The BEAT News

April 29, 2009

In the News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
Public Notices Alphabetically by town
The BEAT News Archives

Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire

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Job Opening: Executive Director, East Coast Greenway Alliance

http://www.greenway.org/employment.php#executive
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Patrick Administration Solicits Proposals for Wind Turbine Project on the Massachusetts Turnpike

Installation near Blandford rest area would "Green the Turnpike" and promote clean energy economy

In pursuit of Governor Patrick’s goal of 2,000 megawatts of wind power in Massachusetts by 2020, the Secretaries of the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) today announced a project to install a utility-scale wind turbine on state land adjacent to the Massachusetts Turnpike’s Blandford Rest Area. Following studies showing significant wind power potential, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to install wind power at the 68-acre site in western Massachusetts.
“This is a great example of how state agencies can work together to achieve our common goals,” said Governor Patrick. “This wind energy project is good for the environment and it will help create jobs within our clean energy economy.”

“Our transportation system should be acting responsibly to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible,” said Transportation Secretary James Aloisi. “We want our highways and roads to be as green as they can be, and a wind turbine on the Turnpike at Blandford will be an important statement about the Commonwealth’s commitment to clean energy.”

“Harnessing our abundant wind resources is central to Governor Patrick’s plan to create a clean energy economy in Massachusetts,” EEA Secretary Ian Bowles said. “The Blandford turbine will be seen by thousands of motorists every day – raising the profile of wind power in western Massachusetts while bolstering our efforts to make the Commonwealth a wind energy hub.”  

Studies completed in January by the University of Massachusetts Renewable Energy Research Laboratory concluded that the Hampden County location – the highest elevation on the Pike – has wind resource sufficient to support a 1.5 megawatt turbine. Producing up to 3,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually, such a turbine could produce sufficient clean energy to power roughly 400 households.

Working in collaboration with EEA, the MTA last year began investigating wind power potential at the Blandford Rest Area as part of a “Greening the Turnpike” initiative designed to comply with Governor Patrick’s “Leading By Example” Executive Order and his broader goal to develop the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy.  In January, Governor Patrick set an ambitious wind power target for Massachusetts – 2,000 megawatts of wind capacity (enough to power 800,000 homes) by 2020. 

At Blandford, the selected proposal would develop a wind turbine installation on the site and sell the output to the Western Massachusetts Electric Co. or another retail electricity provider, moving Massachusetts closer to the Governor’s goal for wind power.

Under terms of the RFP, the Turnpike Authority would provide the successful developer with a long-term lease on land adjacent to the Blandford Rest Area. It directs the selected developer to work closely with the MTA, EEA, the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, and other local, state, and federal agencies. The project would be subject to local zoning and must comply with all environmental permitting and other regulatory requirements. Proposals are due June 30.

Local officials are enthusiastic about the Blandford wind turbine, along with other opportunities to put renewable energy to work for their municipalities under the Green Communities Act, the comprehensive energy reform bill enacted last year.
“With the installation of a wind turbine at the Blandford Rest Area, the Administration continues to take bold steps to promote renewable energy in the Commonwealth. This is another great example of how Berkshire County residents care about the environment and strive to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli.
“Blandford is excited to endorse this project by the MTA and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs,” said Robert Roy Nichols, acting Town Administrator and Chairman of the Blandford Green Community Committee. “We look forward to partnering with them on this project and hopefully many more projects in the upcoming months. Blandford has embraced the Green Communities Act, and the initiatives and incentives driven by Gov. Patrick, Lt. Gov. Murray, and Secretary Bowles.”

“The Select Board of Blandford is very aware of wind power and photovoltaic and we are looking forward to going ahead with these types of projects to become independent of OPEC,” said Chet Broughton, Chairman of the Blandford Board of Selectman.
Governor Patrick’s Transportation and Economic Security Plan includes several provisions to “green” the transportation system by encouraging more fuel-efficient vehicles and promoting “Buy and Build Green” practices. A Complete Streets and sustainability initiative will help give people the opportunity to drive less with increased access to transit, bicycling and walking. To learn more about the environmental initiatives in the Governor’s plan visit: www.mass.gov/youmovemassachusetts.

BEAT Note:  We have not looked at the specifics of this proposal, but in general we support appropriately located wind power - where it is not fragmenting wildlife habitat or in a migration or feeding path of flying wildlife. This appears to be a perfect location in an area where there is already infrastructure and existing human disturbance.
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ELM Logo
Environmental League of Massachusetts
 
 
George Bachrach, ELM President
 invites you to:
 
BRIEFINGS on the ENVIRONMENT
Co-hosted by the Mass. League of Environmental Voters and the Mass. Environmental Collaborative

State House, room #348 (House lobby)
 

This Thursday, April 30 (10-11am): "Toxics in the Workplace:  It's what you don't know..."

 
A wide array of toxic chemicals we encounter in our everyday lives contribute to an epidemic of chronic diseases, including asthma, birth defects, and cancer.  Yet many of the most toxic chemicals can safely and cost-effectively be replaced with alternatives.  Join us for a discussion of the "Safer Alternatives" bill.

Presenters:  Joel Tickner, UMass Lowell School of Health & Environment and Erin Bowles, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition

Sponsors of the Safer Alternatives bill: Senator Steven Tolman and Representative Jay Kaufman
 
May 14 (10am):  "40 Acres and a mule...no more!"
Massachusetts loses 40 acres of open space a day to development.  Ironically, some of it is disposed of by municipal and state government.  How do we respect municipal needs while preserving open space?  Come learn about the Public Lands Preservation Act ("PLPA") and needed updates to the Community Preservation Act (CPA). 

Presenters: Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club, Mass Audubon, and the Community Preservation Coalition.

Sponsors of the Public Lands Preservation Act: Senator James Eldridge and Representative Ruth Balser. 

Sponsors of CPA update bill: Senator Cynthia Creem and Representative Stephen Kulik. 
 
 
 
*for more information, please contact Sarah Moser at smoser@environmentalleague.org
Environmental League of Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
617-742-2553


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Public Information Sessions and Hearing Notice for the Global Warming Solutions Act and Green Communities Act

 

Public Information Sessions:

In August 2008, Governor Patrick signed into law the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), making Massachusetts one of the first states in the nation to move forward with a comprehensive regulatory program to address Climate Change. The Act requires an 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 2050, with a 2020 target to be set between 10 and 25 percent below 1990 levels. Massachusetts has already promulgated greenhouse gas reporting regulations under the Act; 2009 emissions will be the first year reported.

The Act requires the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), to develop a statewide 1990 greenhouse gas emission baseline and a projection of greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 in a “business as usual” scenario. These estimates will be used in determining the 2020 and 2050 target reductions. The 1990 Baseline and 2020 Business As Usual Projection will be available on MassDEP’s web site on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 (visit: http://mass.gov/dep/air/climate/index.htm).

Also last year, Governor Patrick signed the Green Communities Act, a comprehensive reform of the state’s energy marketplace that will greatly improve the state’s ability to meet the GWSA targets. It promotes a dramatic expansion in energy efficiency, supports the development of renewable energy resources, creates a new greener state building code, removes barriers to renewable energy installations, stimulates technology innovation, and helps consumers reduce electric bills. It also created the Green Communities Program, providing all cities and towns with energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.

MassDEP, EEA and DOER are jointly holding five public information sessions in April and May to:

  • Provide an overview of the Global Warming Solutions Act and the Green Communities Act, and how the EEA agencies are collaborating to meet the goals of these important laws; and
  • Provide information on the proposed statewide 1990 emission inventory baseline, as well as the proposed 2020 business as usual projection.

Meeting Schedule:

April 29, 2009: 10 am - noon
Massachusetts State House, Room A-1
Boston, MA 02133

May 4, 2009: 6-8 pm
MassDEP Southeast Regional Office
20 Riverside Drive, Lakeville, MA 02347

May 6, 2009: 6-8 pm
MassDEP Central Regional Office
627 Main Street, Worcester, MA01608

May 11, 2009: 6-8 pm
Springfield Public Library, Main Branch
220 State St., Springfield, MA 01103

May 14, 2009: 6-8 pm
MassDEP Northeast Regional Office
205B Lowell Street, Wilmington, MA 01887

In addition, MassDEP will hold one public hearing on the proposed Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Level: 1990 Baseline and 2020 Business As Usual Projection. This public hearing will be conducted under the provisions of M.G.L. chapter 30A. The public hearing notice is below.

Public Notice:

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
BUREAU OF WASTE PREVENTION
N O T I C E

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Environmental Protection, in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c 111, Sections 142A through 142N will hold a public hearing on the Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Level: 1990 Baseline and 2020 Business As Usual (BAU) Projection.

Chapter 298 of the Acts of 2008, the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) was signed into law by Governor Patrick in August 2008 to begin to address the challenges of climate change. The GWSA requires MassDEP to, “… determine the statewide greenhouse gas emissions level in calendar year 1990 and reasonably project what the emissions level will be in calendar year 2020 if no measures are imposed to lower emissions other than those formally adopted and implemented as of January 1, 2009. This projection shall hereafter be referred to as the projected 2020 business as usual level.”

The Act also calls upon the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), in consultation with other state agencies and the public, to set an economy-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target for Massachusetts of between 10 and 25% below 1990 levels by 2020, with targets for each decade after that, culminating in an 80% reduction by 2050. The 2020 target must be set by January 1, 2011, and must be accompanied by an economy wide plan to achieve that target. The 1990 emissions baseline will be the baseline against which Massachusetts’ future GHG emissions reductions targets will be planned and measured.

A public hearing on the proposed 1990 Baseline and the 2020 BAU Projection will be conducted under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 30A on:

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Hurley Building - Minihan Hall
19 Staniford Street
Boston, Massachusetts

Testimony may be presented orally or in writing at the public hearing. Written comments also will be accepted until 5:00 PM on June 1, 2009. Written testimony must be submitted by e-mail or mail to: climate.strategies@state.ma. us, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection , Bureau of Waste Prevention, One Winter Street 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02108, Attn: Stacy DeGabriele

A copy of the 1990 Baseline and the 2020 BAU Projection is available on MassDEP’s web site at http://mass.gov/dep/air/ climate/index.htm. Copies also may be obtained by calling Stacy DeGabriele at 617-292-5864.

For special accommodations for these events or hearing information in an alternate format, please contact Donald Gomes, MassDEP’s ADA Coordinator at 617-556-1057, BAS/HR, 3rd Floor, One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108.

By Order of the Department
Laurie Burt, Commissioner
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WHY CLEAN UP PCBS IN THE RIVER?

The Housatonic River Initiative invites you to a forum with Dr. David Carpenter
Wednesday, April 29, 7PM
Lenox Community Center

Explore the known health effects of PCBs and the latest up to date information
Dr. David Carpenter is an internationally recognized expert in PCBs and public health. He is a neurotoxicologist and professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology in the School of Public Health at State University of New York, Albany. He has worked successfully with many communities across the country to help them assess the degree of human exposure to a range of contaminants, including vast experience with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

Dr. Carpenter has been an editorial advisor to many scientific journals, hosted a 170 station syndicated Public Health Radio Show, and former Chair of the School of Public Health at SUNY Albany. Prior to joining the University at Albany, Dr. Carpenter was a Research Physician at the Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research. Dr. Carpenter received his M.D. at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He has 220 publications, 37 reviews and book chapters and 12 other publications to his credit.
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TURI Seeks Funding Proposals from Mass. Community Organizations
Grants from $1,000 to $15,000 for Projects Promoting Safer, Healthier Neighborhoods

LOWELL , Mass. – The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell seeks proposals from non-profit community, environmental and municipal organizations in Massachusetts interested in reducing the use of toxic chemicals in living or work spaces. 

Two levels of funding are available — $1,000 grants for smaller toxics use reduction projects and up to $15,000 for larger projects. The proposal deadline is June 30. Projects span August 2009 through June 2010.

Sample project ideas include increasing the use of green cleaning products and pest control substances, encouraging organic lawn care methods on private or town properties, reducing the use of lead sinkers in recreational fishing and raising awareness of toxic materials used in hair and nail salons. The replication of past projects is encouraged.

Examples of eligible organizations include public housing authorities, water departments, neighborhood associations, environmental groups, labor unions, fire and police departments, libraries, boards of health, schools as well as youths with an interest in community service. All are encouraged to apply.

TURI is holding a pre-grant workshop on Thursday, May 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at UMass Lowell to help with project ideas and the application.  To sign up for the workshop or to learn more, contact Joy Onasch, TURI community program manager at joy@turi.org or 978-934-4343. Visit the TURI community web site to peruse past projects and download a grant application package, www.turi.org/community.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell provides the resources and tools to help Massachusetts companies and communities make the Commonwealth a safer place to live and work. The TURI Community Grant Program, now in its 15th year, has awarded nearly $750,000 in grants to 95 communities and municipalities across the state. www.turi.org/community

UMass Lowell, with a national reputation in science, engineering and technology, is committed to educating students for lifelong success in a diverse world and conducting research and outreach activities that sustain the economic, environmental and social health of the region. UML offers its 12,000 students more than 120 degree choices, internships, five-year combined bachelor’s to master’s programs and doctoral studies in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Management, the School of Health and Environment, and the Graduate School of Education. www.uml.edu.
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Director of Conservation Planning

Location: Washington, D.C.
Supervisor: Vice President for Land Conservation

Position Description

This professional-level position plays a leadership role in developing and implementing Defenders’ programs to safeguard wildlife from the negative effects of climate changeThe Director works with the science and land and wildlife management communities to develop on-the-ground strategies to assist wildlife in adapting to climate change and facilitates the adoption of those strategies into federal, state, and private land management plans.  The Director also works closely with Defenders’ policy teams to develop and implement policy initiatives to support on-the-ground, climate-smart conservation programs.  A key aspect of the position is assisting states in developing wildlife climate adaptation strategies.

The Director supervises a Conservation Planning Associate, and works closely with the Vice President for Land Conservation, field offices, and interdisciplinary teams in developing and coordinating strategies, national campaigns, various conservation reports and coalitions.  The Director also takes lead responsibility in working with federal and state agencies, Congress, and other non-governmental organizations on program initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

§  With other Defenders’ staff and outside experts, develop on-the-ground strategies to safeguard wildlife from the effects of climate change.

§  With other Defenders’ staff and outside organizations, develop and promote model state and federal policies that promote wildlife adaptation to climate change.

§  Develop programs, strategies, and materials to assist state agencies in addressing the impacts of climate change on wildlife and habitat

§  Work with Defenders’ staff to develop climate change adaptation strategies into Defenders Land Conservation programs including federal land management plans, and land trust conservation strategies.

§  Maintain effective working relationships with natural and social scientists, agency administrators, members of Congress, Congressional staff, leading NGOs, and members of Defenders’ Board of Directors

§  Develop a network of experts, government officials, NGOs and citizens to assist Defenders in accomplishing its organization-wide objectives

§  Research, write, and/or otherwise contribute to the development of various conservation reports, publications, organizational policies, and position statements

§  Assist with member and public education efforts on conservation planning issues through Defenders’ Website, Defenders’ Wildlife eNews, magazine, news media, public appearances, and dissemination of educational materials

§  Represent Defenders in coalitions, public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, and in general communications with public officials, the media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the public

§  Assist Defenders in providing information to members, foundations, and other donors, and help to identify and develop potential sources of funding for Defenders

§  Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements

§  Develop and recommend program budget

§  Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.

§  Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.

§  Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:  Advanced degree or equivalent in conservation biology, wildlife management, ecology, or environmental policy

Experience:  5+ years of progressively responsible experience is required in at least one of the following areas: Developing and implementing programs to conserve biodiversity; climate change and natural resource science and policy; land management planning; state wildlife action plans; organizing campaigns for non-profit organizations; or conservation biology research, including 2+ years of relevant management/supervisory experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Other Qualifications:

§  Strong working knowledge of climate change science and policy; conservation biology; landscape-level planning; and laws and regulations for biodiversity conservation

§  Strong written and verbal communications skills

How To Apply

Interested applicants please reference Director of Conservation Planning in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered) to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.
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road/water impact study

A new report on the Route 495 corridor is calling for sustainable water-management techniques and low-impact development practices, now through 2030, in the Assabet and Charles River watersheds.  

The report, compiled by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the I-495/Metrowest Partnership with assistance from the U.S. Geological Survey, offers a toolkit for cities and towns to analyze what effects future development in the region may have on stream flow levels. It offers solutions to water resource challenges facing the entire 495 region, which is among the fastest-growing in the state.

Martin Pillsbury, Manager of Regional Planning Services for MAPC, says the report shows there will be varying degrees of impact on water availability across the entire 495 region.

"The projections don't show severe impacts, but they do show some impacts. Especially because it's a fast-growing area, we have to use what we have wisely," said Pillsbury. "This project helps communities do that."

The multi-year project, funded through an EPA grant, will help communities prepare for summer water usage, engage in water reuse, and practice responsible development planning. Water use strategies in particular can stretch limited water supplies, studies show, by using wastewater that would otherwise be disposed.

Water reuse is already practiced across Massachusetts, including at Gilette Stadium in Foxborough and the Premium Outlets in Wrentham.

For more information, view the complete report online: www.mapc.org/495water.
For more information, contact Pillsbury at 617-451-2770 x2012, or at mpillsbury@mapc.org.
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Conservation professionals: register now to become an NRCS technical service provider

Individuals, private businesses, nonprofit organizations and public agencies who provide conservation-related services to farmers and other landowners are encouraged to register now to become an NRCS technical service provider (TSP). TSPs are professionals who are certified by NRCS to provide landowners with convenient access to quality professional one-on-one technical services.

There are new opportunities under the 2008 Farm Bill for landowners to use TSP services. In particular, professional foresters will be needed. The 2008 Farm Bill includes new provisions for implementing conservation practices on private forest land through the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). In order to enroll forest land in these programs, the applicant must have a forest management plan.

Anyone interested in becoming a TSP is encouraged to begin the process now. For information on TSPs in Massachusetts, visit http://www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/tsp.html or contact John Kick, 413-253-4378, john.kick@ma.usda.gov. To become a TSP or to find local TSPs, please visit the national Technical Service Provider Registry (TechReg) website.
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