Social Connect
Upcoming Events
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
SANBORN — Niagara County officials pointed to hard work by Economic Development staff as the reason Niagara County was the sole county in New York state to receive an award for brownfields assessment from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The $400,000 award, the result of a nationwide competition open to all local governments, states, tribes, quasi-governmental organizations, and non-profit entities, was the only one issued in New York state—a fact that the chairman of the Niagara County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, Legislator Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport, said is no accident.
“Niagara County has made reclaiming lands contaminated by industrial and commercial processes a top priority of its economic development efforts over the past dozen years,” Updegrove said. “The Niagara County Center for Economic Development has a track record of success leading efforts to restore contaminated properties and return them to the tax rolls, and this grant will further that effort.”
Updegrove noted the specific funding request, developed by Brownfields Development Corp. President Amy Fisk, a senior planner at the county’s Center for Economic Development, would be used by the county to assess potential brownfield sites throughout the county for rehabilitation. The award is actually a pair of $200,000 grants: one will be used to assess petroleum-contaminated sites, and one will focus on hazardous substance sites.
Fisk and Updegrove also stressed that the county placed an emphasis on assessing tax-delinquent parcels. This includes both Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, which range from review of paperwork and database information to on-site sampling and testing.
“Determining the level of contamination will allow these properties to be remediated and returned to productive use, returning them to the tax rolls and allowing the private sector to create jobs there,” Updegrove said. “Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties protects the environment, reduces blight, and takes development pressures off greenspaces and working lands.”
The grant will allow assessments countywide. Municipal government leaders are encouraged to contact Fisk at the Center for Economic Development about potential sites within their jurisdictions. Funding is not directly available to businesses or municipalities, but Economic Development staff will work with interested businesses and municipalities to determine potential sites for assessment.
Fisk noted that funding may be utilized for sites countywide, and known priority sites within the county’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas would likely be targeted. The Brownfield Opportunity Areas include the City of Lockport Downtown Tourism area, the Buffalo Avenue area in Niagara Falls, the City of North Tonawanda Brownfield Opportunity Area, and the Highland Avenue area in the city of Niagara Falls.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
Niagara County was awarded a $400,000 EPA grant for brownfields — the
only county in the state to receive funds. (ENP FILE PHOTO BY
HEATHER N. GRIMMER)
|
The $400,000 award, the result of a nationwide competition open to all local governments, states, tribes, quasi-governmental organizations, and non-profit entities, was the only one issued in New York state—a fact that the chairman of the Niagara County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee, Legislator Rick Updegrove, R-Lockport, said is no accident.
“Niagara County has made reclaiming lands contaminated by industrial and commercial processes a top priority of its economic development efforts over the past dozen years,” Updegrove said. “The Niagara County Center for Economic Development has a track record of success leading efforts to restore contaminated properties and return them to the tax rolls, and this grant will further that effort.”
Updegrove noted the specific funding request, developed by Brownfields Development Corp. President Amy Fisk, a senior planner at the county’s Center for Economic Development, would be used by the county to assess potential brownfield sites throughout the county for rehabilitation. The award is actually a pair of $200,000 grants: one will be used to assess petroleum-contaminated sites, and one will focus on hazardous substance sites.
Fisk and Updegrove also stressed that the county placed an emphasis on assessing tax-delinquent parcels. This includes both Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, which range from review of paperwork and database information to on-site sampling and testing.
“Determining the level of contamination will allow these properties to be remediated and returned to productive use, returning them to the tax rolls and allowing the private sector to create jobs there,” Updegrove said. “Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties protects the environment, reduces blight, and takes development pressures off greenspaces and working lands.”
The grant will allow assessments countywide. Municipal government leaders are encouraged to contact Fisk at the Center for Economic Development about potential sites within their jurisdictions. Funding is not directly available to businesses or municipalities, but Economic Development staff will work with interested businesses and municipalities to determine potential sites for assessment.
Fisk noted that funding may be utilized for sites countywide, and known priority sites within the county’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas would likely be targeted. The Brownfield Opportunity Areas include the City of Lockport Downtown Tourism area, the Buffalo Avenue area in Niagara Falls, the City of North Tonawanda Brownfield Opportunity Area, and the Highland Avenue area in the city of Niagara Falls.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
ALBANY — New York State has extended the ban on residential brush burning until May 21 due to continued dry conditions across the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.
“State officials have worked hand-in-hand with local firefighters to help contain a rash of wildfires that have broken out across New York in recent weeks," Governor Cuomo said. "With dry weather conditions persisting, I am extending this burning ban to better protect the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers who may find themselves and their property in harm’s way. I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their neighbors and the first responders.”
The eastern, central, southern and far northern regions of the state are rated as having a high risk of fire danger, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Southern Tier, Lake Ontario, and Adirondack regions are rated as having a moderate risk of fire danger. Additionally, the red flag warning is a short-term, temporary warning, indicating the presence of a dangerous combination of temperature, wind, relative humidity, fuel or drought conditions which can contribute to new fires or rapid spread of existing fires. This year, 110 fires have burned nearly 3,600 acres.
While all wildfires in New York are now contained, numerous state agencies deployed resources over the past two weeks to help battle wildfires in the eastern New York.
On May 5, Cuomo activated the Fire Operations Center at the New York State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to monitor and assist with a large brush fire in Ulster and Sullivan counties. Assets from the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police, State Department of Transportation and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs coordinated the fire response, including assistance from fire departments in Greene, Schoharie, Delaware and Broome counties. The Roosa Gap Fire in Sullivan and Ulster counties was caused by debris burning and consumed more than 2,700 acres. The fire is now contained. Patrols continue to monitor the site to ensure there are no flare ups.
All trails in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness area in the town of Hunter, Greene County, are now reopened. The Department of Environmental Conservation closed these trails on May 8 while the Heavenly Valley Road Fire burned over 110 acres.
Since 2009, New York State has enforced a residential brush burning ban for towns with less than 20,000 residents from March 16 through May 14, the period when most wildfires occur. Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park, are designated “fire towns,” and open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a written permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Burning garbage is prohibited year-round. Violators of the open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed except in the Catskill Forest Preserve. All campfires in the Catskill Forest Preserve continue to be banned through May 21 due to the continued high fire danger as a result of the dry weather conditions. Campfires should never be left unattended and must be extinguished.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Keeping the burn ban in place for an additional week is necessary and prudent. Governor Cuomo’s extension will remind people to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Many of us enjoy the beautiful natural resources we have in New York, and we all play a role in protecting these resources as well as our family and friend’s by preventing fires.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, “We are urging the public to be mindful that during periods of dry weather and gusty winds, brush fires can ignite from anything that can create a small spark. A lightning strike, a discarded match, or even a car backfiring, could cause a dangerous fire. It is important to take precautions to protect our neighbors and our property from situations that can quickly go from bad to worse.”
Since the ban was enacted, the average number of spring fires per year has decreased from 3,297 to 1,425 or 43.2 percent. To view an updated map of fire danger ratings in New York, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/68329.html.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
| Andrew Cuomo |
“State officials have worked hand-in-hand with local firefighters to help contain a rash of wildfires that have broken out across New York in recent weeks," Governor Cuomo said. "With dry weather conditions persisting, I am extending this burning ban to better protect the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers who may find themselves and their property in harm’s way. I urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their neighbors and the first responders.”
The eastern, central, southern and far northern regions of the state are rated as having a high risk of fire danger, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Southern Tier, Lake Ontario, and Adirondack regions are rated as having a moderate risk of fire danger. Additionally, the red flag warning is a short-term, temporary warning, indicating the presence of a dangerous combination of temperature, wind, relative humidity, fuel or drought conditions which can contribute to new fires or rapid spread of existing fires. This year, 110 fires have burned nearly 3,600 acres.
While all wildfires in New York are now contained, numerous state agencies deployed resources over the past two weeks to help battle wildfires in the eastern New York.
On May 5, Cuomo activated the Fire Operations Center at the New York State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to monitor and assist with a large brush fire in Ulster and Sullivan counties. Assets from the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police, State Department of Transportation and the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs coordinated the fire response, including assistance from fire departments in Greene, Schoharie, Delaware and Broome counties. The Roosa Gap Fire in Sullivan and Ulster counties was caused by debris burning and consumed more than 2,700 acres. The fire is now contained. Patrols continue to monitor the site to ensure there are no flare ups.
All trails in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness area in the town of Hunter, Greene County, are now reopened. The Department of Environmental Conservation closed these trails on May 8 while the Heavenly Valley Road Fire burned over 110 acres.
Since 2009, New York State has enforced a residential brush burning ban for towns with less than 20,000 residents from March 16 through May 14, the period when most wildfires occur. Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park, are designated “fire towns,” and open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a written permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Burning garbage is prohibited year-round. Violators of the open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense.
Campfires using charcoal or untreated wood are allowed except in the Catskill Forest Preserve. All campfires in the Catskill Forest Preserve continue to be banned through May 21 due to the continued high fire danger as a result of the dry weather conditions. Campfires should never be left unattended and must be extinguished.
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Keeping the burn ban in place for an additional week is necessary and prudent. Governor Cuomo’s extension will remind people to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Many of us enjoy the beautiful natural resources we have in New York, and we all play a role in protecting these resources as well as our family and friend’s by preventing fires.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, “We are urging the public to be mindful that during periods of dry weather and gusty winds, brush fires can ignite from anything that can create a small spark. A lightning strike, a discarded match, or even a car backfiring, could cause a dangerous fire. It is important to take precautions to protect our neighbors and our property from situations that can quickly go from bad to worse.”
Since the ban was enacted, the average number of spring fires per year has decreased from 3,297 to 1,425 or 43.2 percent. To view an updated map of fire danger ratings in New York, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/68329.html.
Get breaking news delivered.
with the ENP Mobile app for Android.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
ALBANY — In recognition of Earth Day, State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, today announced three environmental bills he sponsored have passed in the New York State Senate. These bills were part of a package of bills the Senate passed today that Ortt says would create new protections for natural resources, promote energy conservation, help create green jobs, and increase tourism through enhanced recreational opportunities.
Two of the bills sponsored by Sen. Ortt (S2905 and S4279) would promote the use of geothermal energy systems as a natural and renewable energy source while also fostering the creation of green jobs. The bills establish tax credits and incentivize the purchase and installation of geothermal heat pump system equipment.
“This legislation is sensible in its approach and will be significant in its impact,” said Ortt. “Introducing installation incentives and tax credits to the geothermal industry will pay dividends across Western New York. In addition to protecting our environment for future generations, we’re also creating local jobs and helping reduce costs for financially-strapped energy customers.”
Geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems harvest the sun’s energy stored in the ground to heat and cool buildings and to create hot water. GHP systems eliminate oil, gas or propane bills, while also reducing electricity costs for cooling during the summer months. Essentially, this legislation would result in lower energy bills for constituents, and help reduce volatile fossil fuel prices.
Bill Nowak, the executive director of NY-GEO said, “The NY-Geothermal Energy Organization thanks Senator Ortt for recognizing the great savings in energy, emissions and dollars that come with installing geothermal heat pumps to heat, cool and provide hot water for our homes and buildings.
“Senator Ortt listened closely when his constituents told him of the incredible savings they experienced when switching from burning fossil fuels to geothermal heat pumps. His bills for a geothermal tax credit on residential installations (S-2905) and sales tax exemptions for geothermal (S-4279) are on the cutting edge of national policy for bringing renewable thermal solutions to the American people. We salute Senator Ortt for leading the way to the clean energy future!”
The other bill (S2953) sponsored by the senator deals with wildlife trapping. This bill authorizes regulations by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and relates to the regulation of live restraint cable devices to take wildlife.
All bills passed by the Senate today will be sent to the Assembly.
The Senate also demonstrated its commitment to the environment in recently enacting a state budget that contains significant funding increases and support for important environmental programs. The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) was increased by $15 million over last year to a total of $177 million to help promote conservation of open spaces, improve natural resources, and enhance communities. More than $173 million in capital funding for state park improvements were also included.
The budget helped address serious environmental infrastructure needs throughout the state by providing $200 million over the next three years for grants to municipalities to repair and replace existing wastewater and drinking water systems. An additional $152.5 million in new funding will support other environmental infrastructure improvements including flood control, clean-ups, and environmental restoration projects. Also, the state Brownfield Cleanup Program was extended and amended so that more potentially contaminated sites will be cleaned up and put back to use to build the economy.
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
| Rob Ortt |
Two of the bills sponsored by Sen. Ortt (S2905 and S4279) would promote the use of geothermal energy systems as a natural and renewable energy source while also fostering the creation of green jobs. The bills establish tax credits and incentivize the purchase and installation of geothermal heat pump system equipment.
“This legislation is sensible in its approach and will be significant in its impact,” said Ortt. “Introducing installation incentives and tax credits to the geothermal industry will pay dividends across Western New York. In addition to protecting our environment for future generations, we’re also creating local jobs and helping reduce costs for financially-strapped energy customers.”
Geothermal heat pump (GHP) systems harvest the sun’s energy stored in the ground to heat and cool buildings and to create hot water. GHP systems eliminate oil, gas or propane bills, while also reducing electricity costs for cooling during the summer months. Essentially, this legislation would result in lower energy bills for constituents, and help reduce volatile fossil fuel prices.
Bill Nowak, the executive director of NY-GEO said, “The NY-Geothermal Energy Organization thanks Senator Ortt for recognizing the great savings in energy, emissions and dollars that come with installing geothermal heat pumps to heat, cool and provide hot water for our homes and buildings.
“Senator Ortt listened closely when his constituents told him of the incredible savings they experienced when switching from burning fossil fuels to geothermal heat pumps. His bills for a geothermal tax credit on residential installations (S-2905) and sales tax exemptions for geothermal (S-4279) are on the cutting edge of national policy for bringing renewable thermal solutions to the American people. We salute Senator Ortt for leading the way to the clean energy future!”
The other bill (S2953) sponsored by the senator deals with wildlife trapping. This bill authorizes regulations by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and relates to the regulation of live restraint cable devices to take wildlife.
All bills passed by the Senate today will be sent to the Assembly.
The Senate also demonstrated its commitment to the environment in recently enacting a state budget that contains significant funding increases and support for important environmental programs. The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) was increased by $15 million over last year to a total of $177 million to help promote conservation of open spaces, improve natural resources, and enhance communities. More than $173 million in capital funding for state park improvements were also included.
The budget helped address serious environmental infrastructure needs throughout the state by providing $200 million over the next three years for grants to municipalities to repair and replace existing wastewater and drinking water systems. An additional $152.5 million in new funding will support other environmental infrastructure improvements including flood control, clean-ups, and environmental restoration projects. Also, the state Brownfield Cleanup Program was extended and amended so that more potentially contaminated sites will be cleaned up and put back to use to build the economy.
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Friday, April 3, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has selected a remedy to address contamination issues at the Peters Dry Cleaning Site on Willow Street, the DEC announced this morning.
Major elements of the selected remedy include:
The cost to implement the remedy is estimated to be $734,000, according to the DEC.
Additional details about the selected remedy are available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/93496.html. They are also available for review at the Lockport Public Library.
RELATED LINK:
news@eastniagarapost.com
Major elements of the selected remedy include:
- Enhanced biodegradation – This is an in-place process to treat contaminated groundwater with a biological amendment. This will encourage the biological breakdown of contaminants. The groundwater will be monitored after active treatment to evaluate the breakdown of contaminants.
- Environmental easement – allow use of the site for residential, commercial, or industrial use, subject to zoning, and restrict groundwater use without necessary treatment.
- A Site Management Plan that will include provisions to monitor for the continued effectiveness of the remedy.
The cost to implement the remedy is estimated to be $734,000, according to the DEC.
Additional details about the selected remedy are available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/93496.html. They are also available for review at the Lockport Public Library.
RELATED LINK:
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Monday, March 16, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a "burn ban" beginning today and running through May 14.
The state DEC considers the next two months to be a "high fire risk season."
In 2009, New York toughened restrictions on open burning to reduce harmful air pollutants and help prevent wildfires. While the burn ban regulation allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a populations of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all communities during early spring when the bulk of New York's wildfires typically occur. The state regulation prohibits the burning of garbage at all times and in all places.
Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this time, including the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind.
Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York state. Data from DEC's Forest Protection Division shows that debris burning accounted for about 36 percent of wildfires in the state between 1985 and 2009, which is more than twice the next most-cited cause. In addition, from 2000 to 2009 New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,300 wildfires each year from March 16 to May 14. That represents about 46 percent of all wildfires for the year.
Fire department data for 2010 and 2011 indicated a 26 percent reduction in wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 86 percent of all communities across the state had a reduction of wildfires compared with the previous five years.
Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.
A list of questions and answers on the open burning regulation is available on DEC's website.
NOTE: Story edited at 2:36 p.m. to remove erroneous quote.
news@eastniagarapost.com
The state DEC considers the next two months to be a "high fire risk season."
In 2009, New York toughened restrictions on open burning to reduce harmful air pollutants and help prevent wildfires. While the burn ban regulation allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a populations of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all communities during early spring when the bulk of New York's wildfires typically occur. The state regulation prohibits the burning of garbage at all times and in all places.
Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this time, including the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind.
Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York state. Data from DEC's Forest Protection Division shows that debris burning accounted for about 36 percent of wildfires in the state between 1985 and 2009, which is more than twice the next most-cited cause. In addition, from 2000 to 2009 New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,300 wildfires each year from March 16 to May 14. That represents about 46 percent of all wildfires for the year.
Fire department data for 2010 and 2011 indicated a 26 percent reduction in wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 86 percent of all communities across the state had a reduction of wildfires compared with the previous five years.
Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's website.
A list of questions and answers on the open burning regulation is available on DEC's website.
NOTE: Story edited at 2:36 p.m. to remove erroneous quote.
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Friday, March 6, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
MIDDLEPORT — The Royalton-Hartland School Board voted Wednesday to go along with a remediation plan sponsored by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. FMC, however, disapproves.
The school board, by a 4-2 vote, endorsed the announced DEC plan to remediate parts of the school grounds through "a phased approach," which will be "implemented in order to minimize disruption to the community, with only a limited area initially targeted for cleanup. Additional properties and/or blocks will be addressed in the future."
FMC had previously said the plans go to far. On Thursday, it released a statement addressing the matter. It follows in its entirety:
news@eastniagarapost.com
The school board, by a 4-2 vote, endorsed the announced DEC plan to remediate parts of the school grounds through "a phased approach," which will be "implemented in order to minimize disruption to the community, with only a limited area initially targeted for cleanup. Additional properties and/or blocks will be addressed in the future."
FMC had previously said the plans go to far. On Thursday, it released a statement addressing the matter. It follows in its entirety:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), with approval from the Royalton-Hartland Board of Education, plans to remediate certain areas of the Roy-Hart School in Middleport, NY.
FMC Corporation performed remediation at the Roy-Hart School in 1999-2000, with guidance and approval from NYSDEC. FMC removed 39,000 cubic yards of soil and replaced that soil with clean soil. Following that remediation, the NYSDEC provided written assurance to the school – and subsequently to the community – stating the “entire school yard is suitable for both athletic and non-athletic use by all school children.” The property use has not changed since that time. Accordingly, further remediation to the Roy-Hard School is unnecessary and disruptive.
As part of the investigative and remedial process with the State, FMC has informed NYSDEC and the Middleport community that it will remediate the school when and if the property use changes or discussions regarding change of land use commence. At this time, however, there has been no statement of potential change in use at the school and, therefore, remedial activities — and the associated disruption — are not necessary on the Roy-Hart School grounds.
As background, FMC has been working with NYSDEC under an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) that has guided the investigation and development of Middleport remedial plans for 23 years. NYSDEC, however, has selected a remedial alternative that does not comply with the AOC for a portion of the Village, including the schoolyard. Therefore, FMC entered into litigation with NYSDEC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency over NYSDEC’s failure to follow the AOC.
These lawsuits are ongoing and have not yet been resolved. FMC is disappointed that NYSDEC is moving forward to remediate the Roy-Hart School while FMC and NYSDEC are in litigation over the level of remediation NYSDEC now intends to impose on the community.
FMC is committed to protecting human health and the environment and has worked diligently with the community over the years to ensure the Village and the Roy-Hart school grounds are safe.
Parents of children at Roy-Hart School and School Board members seeking additional information are encouraged to contact FMC’s Community Office at 8 South Vernon Street in Middleport, or call FMC’s community representative, Jessica Heideman, at 716.735.9769.
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Monday, February 23, 2015
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
BUFFALO — The Buffalo Sabres Green Team, in conjunction with First Niagara Bank and Shred-it, will partner to host a “Shredding Day” from 9 a.m. to noon March 7 at First Niagara Bank in Depew, 1455 French Road.
The Shredding Day has been planned as a way to help Sabres fans protect themselves from identity theft. Fans who bring personal documents to be shredded and recycled will receive a code for $30 off 300 level II tickets to the team’s game against the New Jersey Devils on Friday, March 20, as well as 25 Fan Advantage points, which are redeemable for prizes from the store in the Sabres’ new Fan Advantage smartphone application.
Shred-it is the premiere on-site document and media destruction company which provides businesses with the most secure destruction procedure in the industry. Shred-it uses proprietary technology to mitigate risk from all forms of identity theft and provides unparalleled customer service while securing all of the consumer’s confidential information. Shred-it is committed to preserving the environment – and the security of your business.
The Buffalo Sabres are dedicated to the sustainability of the environment in Western New York and Southern Ontario through the “Blue & Gold Make Green Initiative.” The organization is committed to creating programming to help our fans reduce their environmental footprint and at the same time, educate Sabres fans on conservation issues, teaching fans how to be greener, and directing them to additional resources where they can learn more about environmental issues.
The Buffalo Sabres Green Team is presented by National Fuel’s conservation incentive program and proudly supported by our green partner Modern Recycling.
news@eastniagarapost.com
The Shredding Day has been planned as a way to help Sabres fans protect themselves from identity theft. Fans who bring personal documents to be shredded and recycled will receive a code for $30 off 300 level II tickets to the team’s game against the New Jersey Devils on Friday, March 20, as well as 25 Fan Advantage points, which are redeemable for prizes from the store in the Sabres’ new Fan Advantage smartphone application.
Shred-it is the premiere on-site document and media destruction company which provides businesses with the most secure destruction procedure in the industry. Shred-it uses proprietary technology to mitigate risk from all forms of identity theft and provides unparalleled customer service while securing all of the consumer’s confidential information. Shred-it is committed to preserving the environment – and the security of your business.
The Buffalo Sabres are dedicated to the sustainability of the environment in Western New York and Southern Ontario through the “Blue & Gold Make Green Initiative.” The organization is committed to creating programming to help our fans reduce their environmental footprint and at the same time, educate Sabres fans on conservation issues, teaching fans how to be greener, and directing them to additional resources where they can learn more about environmental issues.
The Buffalo Sabres Green Team is presented by National Fuel’s conservation incentive program and proudly supported by our green partner Modern Recycling.
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Friday, January 9, 2015
BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
MIDDLEPORT — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will proceed with a plan to clean up some properties near the FMC plant, although the FMC Corporation opposes the plan the DEC has chosen.
The DEC states in a January Fact Sheet that " A phased approach will be implemented in order to minimize disruption to the community, with only a limited area initially targeted for cleanup. Additional properties and/or blocks will be addressed in the future."
FMC says the DEC plan goes too far and will disturb more properties than need be disturbed, however, the DEC states "No cleanup work will be undertaken unless the property owner signs an access agreement with DEC allowing the work to be performed."
Additionally, the DEC Fact Sheet states: "Areas that are disturbed during the clean-up will be restored to pre-removal conditions agreed to with the property owner. Property-speci c features (i.e., lawns, sidewalks, driveways, garden beds, above ground pools, sheds, decks, etc.) removed by the remedial activities will be replaced in-kind, to the extent practicable, in consultation with the property owner. Trees and plantings will be replaced with similar trees/plants normally stocked in local nurseries, again in consultation with the property owner. Restoration of property-speci c features will be performed in accordance with work scopes
agreed to by the property owner and DEC. Any roads, utilities, or areas a ected by the construction activities will be repaired or replaced in-kind."
FMC has suggested an alternate plan that is says would "create less disruption to the community," which it states it is willing to implement.
The DEC Fact Sheet can be found here, while the FMC statement is posted below in its entirety.
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
The DEC states in a January Fact Sheet that " A phased approach will be implemented in order to minimize disruption to the community, with only a limited area initially targeted for cleanup. Additional properties and/or blocks will be addressed in the future."
FMC says the DEC plan goes too far and will disturb more properties than need be disturbed, however, the DEC states "No cleanup work will be undertaken unless the property owner signs an access agreement with DEC allowing the work to be performed."
Additionally, the DEC Fact Sheet states: "Areas that are disturbed during the clean-up will be restored to pre-removal conditions agreed to with the property owner. Property-speci c features (i.e., lawns, sidewalks, driveways, garden beds, above ground pools, sheds, decks, etc.) removed by the remedial activities will be replaced in-kind, to the extent practicable, in consultation with the property owner. Trees and plantings will be replaced with similar trees/plants normally stocked in local nurseries, again in consultation with the property owner. Restoration of property-speci c features will be performed in accordance with work scopes
agreed to by the property owner and DEC. Any roads, utilities, or areas a ected by the construction activities will be repaired or replaced in-kind."
FMC has suggested an alternate plan that is says would "create less disruption to the community," which it states it is willing to implement.
The DEC Fact Sheet can be found here, while the FMC statement is posted below in its entirety.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has announced plans to implement its Corrective Measure Alternative remedy (CMA 9), using State funds, on residential properties in the historic Air Deposition 1 and Culvert 105 Study Areas in the Village of Middleport. FMC will not participate in this phase of the remediation and does not support NYSDEC’s unilateral action.
The NYSDEC remedy involves the removal of vegetation, excavation and replacement of soils, and restoration of some foliage at residential properties in the Village of Middleport.
FMC recommends implementation of CMA 3, a remediation that would satisfy NYSDEC’s stated objectives and create less disruption to the community than NYSDEC’s CMA 9. FMC remains willing to implement CMA 3. CMA 3 was recommended by FMC with community support and is also representative of FMC’s long-standing commitment to protect human health, safety, and the environment.
The principal difference between CMA 3 and CMA 9 is the amount of disruption and intrusion CMA 9 will cause over CMA 3. Studies show NYSDEC’s CMA 9 will provide no meaningful public health benefit over CMA 3, while its construction work and increased truck traffic will be more disruptive to the community. FMC remains ready to implement CMA 3 in the Village of Middleport, which would negate the need for NYSDEC to seek State funds to implement CMA 9.
Eight remediation alternatives were developed under an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) that has guided the investigation and development of Middleport remedial plans for 23 years. NYSDEC, however, selected a ninth alternative that does not comply with the AOC. Therefore, FMC entered into litigation with NYSDEC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency over NYSDEC’s failure to follow the AOC. Those lawsuits are ongoing and have not yet been resolved. FMC is disappointed that NYSDEC is moving forward with remediation while FMC and NYSDEC are in litigation over the level of remediation that NYSDEC now intends to impose on the community.
FMC representatives are available to talk to residents affected by NYSDEC’s actions at FMC’s Community Office at 8 South Vernon Street in Middleport. However, FMC will not be conducting this remediation and all specific questions on the remediation work will be referred to NYSDEC.
About FMC
FMC’s Agricultural Solutions facility in Middleport formulates and packages a number of key product lines to protect over 100 crops in more than 75 countries worldwide.
Plant operations date back to 1904 with FMC acquiring operations in 1943. Safety is a core value at FMC and affects virtually everything we do as a company. For more information, visit http://www.fmc-middleport.com.
FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial, environmental, and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. The company employs approximately 5,600 people throughout the world, and operates its businesses in three segments: FMC Agricultural Solutions, FMC Health and Nutrition, and FMC Minerals. For more information, visit www.FMC.com.
For instant access to East Niagara Post's YouTube videos, social media feeds and more,
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
 |
| Demolition is now underway on 89 Mill Street. The Environmental Protection Agency says the building will be down in the next two to three months. (PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHER) |
ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com
 |
| Workers wear masks at the site to prevent breathing in asbestos. |
The building, which is in serious disrepair, is a hazard, according to the EPA, in large part because of asbestos contained within.
"As a result of the potential threat of release of asbestos fibers into the environment from inside the building, in 2012, the EPA applied an encapsulant over the interior of the building which prevents asbestos from becoming airborne," according to a press release from the EPA.
The EPA's primary contractor for the project is Environmental Restoration, which has subcontracted with Titanium Demolition and Remediation of Lockport to perform the demolition of the structure.
While demolition is occurring, workers will use fire hoses to keep the debris from generating dust as much as possible. Six air monitoring stations have been established around the perimeter of the building, which will monitor the dust in the air, a sample of which will be sent to a lab for asbestos analysis daily.
Once the building is demolished to the ground level, the basement will be evaluated. It is believed there is more asbestos is present there, the EPA said. Asbestos-contaminated debris will be kept wet at all times and transported to an approved landfill in double-lined sealed trucks. Non-contaminated debris may be used to fill in the basement.
In all, the project is expected to take two to three months and cost approximately $500,000. It is funded by the EPA with the expectation that they will recoup some or all of their costs from the current or former owners.
The building was most recently purchased in 2010 by Liberty Plant Maintenance, which began to dismantle the building, further disturbing the asbestos, according to the EPA.
The New York State Department of Labor and Department of Environment Conservation have overseen the site since 2010 and requested EPA involvement in March of 2012.
 |
| A crane works on demolition of 89 Mill St. this afternoon. |
Send an email to news@eastniagarapost.com with "email update" in the subject line.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)