SUMMER QUARTERLY MEETING - TUESDAY JULY 17, 2007

Place: Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, Route 9W, Stony Point, NY
Take PIP north to Exit 15. Turn left (east) toward Stony Point to the end, about 2.7 miles. At traffic light, turn left onto Route 9W north proceed about 1 mile. Look for sign on the right indicating park entrance as the next right. This is Park Road. Proceed on Park Road to the entrance.

10:30 A.M. Meeting at the museum

Overview of happenings at the Stony Point Battlefield Julia Warger, Site Manager

Presentation of the Rockland County Conservation Association Eleanor Burlingham Award to: Robin Hayman
Presented by: RCCA Award Co-Chairs, Faith Leigh, Jeanne Nelson

11:15 A.M. Program: Overview of Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) activities presented by:
Jim Hall, Executive Director Palisades Interstate Park Commission

Your continued membership and contributions are greatly appreciated and necessary for RCCA to carry on its work. Please invite a friend to join. Thank you.

Robin Hyman Recipient of RCCA's Eleanor Burlingham Conservation Award

Conservation through alternative fuel, biodynamic farming and clean waterways is a hands-on reality for Robin Hayman, June graduate of Ramapo High School and Pomona resident.

Robin is the year 2007 recipient of RCCA's $1,000 Eleanor Burlingham Award given each year to a graduating senior from a Rockland County high school who has demonstrated a cumulative interest in environmental conservation.

Robin has spent the past six months converting a 1987 Mercedes Benz 240 Diesel into a car powered by vegetable oil, "A car run on oil previously used in deep fry ovens frees the owner from purchasing fuel from oil companies. When vegetable oil is too dirty to fry with, restaurants will send the oil to be thrown out. Instead...I will pick up the oil to run my car."

xMentored by his father and John McDowel of Pomona's Camp Hill Farm, Robin has aced the details: installed fuel tank, filter, pumps and electrical system; spliced and rerouted hoses and created a "shared system" in which the car retains its old diesel capability should it be a temporary necessity.x

Besides the economical advantage of powering the car with recycled vegetable oil, "The second is ecological for we recycle used vegetable oil by running our cars on it, we prevent tons of oil from being thrown out and causing environmental damage." Robin advocates that commercial trucks and buses convert to used food oil, too, since "companies can organize recycling of used vegetable oil better than regular citizens."

Robin, accomplished in carpentering, sailing and playing guitar, has cultivated organic gardens at Camp Hill Farm, joined the Organic Gardening Club at Rockland Community College, been a 2007 member of Rockland's Americorps and participated in clean-up sweeps of the Hudson River at Sneden’s Landing, Dutch Town and the Minisceongo Creek.

Having completed his senior year in the Ramapo High School/Rockland Community College program, Robin will continue at RCC for another year seeking an associate's degree while planning further education. He already has studied language and guitar in Spain and it’s a big world out there for an independent thinker with conservation on his mind.

Jeanne Nelson

Fuel for Thought

Here’s an interesting twist of history. The diesel engine exhibited at the 1900 Worlds Fair ran on peanut oil. However, as the cost of petroleum oil was cheaper back then peanut oil use was abandoned.

In a 1912 article published in the New York Times we read "Dr. Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the engine bearing his name, sailed for the United States today aboard the Hamburg-American liner Amerika. He will visit New York and other leading cities for the purpose of investigating the progress being made in America with fuel oil, and will doubtless be prevailed upon to address some scientific bodies while in that country.”34 The article goes on to quote “It is Dr. Diesel’s opinion that America, the land of oil par excellence, is destined to lead the world in the development of oil-fed motor power."

A 1940 New York Times article reveals in "World Shy of Oil Fuel" 35 other nations were short on petroleum, but "Paul Hopper, chief of the fuels section Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce, of the Department of Commerce, points out that the United States and Soviet Russia alone among the great nations obtain their petroleum requirements from within their own boundaries."

1949 New York Times readers learned of a "dual-fuel engine that would operate on any petroleum liquid fuel and even on cottonseed, linseed, soybean and peanut oils."36

Clearly , the technology that uses non-petroleum based fuels in engines is not new technology. The market conditions of 1940 where America had within its borders ample petroleum sources have long changed. Today we import more than half of the oil used in the United States. Reading the headlines in the news, it is evermore apparent that our decisions should encourage more efficient, environmentally friendly fuel sources to lessen our petroleum based fuel dependence.

Dorice Madronero

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1 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=100357895&sid=2&Fmt=1&clientId=61106&RQT=309&VName=HNP New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 29, 1912. pg. 7, 1 pgs
2 New York Times (1857-Current file); Mar 31, 1940; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2003) pg. 137
3 AIR BOREDOM HELD A THREAT TO LINES By WALTER W. RUCH Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES New York Times (1857-Current file); Jan 15, 1949; ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 - 2003) pg. 19

Rockland County Signs onto the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

Chairwoman Harriet Cornell and County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef signed the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement today, Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at a press conference.

The agreement states that Rockland County will reduce global warming pollution below 1990 levels by 2012. Rockland joins over 300 municipalities around the United States, which have signed on to the Agreement, including the City of White Plains, Albany and Suffolk County.

Legislator Connie Coker, Chair of the Environmental Committee, who introduced and sponsored the legislation with Chair Cornell said, "The reality is that climate disruption is caused by human activit y and that the changes will create floods/droughts, coastal land shrinkage, super storms, extreme heat waves and increased smog. We are standing at the crossroads and must make the choice to protect our planet for ourselves and for future generations."

On May 1st the Rockland County Legislature approved a resolution in support of the agreement and on May 31st the County Executive signed his approval joining with the Legislature in expressing support to take action to reduce global warming.

Chairwoman Cornell said, "This Agreement is a commitment to lead the way for responsible stewardship of our world. It is important that Rockland County, which has been a leader on many environmental issues, endorse the Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. Climate change is not theoretical; it is happening. But local actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and federal commitment to fund research for energy alternatives can prevent the worst effects from occurring if we all act now."

State and local governments throughout the United States are adopting emission reduction targets and programs, and this additional step expresses Rockland’s support in efforts that protect our environment.

"We are pleased to partner with the Legislature in the County's ongoing efforts to reduce pollution and preserve our environment. It's important that these are regional, cooperative initiatives," County Executive Vanderhoef said. "This is a reflection of our current policy, which we committed to by signing the New York Metropolitan Air Quality Initiative and subsequently passing three important laws which will help reduce harmful emissions and improve the air quality and health of our residents here in Rockland County."

Information about the agreement can be found at: http://www.usmayors.org/climateprotection

Energy saving suggestions from the US Mayors website:

Most of the emissions that cause global warming come from fuels used to produce energy-gasoline, diesel, coal and natural gas. Here are the top things you can do to reduce climate pollution:

1. Drive less. Walk, bike, take a bus, carpool and combine errands. Do whatever it takes to reduce your time behind the wheel.
2. Drive smart. Keep your car tuned and tires properly inflated. Keeping them properly inflated can save up to 250 lbs of CO2 per year. Don't idle when you're stuck in a line. About 15 seconds is the break even point. Forget the jack rabbit starts. And on the freeway, keep your top speed at about 60 mph.
3. Be fuel efficient. Not only will you save gas and money and reduce emissions, but driving a fuel-efficient car that gets at least 32 miles per gallon leads to a real reduction in climate pollution.
4. Change your air filter. Another easy way to increase your car's fuel efficiency is keeping a clean air filter (and it's much cheaper than a Prius). On average, this will save 800 lbs. of CO2 a year.
5. Reduce, reuse and recycle. It's not just about paper vs. plastic. Nearly every product on the market requires energy to produce, distribute and manage the resulting waste. Choose pre-owned products, products that have recycled content and products that are sold with less packaging. It takes 70%-90% less energy to make recycled paper products than new ones.
6. Use a push or electric mower. Gasoline mowers are one of biggest polluters in the neighborhood. Go manual or electric this season.
7. Conserve hot water. Set your tank at about 120°F, take shorter showers, use water-efficient washing machines and wash clothes in cold water. You'll save energy, water and money.
8. Insulate your water heater. A hot water tank is the second largest user of energy in a home. Wrapping an insulation blanket around your hot water heater can help your electric bills, and save around 1000 lbs. of CO2.
9. Be a star, buy ENERGY STAR. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, an EPA rating system awarded to only the most energy-efficient appliances, computers, light fixtures and many other electrical conveniences. If every US household switched to the most energy efficient appliances, there would be 178 million tons less of CO2 put into the atmosphere each year.
10. Turn down, turn off and unplug. Set thermostats at 68°F when you're home and 55°F or lower when you're away or at night. By moving your heater down two degrees in the winter, and up two degrees in the summer, you can keep around 2000lbs of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Turn off lights in empty rooms and use compact fluorescent bulbs in place of standard light bulbs. Unplug electronics such as DVD players and cell phone chargers that aren't in use. Bring back the old clothes line to dry your wash.
11. Buy local products. The less distance products travel, the less they pollute. And buy organic when you can. Most chemical fertilizers are derived from petroleum or natural gas.
12. Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb up to 2000lbs. of CO2 in its lifetime. And shading your air conditioning unit with trees and shrubs can reduce its energy usage by 10-15%.
13. Befriend your utility. Your local utility companies have great energy conservation programs and can provide more information, technical assistance and even some rebates.
14. Shout it out! You can make a difference. Start by taking the steps above and then let others know of your commitment. Tell people where you shop and where you work that climate protection matters.

On the Hudson

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has through the Hudson River Research Reserve a variety of activities and events at its Reserve sites and facilities. As several of us learned the canoe program is a winner.

Mary Hegarty, coordinator of Rockland’s Environmental Management Council (EMC) arranged for a Rockland group to paddle through the Iona Island Marsh on a guided tour. Great fun was had by all. However, most important was in affirming what a great natural resource the Hudson River truly is.

Summer guided canoe trips at Tivoli Bays, Stockport Creek and at other sites will be scheduled according to the tides. Canoe trips are for the general public, including families. Reservations are required. All equipment is provided. For more information call 845-889-4745 x 106 or hrnerr@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Photos by Dorice Madronero

Water Watch

Many questions arise about the water supply in Rockland, especially as it relates to development. The USGS is still working on the Rockland Water-Resource Assessment. Information about the study is available at:
http://ny.water.usgs.gov/projects/rockland/rockland.htm or contact Paul Heisig
(518) 285-5648 by email pmheisig@usgs.gov.

United Water New York (UWNY) is considering a desalination plant along the Hudson River. Residents on Strawtown Road in Clarkstown are concerned about the UWNY test wells being drilled in the area and the effects to their private wells. UWNY is in discussion with the Village of Suffern about the purchase of water from its water supply. Still, other source options are being considered, but all proposals must be critically studied for potential risks and benefits.

The concerns about adequate water supply are great. It is, however, important that the County, towns and villages have updated comprehensive plans that consider development and the overall effects to our water supply. Here is where communities need to consider implementing “green building” standards and the commitments addressed in the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Watershed protection must not be compromised with inappropriate development.

Below is a helpful County report that offers a sense of where Rockland and UWNY stand on water supply and demand.

Rockland County Department of Health Assessment of United Water New York Water Supply Available for New Projects (http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/health/pdf/SupplyDemandTracking_1.pdf)

In accordance with both the New York State Sanitary Code [10 NYCRR Part 5] and the New York State Realty Subdivision Laws [Article 11, Title II, Public Health Law and Article 17, Title 15, Environmental Conservation Law], the Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) must assess the adequacy of a public water supply system to support additional water demands that would result from proposed expansion of the system to serve new customers. Neither proposed additions to the water supply distribution system, nor realty subdivisions that would rely on such additions can be approved without documentation of sufficient water supply capacity to serve a newly proposed project while meeting New York State design standards within the entire water supply system.

RCDOH assessment of such proposed additions to the United Water New York (UWNY) system is based upon a comparison of UWNY's projected maximum day, or peak, demand for 2007 and the peak water supply capacity that is currently available. The baseline for these assessments is UWNY's Engineer's Report, updated in December 2006, which includes the following information:

? The projected peak demand for 2007 is 47.9 million gallons per day (MGD), 0.4 MGD higher than the projected peak for 2006 (i.e., 0.4 MGD of the total projected peak demand is allocated for 2007 additions to the UWNY water supply system); and,

? UWNY’s available peak supply capacity at the time of the report was 48.5 MGD. This capacity includes a total of 7.0 MGD from the Ramapo Valley Well Fie ld (3.0 MGD of which is available for only 3 days).

UWNY’s total available peak supply capacity exceeds the projected peak demand by 0.6 MGD. Therefore, the capacity available to support 2007 growth within the UWNY distribution system is comprised of the 0.4 MGD already included in the 2007 projection, plus the 0.6 MGD surplus, a total of 1.0 MGD. If the actual peak demand during 2007 exceeds the projected peak demand, the capacity available to support additional growth will be immediately reduced by the difference between actual and projected. The table below summarizes this assessment and specifies the balance of water supply capacity that has not yet been allocated to an approved project. This table will be updated as new projects are approved by the RCDOH, and as new supply capacity is added to the UWNY water supply system.

The projected demand for new projects will be deducted from the remaining surplus supply capacity only after the applications for water main extensions and/or subdivisions are approved by the RCDOH. Plans must be submitted in accordance with the RCDOH Engineering Plan Submittal Procedure. Project approvals are contingent upon compliance with New York State design standards as specified in the Recommended Standards for Water Works, 2003 Edition. Complete engineering plans that are: (1) submitted in accordance with the above-referenced RCDOH procedure, (2) meet all applicable technical design standards, and (3) are otherwise approvable in accordance with federal, state and local laws or regulations, will be compared to the remaining available water supply capacity on a “first in, first out” basis for final approval. Incomplete submittals, or submittals that do not comply with design standards will not constitute a “reservation” of available supply capacity.

Year 2007
UWNY's Projected Annual Additional Peak Demand (MGD)
0.4000

UWNY's Total Projected Peak Demand (MGD)
47.9000
Includes Projected Annual Additional Peak Demand

UWNY's Current Peak Supply Capacity (MGD)
UWNY's Total Peak Supply Capacity on January 1, 2007 (MGD)
48.5000
Peak Capacity Added Since January 1, 2007 (MGD)
0.0000
Total
48.5000

Peak Capacity Available for Development in 2007
1.0000
Current Peak Supply Capacity - (Total Projected Peak Demand 1 -Projected Annual Additional Peak Demand)
1 Or actual peak demand if higher than projected

Available Peak Capacity Allocated to Approved Projects (Post-January 1)
Arlen Estates
0.0023
Kiryas Radin
0.0600
58 Post Road
0.0009
Tracey Subdivision
0.0007
Scheu Subdivision
0.0007

Total (Through January 31, 2007)
0.0646

Balance Available for New Development Projects
0.9354

Photos by Dorice Madronero

"The dandelion is an excellent barometer, one of the commonest and most relia ble. It is when the blooms have seeded and are in the fluffy, feathery condition that its weather prophet facilities come to the fore. In fine weather the ball extends to the full, but when rain approaches, it shuts like an umbrella. If the weather is inclined to be showery it keeps shut all the time, only opening when the danger from the wet is past." Source: "Camping For Boys," by H.W. Gibson

Report: Too Hot To Handle? The Future of Civil Nuclear Power

A recently released (July 4, 2007) report by the Oxford Research Group, gives us pause to think about our reality living in the vicinity of Indian Point. Prompted in the summary: “The question is whether, in the 21st century, the security risks associated with civil nuclear power can be managed or not?

Within the conclusion, the following is stated: “Many of the risks associated with civil nuclear power are well known and have to some extent been managed... just: recall Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, Hiroshima, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Iraq, Dr. A Q Khan and reports of al Qaida’s plans.37 For the nuclear weapons proliferation and nuclear terrorism risks to be worth taking, nuclear must be able to achieve energy security and a reduction in global CO2 emissions more effectively, efficiently, economically and quickly than any other energy source. There is little evidence to support the claim that it can, whereas the evidence for doubting nuclear power’s efficacy is clear.” The report can be found at: http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/publications/briefing_papers/pdf/toohottohandle.pdf

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37 See: http://politics.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,,1947295,00.html