In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
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DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire
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Job Openings Posted on Orion's Grassroots List
Interesting sustainable agriculture job openings in nearby Falls Village CT - ADAMAH is looking for a Field Manager and a Value Added Products Manager:
http://jobs.oriongrassroots.org/
It's a good time to start thinking about good work to do during the warmest and longest days of the year, and to mail out those seed catalog orders.
Merry holidays, solstice, etc
Erik
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Erik Hoffner
Orion magazine
Orion Grassroots Network
***Orion is winner of the 2010 Independent Press Award in the category of General Excellence***
http://www.orionmagazine.org
888-909-6568
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The Vermont Agency of Transportation is seeking consultant services to assist the state in researching Transportation and Wildlife Best Management Practices.
Please contact Gina Campoli (information below) for a copy of the RFP (request for proposals) and project scope. Proposals are due January 21, 2011.
Best,
Gina Campoli, Environmental Policy Manager
Vermont Agency of Transportation
Division of Planning Outreach and Community Affairs
National Life Building
Montpelier, VT 05633-5001
(802) 828-5756
(802) 793-5226 (mobile)
(802) 828-3983 (fax)
BEAT Note: Gina is originally from Pittsfield, MA!
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Massachusetts Plans for Renewable Energy
Departing Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles, gave a speech on December 17th that outlines the state's plans for a clean energy future.
Secretary Bowles Restructuring Roundtable speech 12/17/2010 -
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Kenneth Kimmell as Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner
Newton attorney served as General Counsel for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs during Governor Patrick’s first term
BOSTON – December 20, 2010 – Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary-Designate Richard K. Sullivan Jr. today announced the appointment of EEA General Counsel Kenneth Kimmell of Newton as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Kimmell will succeed MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt, who is stepping down after more than three years of service.
“The Commonwealth is fortunate to have someone with Ken’s experience and intellect to lead the agency devoted to safeguarding our precious environmental assets – from clean water and air to tidelands and wetlands,” Secretary-Designate Sullivan said. “I look forward to working with him as we set and carry out an agenda that ensures protection of our environment and a predictable regulatory structure for our business community.”
“Laurie Burt has served as commissioner with great distinction, ably representing Massachusetts on the regional and national stage on greenhouse gas regulation and development of a regional low carbon fuel standard while deftly leading DEP through permit reform, development of a draft solid waste master plan, and many other initiatives,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, who steps down at the end of December. “Governor Patrick and I have been well served by her keen intellect, her expertise as one of the city’s top environmental lawyers, and her leadership. I thank her for her service, and wish her all the best.”
Formerly an attorney in private practice, where he focused on environmental and land use law and litigation, Kimmell has been the legal lead on all aspects of EEA’s policy and program agenda during a period of tremendous change, challenge and opportunity. His accomplishments include spearheading state environmental permit processes to ensure “regulation at the speed of business,” and overseeing the state permitting of the nation’s first off-shore wind farm – Cape Wind. Kimmell also drafted and led a broad-based coalition in support of proposed wind energy siting reform legislation, and worked on a variety of other statutory and regulatory reforms including reorganization of the environmental secretariat and initiatives to promote renewable energy. Kimmell graduated from Wesleyan University and UCLA School of Law.
Under Commissioner Burt, MassDEP implemented the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation’s first market-based “cap-and-trade” program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fueled electricity generating plants, and established the Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions reporting system. Commissioner Burt also has been Governor Patrick’s lead on development of a regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard for Massachusetts and 10 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states that would reduce our dependence on foreign fuels and promote more new low carbon alternatives, including electricity, natural gas and biofuels, for transportation. During her tenure, Massachusetts established an Energy Management Pilot program to reduce energy use in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water, saving cities and towns thousands of dollars on their electric bills while increasing the use of renewable energy technologies and reducing each plant’s carbon footprint. This green infrastructure program was picked up by the Obama Administration as a condition of stimulus funding for public water treatment projects. Commissioner Burt also helped bring 18 state, federal and local environmental and economic development agencies together as part of the innovative Brownfields Support Team Initiative to target assessment and cleanup assistance to challenging Brownfields sites, especially in our Gateways cities and towns.
“I have been privileged to serve under Governor Patrick’s leadership and that of Secretary Ian Bowles,” said Commissioner Burt. “Governor Patrick was a true visionary in bringing environment and energy under the same roof, and together we have created a solid framework for a clean energy economy and a cleaner more sustainable environment. MassDEP is one of the leading state environmental protection agencies in the nation, and during the past three years we have continued to implement innovative programs that protect the environment, public health and help our economy. As I leave the agency, I will continue to advocate for clean air and water and the exciting opportunities available today and tomorrow from a thriving clean energy economy.”
Kimmell, who has been with EEA since the start of Governor Patrick’s term in 2007, will assume his new post at MassDEP in January.
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NRCS Extends Sign-up Period for Conservation Stewardship Program
Local farmers and forestland owners may apply through January 7, 2011. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the ranking period for farmer and NRCS conservation steward program and forestland owner applications to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The cut-off date is now January 7, 2011.
Massachusetts agricultural producers and forestland owners are encouraged to apply for CSP. The program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and who agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and nonindustrial private forestland.
“We’re extending the deadline for applications to CSP to provide Bay State farmers and forestland owners more time to complete their applications,” said Christine Clarke, NRCS State Conservationist for Massachusetts. “Hopefully this will allow even more landowners to participate in this program.”
A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help landowners determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments. It is available from local NRCS offices or online at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/index.
To sign up for CSP, farmers should call or visit their local USDA Service Center. USDA Service Center locations are listed on-line at http://offices.usda.gov.
Jessica A. Rowcroft
Resource Management Planner
Department of Conservation & Recreation
251 Causeway St, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114
ph: 617.626.1380
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USDA Initiative Offers Assistance with Forest Land Planning
Applications for the New England-New York Forestry Initiative will be accepted through January 31, 2011 for current funding. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White recently announced that $700,000 in federal funding is available to assist Massachusetts forest land owners with forest land planning and management under the New England-New York Forestry Initiative.
Massachusetts is one of seven states participating in this special initiative; a total of $5.9 million will be available to forest land owners throughout New England and New York.
“The main goal of this effort is to promote exemplary stewardship among private landowners by assisting them to improve forest health and productivity, wildlife habitat and water quality,” White said. “Besides providing economic benefits, forests are home to diverse communities of fish and wildlife. Through sound planning and management, our goal is to help private landowners keep forests as forests.”
Forest land owners who would like assistance are encouraged to call or visit their local USDA Service Center by January 31, 2011 to submit an application and complete the necessary paperwork to establish their eligibility. USDA Service Centers are listed online at http://offices.usda.gov, or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department. More information is available on the Massachusetts NRCS website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov.
The forestry initiative will assist private landowners in conservation planning and management of their private forests to improve wildlife habitat, forest health and productivity, and water quality. Eligible conservation practices include forest stand improvement, tree and shrub establishment, upland wildlife habitat management, stream crossings, riparian forest buffer, fish passage, forest trails and landings, access roads, wetland restoration, tree and shrub site preparation, brush management, herbaceous weed control, access control, restoration and management of declining habitats, and tree/shrub pruning.
Last year, the New England Governors’ Conference, the North East State Foresters Association, USDA’s Forest Service and NRCS joined forces to develop a plan, known as the New England-New York Keeping Forests as Forests report, to protect and ensure the sustainability of the region's forest land-base. Forests not only provide clean water and wildlife habitat, but are also the backbone of the region’s rural economies, offering a sustainable source of renewable energy, forest products, outdoor-related recreational opportunities and tourism.
Jessica A. Rowcroft
Resource Management Planner
Department of Conservation & Recreation
251 Causeway St, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02114
ph: 617.626.1380
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Improving Berkshire County Transportation and Ridesharing
passed on to BEAT by Erik Hoffner and the Berkshire Grassroots listserv
12/14 - Even as the snow fell Monday morning with school delays, 43 community leaders convened at Mass MoCA to address gaps in transportation, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and help save community members money in Berkshire County. The transportation stakeholder meeting was a huge success and confirmed an unprecedented partnership to resolve transportation needs with local innovation and collaboration to share resources.
The Stakeholder Meeting was the formal launch of a rapidly growing partnership initiated by BerkshireRides & Ridebuzz.org - to cost-effectively expand ride options in Berkshire County with key stakeholder groups.
Working together, the group identified opportunities and aligned around a solution to advance a unique ridesharing program for Berkshire County. The partnership will expand Ridebuzz’s web-based ridesharing service (www.Ridebuzz.org) into Berkshire County. Ridebuzz provides ridesharing technology and adoption strategies to match ride offers and requests for organizations and individuals with instant notifications to share rides. BerkshireRides is playing an instrumental role in catalyzing the effort that will benefit the western part of the state. Expanding ride options with technology and partnership will help community members access jobs, reach medical and other appointments, buy groceries, and connect with family and friends.
Stakeholder groups include: Government, University (& Educational), Business, Human Service and Non-profit entities.
Congressman Olver is a strong supporter, and had staff present to collaborate with growing this regional partnership. Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC) has joined as a strong supporter and partner organization, along with the Berkshire Mobility Team, as a Sponsoring Partner of the event. Beverly Ward, the FTA’s United We Ride Ambassador for Region 1 helped facilitate the meeting. Others present included: Gailanne Cariddi, newly elected State Representative for the Berkshire First District. Mayor Alcombright (North Adams) and City Councilors, The Berkshire Community Action Council, Berkshire Works, Williams College, MCLA, Mohawk Forest, The Caleb Foundation, The Williamstown COA, United Cerebral Palsy, MassRehab, Berkshire Community Action and many more.
The support for the partnership was overwhelming, and many partnership letters were signed on the spot, which catalyzed plans to move forward to the next phase of the project, “We wanted to make sure there was significant community support before advancing the partnership program to the next level,” said Jana Hunkler Brule’, Project Manager for BerkshireRides and a leading partner of the effort. The Executive Director of Ridebuzz.org, Jeffrey D. Brown said, “I was very pleased with the turnout and commitment from leadership to advance innovation and solutions, especially in areas where it’s needed most.”
Many of the organizations are committed to working together to launch collaborative ridesharing services, which is especially important because of the inter-dependency of the community, economy, and environment that is dependent on transportation. The surveys collected at the event were unanimously in support of the effort. The ridesharing program will serve as a model for many communities across the state.
The next steps: Using the positive momentum the growing partnership will be working to sign up more organizations now that want access to new services for a public launch in spring 2011. Organizations from northern, middle and southern Berkshire County are encouraged to participate and can fill out a survey here: www.ridebuzz.org/berkshiremeeting or call Becky @ BerkshireRides, 413-664-0300.
There will be a follow up meeting in the New Year. Organizations should respond to the survey for more meeting details.
[click for Photos from stakeholder meetng and to download a pdf of this release]
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[Additional information about partnership & contact details]
PROJECT GOALS
- New Ride Options: The partnership’s over-arching goal is to cost-effectively generate new shared-ride options, and ease transportation access in the rural areas that predominate Berkshire County.
- Collaboration: Work across a broad-base of sectors and demographics to share transportation resources. New ride options are made available by sharing and improving utilization of existing transportation resources.
- Economic Stimulus from Transportation Savings: $3 million saved annually for every 1,000 people that consistently share rides and costs. Increased vehicle occupancy improves operational efficiency retaining millions in the local economy.
- Greenhouse Gas Reductions: Ridesharing halves the GHG emissions compared to driving alone.
- Volunteerism & Grassroots Activation: A community empowered solution.
- Innovation: Local innovation in the region will provide a foundation for replication across the state and nation.
- Technology: Harness cost-effective and scalable ridesharing technology powered by Ridebuzz.org
- Services: Provide ridesharing technology and support for local organizational communities & individuals.
- Local Intelligence & Local Leadership: Work directly with local organizations & municipalities that understand their communities’ needs to offer new services.
- Accessibility: Combine available transportation resources into an accessible options portal with telephone support for the end-users and transportation consumers.
- Rapid Deployment & Messaging: Helps builds critical mass and retain end-users.
BerkshireRides, Inc.,a not-for-profit community transportation agency augments the public fixed-route bus by providing employment related rides to residents of the northern Berkshires when and where the bus is not in service. Since incorporation in 2002, BerkshireRides has served over 5,000 individuals, 27% of the employable population in the service area, with rides to and from 400 businesses and training sites.
Ridebuzz, Inc.,is a non-profit organization based in Amherst, MA that provides ridesharing technology and services (locally and nationally) to help people and organizations share transportation resources. Ridebuzz Services have been launched for over 200 organizations and events that include: universities, municipalities, non-profits, business and member groups. Ridebuzz provides innovative web technology and support for adoption campaigns to cost-effectively bridge critical gaps in transportation with new community-based shared ride options.
Contact Info
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Greenhouse Gas Amendments to the Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle Program
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is amending the existing regulation 310 CMR 7.40, the Massachusetts Low Emission Vehicle Program, to amend the California Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission standards for model year (MY) 2009-2011 new passenger vehicles and the GHG emission standards for MY 2012-2016 new passenger vehicles. MassDEP filed these amendments as an emergency regulation with the Massachusetts Secretary of State on December 3, 2010. Adopting these amendments is required to maintain consistency with California GHG standards. The standards will harmonize Massachusetts with the federal standards, and will result in increased benefits from a single, nationwide program to reduce GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles, that will ultimately result in reduced air pollution and reduced greenhouse gases.
Web Link to View Regulations:http://mass.gov/dep/public/publiche.htm#lev10
Public Hearing Information:http://mass.gov/dep/public/hearings/lev10phn.htm
Public Review Period:MassDEP will accept testimony at the public hearing(s).MassDEP will also accept written testimony until 5:00 pm E.S.T. on January 31, 2011.Please e-mail comments to ngoc.hoang@state.ma.us or send written paper comments to Ngoc Hoang, MassDEP, Bureau of Waste Prevention, One Winter Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA02108.
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EPA Analysis Shows Decrease in 2009 Toxic Chemical Releases in Massachusetts
Analysis shows continued reduction of chemical disposal and releases in New England
(Boston, Mass. – Dec. 16, 2010) – EPA’s most recent Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data is now available for the reporting year of 2009. TRI reporting provides Americans with vital information about their communities by publishing information on toxic chemical disposals and releases into the air, land and water, as well as information on waste management and pollution prevention activities in neighborhoods across the country.
In Massachusetts, the reporting data show that overall releases of pollutants to the environment have decreased since the previous reporting year (2008). TRI information is a key part of EPA’s efforts to provide greater access to environmental information and get information to the public as quickly as possible. TRI was recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the 10 major ways that EPA has strengthened America.
During 2009, the latest year for which data are available, approximately 21.9 million pounds of chemicals were released in the six New England states, a reduction of about 2,359,064 pounds. In Massachusetts, 454 facilities reported in 2009 approximately 3.2 million pounds (a decrease of 557,741 pounds). Approximately 60 percent of releases in Massachusetts were emitted to the air during 2009. Across the U.S. in 2009, 3.37 billion pounds of toxic chemicals were released into the environment, a 12 percent decrease from 2008.
Each year, EPA makes publicly available TRI data reported by industries throughout the United States regarding chemical releases to air, water and land by power plants, manufacturers and other facilities which employ ten or more workers and exceed thresholds for chemicals. This year, EPA is offering additional information to make the TRI data more meaningful and accessible to all communities. The TRI analysis now highlights toxic disposals and releases to large aquatic ecosystems, selected urban communities, and tribal lands. In addition, portions of the analysis are available in Spanish for the first time.
Reporting includes information on chemicals released at a company's facility, as well as those transported to disposal facilities off site. TRI data do not reflect the relative toxicity of the chemicals emitted or potential exposure to people living in a community with reported releases.
Facilities must report their chemical disposals and releases by July 1 of each year. This year, EPA made the 2009 preliminary TRI dataset available in July, the same month as the data were collected. This is the earliest release of TRI data to the public ever.
Reporting under TRI does not indicate illegal discharges of pollutants to the environment. EPA works closely with states to provide regulatory oversight of facilities that generate pollution to the nation’s air, land and water. Effective review and permitting programs work to ensure that the public and the environment are not subjected to unhealthful levels of pollution, even as agencies work to further reduce emissions of chemicals to the environment.
Further, robust enforcement efforts by EPA and states ensure that facilities that violate their environmental permits are subject to penalties and corrective action. Yearly releases by individual facilities can vary due to factors such as power outages, production variability, lulls in the business cycle, etc., that do not reflect a facility's pollution prevention program(s).
The top ten chemicals released to the environment on- and off-site during 2009 in Massachusetts were:
- Hydrochloric Acid (after 1995 “acid aerosols” only), 1,498,575 lbs.
- Zinc Compounds, 485,361 lbs.
- Hydrogen Fluoride, 465,349 lbs.
- Nitric Acid, 379,071 lbs.
- Tuluene, 304,274 lbs.
- Ammonia, 291,456 lbs.
- Lead Compounds, 200,193 lbs.
- N-Butyl Alcohol, 182,196 lbs.
- Xylene (mixed isomers), 162,398 lbs.
- Certain Glycol Ethers, 151,141 lbs.
The ten facilities that reported the largest quantity of on- and off-site environmental releases in Massachusetts under TRI for 2009 were:
- Dominion Energy Brayton Point LLC., Somerset, 1,222,979 Lbs.
- Evergreen Solar Inc., Devens, 732,243 Lbs.
- IrvingOil Terminals Inc., Revere, 360,475 Lbs.
- MountTom Generating Co. LLC., Holyoke, 302,334 Lbs.
- Crown Beverage Packaging, Lawrence, 298,109 Lbs.
- Callaway Golf Ball Operations Inc., Chicopee, 203,284 Lbs.
- Dominion Energy Salem Harbors Station, Salem, 187,178 Lbs.
- Solutia Inc., Springfield, 158,390 Lbs.
- Clean Harbors of Braintree Inc., Braintree, 136,438 Lbs.
- Acushnet Co. Ball Plant II, North Dartmouth, 119,580 Lbs.
TRI was established in 1986 by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and later modified by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990. Together, these laws require facilities in certain industries to report annually on releases, disposal and other waste management activities related to these chemicals. TRI data are submitted annually to EPA and states by multiple industry sectors including manufacturing, metal mining, electric utilities, and commercial hazardous waste facilities.
EPA continues to work closely with the regulated community to ensure that facilities understand and comply with their reporting requirements under TRI and other community right-to-know statutes. EPA will once again hold training workshops throughout the New England region during the Spring of 2011. Training sessions will be set up in each state. Further information will be available on our Web site.
More information:
- TRI in Massachusetts Fact Sheet (epa.gov/triexplorer/statefactsheet.htm)
- Additional National information on TRI (epa.gov/tri/)
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Massachusetts Rivers Alliance Redesigned Website
The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance has redesigned their website. Please take a look, and let Julia know if you think of a way to make the website even more useful to you.
Julia Blatt
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Executive Director
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance
14 Beacon Street, Suite 706
Boston, MA 02108
www.massriversalliance.org
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