In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
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by town
The BEAT News Archives
Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)
DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire
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Join in the Fight to Save Our Rivers!
(from MassAudubon's Advocacy Department)
Last week, the Patrick Administration took a giant step backward in protecting our streams and rivers, all the while claiming it had the environment’s best interests in mind. As a result, the four environmental groups on the state’s Water Resources Management Advisory Committee have resigned in protest of the disregard for river protection. These organizations – Conservation Law Foundation, Charles River Watershed Association, Ipswich River Watershed Association, and Clean Water Action – resigned en masse after hearing the state’s new definition of “safe yield” water withdrawal levels.
Mass Audubon is working to reverse this decision. For more information and to contact Governor Patrick to ask him to restore river protections, visit the Conservation Law Foundation’s website: https://secure2.convio.net/clf/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=246
Read the recent article in the Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2009/10/15/mass_waterway_members_resign_over_safety_issues/
BEAT Note: We completely agree with Mass Audubon. This is a huge step backward. Please, help us reverse this decision!
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GE Suggests New Approach for Rest of River
First a review for new subscribers: Two miles of the Housatonic River have already undergone a cleanup process. Some of the PCB contaminated sediment removed from the river was transported out of state and the rest of it was deposited on Merrill Road in a large pile that is now called Hill 78. In March 2008 GE presented a 700 page proposal/study called the CMS which outlined options for removing PBCs from the Housatonic River (and floodplain) from Fred Garner Park in Ward 4 to Woods Pond in Lee, and beyond. This next phase of cleanup is referred to as the Rest of River by the EPA.
The 700 page proposal drew criticism from the public and EPA. Complaints centered on using the same dredging approach that was done in the first 2 miles ("killing the river to save it") and GE's suggestion that the dredged sediments once again go into local landfills. This was uniformly unpopular, not surprisingly. Not only do people not want more toxic dumps in Pittsfield but there is something philosophically disappointing about spending so much effort and money on a process that simply relocates the PCB's a mile away.
So EPA sent GE back to the drawing board and now, approximately a year later, we have an 84 page addendum to the original GE proposal. Click here to download the document from the EPA website. The addendum explore new "environmentally sensitive" cleanup alternatives that, in a nutshell, remove more PCB's but affect fewer acres of land. Essentially, clean the worst sections more thoroughly (Woods Pond) and leave some of the less polluted sections alone entirely. The EPA is accepting public comments on this addendum through Friday October 23. Instructions for commenting are available on the same web page linked above.
Mike Ward
City Councilor Ward 4
Pittsfield, MA
ward4ward4.com
413-499-0462
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Word Play Power Day
A celebration of the power of words to address global climate change will take place October 24 from 10AM to 1PM at Williamstown Elementary School. This event, “Word Play Power Day” is part of the local Words are Wonderful literacy festival at the school, and also marks the International Day of Climate Action (see www.350.org).
Local actions will take place across the country and around the globe, with over 2400 actions planned in 167 countries on this day. The events will all focus on the need for reducing the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million to blunt the impact of human induced climate change. Carbon dioxide levels are currently 387 parts per million in the atmosphere, and it is believed escalating emissions will cause increases in global temperature of greater than 2 degrees Celsius. Temperature rise in this range would threaten our ability to sustain life as we know it on the planet.
The day will begin with First Congregational Church tolling its bells 350 times at 10AM as a call to action. Organizations from throughout the community will be on hand at the Elementary School to stage an educational and fun event that organizers hope will mobilize people to take actions in their own homes and communities to promote a sustainable climate.
After making a “climate passport” with Storey Publishing, people can travel around the gym to have interactive experiences related to climate change. Inkberry will stage a reading of 350 nature poems (all are invited to bring an original or favorite poem to read). Kidspace will be onhand to promote fun with local food, and Wild Oats Community Market will offer information and tasting of local food. Local textile artist and environmentalist Crispina ffrench will work with children using recycled textiles to create a collaborative art piece with the number “350”.
There will be energy efficiency and renewable energy technology on display. Hoosac River Watershed Association will provide a “water tasting” to promote drinking local tap water over bottled water. A Williams College Zip Car will be on site and people can learn about how to sign up with the Zip Car program. Williams College students will present information about climate change. The Williamstown Police Department will run a safe bicycling clinic. BRTA will have a small bus. Mount Greylock students will attend and bring along letters to Senator Kerry urging him to act quickly to pass a climate bill that will reduce emissions in advance of the Copenhagen climate meetings in December. There will be music by local band Trophy Husbands, and those attending will have an opportunity to hear from Senator Ben Downing.
Food and pumpkin carving will be available in the cafeteria, and a Scholastic book fair will take place in the auditorium. All are invited. Climate change is a moral issue as our world is faced with human-caused changes that will harm millions, especially the world’s poorest and most vulnerable.
The partnership between Words are Wonderful, a well established and beloved fixture in the community, and the International Day of Climate Action is a powerful one because it allows children, families, and community members who might not ordinarily attend a climate change awareness event to engage with the issue in a fun and meaningful way, and hopefully walk away empowered to take personal actions to address the issue.
People of all ages are welcome and are encouraged to walk or bike to the event. For those who drive, there will be free tire pressure testing and tire inflation. People are encouraged to drive or bike from the event to Jiminy Peak for a 1:00 tour of the Zephyr wind turbine by the Center for Ecological Technology.
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2nd annual Winter Blitz
The Lehman Council for Community Engagement and the Thursday Night
Environmental Group would like to invite you to join us on Saturday, November 7 for the 2nd annual Winter Blitz. Last year on November 15, over 120 volunteers from Williams and the community weatherized 43 homes, providing basic comfort measures such as window caulking and weather stripping to help with the oncoming winter season. We’re now recruiting for this year’s event and are hoping to have 150 volunteers and weatherize 60 homes in North Adams, Adams, and Williamstown.
We would love to have you participate as a team member! The event will run from around 11 am-4 pm (exact details will be forthcoming), and it will be a great opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to work side by side. If you will be able to drive a group in your personal car, please let us know as well.
Email Madeline King at msk1@williams.edu if you’re interested in signing up or have any further questions. Thanks for your time!
Sincerely,
The Winter Blitz Team
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Asian Longhorned Beetles found Outside Worcester
After additional Asian longhorned beetle-infested trees were found in West Boylston (Worcester Telegram & Gazette) - http://bit.ly/xghjr), the regulated area was expanded to include the entire town. View the latest version of the map, which now encompasses 74 square miles: http://bit.ly/2ltxFk
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Coffee Drinkers Can Help Save Birds
Partnership will benefit Local Important Bird Areas and Protect Tropical Bird Habitat
- from Mass Audubon
Did you know that you can help birds by simply drinking coffee? The right type of coffee, that is. Mass Audubon, a leader in bird conservation since 1896, has joined Massachusetts-based Birds & Beans’ efforts to provide consumers with shade grown Bird Friendly coffee to help stop population loss of North American songbirds in their winter homes in Latin America. Birds & Beans coffee is USDA-approved, 100 percent organic, and certified Bird Friendly by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC), guarantying the coffee comes from farms that meet the highest possible standards of habitat quality and protection. Bird Friendly coffee farms, primarily family owned, provide winter shelter and sustenance to huge numbers of beautiful migratory birds - thrushes, warblers, orioles, tanagers, and more - that spend their summers in New England.
Birds & Beans also helps to protect our birds in another way. Each month Mass Audubon’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program will receive $1 for every online Birds & Beans customer and subscriber in Massachusetts. The IBA Program identifies and works to protect critical bird habitat in the state. Currently, there are 79 IBA sites in Massachusetts encompassing more than 900,000 acres. “The Important Birds Areas Program works to ensure appropriate stewardship for birds during their stay in Massachusetts,” says Wayne Petersen, ornithologist and Mass Audubon director of the Important Bird Areas Program. “By drinking SMBC-certified Bird Friendly coffee, we help safeguard the migratory birds we know and love during their time away from North America.”
Additionally, the USDA certified 100 percent Organic Birds & Beans coffee is Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance approved and the beans are freshly roasted right here in New England. Buying coffee from Birds & Beans will support the Massachusetts IBA program as well as small businesses, while helping to preserve tropical forest habitat for birds and other wildlife, providing fair profits for farmers, and reducing pesticides where the coffee is grown.
Learn more by visiting http://www.massaudubon.org/birdsandbeans or http://www.birdsandbeans.com <http://www.birdsandbeans.com/> .
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Climate Action: Going the Distance to Safeguard the Future
Four local activist “iron men and women” will be biking 350 kilometers (218 miles) to help raise awareness of the International Day of Climate Action on October 24. This ride is one of many local events inspired by 350.org, a consortium of 200 global organizations committed to uniting the world around solutions to climate change.
More than a thousand events in over one hundred countries will be held on October 24 to encourage the leaders of the world to sign a meaningful and courageous global climate treaty at the international climate conference in Copenhagen in December. The number 350 stands for parts per million of CO2, the highest concentration in the atmosphere that is considered sustainable for civilization as we know it to continue and develop. Currently, the concentration of CO2 is around 390 ppm.
“The urgency to act—and to act boldly—could not be greater,” says ride organizer and cyclist Uli Nagel, “so we wanted to participate in a bold way. The ride is meant to be a symbol that we can accomplish a lot more than we often think we can, individually and collectively. It’s in this spirit that the concept of the Going the Distance ride was hatched.”
The 350 km route will encompass two loops, both starting in Stockbridge, MA. The northern loop, which will take place on Saturday, October 24, will include Pittsfield , North Adams , Williamstown, New Lebanon, and West Stockbridge. The southern loop, on the following day, will include Great Barrington, Salisbury , Millerton, Wassaic, and Hillsdale.
The group’s slogan, “Lower CO2, Raise Consciousness,” is inspired by all people worldwide who are working to safeguard our planet, and by EnlightenNext, an organization dedicated to liberating the human spirit in order to create a more conscious and enlightened future for us all.
The Going the Distance riders say local residents can support them in two ways: greet them and learn more at one of the many support stations that will be set up along the 350 kilometers route, and contact Massachusetts politicians, encouraging them to push hard for action to reach 350ppm.
For more information about specific events and the support station locations, or to schedule an interview, contact Rod Stanbrook at (413) 329-7570, and visit www.350.org.
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Dear Friends,
We have about 15,000 square feet of raised beds with drip irrigation and two green houses available in Shelburne Falls, Mass., near Greenfield, Mass.
In 2008 there was a CSA for 15 families, this season a few families shared the growing space and were able to cultivate about half of it.
We would love to see this resource used to produce high quality food.
The land has fruit and nut orchards, berries, a weedy "forest garden", a sugar maple grove, and about 85 acres of forest land.
We also have a four bedroom apartment on the land available for rent, the apartment and the fields do not need to be a package, but we would like to see people living on the land who want to steward the land in some way. The apartment has radiant wood heat, wood floors and big windows.
The fields could also be used as a community garden, if someone wants to organize a group.
Please contact us for more information, we are a family with an 8 year old boy who live in a separate house, and own the property.
With gratitude,
Amanda, David and Jono Crutcher
--
Amanda Crutcher
><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸.·´¯`·...¸.·´¯`·><((((º>
·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`><((((º>¸.·
AmandaCrutcher@ gmail.com
(413) 625-6414
(413) 775-3061 cell
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Environmental Justice Programs Funded
Norman Foundation: Environmental Justice Grants
The Norman Foundation supports efforts throughout the United States that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own economic, environmental, and social well-being, and that help people control those forces that affect their lives. The Foundation's Environmental Justice grants provide funding to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent the disposal of toxics in communities and to link environmental issues with economic and social justice. Programs that can serve as a model for other organizations and communities are encouraged. In addition, priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of under $1 million. The upcoming deadline for Environmental Justice grants is December 1, 2009. Visit the Foundation's website (http://www.normanfdn.org/) to review the process for submitting letters of inquiry.
Fellowships for Social Entrepreneurs
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Echoing Green Fellowship Program
Echoing Green invests in outstanding emerging social entrepreneurs to help them launch new organizations that deliver bold, high-impact solutions to society's most difficult problems. Each year, Echoing Green awards 12 to 15 two-year fellowships to entrepreneurs worldwide who are creating innovative social change organizations. Fellowships are provided to individuals (at least 18 years of age) or partnerships (organizations led by two people) with: innovative solutions to significant social and environmental problems; strategies to create high-impact, sustainable change in people's lives; and the ability to grow and lead a new organization. Fellows receive seed funding ($60,000 for individuals and $90,000 for partnerships) and technical support to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable social change organizations. The application deadline is December 2, 2009. Online application information is available on the Echoing Green website (http://www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship).
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BERKSHIRE BLACKOUT!
The Berkshire Leadership Program class of 2009, a program of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Berkshire Blackout, a community energy awareness campaign. Berkshire Blackout will kick off in conjunction with 350.org's International Day of Climate Action on Oct 24 and continue until Oct 31st. This program is an easy way to begin reducing your business' carbon footprint and potentially save a few dollars in the process.
We are asking over 100 businesses in Berkshire County to consider making a green pledge to reduce their energy use for one week. It's as simple as pledging to do something that is easy for you to remember each day for a week: unplug a copier, turn off the lights, or start a recycling program. Contact Jessica or Shane if you would like to participate!
Thanks!
MaryBeth
Jessica Zaccari
Phone : 413-738-5500 ext.3020
Fax: 413-738-5427
BerkshireBlackout@gmail.com
Shane Imler
Recognition & Distribution Specialist
Phone: (413) 395-4293
Fax: (413) 395-5293
Shane_Imler@berkshirelife.com
#######
Christina L. Barrett
Director of Marketing & Communication
Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
Phone : 413-499-4000 ext.15
Fax: 413-447-9641
cbarrett@berkshirechamber.com
MaryElizabeth Merritt, Ph.D.
The Living Learning Collaborative
at Four Winds Farm
110 Christian Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413-528-4262/3079*
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More Defections
News from the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (MLEV)
In a shocking environmental move, the Patrick administration released new regulations that remove environment factors from consideration when determining how much water can be withdrawn from a river under the Water Management Act. What’s most startling about this is that this policy has been held up by the past five governors that said a river’s “safe yield” must be protected in order to leave at least some level of water in the river to sustain its habitat.
In response to this action the Conservation Law Foundation, Charles River Watershed Association, the Ipswich River Watershed Association and Clean Water Action have resigned from the Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) Water Resource Management Advisory Committee. This move marks the largest, and most significant, split between environmentalists and the Patrick administration. According to the group, the new ruling allows MassDEP to withdraw “until there is no water left in a river.” Furthermore, this decision was made without consulting the Advisory Committee, which was created to help the agency in water management.
In 2007 the Ipswich River basin was the subject of a MA Supreme Court ruling stating that MassDEP’s safe yield was too high, and that a new methodology must be created for determining its safe yield. Now, the agency has determined that it can withdraw 22 million gallons more than its previous determination which the court ruled was too high. These groups believe water now is not being properly managed, and that they’ve been forced to resign as their collective missions are to “protect, preserve, and restore the environment of Massachusetts.” One of our four top priorities for this legislative session is a bill that will create stream flow standards for our streams and rivers. In light of this regulatory change, this bill is needed more than ever to protect our waterways.
Visit the MLEV website.
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We're Not Gonna Take It
News from the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (MLEV)
This month has seen a number defections by major corporations from the US Chamber of Commerce over the Chamber's lobbying against climate legislation and EPA regulation of greenhouse gases. The daily defections have gotten major media attention and signal that the old premise of environment versus business is simply not true anymore. Many US companies see the urgent need to address climate change and do not support efforts to kill the Senate bill.
Companies that have departed include Apple and three major utility companies: Pacific Gas & Electric, PNM Resources and Exelon. Another company, Nike, gave up its board seat, but said it would retain membership in order to “advocate for climate change legislation inside the committee structure.” Furthermore, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers came out last month arguing for a nationwide set of rules instead of a patchwork of statewide regulations. Environmentalists and legislators hope that this pressure from the business community will be the necessary catalyst to pass climate change legislation in the Senate by the end of the year.
Depite the attention, theWhite House Office of Energy and Climate Change announced that they do not think that climate bill will pass before the Copenhagen talks. This may be the case, but we know that the Senate has signaled their intent to move the bill once health care is done. There is a lot on their plate this fall, but we know from meetings with several Senators last week that the Chamber defections are making an impact on Capitol Hill.
Visit the MLEV website.
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Project Sprout
by Natalie Akers, Sarah Steadman, Sam Levin, and Ben Fish
Great Barrington, Massachusetts— Amid soccer fields, parking lots, baseball fields and the everyday commotion at Monument Mountain Regional High School, there is a 12,500-square-foot organic vegetable garden and heirloom fruit orchard (cherry, pear, and apple). This is Project Sprout, the first student-initiated and student-run vegetable garden at a public high school in the United States. <Check out Project Sprout in Orion Magazine.>
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TPL's Conservation Program Handbook Now Available
Voters have approved more $54 billion for conservation over the last two decades, but the counties and communities faced with managing the funding face a common challenge: How do we implement a new conservation program?
The Conservation Program Handbook offers comprehensive guidance for conservation professionals to effectively and efficiently conserve local landscapes. Based on a nationwide study of successful efforts, the handbook delivers best practices for critical issues conservationists must address.
Full color, softcover, 264 pages. Order The Conservation Program Handbook from The Trust for Public Lands.
The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
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SECOND ANNUAL CLEAN ENERGY CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE AND OPPORTUNITY FAIR
Pathways to Economic Growth and Good Careers through Clean Energy
Tuesday, November 10 2009
MassMutual Center, Springfield
ATTENTION EXHIBITORS
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION – www.umass.edu/green/conference/exhibit.html
Why Exhibit at Clean Energy Connections?
- Showcase your green technology, services, practices, or products.
- Connect with customers and clients.
- Find talent.
LAST YEAR'S INAUGURAL EVENT ATTRACTED 650 PEOPLE REPRESENTING AT LEAST 200 DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS.
ATTENDEES INCLUDED CAREER SEEKERS, STUDENTS, ENTREPRENEURS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS.
The Clean Energy Connections conference is produced by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and
coordinated in partnership with area businesses, community organizations, agencies and institutions of higher education.
EXHIBITOR BENEFITS:
- Tabletop space in the Opportunity Fair.
- Receive one (1) complimentary full-day registration for the conference.
- Have your business, organization, or agency listed in the conference notebook.
- Have your attendee identified with an Exhibitor Ribbon on their name badge.
The Clean Energy Connections Opportunity Fair is hosted by
The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
www.umass.edu/green/conference
Clean Energy Connections is a career and business
development information and networking event.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
"Green Recovery since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" - Dr. Robert Pollin, UMass Amherst Political Economy Research Institute
"Sustainability as a critical driver of profitable growth" - Andrew Shapiro, Founder and President of Green Order
SESSION TOPICS:
- Careers in Energy Efficiency - Workforce Trends and Opportunities
- Energy Efficiency as a Growth Sector - Business Opportunities in EE
- Preparing for a Clean Energy Career - Training and Educational Opportunities
- Starting and Financing your Clean Energy Business - Harnessing Ideas and Accessing Resources
- Growing the Green Economy in Your Community
FULL PROGRAM HERE: http://www.umass.edu/green/conference/program.html
View Promotional Video Here: http://www.umass.edu/green/conference/overview.html#promo
REGISTER TODAY – http://www.umass.edu/green/conference/exhibit.html
Clean Energy Connections is made possible through the support and generosity of our sponsors:
- Western Massachusetts Electric Company
- MassMutual
- PeoplesBank
- UMass Amherst
- WGBY – Public Television for Western New England
- Masslive.com
- GreenSpringfield.com
- Coop Power
- Amherst Community Television
- Environmental Compliance Services, Inc (ecs)
- Greendustry Park
- Clear Channel Springfield
- DOHERTY, WALLACE, PILLSBURY & MURPHY P.C Attorneys at Law
- Cantor Colburn LLP
HIGH-VISIBILITY SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE.
Contact:
Marla Michel
413-577-0092
marla@research.umass.edu
BECOME A NON-PROFIT AFFILIATE AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT CLEAN ENERGY CONNECTIONS 2009.
Contact:
Loren Walker
413-577-3725
loren@research.umass.edu
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EPA's "The Effect of Climate Change on Water Resources and Programs"
EPA's Watershed Academy has released a new online module titled "The Effect of Climate Change on Water Resources and Programs." This module is based on EPA's National Water Program Strategy: Response to Climate Change posted at http://epa.gov/ow/climatechange/strategy.html. The module provides basic information on climate change, the water-related effects of climate change in the United States, and the implications for EPA's National Water Program. The module is part of EPA's Watershed Academy Web that includes more than 50 online modules regarding various aspects of watershed management. To view these new modules go to http://epa.gov/watertrain/climate_water/
EPA's Watershed Academy is also sponsoring a Webcast on "Working Together to Address the Effects of Climate Change on Water Resources" on October 27, 2009 at 1:00-3:00pm Eastern. To register for this Webcast, visit: http://epa.gov/watershedwebcasts
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