4075, Arlington, VA 22203. For more information, visit: http://migratorybirds.fws.gov.

♦Urban Agenda: The Assembly Standing Committee on Cities is holding City Summits to share strategies that promote urban revitalization and development. Anyone wishing to present testimony, including on environmental issues, should complete a reply form (found at www.assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Cities/20030826) and mail it to: Julia Donnaruma, Legislative Associate, Assembly Committee on Cities, Room 520 Capitol, Albany, NY 12248, or fax to 518-455-5182. Two summits are scheduled: October 29 in Buffalo and October 30 in Syracuse (see The Month Ahead). Call 518-455-4363 for more info.

♦Hot Water: Dynegy Northeast Generation, Inc. has submitted an application to modify and renew its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit for the Danskammer Generating Station, located in Orange County. This 500 megawatt coal-burning power plant uses 457 million gallons of Hudson River water daily for once-through cooling. A pre-adjudicatory hearing Issues Conference will be held on October 29, 30 and, if necessary, 31 to determine party status, and to narrow and define the issues that will require adjudication. All filings for party status must be received by the NYS DEC’s Office of Hearings and Mediation Services by October 14. For information, visit: www.dec.state.ny.us/website/enb/20030910/hearings.html.

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For Your Information

♦Poison Play: A new study conducted by the New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NYCAP) found dangerous amounts of arsenic in the three Erie County playgrounds it tested. The arsenic was present in both the equipment and soil. Erie County has a total of 26 wooden playgrounds and NYCAP suspects that similar levels exist at the others. For more information, call Nancy Smith, NYCAP, at 716-652-6230.

♦Watershed Event: The Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition (CWCWC) has put together a power point presentation on issues and problems confronting water supplies world-wide, and the Croton in particular. It is available for downloading from www.newyorkwater.org and is also available on CD. CWCWC has also prepared an accompanying folder as a handout containing additional explanations and information. For a copy, call 914 234-6470 or email crotonwshed@aol.com.

♦Free Trade: If you’re in the market for anything from office equipment to construction materials, NY Wa$teMatch may have what you’re looking for. Wa$teMatch’s Materials Exchange is a free online marketplace where New York City businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies and residents can post offers and requests for all sorts of surplus goods and used equipment. Wa$teMatch, a program of the New York City and State-supported Industrial and Technology Assistance Corporation, also provides technical assistance with solid waste reduction and environmentally preferable purchasing, and conducts research and development projects. Since its inception in 1997, Wa$teMatch has diverted more than 9,000 tons of materials from landfills and helped program participants realize more than $1 million in savings and revenues. Visit the Materials Exchange at: www.wastematch.org. For more information, call 212-442-5219 or email info@wastematch.org.

♦Sensitive Site: A group of women living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) in New York City has developed a website to provide those facing the challenges of MCS/Environmental Injury with helpful resources. The group also hopes to sponsor various advocacy projects, and to educate and expand awareness of the characteristics of this condition. Visit: www.mcsnyc.com.

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Activists' Corner

Off the Map: It’s been three years since the Department of Health’s (DOH) Cancer Mapping Project was released showing a breast cancer cluster in the Coram, Mt. Sinai and Port Jefferson Station areas in Suffolk County, with breast cancer rates 50 percent higher than expected. DOH was due to release new study information last December, but says it is still reviewing information.

The Community Health and Environment Coalition (CHEC) is monitoring the project and working to raise awareness in the affected communities. Many residents feel that pesticide use on farms, golf courses and residential properties, as well as contamination from Superfund and other hazardous waste sites are behind the high cancer rate. CHEC has been contacting elected officials for help in expediting the process.

For more information on CHEC and the Cancer Mapping Project, contact Sarah Anker at sanker@optonline.net.

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The Month Ahead

October

1: Wastewater Management Options for Smart Growth, workshop on linkages between wastewater planning and compact development, watershed protection, economic development, open space protection, and other related land use goals sponsored by Orange County. New Hampton. 9:00AM-1:00PM. Email Simon Gruber at sgruber@frontiernet.net.

3-5: Sustainable Living with Renewable Energy, the New York State Association of Environmental Management Councils’ 2003 Conference on the Environment. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo. $65 advance, $75 at the door. Contact Joan Bozer at 716-881-1639 or jkbozer@aol.com.

4: Building Green for Health and Safety, seminar on the benefits of energy efficiency, renewable energy and green buildings, sponsored by Clearwater, Sustainable Hudson Valley and others. Ulster County Community College, Stone Ridge campus. $40 (includes meals). 8:30AM. Call Ann Songalyo at 845-687-5012.

4: The Living Machine^TM: Growing Plants From Pollution, tour of the Samson Environmental Center sponsored by the Regional Farm & Food Project. Learn how students use a natural wetland to clean campus wastewater. Darrow School, 110 Darrow Rd., New Lebanon. 2:00PM-4:00PM. Call 518-271-0744.

4: Jamaica Bay Sunset Cruise, sponsored by American Littoral Society (ALS), Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers and Gateway National Recreation Area. Enjoy a 3-hour narrated tour of the backwater marshes of Jamaica Bay in Queens. 4:30PM-7:30PM. $35 includes refreshments. To reserve, send check to: ALS, 28 West 9th Road, Broad Channel, NY 11693. Call 718-318-9344.

5: Democracy or Free Trade: A choice we can make, forum sponsored by the Choices and Environment Taskforce of the First Unitarian Church of Rochester’s Social Responsibility Council. First Unitarian Church, Room 110, 220 South Winton Rd., Rochester. 12:30PM. Call John Keevert at 585-473-0295.

9: Slideshow and lecture with Carl Safina based on his book, Eye of the Albatross: Visions of Hope and Survival, presented by NYC Audubon. The Lighthouse (Ames) Auditorium, 111 East 59th St., Manhattan. 6:00PM. Call 212-691-7483.

9: Briefing on Flat Rock wind project for local and regional environmental groups and conservation agencies. This pollution-free, renewable energy project will be the largest wind energy plant in the eastern US. Offices of Flat Rock Wind Power LLC., 7612 State St., Lowville. Call 315-377-3002 or visit: www.flatrockwind.com.

14-15: Third Annual Empire Energy & Environmental Expo (E4). Learn about fuel cells, renewable energy, healthy and high performance schools and much more. Environmental Business Association of NYS. Empire State Plaza, Albany. Call Ed Parker at 518-432-6400 x227.

15: Race to Stop Global Warming. Environmental Advocates is forming a team to run/walk in Central Park representing the Cap Carbon Campaign. To join, call 518-462-5526, email: info@eany.org or visit: www.capcarbonnow.com.

19: Nowhere to Run 5K Walkathon, sponsored by the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition. FDR State Park. Route 202, Yorktown Heights. 10:00AM. Visit www.ipsecinfo.org.

18: Building Strong Organizations: Student Organizing for Peace, Justice and Equality, sponsored by Campus Action. Friends Meeting House, 727 Madison Ave., Albany. 12:30PM-5:00PM. Call 518-459-6307 or visit: www.campusaction.net.

28: Community Input Meeting for High Line Design, sponsored by Friends of the High Line (FHL). FHL will solicit public comment on the design proposals created for Designing the High Line, an ideas competition. Metropolitan Pavilion, 110 West 19th St., Manhattan. RSVP to Olivia Stinson at olivia@thehighline.org.

29-30: City Summits, sponsored by the Assembly Standing Committee on Cities. 10/29: Buffalo State College, 1300 Elmwood Ave., Butler Library, Room 210, Buffalo, 11:00AM. 10/30: Onondaga County Legislative Chambers, County Courthouse, 401 Montgomery St., Room 407, Syracuse, 11:00AM. (See On the Alert.)

November

10: 2003 Advocate Awards, Environmental Advocates’ annual gala. This year’s honorees are Carol Ash, Tim Barnett and Robert Pirani. The Yale Club, Manhattan. 5:30PM-9:00PM. Contact Patti Kelly at 518-462-5526 ext. 224 or pkelly@eany.org.

18: Personal Watercraft, Snwmobiles, and ATVs - Recent Developments to Curb Emissions and Use, part of Albany Law School’s ongoing Environmental Forum series. Albany Law School, Albany. 3:30PM-5:30PM. Call 518-445-3220.

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THE GREEN SHEET
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Environmental Advocates of New York.
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Managing Editor • Jeff Jones
Editor • Laura DiBetta

To Contact Elected Officials:

Governor George E. Pataki
Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
518.474.8390
www.state.ny.us/governor

New York State Senate
Albany, NY 12247
518.455.2800
www.senate.state.ny.us

New York State Assembly
Albany, NY 12248
518.455.4100
www.assembly.state.ny.us

US Capitol Switchboard
202.224.3121