In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators) DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire return to top |
Sheffield Concrete Plant Assessed $25,500 Penalty For Multiple Violations of Environmental Regulations The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed Century Acquisition, Inc. of Albany, N.Y., a $25,500 penalty for violating multiple state environmental regulations, which were discovered during inspections conducted at the concrete batch plant in Sheffield. (BEAT Note: This is the same parent company as Bonded Concrete who was cited by the Pittsfield Conservation Commission for violating the conditions of their permit back in July 2009 at their site in Downing Industrial Park.) Century Acquisition, Inc. cooperated with MassDEP during its investigation, and the company has agreed to correct the violations, including the restoration of the altered wetlands. Century Acquisition will pay $15,500 of the $25,500 penalty; the remaining $10,000 of the penalty was suspended by MassDEP contingent upon the company's compliance with the terms of the consent agreement. "Regulated facilities are responsible for full compliance with all appropriate environmental regulations," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield. "Companies must be aware of their environmental obligations during all phases of planning, construction and operation of a facility." MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. |
Successful Wildlife Trackers Conference The 2009 Wildlife Trackers Conference co-organized by BEAT was a huge success. About 70 people enjoyed themselves at the Doyle Conservation Center hearing from researchers, authors, teachers, and fellow trackers. Because BEAT's website is still having major problems, Jane put photos up on Facebook. |
Clorox Cleanup: Power a Bright Future Program |
Governor Patrick issues Environmental Purchasing Executive Order On October 27th Governor Patrick issued an executive order "Establishing and Environmental Purchasing Policy" for the State of Massachusetts. This is a long awaited victory for AHT as we have been pressing for such an executive order for two years! The section then details specific areas of purchasing to be addressed including: cleaning products, floor finishes, pest control, mercury, lead and other heavy metals, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), computers, water treatment chemicals and processes, paper products, fertilizers, PBDEs (toxic flame retardants) in furniture, clothing, etc. and more! Elizabeth Saunders |
Safer Alternatives Bill hearing a great success Last Monday, November 2nd, the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture held a public hearing on the Safer Alternatives Bill, AHT's top priority legislation. With only two weeks notice to organize the hearing, this coalition showed it's incredible dedication, power and cohesiveness. Twenty four experts and advocates representing all different constituencies and areas of expertise testified in support of the bill. They included scientists, ecnomists, parents, people affected by toxic chemicals, and representatives of labor, faith, business, environmental, public health, and civic organizations. All gave compelling and passionate testimony. A full list of who testified is below. The Committee Chairs, Senator Anthony Petruccelli and Representative William Straus, were present and engaged and asked thoughtful questions of those giving testimony throughout the 5 hour hearing. Dozens of other AHT member organizations submitted written testimony in support of the bill. Legislators who came to testify included bill Sponsors Senator Steven Tolman and Representative Jay Kaufman as well as Representatives Frank Smizik, Ellen Story, Lori Ehrlich, Denise Provost, Steven D'Amico, and Michael Brady and Senators Ken Donnelly (who testified as a former firefighter as well as a Senator) and Pat Jehlen. Of course industry groups also came to oppose the bill including the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the American Chemistry Council, the Toy Industry Association and manufacturers of brominated flame retardants. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a success! Stay tuned for next steps. Sincerely, |
EPA Study Reveals Widespread Contamination of Fish in U.S. Lakes and Reservoirs |
EPA Requests Comments on Survey for Stormwater Rule The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a survey to help strengthen stormwater regulations and reduce stormwater discharges from newly developed and redeveloped sites. Stormwater discharges can harm water quality through increases in stormwater volume and pollutant loadings into nearby waterways. Generally, as sites are developed, less ground area is available for rain to soak into, which increases stormwater volume. This stormwater flows across roads, rooftops and other surfaces, picking up pollutants that then flow into waterways. The draft survey would require detailed information about stormwater management and control practices, local regulations, and baseline financial information. EPA plans to propose a rule to control stormwater from newly developed and redeveloped sites and to take final action no later than November 2012. In support of this rulemaking, EPA is proposing to require three different groups to complete questionnaires about current stormwater management practices: 1) the owners, operators, developers, and contractors of newly and redeveloped sites; 2) the owners and operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems; and 3) states and territories. The proposed survey will be open for public comment for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. More information: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking return to top |
EPA Announces Water Laboratory Alliance Launch |
Environment Committee Hearing The Environment Committee is holding a hearing on Tuesday, December 1st at 11 am in Room A-2. More than a dozen bills will be heard on a variety of issues including:
If you would like any additional information on bills being heard or bill texts, please contact Nancy Goodman at ngoodman@environmentalleague.org. |
EEA Seeks Ideas for Reorganization, Public-Private Partnerships, and Regulatory Models The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has scheduled six "listening sessions" to take public input on options for changes in agency structures and programs to meet environmental goals in light of budget challenges. After four rounds of spending reductions over the past two fiscal years and in anticipation of an equally challenging budget for next year, Governor Deval Patrick has instructed his Cabinet Secretaries to present him with options for departmental reorganization and consolidation, streamlined operations and procedures, and new models for doing the public's business. The schedule for public listening sessions is as follows: Public Private Partnerships Wednesday, November 18, 4-6 p.m., Governor's Western Mass. Office, 436 Dwight St., Springfield, Hearing Room Friday, November 20, 12 noon-2 pm, DEP Office, 1 Winter Street, Boston, Washington Street Conference Room 2nd floor Thursday, November 19, 4-6 pm, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, 2nd floor, Conference Room B |
Curt Spalding Appointed New EPA Region 1 Administrator President Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the appointment of Curt Spalding as EPA Region 1 Administrator last Thursday. Mr. Spalding has extensive experience in the environmental protection field as an advocate, policy analyst and administrator. For almost 20 years he served as Executive Director of Save The Bay in Rhode Island, a nationally recognized environmental advocacy and education organization. He established the Narragansett BayKeeper and Habitat Restoration programs and oversaw the successful completion of the $9 million Explore The Bay Campaign and construction of the Save The Bay Center at Fields Point in Providence, RI. Prior to joining Save the Bay, Spalding was an Environmental Protection Specialist and Presidential Management Intern at EPA's offices in Boston and Washington, D.C. Spalding received his bachelor's degree from Hobart College and an M.P.A. from SUNY at Albany in Albany, NY. For Spalding's statement, please go here. |
Grant to CET will help towns reduce, reuse and recycle Rural towns, businesses and individuals in western Massachusetts are eligible for help increasing recycling, composting, reducing and managing their waste through a $90,000 grant award to the Center for Ecological Technology (CET) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development. This new funding will enable CET to help communities with fewer than 10,000 residents divert waste from landfills and combustion facilities through waste reduction, reuse and recycling. “We're excited to be able to work with a broad range of groups in western Mass,” said Jamie Cahillane, director of recycling services for CET. Businesses, schools and other groups often struggle with how to safely dispose of items like spent fluorescent bulbs, outdated electronics, rechargeable batteries, and household hazardous waste. CET staff will work with schools, farms and businesses to increase the amount of organic food waste being composted. CET will teach school children about the importance of reducing waste during the holidays and utilizing reused materials for gifts and wrapping paper. CET will assist schools with necessary recycling programs. In addition, CET waste management specialists will be available to conduct presentations or lead discussions on such topics as how to compost, how to reduce waste or how to use less toxic products at home and in the garden. In western Massachusetts , communities have an economic incentive to recycle. Most western Massachusetts towns receive an average of more than $20 for every ton of recyclables that they bring to the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility. “The production, transport and disposal of items that are no longer wanted results in greenhouse gases that directly contribute to climate change,” said CET Co-Director Laura Dubester. “Recycling and reducing waste are easy steps that everyone can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—at home, at work and in our communities.” “Keeping scenic, western Massachusetts beautiful requires the best practices to safeguard the environment,” said John Olver (D-1st District.) “Know-how is essential to waste reduction, reuse and recycling. This grant will provide communities, businesses and schools with valuable tools to preserve what’s unique about our area.” “USDA Rural Development has been working with CET for several years now and we are very pleased to continue to support their efforts toward waste reduction and education about reuse and recycling,” said Rural Development State Director Jay Healy. “Our agency’s mission is to improve the quality of life in rural America and CET has proven to be a great partner in that endeavor.” For more information, contact Jamie Cahillane at jamiec@cetonline.org or call 413-445-4556, ext. 14. The Center for Ecological Technology (CET) is a non-profit energy and resource conservation and waste management organization serving western Massachusetts , with offices in Pittsfield , Northampton and Springfield . CET is an equal opportunity provider and is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. |
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’s 2009 Land Protection Report Here is the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’s 2009 Land Protection Report, which summarizes all the state’s land protection work in FY09 (July 08 through June 09). |
Protect drinking water from natural gas drilling chemicals Despite risks of drinking water contamination, chemicals used in the natural gas drilling process called "hydraulic fracturing" continue to go unchecked and unregulated. Ask your Senators and Representative to co-sponsor the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act, or "FRAC Act" (H.R. 2766 and S. 1215), which would require companies to make public the chemicals they put underground near our water sources, and regulate hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Visit The Wilderness Society website for more info. |
thanksgiving / local, thankful, not wasteful At your family’s Thanksgiving celebration this year, family and friends gather from far and wide to give thanks, but how far does the food have to travel? According to Local Harvest, most U.S. produce is picked 4 to 7 days before being placed on supermarket shelves, and is shipped for an average of 1500 miles. Try cutting down your feast’s carbon footprint by inviting local foods from the farmer's market to be guests of honor at your table. This handy tool will help you find farmer’s market, family farms, coops, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area. Create a new tradition by choosing vegetarian dishes over turkey, and save a bundle of carbon. A recent study by the World Watch Institute found that 51% of global greenhouse emissions, a much higher percentage than previously thought, are attributable to the livestock industry. To get started on your meat-free holiday, here are some tasty vegetarian recipes to explore. No matter what you have for dinner, try to manage your waist, and your waste: Americans waste 14% of their food purchases each year, and this number tends to go up during the holidays. Lest your food scraps produce methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, from the landfill, use this great list of “50 Ways to Never Waste Food Again” for ideas on how to use them up. |
An opportunity to buy local for your Thanksgiving Day festivities: Support our local farmers and artisan producers who will be offering produce, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, bread, pies and other baked goods, plus pickles and jams. Come meet (and show thanks) to the hardworking farmers and producers of our region on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, buy goodies for your holiday. Great Barrington at the old firehouse on Castle Street in Great Barrington -- The Orion Grassroots Network provides services and support to grassroots organizations engaged in ecological, social, and cultural change. |
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If you have a few minutes to read this 5 page article, from Green America, it's worth it. It really makes you think about where our food is coming from and who is benefitting from it, especially as we enter into the holiday consumption season. Enjoy! |
The Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar is now available for Sale It makes a great holiday gift and all proceeds benefit Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom. Send your payment and order to: Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom Your purchase of this unique local calendar will show your enthusiasm for Massachusetts agriculture, and will also support the many educational efforts of Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom (MAC), the designated recipient of the proceeds. This attractive calendar will make a nice hostess or holiday gift for any friend or family member who has an interest in agriculture. The Mass. Agriculture Calendar was a collaboration between the U.S. D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and MAC. It was created to educate consumers about the rich diversity of agriculture in the state, while at the same time providing an attractive color calendar that is a daily reminder of Massachusetts agriculture. Each month of the calendar features one full-size photograph portraying a local farm or farm product in season. Photos were submitted by amateur photographers from across the state for our 2009 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest. View the winning photos and check out the rules for taking and sending photographs to the 2010 Mass. Agriculture contest at www.mass.gov/agr/events. The goals of the calendar is to serve as an educational tool for teachers, legislators and the general public, while at the same time to create an attractive color calendar that is a daily reminder of Massachusetts agriculture. The calendar offers agriculture education information for teachers including web sites and educational tips on each page. Nine non-profit agricultural commodity organizations sponsored individual calendar pages. The calendar also includes local agriculture facts, conservation facts, agriculture and horticulture related events and websites, as well as a chart showing the seasons of local crops. Nine non-profit agricultural commodity organizations each sponsored a page in the calendar. They are the Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association (July); Massachusetts Association of Roadside Stands and Pick-Your-Own (August); Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association (December); Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board (June); Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (January); Massachusetts Flower Growers Association (May); Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association (September); Massachusetts Maple Producers Association (March); and Massachusetts State Grange (April). The proceeds from these sponsorships and calendar sales benefit Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom. Thanks. Debi Hogan |
From the West Stockbridge Author and Co-founder of Berkshire Grown comes the Local Food Book for Everyone Finally, the definitive how-to guide for seeking out and savoring locally grown, raised and produced farm-fresh foods all year long. It’s the only local food reference you will ever need, a practical solution to The Omnivore's Dilemma for everyone As Amy Cotler states in her introduction, “The deceptively simple act of eating fresh, seasonal foods grown close to home is creating a wave of change.” We’re all much more conscious of our food supply these days, wary of bioengineered “superfoods” and bacterial infections from improperly processed produce and meat. A new generation of urban farmers is emerging in cities and towns, determined to give back to the land instead of taking from it. Restaurants serving locally sourced beef and produce are growing in number and in quality; gone are the images of the hole-in-the-wall vegetarian place down the street that only serves brown rice and tofu. Locally grown food is healthier, fresher and it tastes better. But how to start? By reading The Locavore Way: Discover and Enjoy the Pleasures of Locally Grown Food by Amy Cotler, food activist, cookbook writer, recipe developer, and chef. It’s filled with tips, guidelines, resources, personal experiences and anecdotes, as well as wonderful recipes and seasonal improvisations that celebrate the bounty of the local harvest. The Locavore Way is the only reference on the market to answer readers' questions about local food, including how to find it and cook it wherever they live, and even how to grow their own or become an activist for change. By focusing on the joy of connecting with the people and places responsible for producing what we eat, Cotler shows readers how easy it can be to embrace the locavore lifestyle. Amy Cotler, a longtime advocate of local eating, has worked as a chef, caterer, cooking teacher, recipe developer and cookbook author. Her books include Wrap it Up, The Secret Garden Cookbook and The Massachusetts Farm to School Cookbook, which is available free on-line. She served as the founding director of Berkshire Grown, a regional organization that has received national recognition as a model for local food advocacy. Cotler taught at the Culinary Institute of America and the Institute of Culinary Education. She was the food form host for The New York Times on the Web and a major contributor to revised Joy of Cooking. Reach her and her local food recipe blog at www.amycotler.com |
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