Thank you to Rachel Branch, producer of the television show Solutions Rising for including a “BEAT” series for people to learn more about the fracked gas pipelines proposed to bring gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania across New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to a gas hub in Dracut, MA. The show interviews many people providing information about the proposed pipelines as well as the many alternatives to these pipelines.
Kinder Morgan suspends Northeast Energy Direct project
Kinder Morgan, the nation’s largest pipeline operator, has pulled the plug on its highly controversial Tennessee Gas Northeast Energy Direct pipeline, citing lack of distribution commitments from distributors. The surprise announcement late Wednesday followed a company board meeting in Houston. All work and spending has been suspended on the 412-mile pipeline project that would have crossed seven Berkshire County towns from Hancock to Hinsdale. Reported by Clarence Fanto in The Berkshire Eagle, April 20, 2016.
Oral arguments heard in landmark Berkshire County pipeline case
Before a packed courtroom Friday afternoon, Berkshire Superior Court Justice John Agostini questioned lawyers for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. and the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey in a case being watched by pipeline foes and energy boosters alike. After about two hours, Agostini thanked Attorney James Messenger and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Ireland for their “thoughtful arguments,” and said he would rule “as soon as possible, given the important issues raised here.” By Mary Serreze, The Berkshire Eagle, April 16, 2016
Sheffield Tree Project Joins the Sheffield Land Trust
“LIVING THE CHANGE” Climate Action & Sustainability Fair to be held at Shire City Sanctuary on May 7th
The first-ever Berkshire climate and sustainability fair, entitled LIVING THE CHANGE, will be held on May 7, 2016 from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm at The Shire City Sanctuary at 40 Melville Street in Pittsfield. The event is FREE and open to all. The fair features a full day of activities, including presentations, community dialogue sessions, youth art and activities, music and food, as well as vendor and non-profit booths. An environmental film entitled “This Changes Everything” will also be shown, followed by a dance party in the evening!
Announcing the Opening of Helia Native Nursery in Great Barrington, MA
Continuing in the tradition of Project Native, Helia Native Nursery will open Thursday, April 21st to provide Berkshire County with a small nursery that specializes in native plants. The nursery will strive to inspire people to engage with nature and create wild life habitats for birds and insects native to this area. The nursery will feature a wide selection of native plants, and a garden store that houses materials, tools and information that inspire the integration of simplicity and natural beauty into everyday life.
State Senate climate change committee to hold hearing on Kinder Morgan gas pipeline
State Senate President Pro Tempore Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, has announced that the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change plans to hold an oversight hearing on the proposed Northeast Energy Direct natural gas pipeline project and the state’s clean energy future. The hearing is scheduled to take place May 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Massachusetts Statehouse in Room 428. By Mary Serreze, The Berkshire Eagle, April 14, 2016
3 officials charged in Flint water crisis
The Flint water crisis became a criminal case Wednesday when two state regulators and a city employee were charged with official misconduct, evidence-tampering and other offenses over the lead contamination that has alarmed parents and brought cries of racism. ‘‘This is a road back to restoring faith and confidence in all Michigan families in their government,’’ Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in announcing the charges, months after officials conceded a series of bad decisions caused the disaster. He warned there will be more charges — ‘‘That I can guarantee’’ — and added: ‘‘No one is off the table.’’ By Mike Householder and Ed White (AP) as reported in The Boston Globe, April 20, 2016.
Jobs
Laborer I – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield) – SIX POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Seasonal Ranger I (West) – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
Seasonal Forest And Park Supervisor III (West) – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
Seasonal Forestry Assistant – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
Laborer II – Long Term Seasonal – MA Dept. of Conservation and Rereation (Pittsfield)
Environmental Justice Job – Arise for Social Justice
GIS Developer / Analyst – Housatonic Valley Association
Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery and Land Design
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary of Mass Audubon
Kinder Morgan suspends Northeast Energy Direct project
By Clarence Fanto
The Berkshire Eagle
April 20, 2016
Kinder Morgan, the nation’s largest pipeline operator, has pulled the plug on its highly controversial Tennessee Gas Northeast Energy Direct pipeline, citing lack of distribution commitments from distributors.
The surprise announcement late Wednesday followed a company board meeting in Houston.
All work and spending has been suspended on the 412-mile pipeline project that would have crossed seven Berkshire County towns from Hancock to Hinsdale.
The line that would have served Berkshire Gas, National Grid and at least five other companies that had signed on the project was slated to begin in Wright, N.Y., 40 miles west of Schenectady and end at the existing terminal in Dracut, near Lowell.
Economic headwinds buffeting energy companies were an apparent factor in the decision, according to industry sources, since Kinder Morgan missed their own quarterly earnings projections.
The project had triggered widespread opposition along the route, especially in the Berkshires, as well as the Pioneer Valley, southern New Hampshire and in New York’s Columbia County.
However, the Connecticut Expansion Project that includes four miles of new pipeline through Sandisfield, including state-protected land in Otis State Forest, is still ongoing, said Steve Crawford, a Kinder Morgan spokesman in Boston.
In a written statement on the demise of the Northeast Energy Direct line, Kinder Morgan’s Vice President for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Dave Conover explained that last July, the company’s board approved the “market path” segment of the Tennessee Gas project from Wright, N.Y., to Dracut.
The $3.3 billion investment was aimed at helping “alleviate New England’s uniquely high natural gas and electricity costs caused by severely limited natural gas transportation capacity currently serving the region,” Conover stated.
But the board had not yet authorized the “supply path” portion of the project that would have routed high-pressure gas from the shale fields of southwest Pennsylvania to upstate New York.
The company cited “production innovations” that have caused falling prices that were good for consumers but difficult for producers to make new long-term commitments.
Current market conditions and “financial instability” also called into question the ability of Tennessee Gas to secure supplies for the project, the company announcement conceded. “Given these market conditions, continuing to develop the project is not an acceptable use of shareholder funds,” Conover said.
“The board’s initial approval was based on existing contractual commitments at the time by local gas distribution companies to purchase natural gas from the project,” Conover pointed out. But the economic benefits to Kinder Morgan also required commitments from additional distribution companies, as well as electrical power generation plants and other market participants in New England.
“Tennessee Gas did not receive the additional commitments it expected,” Conover acknowledged. “As a result, there are currently neither sufficient volumes, nor a reasonable expectation of securing them, to proceed with the project as it is currently configured.”
Project opponents greeted the announcement with caution rather than elation.
“Pipeline Awareness for the Northeast has been fighting the project since our inception, and I personally have been fighting Northeast Energy Direct for more than two years,” said Kathryn Eiseman, who’s based in Cummington.
“We’ve said all along that it didn’t make economic sense, in addition to sending us in the wrong direction as far as where our energy system needs to be heading,” she told The Eagle.
However, she added, “of course Kinder Morgan isn’t done yet,” citing the continuing plan for the pipeline through Otis State Forest.
“They could still come back with a new project across our region,” Eiseman said. “Meanwhile, electric ratepayers across the commonwealth should pay attention to the fact that Eversource and National Grid want us as consumers to pay for Spectra’s Access Northeast Pipeline Project.”
“So there is still work to do,” she said, referring to Spectra Energy’s project that would serve southern New England, including parts of southeast and central Massachusetts.
Attorney General Maura Healey, who has opposed the project, applauded the move.
“In its decision to suspend further work on the NED pipeline, Kinder Morgan recognized what has been clear for some time; that the project was too big and too costly for Massachusetts ratepayers. Our office has consistently maintained that electric ratepayers should not foot the bill for additional pipelines,” she said in a statement to The Eagle. “I hope this announcement helps refocus and secure our energy future where it needs to be, with investments in clean and cost-effective energy resources.”
Kinder Morgan listed several reasons for reluctance by additional distribution companies to commit to the project. The company contended that the New England states have yet to set up regulatory procedures in connection with binding contracts with the distribution companies.
“The process in each state for establishing such procedures is open-ended, and the ultimate success of those processes is not assured,” Conover said.
The company announcement restated Tennessee Pipeline Gas’s continuing commitment “to meeting the critical need for constructing additional natural gas infrastructure in the region.”
“Although we have suspended work and further expenditures on the NED project, TGP will continue to work with customers to explore alternative solutions to address their needs, particularly local distribution companies that are unable to fully serve consumers and businesses in their areas because of the lack of access to abundant, low-cost domestic natural gas,” the company added.
State Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, a strong critic of the project, issued a statement describing the company’s decision as a “game changer.”
“This allows us to have a broader discussion about how to meet Massachusetts’ energy needs,” he wrote. “Our discussions moving forward must include a comprehensive approach to reducing energy costs for all while meeting our increasing renewable energy needs and continuing to protect our priceless public spaces.”
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Oral arguments heard in landmark Berkshire County pipeline case
By Mary Serreze
The Berkshire Eagle
April 16, 2016
PITTSFIELD — Before a packed courtroom Friday afternoon, Berkshire Superior Court Justice John Agostini questioned lawyers for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. and the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey in a case being watched by pipeline foes and energy boosters alike.
After about two hours, Agostini thanked Attorney James Messenger and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Ireland for their “thoughtful arguments,” and said he would rule “as soon as possible, given the important issues raised here.”
Tennessee seeks authority under the U.S. Natural Gas Act to condemn and take possession of a two-mile easement through the Otis State Forest to build a pipeline loop associated with its Connecticut Expansion project, which won approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on March 11. The firm also seeks an injunction to immediately cut down trees along the proposed corridor ahead of gaining all state and federal permits.
The state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns the forest, has refused to convey the easement, citing Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, which requires legislative approval for the conveyance or condemnation of conservation land. What’s more, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday said any tree cutting will need a certificate under the Federal Clean Water Act — a permit which the pipeline company has not yet procured.
Tennessee, a Kinder Morgan subsidiary, on March 16 sued the state seeking authority to condemn the easement, and an injunction to start cutting down trees immediately for its pipeline.
The lawsuit was filed the same day a legislative committee chaired by Rep. Peter Kocot, D-Northampton, assigned a “study order” to a bill that would have conveyed an easement to Tennessee in exchange for a negotiated compensation package. Kocot, in an affidavit, said Tennessee had ignored his requests for project information, leaving the committee with no grounds to advance the bill.
The stalled process on Beacon Hill was raised on Friday, with Ireland saying the court should not address a constitutional issue until Tennessee exhausts its legislative option. Tennessee acted in “bad faith” by having the Article 97 legislation filed on its behalf with no intention of seeing the matter through, Ireland charged, saying the bill could still be revived through the end of the year if Tennessee provides Kocot with the information he needs.
Agostini queried Ireland, asking if there any other way Kocot could have procured the information he wanted. “Good faith cuts both ways,” he said. Ireland responded that the legislature has the duty to ask a proponent for information, and that not all information Kocot sought was part of the public record.
“I am struck by the argument of good faith,” Agostini in turn said to Messenger. “The (legislative committee) chairman requests information, and is ignored. Then you get your certificate, and three or four days later, you’re in court asking for a preliminary injunction.”
Messenger said a mitigation package for the land-taking was previously approved by a state agency, and that the agreement was included in an environmental assessment and authorized by FERC. “We have worked diligently with state agencies,” he said.
Messenger said Tennessee would suffer “irreparable harm” if it cannot cut trees now and start construction in June, because it had planned to have its pipeline in place by November. Agostini pressed Messenger on the “irreparable harm” claim, saying that at least in Massachusetts, a business loss does not rise to that standard. “Why can’t you pass those costs on to your customers?” said Agostini. Messenger said part of the “irreparable harm” would be to customers in Connecticut who would be deprived of the extra natural gas.
Ireland claimed that the real “irreparable harm” would occur if mature trees are cut down in the forest, 900 acres of which were preserved in 2007 at a cost of $5.2 million. Messenger countered that the pipeline would merely widen an existing pipeline corridor, and noted that FERC had determined there would be “minimal environmental impact” from the project.
Messenger repeatedly insisted that Tennessee has the statutory right to condemn and take possession of the land, regardless of whether it’s in a constitutionally-protected state forest, and whether or not the company has all state and federal permits in hand.
“Under the Natural Gas Act, you gain the power of eminent domain with a FERC certificate,” said Messenger. “It is obvious that the federal regulatory scheme Congress established could not function if states could prevent eminent domain.”
Messenger said it’s common for pipeline companies to condemn properties ahead of gaining all state and federal permits. “It’s a practical necessity,” he said. “We must get on the property to get information to finalize the permits…. We could not build pipelines if we could not get condemnation and possession.”
Ireland said the state was not arguing that the court can’t order condemnation without all permits in hand. “What we are trying to do here is to have this preemption question decided,” he said. “This court does not have authority to give a condemnation order until it decides the preemption question.”
The preemption question centers upon whether Article 97, a constitutional provision unique among the 50 states, can trump the U.S. Natural Gas Act, which grants the power of eminent domain to pipeline companies.
“The preemption issue preempts everything,” Agostini observed.
“It’s a very real and very important constitutional issue,” Ireland responded. “The preemption issue is huge.”
Agostini noted that no matter how he rules, the case is likely to be appealed and land at least before the state’s Supreme Judicial Court. “This matter is not going to stop here,” he said.
Kathryn Eiseman, president of the anti-pipeline group PLAN-NE, said Friday that the outcome of the lawsuit will set the table for Tennessee’s proposed 420-mile Northeast Energy Direct (NED), which would cross dozens of constitutionally-protected parcels in Massachusetts while transporting natural gas from the Marcellus shale region of Pennsylvania.
“Kinder Morgan could drop the Massachusetts Loop of the Connecticut Expansion and still serve the actual demand in Connecticut,” said Eiseman. “Kinder Morgan’s goal with siting the Connecticut Expansion in the state forest is to set a precedent to grease the skids for NED.”
Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, D-Lenox, said the pipeline company’s lawsuit sets a bad precedent. “Article 97 was built for a purpose,” said Pignatelli. “Just honor the process; that’s all we’ve ever asked.”
Sheffield Tree Project Joins the Sheffield Land Trust
The Tree Project has typically planted 5 to 10 trees a year and hopes to increase that number through its partnership with the Land Trust. For its Arbor Day 2016 planting, to be held on April 30, the Tree Project and Land Trust are working with the National Parks Service, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on an event at the Shay’s Rebellion monument, where the Appalachian Trail crosses Sheffield-Egremont Rd.People who have interest in the Tree Project can contact it via email at info@sheffieldtreeproject.org or call (413) 229-0234.
Since its founding in 1989, the Sheffield Land Trust has helped conserve nearly 5,000 acres including 16 farms. It worked with landowners and farmers who want to protect their land, frequently partnering with the state’s agricultural preservation restriction program on agricultural lands. The Land Trust has also acquired and improved land for community recreation. For more information, call 413-229-0234, email shefland@bcn.net, or visit www.sheffieldland.org.
“LIVING THE CHANGE” Climate Action & Sustainability Fair to be held at Shire City Sanctuary on May 7th
PITTSFIELD – The first-ever Berkshire climate and sustainability fair, entitled LIVING THE CHANGE, will be held on May 7, 2016 from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm at The Shire City Sanctuary at 40 Melville Street in Pittsfield. The event is FREE and open to all.
The fair features a full day of activities, including presentations, community dialogue sessions, youth art and activities, music and food, as well as vendor and non-profit booths. An environmental film entitled “This Changes Everything” will also be shown, followed by a dance party in the evening!
Envision a future in which all of life thrives.
LIVING THE CHANGE is a major celebration of the growing community and positive momentum of Berkshire County’s climate action network, 350Mass Berkshires, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and all the organizations, activists, sustainable businesses, individuals, and volunteers who give their time and energy to address the planetary challenge of climate change and make the Berkshires a healthier, more just, resilient and sustainable community.
Here in the Berkshires, more and more people are consciously and actively living and working in ways that are transforming the world around us – from social change initiatives to addressing racial or gender bias to working on clean energy and mitigating climate change.
LIVING THE CHANGE is the brainchild of a small group of engaged Berkshires residents concerned about the larger issues of our times, with climate change topping the list. This group comprises the organizing team for the event and includes Uli Nagel, Judy Fox, Anne Legène, Rosa Zubizarreta, Rod Stanbrook, Karen Andrews, Al Blake, and Judy Eddy. In November, Uli Nagel and Judy Fox hosted a screening of the films Planetary and The Creative Universe, followed by a community conversation in Stockbridge, which led to the formation of the group and the idea for LIVING THE CHANGE.
According to the organizers, “LIVING THE CHANGE will be a positive, fun day where people from all walks of life can gather, enjoy each other’s company, learn about sustainable businesses and organizations based in the Berkshires, hear engaging presentations, engage in dialogue about the issues of our times, and eat great food.”
Speaking of food, the Food Truck Rodeo and live music returns to Shire City Sanctuary the same day as LIVING THE CHANGE. “Bring your appetite and dance shoes and join us for this day of celebration, networking, brainstorming, art making, education, music, film, food, and fun!”
The Shire City Sanctuary, a Maker Space, Cyber-Office and Event Space housed in the former Notre Dame Church is located at 40 Melville St. in Pittsfield
For more information e-mail: livingthechangeberkshires@gmail.com or call 413-329-3514.
DETAILED SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:
11:00 AM Opening Gathering with Fidel Moreno, an ethno-graphic award winning documentary filmmaker, and co-founder of Healing Winds, a Native American education and cultural non-profit organization that produces the Annual Rock, Rattle and Drum Pow Wow and Spirit on the Mountain Music Festival.
11:00 AM -5:00 PM Sustainability Expo and Food Truck Rodeo. Meet the vendors, explore ideas, get inspired and enjoy the food served up by the food-truck rodeo outside!
All Day kid’s activities see below.
Each presentation includes opportunities for community-building conversations. Meet your neighbors, share insights and ideas, build connections and momentum!
12:00 PM Featured Speaker: Laurie Lane-Zucker: Designing and Growing an Impact Economy in the Berkshires. The Impact Entrepreneur Center for Social and Environmental Innovation (IEC) has launched a new model for regional economic development fueled by social enterprise and impact investing. IEC Founder & CEO Laurie Lane-Zucker discusses his vision for establishing the world’s first “Public Benefit Enterprise Zone” in the Berkshires, and creating a 21st Century inclusive and sustainable economy.
1:00 PM Chris Kilfoyle of Berkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) – A teach-in on solar energy and reading your electric bill
2:00 PM Activist Panel 350 Mass and Berkshire Environmental Action Team: Climate Action in the Berkshires
3:00 PM Community conversation on climate change: Beyond Denial, Burn-out and Despair. Facilitated by Judy Fox, Uli Nagel and Wren Bernstein
4:00 PM The Schumacher Center: Come learn about emerging examples of how businesses can grow from community efforts! In this interactive presentation, Alice Maggio, local currency program director at the Schumacher Center for a New Economics and Executive Director of BerkShares, Inc., will explore “community supported industry.” We’ll be looking at BerkShares and Entry to Entrepreneurship as ways for citizens to invest in and shape the future of their local economies, while transforming traditional roles of consumers and producers, students and retirees, workers, owners, investors and entrepreneurs.
5.30 PM FREE Movie: This Changes Everything, based on the book by Naomi Klein (donations appreciated)
8:00 PM – 11 PM Dance Party with DJ Gabriel Squailia. ($5 at the door)
11:00am – 5:00pm Children’s, youth and family activities: Find out all about clean water with Marmalade Productions’ Roving Character, the macro invertebrate Dragonfly Larva and watch it transform into a Dragonfly! Follow around Breaking Ground Collective’s Giant Puppet and ask it to tell you stories! Stop by Flying Deer Nature Center’s discovery table! Learn to make rope or string from plant fibers. Make beads from sumac branches and unravel mysteries at the nature table. See you there!
Make delicious and healthy snacks using local and seasonal foods with Jenny Schwartz of Food Adventures, a program of the Nutrition Center and the Berkshire Co-op Market. Hands-on learning experience for students to learn about nutrition and healthy food choices. Yum!
Paint, draw, cut and paste your dreams for the future in our kid’s crafts corner.
Make a pinwheel, paint an earth flag or a canvas shopping bag. Create a mobile! All ages welcome!
Large communal painting for youth and adults with young artists Cecilia Bourdon and Francesca Lally.
Puppets and storytelling.
Announcing the Opening of Helia Native Nursery in Great Barrington, MA
Opening: Thursday, April 21, 2016
Continuing in the tradition of Project Native, Helia Native Nursery will provide Berkshire County with a small nursery that specializes in native plants. The nursery will strive to inspire people to engage with nature and create wild life habitats for birds and insects native to this area. The nursery will feature a wide selection of native plants, and a garden store that houses materials, tools and information that inspire the integration of simplicity and natural beauty into everyday life.
(Note: The garden store part of the nursery will not be open until Mother’s day weekend.)
Helia Native Nursery is situated at Sky Meadow Farm, a beautiful 54- acre Farm on North Plain Road/ Rt. 41, 3.5 miles north of central Great Barrington. Nursery hours are from 9-5, Thursday through Sunday. Keep the Berkshires Wild!
Helia Native Nursery, 342 North Plain Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
413.274.1400 info@helianativenursery.com
State Senate climate change committee to hold hearing on Kinder Morgan gas pipeline
By Mary Serreze
The Berkshire Eagle
April 14, 2016
BOSTON — State Senate President Pro Tempore Marc R. Pacheco, D-Taunton, has announced that the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change plans to hold an oversight hearing on the proposed Northeast Energy Direct natural gas pipeline project and the state’s clean energy future.
The hearing is scheduled to take place May 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Massachusetts Statehouse in Room 428.
The committee plans to invite representatives from Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., the state Department of Public Utilities, and Attorney General Maura Healey’s office among others, Pacheco’s office said in a prepared statement.
Tennessee, a Kinder Morgan subsidiary, plans a 420-mile pipeline that would transport natural gas from the Marcellus shale fields of Pennsylvania to New England, while cutting through parts of western Massachusetts, the Merrimack Valley and the North Shore.
News of the pipeline oversight hearing comes as the state Legislature prepares to debate an omnibus energy bill. The bill is expected to contain support for large-scale hydropower and offshore wind.
More than 90 lawmakers recently signed a letter opposing any legislative support for natural gas pipelines. Last week Gov. Charlie Baker signed a compromise bill on solar net metering.
3 officials charged in Flint water crisis
By Mike Householder and Ed White, Associated Press
The Boston Globe
April 20, 2016
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — The Flint water crisis became a criminal case Wednesday when two state regulators and a city employee were charged with official misconduct, evidence-tampering and other offenses over the lead contamination that has alarmed parents and brought cries of racism.
‘‘This is a road back to restoring faith and confidence in all Michigan families in their government,’’ Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in announcing the charges, months after officials conceded a series of bad decisions caused the disaster.
He warned there will be more charges — ‘‘That I can guarantee’’ — and added: ‘‘No one is off the table.’’
For nearly 18 months, the poor, mostly black city of 100,000 used the Flint River for tap water as a way to save money — a decision made by a state-appointed emergency manager — while a new pipeline was under construction. But the water wasn’t treated to control corrosion. The result: Lead was released from aging pipes and fixtures as water flowed into homes and businesses.
Gov. Rick Snyder didn’t acknowledge the problem until last fall, when tests revealed high levels of lead in children, in whom the heavy metal can cause low IQs and behavioral problems.
Michael Prysby, a district engineer with the state Department of Environmental Quality, and Stephen Busch, a supervisor in the department’s drinking water office, were charged with misconduct, conspiracy, tampering with test results and misdemeanor violations of clean-water law. The felonies carry maximum penalties of four to five years in prison.
They were both accused of failing to order chemicals added to the water to coat the pipes and prevent them from releasing lead.
Flint utilities administrator Michael Glasgow also was charged Wednesday with tampering with evidence for allegedly falsifying lead water-testing results and with willful neglect of duty.
The three could not immediately be reached for comment. It wasn’t known if they have lawyers.
Busch is on paid leave. Prysby recently took another job in the agency.
‘‘They failed Michigan families. Indeed, they failed us all,’’ Schuette said. ‘‘I don’t care where you live.’’
The crisis — and its slow handling — led to allegations of environmental racism, emerged as an issue in the presidential race during Michigan’s Democratic primary in March, and sent other cities around the U.S. rushing to test their water, particularly in older neighborhoods that still rely on lead pipes.
Flint has been under a state of emergency for more than four months, and people are using filters and bottled water.
Outside experts have also suggested a link between the river and a deadly Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. There were at least 91 cases, including 12 deaths, across Genesee County, which contains Flint, during a 17-month period. That represents a five-fold increase over what the county averaged before.
State officials were slow to respond to experts’ and residents’ complaints about the water.
After the crisis broke open, DEQ Director Dan Wyant and his spokesman resigned. The governor announced the firing of the chief of the DEQ’s Office of Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance.
Susan Hedman, the director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chicago-based Midwest office, also resigned.
Jobs
Laborer I – Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Pittsfield
(six positions available)
Please excuse the short notice, but DCR now has 6 positions open for Laborer 1 positions working with Greening the Gateways in Pittsfield. These are short-term seasonal positions, meaning the work is from (late) April – June with the possibility of coming back for our Fall season Sept – Nov. The hours are 7:30am – 4pm with a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch. The pay is $13.45/hour. This job is manual labor intensive; digging holes, carrying saplings, loading and unloading rack truck with saplings, carrying buckets of soil and mulch, etc.
Because of the short turnaround time, interested candidates should call Jacklyn Beebe directly to talk more about the position:
Jacklyn Beebe
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Greening the Gateway Cities
Forester 1
(857) 930-6042
October Mountain State Forest
317 Woodland Rd
Lee, MA 01238
Please CLICK HERE for a blank application or use the link below to access the pdf version.
http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/
Important Dates:
We are holding interviews next Monday, April 11.
Anticipated start date is Tuesday April 19th since Monday 4/18 is a State Holiday.
Environmental Justice Job Opening – Arise for Social Justice
Applicants should be familiar with environmental issues, have strong writing skills, and at least some organizing experience. Bilingual abilities strongly preferred. Half-time position.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Ariseforsocialjustice@gmail.com or mail to Arise, 467 State St., Springfield MA 01105.
GIS Developer / Analyst – Housatonic Valley Association
Summary: The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) seeks a skilled and motivated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) professional with strong geospatial analytical and developer skills and demonstrated expertise with ESRI’s ArcGIS desktop, mobile and server technology for the full-time position of GIS Developer / Analyst. For 75 years, HVA has been dedicated to the health and vitality of the Housatonic River, a nationally recognized, 1,245,000 acre watershed located in western Connecticut and Massachusetts and portions of eastern New York. GIS is an HVA core competency. It is essential to the work we and our partners undertake to set conservation priorities, conserve the natural character and environmental health of our communities, and protect and restore the lands and waters of the Housatonic Watershed for this and future generations.Position Description: Working out of our Cornwall Bridge, CT main office, the incumbent works closely with HVA colleagues and acts as the GIS Manager for the organization. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining and enhancing HVA’s natural resource and parcel-based GIS data, developing geospatial models to perform spatial and tabular analysis, and publishing cartographic products as static paper maps and dynamic web-based applications.Required Qualifications:
- Proven capabilities with ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Server
- Experience building interactive web-based applications using Arcgis Online and/or ArcGIS FlexViewer
- Familiarity with ArcGIS Story Maps
- Enthusiasm to remain current in GIS technologies
- Passion for Environmental Protection and Land Conservation
- Willingness to assist with non-GIS related activities
- Effective communicator in written and spoken language
- Valid Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with GIS data sources for CT, MA and NY
- Familiarity with Amazon Web Services and managing ArcGIS Server on Amazon EC2
- Experience with GPS and mobile GIS data collection
- Experience using Data Driven Pages, ModelBuilder
- Experience managing ArcGIS Online Organization Account
To apply: Email cover letter, resume, examples of recent work using ArcGIS Desktop and ArcServer, and links to Facebook and Linkedin pages to: Tim Abbott tim.abbott@hvatoday.org. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Landscape Design Assistant, Garden Installation Manager & Crew, Fine Garden Maintenance Crew – Helia Native Nursery & Land Design
We specialize in Native Plants, Ecological Landscape Design, Wildflower Meadows, Site Restoration, Edible and Fine Gardens. We are expanding and currently have full time openings in the following positions:
Landscape Design Assistant – The right candidate will have a strong background, full knowledge and experience in site surveying, base mapping and design, autoCAD and SketchUP, with a good knowledge of plants, especially natives. You must be energetic, hardworking, physically fit and a positive team-oriented person.
Installation Manager & Crew – We are looking for full time, energetic, hardworking, physically fit, positive, and team-oriented people to join our landscape installation team and manage installation jobs. Experience with native plants, garden installation, small machinery, stone work and maintenance is preferred.
Garden Maintenance Crew – Come join our full time fine garden maintenance team. We are looking for energetic, hardworking, physically fit, positive, and team-oriented people to join our team.
Please call 413-274-1400 to apply or email your resume to helialanddesign@gmail.com.
Seasonal Ranger I (West)–(1600026F)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways. The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position Seasonal Ranger I. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking Park Rangers to patrol facilities to promote compliance with rules and regulations, protect natural and park resources, and enhance visitor experience through providing a presence and being available for visitor information; coordinate with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action; and perform related work as required. Park Rangers normally work a forty-hour week (which includes nights, weekends, and holidays). April-early June will be Monday-Friday day shift. Mid June to August will require include week-end days and may include some evening shifts. Uniforms and training are provided; park housing is not. Successful candidates must attend the Seasonal Ranger Academy.Conducts patrols, either in a vehicle, on a bicycle or on foot, effectively utilizing techniques and available resources, to enforce applicable laws and regulations, provide visitor services, assess facility resources, assist visitors with first aid, and other public services as required.Perform the crossing of school-aged pedestrians on DCR roadways twice daily in accordance with the school’s schedule.Maintain an inventory of and maintain the condition of issued equipment.Complete Bureau records, reports, files, and logs.
Attend seminars, workshops, training sessions, etc., in order to maintain proficiencies.Participates in search and rescue operations in accordance with agency policy.Provide informal and, occasionally, formal information/educational programs, demonstrations, and materials for schools and civic groups as requires, in areas such as Ranger programs, park activities and services, outdoor skills, natural and cultural history and search and rescue.Respond and assist park staff at major incidents, assist at special events, and occasionally assist at statewide incidents or functions.Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00137682)Location: Mohawk Trail State Forest Complex, CharlemontStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 11/5/16Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00182451)Location: Tolland State Forest Complex, OtisStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 11/5/16Position Information: Seasonal Ranger I (00137661)Location: Moore House, AmherstStart Date: 4/24/16End Date: 12/30/16Preferred Qualifications:Knowledge of the standard procedures and techniques followed in foot, auto or other types of patrols.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of park or resource management.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational programming.
Knowledge of general ecology and cultural history study, practice and principles.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques for presenting media productions, and drafting brochures and exhibits.
Ability to understand, explain and apply the rules, regulations, policies, procedures standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
Ability to speak effectively before the public
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to gather information by examining records and documents and through observing and interviewing individuals.
Ability to accurately record information provided orally.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license.
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Ranger IWork Locations: Pittsfield – 740 South Street 01201Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Pittsfield-Pittsfield – 740 South StreetJob: Community and Social ServicesAgency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Mar 21, 2016, 12:43:07 PMNumber of Openings: 3Salary: 1,429.24 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Seasonal Forest And Park Supervisor III (West) – (160001XB)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways.The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor III. The Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor is responsible for supervising the maintenance and operations of parks, recreation areas, parkways, roadways, pedestrian ways and parking lots for public use. The incumbent of this position determines work priorities and resources, assigns and supervises staff, compiles and reviews data concerning park maintenance effectiveness and provides reports of all activities and incidents.SPECIFC DUTIES:
Supervises the maintenance of assigned recreational areas, including such activities as roadway and parkway maintenance, grounds maintenance, building and equipment maintenance and the repair and/or removal of hazardous conditions such as unsafe trees or limbs. Determines manpower and equipment resources necessary to accomplish assigned tasks.Maintains records and prepares reports concerning assigned work to provide information and make appropriate recommendations.Coordinates the activities and work of volunteers, court-referred individuals, etc.May prepares budgets for assigned areas by projecting resource needs and preparing required documentation for agency’s budget request.Monitors the activities involved in park and roadways maintenance work.Compiles and reviews data concerning effectiveness of park maintenance activities to prepare reports for supervisorProvides on-the-job training for new employees.Prepares reports as required; maintains records and logs on such matters as time and attendance of assigned personnel; performs routine vehicle maintenance inspections; and operates motor vehicles and other park machinery and equipment as required.Inspects damage to park areas, roadways, parking lots, equipment, etc. as a result of storms, vandalism and accidents to estimate the cost of labor and materials required for repairs and/or replacementsDetermines work priorities and assigns staff to specific tasks such as spraying, watering, planting trees, cleaning catch basins, trash removal, etc.Performs related work as assigned. Ability to work in a team setting. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Work varied shifts and/or irregular hours; and stand for prolonged periods of time.POSITION INFORMATION: Position: Seasonal Forest & Park Supervisor III
Location: Pittsfield State Forest, Pittsfield
Start Date: 5/1/16
End Date: 11/12/16Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. Work schedules and days off are at the discretion of the Supervisor. This position may require working weekends and/or holidays.Qualifications
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of forestry, parks or recreational management and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry, natural resources management or parks and/or recreation management may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Forest And Park Supervisor III Work Locations: Pittsfield-Cascade Street 012010000 Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Pittsfield-Pittsfield-Cascade StreetJob: Community and Social ServicesAgency: Department of Conservation & RecreationSchedule: Full-timeShift: MultipleJob Posting: Mar 11, 2016, 12:18:15 PMNumber of Openings: 1Salary: 1,758.24 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME – Service/Institutional
Seasonal Forestry Assistant – MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (Pittsfield)
About the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways.The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position Seasonal Forestry Assistant. Seasonal positions may be subject to the recall process and will be filled in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, positions not filled using this process will be interviewed for.Duties: Forestry Assistants work outdoors in all types of weather; work in isolated areas; may be exposed to the hazards of power tools and equipment such as chainsaws and hoists and travel for job related purposes.Assists in the preparation of forest management plans designed to provide water supply protection; assists in the interpretation of aerial photos, GPS and GIS data, and other cartographic work regarding forests; assists in the inventory of natural resources and the establishment and maintenance of state forest boundary lines.Assists in planning and supervision of timber stand improvement work by state forest crews and private contractors.Assists in the sale of wood products including preparing silvicultural prescriptions, minimizing adverse environmental impacts of harvesting, and ensuring contractual compliance by private contractors.Cooperates with state and municipal authorities during emergencies and natural disasters such as forest fires, wind or ice storms, and insect infestations.Performs related duties such as maintaining records and attending staff meetings.Specific Duties:
- Collecting forest inventory data (CFI) including tree measurements, forest assessment, forest understory assessment, and coarse woody debris measurement.
- Processing forest inventory data with a computer.
POSITION INFORMATION:Position: (2) Seasonal Forestry Assistant
Position 1 Location: Pittsfield Regional Office, 740 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01202
Position 2 Location: Amherst Field Office, 40 Cold Storage Drive, Amherst, MA 01004
Start Date: April 3, 2016
End Date: November 4, 2016Qualifications:Minimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.Substitutions:
- An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required
experience.**Education toward such a degree will be. prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s LicenseThis requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 dayMinimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in forestry or natural resource management, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.Substitutions:
- An Associate’s or higher degree with a major in forestry or forestry management may be substituted for the required experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.Schedule: Full-time
Number of Openings: 2
Salary: 1,547.60 BiweeklyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons Maguire – 617-626-1282Bargaining Unit: 09-MOSES – Engineers/Scientists
Laborer II – Long Term Seasonal (Pittsfield) – (160001F6)
DescriptionAbout the Department of Conservation and Recreation: The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf courses, trails and parkways.The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Seasonal Planting Laborer II.The Seasonal Planting Laborer II will work outdoors in all types of weather and performs various manual labor tasks in support of the effort to plant trees in Massachusetts’s gateway cities to increase tree canopy cover for the purpose of reducing heating and cooling energy costs to residences and businesses.Seasonal staff dig and backfill tree planting holes and levels earth to grade; plant trees according to DCR Bureau of Forestry standards; load and unload tree stock from delivery vehicles; load and unload tools and equipment; maintain vehicle and equipment cleanliness.The basic purpose of this work is to perform manual tasks requiring specialized skill and the use of hand tools to support reforestation efforts.Performs various manual labor tasks, which may require some specialized skills, to plant trees.Digs holes for tree planting and plants trees according to DCR Bureau of Forestry standards.Loads and unloads trucks, physically or by use of dollies; unpacks and stores tools and supplies and equipment in stockrooms, storerooms or warehouses; and takes periodic inventories of supplies and equipment.Performs preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and tools by washing, inspecting, tightening, lubricating and by sharpening edges on all cutting tools.Performs related duties as assigned.Start date is March 20, 2016 and end date is November 19, 2016.
Preferred Qualifications: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.Ability to speak and write Spanish and translate materials for homeowners who speak Spanish.Skill in using hand tools such as shovels, mattocks, pry bars, bolt cutters, clippers, etc. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work in a team setting. Manual dexterity. Physical stamina and endurance for full time, hard manual labor. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Willing to work in all weather conditions.
Qualifications: This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least six months of full-time, or equivalent part- time experience in performing manual labor in connection with general construction or maintenance work.An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Official Title: Laborer II Work
Locations: Lee-Woodland Road
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Lee-Lee-Woodland Road
Job: Equipment, Facilities & Services
Agency: Department of Conservation & Recreation
Schedule: Full-time Shift: Day
Job Posting: Mar 22, 2016, 4:09:37 PM
Number of Openings: 2
Salary: 1,220.36 Biweekly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:: Agatha Summons-McGuire – 617-626-1282
Summer Internships – Williams College
Summer Internships on Campus, Berkshire area & U.S. – Also: Summer Internship Funding: Check out dozens of campus and local environmental internships, all eligible for summer funding: Campus Emissions Research, Hopkins Forest Caretakers, Environmental Education, Sheep Hill environmental education, Farm Market/Ag research, Clark Art landscape internship, Environmental Analysis Lab, Hoosic River Watershed Association, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, and more…http://ces.williams.edu/category/summer-jobs/National/Global Summer Internships: Dozens of enviro internships and research positions in the US, many developed specifically by CES alumnae for Williams students HERECES Summer Funding for internships and research information and application form here.Deadline: March 10 (second deadline: April 8).Position required to apply for funding.
Camp Counselors – Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley Nature Camp is celebrating its’ 67 th year. We are seeking caring, committed, and enthusiastic staff to lead campers for their best summer ever! Our counselors:
- Plan, develop and implement a variety of outdoor activities utilizing Pleasant Valley’s 1300+ acres of forests, fields, streams and ponds;
- Are responsible for supervising the health and safety of campers;
- Maintain communication with parents and other staff;
- Must be able to work and learn together, have outstanding communication skills, and be willing and able to share their interests and talents with children aged 5-14;
- Provide leadership and mentor Leaders in Training (LITs).
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old;
- College experience preferred;
- Should have knowledge and interest in the nature of the Berkshire region;
- Applicants with a background in Environmental fields, education, or the arts are strongly encouraged to apply;
- Experience working with children;
- Willingness to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid are required-training is provided;
- Some positions also require lifeguard/water safety certifications;
- Successful candidates will pass a background records check (CORI and SORI);
- And…of course, flexibility and a sense of humor is a must!
Compensation and Benefits
Rate of Pay: $10.00- $12.00 per hour – depending on experience and position.
Additional Comments
Camp Session: June 9 – August 19 Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm or 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Camp Counselors are required to work at least one camp overnight during the summer.
How to Apply
Please send (email preferred) your cover letter and resume to:
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA. 01240
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