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The BEAT News
August 13, 2008
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Follow all the environmental news and events in Berkshire County delivered to your computer weekly.
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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 Berkshires
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ENVIRONMENTAL BOND STILL ON GOV. PATRICK'S DESK
As of Monday afternoon, Governor Patrick had not yet put his signature on the Environmental Bond Bill. He has until the night of Thursday, August 15 to do so. The bond provides a total of $336M for state land protection programs and will fulfill a pledge Governor Patrick made early in his campaign to spend at least $50M of that per year.
While we fully expect that the Governor will sign the Bond bill, we still do not know if he will include or veto the Land Conservation Tax Incentive legislation that was attached to it.
The Boston Globe editorial below makes a compelling case for the Land Conservation Tax Credit.
So there is still time to Take Action! We have generated many, many phone calls to the Governor's office in support of the Environmental Bond and Land Conservation Tax Incentive and they are making a difference! If you have not yet called, please call right away!
* Call the Governor's office at 617-725-4005
* Tell the following to the staff member who answers:
Your name and town
That you thank Governor Patrick for his strong commitment to land protection
That you are asking him to sign the environmental bond (House Bill 5054) into law with the Land Conservation Tax Incentive (Section 8 of House Bill 5054) included!
For more information, contact Jen Ryan at Mass Audubon, 617.759.0227 or Steve Long at The Nature Conservancy, 617.312.5932.
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EOEEA FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET HEARING
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) will hold a hearing to allow interested parties to provide their comments as part of our Fiscal Year 2010 recommendation process.
Written comment is encouraged prior to the hearing. Interested parties may also submit written comments at the hearing or through the close of business on August 21, 2008. Please address them to:
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
ATTENTION: FY’ 10 Budget
Note: There will be an additional budget hearing at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Ma, 2nd floor on Thursday, September 4, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone attending that hearing, must bring a picture I.D. to pass through building security
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| A great web resource for land protection:
ConservationCommon.org: Have you visited the Conservation Common yet? Featured this month are helpful tools and new ideas about conservation restrictions, including:
The 2008 Model Conservation Restriction, recently created by the MA Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services.
The Massachusetts Conservation Restriction Handbook, also published by the Division of Conservation Services.
The Trustees of Reservations' Conservation Restriction Monitoring Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions about Conservation Restrictions, published by UMass Extension
The Town of Carlisle's Conservation Restriction Monitoring Form
Visit www.conservationcommon.org for all these resources and many, many more!
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Remember the St. Lawrence Cement Plant?
St. Lawrence Cement is Lafarge North America's Ravena cement plant - read on for the latest -
Mercury rises? Firm says no
By BOB GREEN The Independent On-Line
08/05/2008
STUYVESANT--This Thursday August 7, officials from Lafarge North America Inc. will make a public presentation on the company's efforts to reduce air pollution from its Ravena cement plant. The session begins at 7 p.m. at Town Hall on Route 26a and is open to the public.
Company officials, including plant Environmental Manager John Reagan, will be on hand for what is being called an "informational meeting." Following the company's presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions from the public.
The meeting was requested in a letter to Lafarge from Assemblyman Tim Gordon (I-108th) in May, after the company's 2006 Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) filing showed that the plant was the state's leading single source of airborne mercury, a dangerous neurotoxin. The filing, required by the government, showed an estimate of 380 pounds released from the plant's stack each year. Later testing of the plant's input materials yielded a revised estimate of 161 pounds.
The lower amount was still four times higher than the previous measurement a decade ago, and it raised concerns in communities in northern Columbia and southern Rensselaer counties, which are downwind of the plant. <more>
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From NPDES News - August 11, 2008
Center for Watershed Protection – Post-Construction Manual
The Center for Watershed Protection has developed a new manual called “Managing Stormwater in Your Community: A Guide for Building an Effective Post-Construction Program.” This manual was developed to assist Phase II communities in developing and building effective post-construction stormwater programs. The manual outlines the major elements of a post-construction program, including the relationship between local land-use decisions and stormwater management. It also covers critical elements such as developing an ordinance and design criteria, implementing a plan review process, establishing a maintenance program, and tracking and evaluating the program. There are also eight related tools, including a self-assessment, model ordinance, manual builder, and more. You can download the manual and tools at www.cwp.org/postconstruction
This new manual will be the subject of our next webcast on September 3, 2008.
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From: Saving Energy in Our Community is a bi-weekly email sent to everyone participating in Take Charge. It includes a short informational piece and then information and updates on Northern Berkshire energy work.
This Week in Clean Energy: Legislative Progress
Senator Downing and Representative Bosley have been hard at work on Beacon Hill. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center will promote workforce training in the clean energy sector and provide support to existing clean energy companies in the Commonwealth through the establishment and administration of job growth grants.
The bill establishes two types of job growth grants to be administered by the center: the clean energy seed grant and green jobs initiative grant. The clean energy seed grant will award funding to clean energy researchers and companies, non-profit and community-based organizations that seek to expand their organization and grow jobs. The green jobs grant initiative will award funding to higher education institutions and vocational technical schools to facilitate workforce development efforts.
"This Green Jobs bill will create the workforce and develop the industry needed to service this demand. It's going to put thousands of people to work throughout the entire state and create sustainable economic development in an industry that has great potential for the Commonwealth," said Bosley.
The bill is revenue neutral. Under the bill, $43 million from the Massachusetts Alternative and Clean Energy Investment Trust Fund and $5 million from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund will be transferred to the center to administer grants and facilitate economic growth. In the FY '09 budget, $3.95 million was allocated to fund a clean energy industry study, operations at the center, and three different green job programs that will be administered by the Secretary of Environmental Affairs, including Senator Benjamin B. Downing's (D-Pittsfield) "pathways out of poverty" workforce development grant to train low and moderate income individuals for jobs in the clean energy sector.
We salute these forward-thinking efforts by our congressmen. This type of policy, combined with the creativity of people like us who work and live in the community, will lead to better energy solutions.
In Our Community:
Come to the Take Charge kick-off event! Mayor John Barrett will speak at a press conference Thursday morning to officially launch the Take Charge campaign. The official press conference is at 11:00 am on Thursday at the North Adams library. The event is part of the library open house, so stop by any time between 10:00am to 2:00pm.
At National Night Out this week, the first 60 people pledged to take any or all of the 5 steps to reduce energy in their homes. We gave away 50 energy saving light bulbs and showed off our energy saving display. Thanks to all who helped pull the event together.
On Wednesday the $5000 grant from the Attorney General's office came through, funding the Take Charge campaign through November. With this money we're printing off 3,000 color brochures, purchasing 1000 energy saving lightbulbs to distribute as well as a range of educational and energy smart products.
After Thursday we should have a semi-permanent display set up in the library. Hoosac Bank has also generously donated space in their lobby to inform customers about Take Charge and energy saving.
Stay tuned for more updates,
Morgan Goodwin
Take Charge Project Intern
Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
C: 413.884.5240
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MASS AUDUBON'S ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION WRAP-UP
- From Mass Audubon's Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup 08/08/2008
- By Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations, Jennifer Ryan, Legislative Director & Christen Smith, Ass't to the Director of Public Policy & Government Relations
A Season of Success!
This has been one the most successful years for energy and the environment on Beacon Hill, brought about by a new administration, a new focus for the legislature, and changing public attitudes about energy and the environment. It’s a new landscape for energy and environment, with major energy legislation including net-metering and incentives for renewable development, ocean management, caps on emissions, significant investments in land protection and new funding for the state’s ailing park system, and restoration of funding for endangered species protection. There was a distinct focus on energy, whose traditional, fossil fuel based production is the greatest threat to the environment. The new incentives for renewable energy production may both better protect the environment through emissions and source-point pollution reduction, as well as spur on Massachusetts’ sleepy economy.
POLICY
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
In one of his first acts in office, Governor Patrick signed RGGI, joining other northeast states in their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and making Massachusetts first in the nation with the auction of greenhouse gas emission allowances. The auction begins September 25th. Although cap and trade programs alone are not the answer to global warming, RGGI will spur reduction of emissions through encouragement of renewable energy and in improved technologies.
No-Net Loss of Open
While the Public Lands Protection Act did not pass this session, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have been effective in their review of Article 97 land taking bills, requiring mitigation when appropriate. Looking to the future, Mass Audubon will continue to advocate for codification of the EEA policy.
LEGISLATION
The Environmental Bond
At over $1.5 billion, this is the largest investment in environmental programs ever, with $50 million per year set aside for land protection, funding for enforcement, endangered species protection, planning for climate change, and a state income tax credit for land protection. The Governor has until Thursday to sign the Bond. Thank you to those who have called the Governor’s office asking him to sign the Bond with the tax credit included, his office has been flooded with calls! Look for a complete analysis in the next Roundup.
Ocean Management Act
Passage of this Act provides for the development of a first in the nation comprehensive ocean management plan protecting sensitive marine life and habitats, promoting renewable energy and guiding responsible use. The draft plan will be available for public comment next summer.
The Green Communities Act
A priority for the Speaker of the House and the administration, this Act overhauls the Commonwealth’s energy policy, encouraging renewable energy development and investment in conservation and efficiency. Mass Audubon worked on language to encourage responsible siting of renewable energy facilities, including hydroelectric.
Global Warming Solutions Act
In a thrilling, down to the wire victory, this passed in the last hours of the legislative session with the House standing in applause. The Act sets state limits on greenhouse gas emissions, 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, making Massachusetts a national leader in climate change policy. Mass Audubon successfully worked to include a climate change and adaptation commission, finding ways to help nature cope with climate change. The Governor has until Thursday to sign Global Warming into law.
Green Jobs
Creates a Clean Energy Technology Center, supporting research, development, and job training. The Governor has until Sunday to Green Jobs into law.
Biofuels
Exempts advanced (cellulosic), non-food based biofuels from state gas taxes.
Phosphorous Act
Bans phosphorous from dishwasher detergent, protecting rivers, streams, and wetlands from nutrient loading and degradation.
STATE FUNDING
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program mission is to protect the rare species of Massachusetts, their habitats, and the full range of natural community types to conserve the biodiversity of the Commonwealth. After five years of neglect, state funding was restored this year!
Riverways Program
Funded at recommended levels of $50,000 more than requested by the administration, this program protects Massachusetts rivers and streams
Resource Management Plans
The legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of $100,000 for Department of Conservation and Recreation Resource Management Plans.
Although this was truly a season of success, there were a few flies in the ointment. In the fiscal year 2009 budget, the legislature dissolved the Department of Agricultural Resources’ personnel oversight for mosquito control districts. This is a major step backwards and undermines the goal of mosquito control program that is better overseen by the state, with the Department of Public Health at the head of the table. Other major environmental bills did not make it, including a bill to better manage electronic waste, a bill to promote the use of safer alternatives to toxic chemicals when they exist, and the Public Lands Protection Act, among others. On our radar for informal sessions is the Off-Highway Vehicle Bill, S. 2772 , which will help reduce illegal recreational vehicle riding.
What remains to be seen is the impact of expedited permit review, siting of renewable energy facilities, criteria and standards for environmental impact review of wind turbines, and development of a biofuels industry that does not encourage destructive forestry practices. As the administration moves towards implementation of the many environmental successes of this session, we will continue to be engaged.
Although formal sessions have ended, the legislature can and often does pass bills during their informal sessions, when most members have returned to their districts to campaign for re-election. During the extended summer break of the last legislature, which goes until January, there were 3,473 actions taken on bills; 458 of them were enacted, or re-enacted; 271 were signed by the Governor; 80 new bills were filed; and there were 15 gubernatorial veto overrides. During lazy hazy days of August, Mass Audubon’s work on Beacon Hill will continue. On August 14th, the administration will hold hearings on its FY2010 environmental budget and legislative leaders have hinted that they may come back for formal sessions this fall to address changing economic issues facing the state.
Thank you for your advocacy for the Environmental Bond, the state budget, including the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Ocean Management, the Public Land Protection Act, and Conservation Tax Incentives!
Let’s keep up the momentum!
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CONSUMER AND FARMER VICTORY! MONSANTO FINALLY FORCED TO DUMP RBGH
Monsanto announced on August 6 it will "divest" or sell off its controversial genetically engineered animal drug, recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). Monsanto's divestment of rBGH is a direct result of 14 years of determined opposition by organic consumer, public interest, and family farmer groups. Since its founding, the Organic Consumers Association has campaigned against this cruel and dangerous drug, pointing out to organic and health-minded consumers that rBGH-tainted dairy products pose unacceptable dangers to humans from increased antibiotic residues and elevated levels of a potent cancer tumor promoter called IGF-1. OCA's "Millions Against Monsanto" campaign has generated over a quarter million emails and petition signatures on the topic of rBGH, helping make rBGH one of the most controversial food products in the world.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/rbghlink.cfm
We'd like to thank you and all our allies for taking part in this 14-year campaign and helping to bring one of the world's largest and most powerful corporations to its knees. Now let's break Monsanto's stranglehold over seeds and take away their mandate to force-feed genetically engineered food to an unwilling public. Help us push through federal legislation to require mandatory labeling and safety-testing of GMOs (genetically modified organisms.) Contact us with any other campaign ideas you may have http://www.organicconsumers.org/aboutus.cfm#contact
Learn more about the Millions Against Monsanto campaign: http://www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.cfm
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Potential Impacts of Pharmaceuticals in Our Water
EPA is seeking comment on an Information Collection Request (ICR) that will be used in a detailed study of unused pharmaceutical disposal methods by hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices and veterinary hospitals. EPA is seeking more information on the practices of the health care industry to inform future potential regulatory actions, and identify best management and proper disposal practices. This is one of several actions the agency is taking to strengthen its understanding of disposal practices and potential risks from pharmaceuticals in water.
"The agency's work to increase industry stewardship and scientific understanding of pharmaceuticals in water continues," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA's assistant administrator for water. "By reaching out to the National Academy of Sciences and requesting information from the health care industry, EPA is taking important steps to enhance its efforts."
The agency is also commissioning the National Academy of Sciences to provide scientific advice on the potential risk to human health from low levels of pharmaceutical residues in drinking water. The National Academy of Sciences will convene a workshop of scientific experts Dec. 11-12, to advise the agency on methods for screening and prioritizing pharmaceuticals to determine potential risk.
Other actions the agency is taking include: expanding a recent fish tissue pilot study to sample nationally to determine whether residues from pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) may be present in fish and waterways; developing a methodology to establish water quality criteria to protect aquatic life; and conducting studies to examine the potential occurrence of PPCPs in sewage sludge and wastewater. To facilitate these efforts, the agency has developed state-of-the-art analytical methods capable of detecting various pharmaceuticals, steroids and hormones at very low levels.
EPA also is participating in an international effort with the World Health Organization to study appropriate risk assessment methods for pharmaceuticals as environmental contaminants. All these actions reflect advice the agency sought from a broad range of stakeholders including environmental and public health groups, drinking water and wastewater utilities, state water and public health agencies, and the agricultural community.
EPA?s four-pronged approach for PPCPs in water is aimed at strengthening scientific knowledge; improving public understanding; building partnerships for stewardship; and taking regulatory action when appropriate.
EPA will accept public comments on the Health Care Industry ICR for 90 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
More information on EPA?s research and response to PPCPs in the environment: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/ppcp/
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Project Native has been selected to receive New England Wildflower Society’s 2008 Education Award for outstanding efforts in educating the public about stewardship of native plants and landscapes. The awards committee was particularly impressed with the breadth of Project Native’s efforts in educating residents who visit the farm on the use of native plants in home garden designs and the importance of eradicating invasive plants from local private properties (i.e. homeowner’s backyards). Project Native’s landscaping crew helps interested homeowners design native backyard habitat gardens and assists in the identification of invasives species on their properties. In addition to providing much-needed access to native plants; Project Native has become increasingly involved in community outreach programs. For the past four years Project Native has spearheaded the community garden project at Redfield House in Pittsfield (a residence for teen mothers and their children). Staff is also working with students at Monument Mountain Regional High School to create an organic vegetable garden at the school. Project Native offers on-site group tours and offsite educational presentations. Project Native further educates the community through informational handouts available at the nursery. Project Native’s grounds and nursery center are open to the public from 9 – 5 Thursday through Tuesday. For more information visit www.projectnative.org or call 413-274-3433.
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Higher Education Sustainability Act (HESA) Approved by Congress
(from the National Council for Science and the Environment)
The Higher Education Sustainability Act (HESA) was approved by Congress as part of the new Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HR 4137), which was overwhelmingly approved on July 30 and is expected to be signed into law shortly by President Bush. The Act creates a pioneering "University Sustainability Grants Program " at the Department of Education. This program will offer competitive grants to higher education institutions and associations to develop and implement sustainability curricula, practices, and academic programs.
This is the first federal environmental education grant-making program authorized in 18 years. Endorsed by over 220 colleges and universities, higher education associations, NGOs and corporations, the new grant program will provide the catalyst for schools and associations to develop and implement more initiatives and practices based on the principles of sustainability. The bill also directs the Department of Education to convene a national summit of higher education sustainability experts, federal agency staff, and business leaders to identify best practices in sustainability and opportunities for collaboration.
Although the higher education community has provided considerable leadership and much action on sustainability education and practices in recent years, there is much to be done in a short time. The enactment of this legislation is recognition by Congress of the importance of the issue, the critical role of higher education in preparing citizens to enable a sustainable and secure future. The grant program will, when funded, provide resources for the higher education community to lead the national transformation to sustainability.
The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) congratulates and thanks the hundreds of educators and others whose efforts led to the impressive list of Senate and House co-sponsors and the strong bipartisan support in Congress. Particular thanks are due to original sponsors Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), David Wu (D-OR) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the original Senate sponsor. NCSE Senior Scientist David Blockstein originally met with Congressman Blumenauer's staff in 2005 to craft the legislation along with Jim Elder, Director, Campaign for Environmental Literacy, which led the effort to pass the bill, Tony Cortese of Second Nature, Kevin Coyle of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (now with National Wildlife Federation) and Debra Rowe of the US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development, all of whom continued to provide great leadership in rallying support and educating Congress.
Congress will consider funding for HESA next year when it addresses the FY10 budget.
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