The BEAT News October 24, 2012

News Headlines

RecyclingWorks Program finds Success in First Year Helping 185 Businesses to Increase Recycling Activities

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a no-cost recycling assistance program designed to help businesses and institutions maximize recycling, reuse, and composting opportunities across the state. Since the program’s launch one year ago, RecyclingWorks has assisted 185 businesses across Massachusetts with waste reduction activities like recycling and composting.

“RecyclingWorks is already having a significant impact across the state,” said Lorenzo Macaluso from the Center for EcoTechnology, “Our experts have worked with businesses of all sizes across many sectors. We understand the specific challenges that come along with waste reduction for businesses in Massachusetts and this service helps businesses stay focused on doing business while improving environmental performance.”

In January, RecyclingWorks launched a state-wide hotline service that serves as the gateway for businesses to get technical assistance through the program. The website, www.recyclingworksma.com contains resources on the Massachusetts waste bans, recycled materials, and events and workshops in the community. It also features a searchable database that identifies local recycling haulers and processors. Through the website and the hotline, RecyclingWorks has helped businesses comply with waste bans, save money on disposal costs, decrease environmental impact, and respond to customer and employee interests in sustainable practices.

“The RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts program delivers invaluable help to Massachusetts businesses and institutions to help them launch new and improved recycling and composting programs, enabling them to realize the economic and environmental benefits of recycling,” said Kenneth Kimmell, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

In spring 2012, the Lord Jeffery Inn of Amherst contacted the RecyclingWorks hotline seeking assistance to manage their waste streams in preparation for a post-renovation opening. RecyclingWorks experts worked with the hotel and area haulers to determine the services that best fit their needs and provided logistical guidance in how best to recycle throughout the hotel. The Lord Jeffery Inn established a food waste composting program for events and the restaurant, and implemented a comprehensive recycling program for the entire facility, including guest room recycling. RecyclingWorks provided hotel staff training and customized program signs. On average, the Lord Jeffery Inn composts and recycles about 1.5 tons of materials per week, which equates to more than 65 percent of its entire wastestream.

McGovern’s on the Water, a wedding and banquet facility in Fall River, contacted RecyclingWorks to inquire about cardboard recycling options. A previous recycling program had failed, but they were interested in trying again. The RecyclingWorks specialist suggested they contact their waste hauler to inquire if there were any new services available. The hauler provided a revised service plan and added a cardboard container. The new recycling program now captures 10 yards of cardboard per week and has reduced the waste stream by 50 percent.

In response to customer feedback noting a lack of recycling, Davis Farmland, a children’s adventure park in Sterling, contacted the RecyclingWorks hotline for assistance. They needed to start a bottles-and-cans recycling program in the park and RecyclingWorks provided recommendations for working with their waste and recycling hauler. One phone call was all it took to get a new recycling container delivered to the site. It was immediately filled and the program was underway. The program has already diverted 100 cubic yards of bottles and cans from in just the first season.

In the spring of 2012, RecyclingWorks hosted the Massachusetts College and University Recycling Council organics diversion workshop at Clark University in Worcester. One of the attendees of the event was Assumption College’s dining service contractor, Sodexo. As a result of the workshop, Sodexo at Assumption contacted their hauler about recycling and composting services and then contacted RecyclingWorks for assistance with employee training and signage. The enhanced single-stream recycling program and food waste diversion program is estimated to divert two tons of material per week from the college’s trash.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is funded by MassDEP and delivered under contract by the Center for EcoTechnology. For more information on how RecyclingWorks can assist your business, please visit our website at www.recyclingworksma.com, or, call our hotline to speak to one of our in-house experts. Call (888) 254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma.com today.

################################################################################

The Center for EcoTechnology helps people carry out their daily activities with less environmental impact. We provide practical solutions that save energy, materials and money and have a positive impact on our environment and commu­nity. We serve residents, business and communities in the areas of Energy Efficiency and Green Building, Green Com­munities and Businesses, and through our retail store – EcoBuilding Bargains. We’re a 35-year-old non-profit organization with offices in Pittsfield, Northampton and Springfield. Visit www.cetonline.org to learn more.

Return to list of headlines

Orchid Fever

Images of the elegant, elusive orchid are showcased in a special exhibition at Berkshire Museum, on view through January 6, 2013. The show, Orchid Fever, features a selection of photographs by Edwin Hale Lincoln (1848-1938), botanical illustrations by Mary Emily Eaton (1873-1961), and watercolors by Mary Vaux Walcott (1860-1940), all featuring the orchid, as well as live orchids displayed in terrariums. The exhibition is curated by Maria Mingalone, Berkshire Museum director of interpretation.

Return to list of headlines

Project Native Volunteers to Plant a Garden for a Deserving Pittsfield Mom

On the morning of Saturday, October 27th the staff of Project Native will converge at the home of a deserving Pittsfield mother battling cancer.  Armed with a van-load of plants, tools, compost and mulch, Project Native will arrive with everything needed to create a beautiful native garden.   This is the second year Project Native will donate all the materials and staff will volunteer their time to create a garden for someone experiencing the challenges of late-stage cancer as a way of brightening their spirits with the emotional lift and natural beauty of a garden. This year’s recipient, Billie Miraglia, received several poignant nominations from friends and coworkers. Billie is a single mother of three children living in Pittsfield. She continues to work full-time with preschoolers at Berkshire County Head Start while she copes with breast and bone cancer.

Project Native is a non-profit native plant farm, nursery and wildlife sanctuary.  Our mission is to inspire a love of nature that motivates people to create, restore and maintain healthy ecosystems.

Return to list of headlines

Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers’ Markets Celebrate Local Food and Farms in November and December

GREAT BARRINGTON and WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (October 18, 2012) — Berkshire Grown will host its popular Holiday Farmers’ Markets in Great Barrington and Williamstown  November 17 -18 and December 15 -16. The markets feature locally grown and produced food during months when farmers’ markets are not open in the region and extend the opportunity for community members to purchase directly from area food producers and farmers

“We’re thrilled to host our fourth annual farmers’ markets,” says Barbara Zheutlin, executive director of Berkshire Grown. “We’re extending the season for our local farmers, and offering the community an opportunity to support our local farmers and food producers. The success of these markets depends on everyone participating – we count on the community to celebrate our local food and farmers.”

The Thanksgiving markets will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 at Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School, 318 Monument Valley Road, Great Barrington, and Sunday, November 18 at Williams College Towne Field House, 82 Latham Street, in Williamstown. Locally grown, produced and prepared foods for the holiday table will be offered from farmers and food producers in the region including produce, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies and other baked goods, and preserves, including pickles and jams

The Christmas markets will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 15 at Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School in Great Barrington, and Sunday, December 16 at Williams College Towne Field House in Williamstow

Pre-order pickups will be available at the Holiday Farmers’ Markets as well as lunch items and live entertainment. Activities for children will be offered at the Williamstown markets, including crafts, face painting and a scavenger hunt. Admission to the markets is free of charge. Visit berkshiregrown.org/holiday-farmers-markets-2012 or call (413) 528-0041 for additional details.

The Holiday Farmers’ Markets began in 2009 with two market locations and were held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Given the success of its first markets, Berkshire Grown increased the number of markets to four in 2010, adding the weekend before Christmas as a second economic opportunity for the food and farming community. Last year the four markets were attended by 5,100 people and generated more than $100,000 in revenue for local vendors, a nine percent increase over the previous year’s figures.

A major sponsor of the markets is the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Berkshire Grown received funding from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to promote Massachusetts Grown…and Fresher at the Holiday Farmers’ Markets. Massachusetts Grown…and Fresher is a major sponsor of the markets in addition to Williams College, which has contributed significant funds to the project

As part of Williams College’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food and local agriculture, the College is again co-sponsoring the markets by donating the Williamstown venue as well as providing funding toward the event. The Williams College Sustainable Food and Agriculture Program and The Zilka Center for Environmental Initiatives are supporting the markets as a community partnership to further incorporate the principles of sustainability into the fabric of campus life. For more information on the college’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food, visit http://sustainability.williams.edu

In addition to generous support from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Williams College, a major sponsor of the event is The Williamstown Chamber of Commerce. Additional sponsors include Berkshire Co-op Market, Berkshire Organics, Kimball Farms, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Mezze Bistro + Bar and Allium Bistro + Bar, Sweet Brook Farm and The Red Lion Inn.

Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community, economy and landscape. The non-profit organization’s mission is to “Keep farmers farming!” and is the “go-to” network linking farmers and the Berkshire community. Through events, workshops, promotions, advocacy and education highlighting locally grown and produced food, Berkshire Grown helps to create a thriving local food economy. For more information or to become a member, see berkshiregrown.org or call (413) 528-0041.

Return to list of headlines

New App Lets Users Check Health of Waterways Anywhere in the U.S.

Water Headlines from EPA, October 23, 2012

EPA has launched a new app and website to help people find information on the condition of thousands of lakes, rivers and streams across the United States from their smart phone, tablet or desktop computer. Available at http://www.epa.gov/mywaterway, the How’s My Waterway app and website uses GPS technology or a user-entered zip code or city name to provide information about the quality of local water bodies. The release of the app and website helps mark the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which Congress enacted on October 18, 1972, giving citizens a special role in caring for the nation’s water resources. Forty years later, EPA is providing citizens with a technology-based tool to expand that stewardship. Click here for the press release.   Click here to read a blog from EPA scientist Doug Norton.

Return to list of headlines

Officials and Communities Celebrate River Restoration in Massachusetts

Federal and state environmental officials, local partners and community members gathered last week at two dam removals that connect to larger restoration initiatives on Amethyst Brook, which eventually feeds into the Connecticut River, and the Mill River in eastern Massachusetts. On October 17, partners kicked off the removal of the Bartlett Rod Shop Company Dam in Pelham, a project that will benefit sea lamprey, American eel, brook and brown trout, and slimy sculpin. The partnership aims to also remove the upstream Orient Springs dam, ultimately restoring nine miles of stream flowing into the Fort River. On October 19, partners in Taunton celebrated the removal of the Hopewell Mills Dam, benefiting river herring, shad and American eels. The removal is the first step in a project to reconnect 30 miles of tributaries by removing three dams on the Mill River and providing a structure to pass fish across a fourth dam.

Bartlett Rod Shop Company Dam removal
Mill River Restoration blog

Return to list of headlines

Hilltown Communities to Review Goals and Projects

Hilltown residents will be reviewing their town’s “to-do” lists at their upcoming Community Development Strategy meetings, to be held in each respective town during the months of October and November. Residents are invited to participate in this process to review last year’s goals and recommend new community improvement projects for the coming year. These important planning sessions are facilitated by the Hilltown Community Development Corporation. The strategy sessions will be held in the Selectboard meeting rooms in each town at the following times:

    Chesterfield Town Offices, Monday Oct 29, 5pm
Cummington Community House, Thursday Nov 1, 7:30pm
Plainfield Town Hall, Tuesday, Nov 13, 7:15pm Williamsburg Town Hall, Thursday, Nov 15, 7:15pm
Westhampton Town Hall, Monday, Nov 19, 7:30pm

If you live in any of the aforementioned towns, please consider attending the meeting in your town to provide input. To participate in the Community Development Block Grant Program, each town must complete an annual Community Development Strategy document, which includes an outline of the town’s goals and a priority list of community projects. After each public meeting, selectmen in the towns will review public input and edit the Community Development Strategies to reflect the Town’s goals and projects that may be eligible for federal block grant funding.

For information about the review process or to request a copy of your town’s CDS document, contact Dave Christopolis at the Hilltown CDC at davec@hilltowncdc.org or 413-296-4536. Community input and participation is a part of life in the hilltowns. Come share your ideas.

Return to list of headlines

Documents submitted to Repositories from September 16, 2012 through September 29, 2012

Documents submitted to the Berkshire Athenaeum

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Karen Pelto (MADEP), September 18, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; East Street Area 2-South (GECD150); Summary of August 2012 Inspection of Natural Resource Restoration/Enhancement Measures

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Karen Pelto (MADEP), September 18, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Hill 78 On-Plant Consolidation Area (GECD220); Summary of August 2012 Inspection of Natural Resource Restoration/Enhancement Measures

Letter (with attachment) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dave Dickerson (USEPA), September 19, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Silver Lake Area (GECD600); Notification of Exceedance of Ambient Air PCB Notification Level

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA), September 20, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; 40s Complex (GECD120); Summary of Annual Inspection Activities at the Former 40s Complex

Letter (with attached report) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Richard Fisher (USEPA), September 20, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Groundwater Management Area 2 (GECD320); Final Completion Report

Letter (with attachments) from Kevin G. Mooney (GE) to Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA), September 20, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Upper ½-Mile Reach of Housatonic River (GECD800); Supplemental 2012 Inspection of Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Structures and Armor Stone

Letter from David Dickerson (USEPA) to Richard Gates (GE), September 26, 2012, Re: Silver Lake – Exceedances of Airborne PCB Action and Notification Levels

Letter (with attachment) from Richard Fisher (USEPA) to Richard W. Gates (GE), September 27, 2012, Re: EPA Approval of, and Certificate of Completion for, General Electric’s submittal entitled Final Completion Report for the Groundwater Management Area 2 Removal Action, dated September 2012, GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Richard Fisher (USEPA), September 28, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Newell Street Area II (GECD450); Summary of August 2012 Inspection Activities

Letter (with attachments) from Richard W. Gates (GE) to Richard Fisher (USEPA), September 28, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; East Street Area 2-South (GECD150); Summary of August 2012 Inspection Activities

Documents submitted to the Connecticut Repositories

Letter (with attachments) from Kevin G. Mooney (GE) to Dean Tagliaferro (USEPA), September 20, 2012, Re: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site; Upper ½-Mile Reach of Housatonic River (GECD800); Supplemental 2012 Inspection of Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Structures and Armor Stone

Return to list of headlines

CONSERVATION AGENT

Posted 10-10-12

 

The Shirley Conservation Commission is proposing to fill a 12 hour/week position (with no benefits) to administer the Wetlands Protection Act and associated laws and town by-laws.  Salary is $17.14 per hour.

 

Position reports to the Shirley Conservation Commission and will need to attend Conservation Commission meetings, which are normally held twice a month on Tuesday nights.  Applicant must Draft Orders of Conditions and other Commission-issued permits as needed.  Must perform on-site inspections and review applications.  Will need to maintain minimal office hours for the public, day and time are negotiable but need to be posted in advance.

 

Qualifications:  College degree in appropriate field with 2 or more years’ experience.  Position requires sustained periods of walking and hiking, sometimes in construction zones, knowledge of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and ability to communicate clearly orally and in written form.  Will need to interface with public, volunteers, and various other departments in Town.  Also oversees the Conservation Secretary.

 

Send cover letter, resume, and at least two references by to:  Nancy Askin, Shirley Conservation Commission, 7 Keady Way, Shirley, MA 01464 or email conservation@shirley-ma.gov.

 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

Return to list of headlines

Back To Top