Darien News - Norwalk Hospital Announces Major Expansion: "
Norwalk Hospital is expanding here, there, seemingly everywhere.
In a press conference Tuesday, hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Cole announced that the 'main campus' on Maple Street will be renovated and four new medical facilities will be created, three in Norwalk and one in Georgetown.
The construction projects include an additional 250,000 square feet of space 'to meet the growing demands of our community for services and the growing demands and needs of our physicians to in turn meet the needs of our community and the patients that we serve,' said Cole.
... The project's developer, National RE/sources, aims to have its building certified at the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's platinum level. LEED is a program through the U.S. Green Building Council that is a "nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings," according to the council's Web site. Platinum is the highest level of certification a building may earn. The hospital's facility at i.park is to be completed by the end of the year. ..."
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Runoff Muddies A Lake's Future | courant.com
Connecticut News from The Hartford Courant ::: State, Regions, & Towns On courant.com: "EAST HAMPTON -- This town isn't known for industry. It doesn't have shopping or a thriving historic hub. What East Hampton does have is a lake - Lake Pocotopaug, its centerpiece and jewel.
But the big lake, like many across Connecticut, is getting murkier each year. Just when the summer season is truly underway, slicks of green slime begin to coat its surface.
It's not a health hazard. It's just gross and makes the lake less attractive to people.
"
But the big lake, like many across Connecticut, is getting murkier each year. Just when the summer season is truly underway, slicks of green slime begin to coat its surface.
It's not a health hazard. It's just gross and makes the lake less attractive to people.
"
Local Representatives Meet As Broadwater Debate Continues | Suffolk Life Newspapers
Suffolk Life Newspapers: "Too many questions, not enough answers. That was the assessment from a panel led by Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley (D-Lindenhurst) on the Government Accountability Office's congressional report regarding the potential effects of a terrorist attack or gas leak on liquefied natural gas tankers. If Broadwater Energy's proposed LNG facility is constructed, such tankers would be a common sight in the Long Island Sound."
courant.com | Survey: Knowledge Of Sound Minimal
courant.com | Survey: Knowledge Of Sound Minimal: "Most people living near Long Island Sound know little about water pollution and their own impact on it, but they say they are very concerned about the environment, a new government-sponsored survey concludes.
The survey, issued Wednesday, says a majority of those responding did not think there was anything they could do to improve the quality of water in the Sound. But, they think things might improve if other residents changed their everyday behavior.
'This suggests a deep-seated failure to understand (or care about) how one's personal behavior impacts local water quality,' the study concludes."
The survey, issued Wednesday, says a majority of those responding did not think there was anything they could do to improve the quality of water in the Sound. But, they think things might improve if other residents changed their everyday behavior.
'This suggests a deep-seated failure to understand (or care about) how one's personal behavior impacts local water quality,' the study concludes."
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Home Depot Offers Eco Options | by Roddy Scheer, E Magazine
Home Depot Offers Eco Options (Reporting by Roddy Scheer): "Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retail chain, announced last week that it will soon start to label thousands of items in its U.S. stores as environmentally friendly to help consumers concerned about their ecological footprints. The company started the program in Canada in 2004, and expects to roll it out to U.S. stores over the next few months. To kick of the effort on American soil, the company gave away a million energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs on April 22 in celebration of Earth Day. ..."
Architects name 10 best 'green' buildings - Environment - MSNBC.com
Architects name 10 best 'green' buildings - Environment - MSNBC.com: "WASHINGTON - The best environmentally friendly buildings in the United States include the Whitney Water Purification Facility, in New Haven, Conn., by Steven Holl Architects, which provides water and includes a public park and sanctuary for migrating birds, a visitor center in Texas, and a house in California, the American Institute of Architects has announced.
In presenting its 'Top Ten Green Projects,' the group celebrated the best examples of sustainable architecture and environmental design.
'What few people realize is that buildings have the greatest impact on climate change — more than transportation and industry — because they consume so much electricity and natural gas, and they're all powered by power plants that themselves produce carbon emissions,' said AIA spokesman Scott Frank.
Frank said the winners show that a lot of energy-efficient design innovations do not add a lot to the cost of a building, especially when spread over the expected lifetime.
He noted that there were 95 entries in this year's competition, compared with 54 entries last year. Started 11 years ago, the competition has drawn between 40 to 50 submissions in the past.
Click on the link above for the full list of winners."
In presenting its 'Top Ten Green Projects,' the group celebrated the best examples of sustainable architecture and environmental design.
'What few people realize is that buildings have the greatest impact on climate change — more than transportation and industry — because they consume so much electricity and natural gas, and they're all powered by power plants that themselves produce carbon emissions,' said AIA spokesman Scott Frank.
Frank said the winners show that a lot of energy-efficient design innovations do not add a lot to the cost of a building, especially when spread over the expected lifetime.
He noted that there were 95 entries in this year's competition, compared with 54 entries last year. Started 11 years ago, the competition has drawn between 40 to 50 submissions in the past.
Click on the link above for the full list of winners."
New Haven Register - ‘Green’ fuel now powers BioBus
New Haven Register - ‘Green’ fuel now powers BioBus: "When the BioBus, a bioscience laboratory on wheels, rolls into Hartford Thursday to celebrate the fact that it has gone 'green,' it will do so powered by Guilford-based Greenleaf Biofuels.
The BioBus will make its first biodiesel-powered trip, from its home base of Rocky Hill to the state Capitol building. Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel made from vegetable oil and animal fats, most commonly soy bean and canola oils.
Biodiesel from Greenleaf will power the bus’ engine and the generators that run the scientific equipment on board. The 40-foot-long mobile learning center is a project of New Haven-based CURE, or Connecticut United for Research Excellence, and has state-of-the-art bioscience equipment and computers. It is associated with the BioConnection Program, which lends laboratory equipment to schools and trains teac hers to conduct experiments in their classrooms. .."
The BioBus will make its first biodiesel-powered trip, from its home base of Rocky Hill to the state Capitol building. Biodiesel is a clean-burning alternative fuel made from vegetable oil and animal fats, most commonly soy bean and canola oils.
Biodiesel from Greenleaf will power the bus’ engine and the generators that run the scientific equipment on board. The 40-foot-long mobile learning center is a project of New Haven-based CURE, or Connecticut United for Research Excellence, and has state-of-the-art bioscience equipment and computers. It is associated with the BioConnection Program, which lends laboratory equipment to schools and trains teac hers to conduct experiments in their classrooms. .."
News Times Live Panel backs Clean Water Fund
News Times Live Panel backs Clean Water Fund: "The state's Clean Water Fund -- which had its funding faucet turned off entirely in 2005 and reduced to half-flow since then -- may soon have enough money to pay for drastically needed renovations of the state's sewer plants.
This, in turn, will clean up the state's rivers and Long Island Sound.
On Monday, the General Assembly's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Commission recommended the state release $110 million in bonding for 2008 and the same amount in 2009 to restore the Clean Water Fund.
While the entire legislature must approve the recommendation, it's a measure that's backed by towns, environmentalists and trade unions alike.
'This is huge,' said Leah Schmalz, director of legislative affairs for Save the Sound, which its part of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. 'It's a tremendous opportunity.'
'It is good news,' said David Day, Danbury's public utilities superintendent. 'There's the possibility for additional funding.'..."
This, in turn, will clean up the state's rivers and Long Island Sound.
On Monday, the General Assembly's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Commission recommended the state release $110 million in bonding for 2008 and the same amount in 2009 to restore the Clean Water Fund.
While the entire legislature must approve the recommendation, it's a measure that's backed by towns, environmentalists and trade unions alike.
'This is huge,' said Leah Schmalz, director of legislative affairs for Save the Sound, which its part of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. 'It's a tremendous opportunity.'
'It is good news,' said David Day, Danbury's public utilities superintendent. 'There's the possibility for additional funding.'..."
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
News Times Live Clean Water Fund may get cash boost to clean river pollution
News Times Live Clean Water Fund may get cash boost to clean river pollution
Cash may refresh the state’s Clean Water Fund, and, in turn, clear some of the sewage and pollution out of the state’s rivers and the Long Island Sound.
The General Assembly Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee is recommending that the state Bonding Commission issue $220 million in general obligation bonds over the next two years for the Clean Water Fund, which by 2005 was defunded entirely.
In 2006 and 2007, the state added $20 million a year to the fund – less than half of what it’s received in the past.
"This is huge,’’ said Leah Schmalz, director of legislative affairs for Save the Sound, which is part of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "It’s a tremendous advance. ...’’
Cash may refresh the state’s Clean Water Fund, and, in turn, clear some of the sewage and pollution out of the state’s rivers and the Long Island Sound.
The General Assembly Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee is recommending that the state Bonding Commission issue $220 million in general obligation bonds over the next two years for the Clean Water Fund, which by 2005 was defunded entirely.
In 2006 and 2007, the state added $20 million a year to the fund – less than half of what it’s received in the past.
"This is huge,’’ said Leah Schmalz, director of legislative affairs for Save the Sound, which is part of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "It’s a tremendous advance. ...’’
Senator Joe Lieberman: News Release
Senator Joe Lieberman: News Release: "Senator Lieberman re-introduced the Cigarette Litter Prevention Act of 2007 to discourage the littering of cigarette butts by requiring cigarette companies to print an environmental warning label on their packages. The Senator worked with David, Amy, and Allie Steinmetz of Woodbridge, who co-founded the 'No Butts About It' campaign to draft the legislation."
The Advocate - Going mobile: Getting around the state has environmental costs
The Advocate - Going mobile: Getting around the state has environmental costs: "To find what may be the biggest cause of the country's dependence on foreign oil and the state's poor air quality, look no further than the tailpipe.
Sitting in traffic on Interstate 95 is no longer just a hassle for the motorist running late for work.
Idling engines produce emissions linked to global climate change and increasing numbers of childhood asthma cases. And people can practically feel the firing of every piston as the cost of fuel continues to rise while supplies shrink.
'It's the transportation sector that provides that lion's share of the greenhouse gases,' said Charles Rothenberger, a staff attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment in New Haven. 'And it's increasing at an incredible rate.'..."
Sitting in traffic on Interstate 95 is no longer just a hassle for the motorist running late for work.
Idling engines produce emissions linked to global climate change and increasing numbers of childhood asthma cases. And people can practically feel the firing of every piston as the cost of fuel continues to rise while supplies shrink.
'It's the transportation sector that provides that lion's share of the greenhouse gases,' said Charles Rothenberger, a staff attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment in New Haven. 'And it's increasing at an incredible rate.'..."
Monday, April 23, 2007
New Haven Register - Blumenthal files formal objection to gas plant
New Haven Register - Blumenthal files formal objection to gas plant: "Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal filed a formal objection Friday with a New York agency responsible for issuing a key permit for a proposed liquefied natural gas facility in Long Island Sound.
In documents filed with the New York Office of General Services, Blumenthal argued the $700 million proposal to anchor an LNG facility near the middle of the Sound poses unacceptable risks for both New York and Connecticut.
'The project as proposed poses a direct and substantial threat to human health and safety and critical ecosystem resources of national importance in Long Island Sound,' Blumenthal said in filing the objection."
courant.com | The `Canaries' Under The Sound
courant.com | The `Canaries' Under The Sound: "Scientists are cautious about pinning specific events - a severe hurricane or a disappearing species - to global warming. Weather is fickle, and the climate variable over the decades; we know there have been ice ages and warming periods in the past.
But we do know the Earth is warming, and the oceans with it, and that will have an impact in Long Island Sound.
"
News Times | Students try to boost recycling at WestConn
News Times Live Students try to boost recycling at WestConn: "...In the past year, Roots & Shoots has tried to steer the university onto the path of recycling, only to find out state institutions can be as nimble as a 1955 Studebaker station wagon with a blown head gasket.
Zachary Storey, a WestConn junior who is the Roots & Shoots president, admits the work calls for some diplomacy. The group doesn't want to preach or alienate the university's leaders, its faculty or its students.
Instead, it has held events like a recycling dinner, where students learn what can be recycled. It started a petition to present to WestConn's Food Services Department, asking it to be more attentive to recycling...."
Zachary Storey, a WestConn junior who is the Roots & Shoots president, admits the work calls for some diplomacy. The group doesn't want to preach or alienate the university's leaders, its faculty or its students.
Instead, it has held events like a recycling dinner, where students learn what can be recycled. It started a petition to present to WestConn's Food Services Department, asking it to be more attentive to recycling...."
The Day | Conn Energy-Saving Projects Not Novelties, But Necessities
Read Page: "Last year Connecticut College researched the feasibility of erecting a wind turbine on its campus to generate electricity via wind power. We were surprised when a consulting firm told us our campus, on a hill near the shores of the Thames River and Long Island Sound, is simply not windy enough.
End of story? Not by a long shot. The college is back to the drawing board with plans to research other renewable energy-producing projects and reduce the college's dependence on fossil fuels. These include more solar panels on campus rooftops, fuel cells and steam pressure reducing devices that generate electricity. ..."
End of story? Not by a long shot. The college is back to the drawing board with plans to research other renewable energy-producing projects and reduce the college's dependence on fossil fuels. These include more solar panels on campus rooftops, fuel cells and steam pressure reducing devices that generate electricity. ..."
Friday, April 20, 2007
Reduce, Reuse, Rebuild Country School goes green
Reduce, Reuse, Rebuild Country School goes green: "Being green may not be easy, as a prominent amphibian once observed, but New Canaan Country School has discovered it isn’t that hard either.
Currently undergoing a renovation and expansion project that will use solar power among other “environmentally friendly” resources, the school has made sustainability a primary focus both inside and outside the classroom.
“The school believes it is essential to help our students understand the tension between development and conservation and become aware of how their actions may influence the world in which they live,” according to the Winter 2007 NCCS Bulletin...."
Currently undergoing a renovation and expansion project that will use solar power among other “environmentally friendly” resources, the school has made sustainability a primary focus both inside and outside the classroom.
“The school believes it is essential to help our students understand the tension between development and conservation and become aware of how their actions may influence the world in which they live,” according to the Winter 2007 NCCS Bulletin...."
Westport Minuteman - State downgrades shellfish beds off Westport shores
Westport Minuteman - State downgrades shellfish beds off Westport shores: "Bacterial pollution has caused shellfish beds off Westport's shores to be downgraded by the state's Department of Agriculture Bureau of Aquaculture...
The Department of Environmental Protection, monitors large sewage treatment plants and Alicia Mozian, Westport's Director of Conservation, said the worsened water quality could come from those plants or, in times of heavy rain, from septic systems along the waters that empty into the Sound. Mozian said there was some speculation that the Bridgeport plant could be a source of pollution...."
The Department of Environmental Protection, monitors large sewage treatment plants and Alicia Mozian, Westport's Director of Conservation, said the worsened water quality could come from those plants or, in times of heavy rain, from septic systems along the waters that empty into the Sound. Mozian said there was some speculation that the Bridgeport plant could be a source of pollution...."
The Middletown Press - Attorney general takes on issue of global warming
The Middletown Press - Attorney general takes on issue of global warming: "MIDDLETOWN - Attorney General Richard Blumenthal stopped by Wesleyan University for an Earth Day celebration to discuss two pressing topics: the environment and global warming...
Blumenthal was on hand to discuss a United States Supreme Court ruling on carbon dioxide emissions. In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had violated the Clean Air Act.
'This is the most important decision of my 15 years as attorney general,' Blumenthal said. 'You must regulate carbon dioxide emissions.'
The ruling also said that by not regulating new-vehicle emissions standards to control pollutants like carbon dioxide, the EPA had failed and helped to contribute to the problem of global warming. ..."
Blumenthal was on hand to discuss a United States Supreme Court ruling on carbon dioxide emissions. In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had violated the Clean Air Act.
'This is the most important decision of my 15 years as attorney general,' Blumenthal said. 'You must regulate carbon dioxide emissions.'
The ruling also said that by not regulating new-vehicle emissions standards to control pollutants like carbon dioxide, the EPA had failed and helped to contribute to the problem of global warming. ..."
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Enviromental injustice: Two words, too little time - News
Enviromental injustice: Two words, too little time - News: "Never heard of "environmental injustice?" Well, it is happening right here, right now.
Earth Day Awareness Week kicked off Monday with a lecture given by Doctor Mark Mitchell, the founder and president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ), who addressed issues of environmental justice.
Mitchell's speech hit close to home, literally, as he explained how low income cities, including Bridgeport, are suffering from the pollution being created. This pollution, according to Mitchell, could be causing serious health problems for residents in the area.
Mitchell explained that a large amount of the garbage in Connecticut is burned. When the garbage is burned it releases toxins into the air that, according to Mitchell, seem to have a direct correlation with an abundance of health problems.
Some health problems that have been linked with the excess of pollution in concentrated areas include: Asthma, allergies, cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight.
Since the university campus is located in such close proximity to the affected, low-income areas, students like Christine Iwerks, sophomore, Meriden, are reconsidering the importance of environmental justice. ..."
Earth Day Awareness Week kicked off Monday with a lecture given by Doctor Mark Mitchell, the founder and president of the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ), who addressed issues of environmental justice.
Mitchell's speech hit close to home, literally, as he explained how low income cities, including Bridgeport, are suffering from the pollution being created. This pollution, according to Mitchell, could be causing serious health problems for residents in the area.
Mitchell explained that a large amount of the garbage in Connecticut is burned. When the garbage is burned it releases toxins into the air that, according to Mitchell, seem to have a direct correlation with an abundance of health problems.
Some health problems that have been linked with the excess of pollution in concentrated areas include: Asthma, allergies, cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight.
Since the university campus is located in such close proximity to the affected, low-income areas, students like Christine Iwerks, sophomore, Meriden, are reconsidering the importance of environmental justice. ..."
Report raises red flags - Newsday.com
Report raises red flags - Newsday.com: "A Suffolk legislator yesterday described as 'something out of a science-fiction movie' several possible scenarios from a terrorist attack on a liquefied-natural-gas platform proposed for Long Island Sound.
Staff of the congressional Government Accountability Office presented findings from a report on potential threats to LNG facilities at a special hearing of the Suffolk County Legislature yesterday in Riverhead. One legislator concluded after the meeting that nightmare scenarios are a possibility for the proposed Broadwater Energy LNG facility and that additional study is required.
'They gave us a litany of concerns,' Legis. Wayne Horsley (D-Lindenhurst) said. Among them, he said, was the possibility that ignition of gas could create a fireball that would 'burn anything in its path' for 1 1/4 miles...."
Staff of the congressional Government Accountability Office presented findings from a report on potential threats to LNG facilities at a special hearing of the Suffolk County Legislature yesterday in Riverhead. One legislator concluded after the meeting that nightmare scenarios are a possibility for the proposed Broadwater Energy LNG facility and that additional study is required.
'They gave us a litany of concerns,' Legis. Wayne Horsley (D-Lindenhurst) said. Among them, he said, was the possibility that ignition of gas could create a fireball that would 'burn anything in its path' for 1 1/4 miles...."
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