FCWC President's Message

FCWC Hosts Soil Erosion
Conference with Partners

FCWC President’s
Message

By Herbert Fox

For a number of years FCWC has staged a Fall Benefit to celebrate with FCWC members and friends, honor environmental leaders or groups, and bring in needed funds for our operations. This year the event is being held on Sunday, October 22 from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. in Rye. FCWC has been fortunate to have several member/supporters who have opened their homes for this event. Our hostess this year, Barbara Matthews Hancock, is offering her beautiful home in Rye on Long Island Sound for a third time to FCWC.

The board of directors and I are deeply appreciative of the repeated generosity of this most environmentally committed benefactor. Ms. Hancock supports a number of environmental groups and causes including the Nature Conservancy, Wolf Conservation Center, Westchester Land Trust, and Green Chimneys. We are grateful that she is such a good friend of FCWC.

This year’s honorees are Peter Lehner and Carolyn Cunningham. Peter Lehner is the chief of the Environmental Protection Bureau of the NYS Attorney General’s office. As such he is critically involved the AG office’s work enforcing state and federal laws, and in lawsuits, among others, to slow global warming, reduce pollution from coal-fired power plants, and improve energy efficiency. Mr. Lehner worked previously at the Natural Resources Defense Council as a senior attorney and director of the Clean Water Project. He also teaches environmental law at Columbia Law School

Carolyn Cunningham is a long time board member and former executive director of FCWC, who has been involved in many of FCWC’s environmental efforts. These include working to reduce noise and other environmental impacts at Westchester County Airport, to representing the organization at numerous hearings and meetings on topics from wetlands and open space preservation, to promoting mass transit on a new Tappan Zee Bridge.

We hope many of you will join us at this delightful event enjoying the view of Long Island Sound, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and the company of fellow conservationists and environmentalists. If you have not received an invitation and would like to attend, please call the FCWC office, 914 422-4053.

Long Island Sound Study
Celebrates a Milestone

Staff Report

It’s a great day to celebrate.” That was the summary statement by Gina McCarthy, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, after she and three other public officials signed a series of agreements that, they said, represent a historic step forward in restoring the health of Long Island Sound.

The four officials constitute the Policy Committee of the Long Island Sound Study, the Federal/New York/Connecticut compact created in 1987 to restore the health of the Sound to its pre-contamination levels by 2014. The other three members are her New York State counterpart, Denise Sheehan, and the administrators of the two concerned regions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Robert Varney and Alan Steinberg.

Meeting at the Jay Heritage Center in Rye, they adopted a new stewardship initiative by signing agreements that focus first on 33 areas of significant ecological and recreational importance, and authorized the disbursement of a $6 million fund for research and restoration. Among the Westchester sites that will receive additional funding by being so recognized are the Edith Read Sanctuary, Playland Park, and Marshlands Conservancy in Rye, as well as Davids Island and Huckleberry Islands off New Rochelle.

In addition, the policy committee set new standards intended to further reduce the nitrogen load that sewage treatment plants are permitted to add to the Sound, and pledged to restore 300 acres of local habitats and 50 river miles to protect fish passages and spawning sites.

By coincidence, the meeting took place one day after the House of Representatives adopted the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which calls for $25 million of Federal money per year over a four-year period. The Senate, according to Nancy Seligson, co-chair of the LISS Citizens Advisory Committee and a former member of the FCWC board, is expected to act soon but, she cautioned, even after the law is enacted the money still has to be appropriated.

The LI Sound Study involves not only EPA and the two states that border the Sound, but numerous researchers, regulators, user groups, and voluntary organizations. Its long-term goal, according to its director, Mark Tedesco, is “to restore and protect the health of Long Island Sound by the year 2014, the 400th anniversary of Adriaen Block’s exploration” of this “Estuary of National Significance."

By Warren Ross

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a report on the safety of Broadwater, the liquefied natural gas terminal proposed for Long Island Sound that has both critics and supporters claiming victory.

The report says that the terminal could be operated safely, but only with restrictions that, opponents insist, effectually kills it. For instance:

• The USCG says the platform would need a 1.5 mile no-sail zone around it, as well as increased marine and firefighting services to make it safe.
• If breached, a vapor cloud of ignitable gas might travel 4.7 miles in any direction from the 10-story tall platform, or 4.3 miles from any of the two or three tankers expected to make deliveries per week.
• Each tanker bringing liquefied gas to the facility would, therefore, require a safety escort, thus barring all other commercial or recreational vessels from a substantial portion of the Sound.

In considering the issue before the report was issued, the board of FCWC raised several questions that have not been addressed: Who would pay for the required security services? How would New York State be reimbursed for this for-profit commercial enterprise? Also, until an environmental impact statement has been issued, no one knows how the fragile ecosystem of Long Island Sound or of the nearby shore communities would be affected.

A Broadwater spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled that they’ve confirmed that this is not a terrorist target, and that this can operate safely and securely....”

On the other hand, Save the Sound, a Connecticut environmental organization issued a statement that said: “The report confirmed what we already know – Broadwater’s proposed liquid natural gas terminal in the middle of Long Island Sound poses significant safety and security risks, and these risks would require added law enforcement, security, and firefighting capabilities....”

Under a law recently passed by the Congress, the final decision is up to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, presumably without New York and Connecticut or local governmental approval.

Warren Ross is a member of the FCWC board and represents FCWC on the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Long Island Sound Study.

By Maureen M. Morgan

What would it be like not to be able to afford to drive your car, requiring you to get around on available mass transit? If this scenario sounds like a true nightmare prepare yourself for the reality of this very outcome. Two powerful trends will contribute to a perfect storm in the foreseeable future, creating the scenario described above.

The arrival of ‘peak oil’ (when a particular oil reserve reaches its ‘peak’ no matter how much one pumps the output begins to drop) has become a concern for oil dependent economies worldwide. The peaking of US reserves was predicted in 1958 to occur in the early 1970s. Sure enough, in 1971 approximately, US reserves reached their peak. Mexican reserves appear to be just reaching peak. Gas prices are already reflecting the tightening of the market. Anyone who imagines that this upward push in gas prices will someday return to ‘normal’ is in a severe state of denial. Even now some people are beginning to consider mass transit as a necessity rather than a form of transportation for someone else.

The second trend that will collide with the end of cheap oil is the retirement of the ‘boomer generation’, imminently due. Traditional retirement will be a rare state because of the lack of adequate retirement funds in this generation, requiring one to continue employment well into the senior years. Coupled with the fact that, statistically, an elder will be without a car for eight or nine years for a variety of reasons, one can see the absolute necessity for a comprehensive transit network.

The metropolitan area is blessed with the best rail system in the country. Only one problem – it is disconnected, all rails pointing to what used to be the only significant employment center, New York City, while strong employment centers are now scattered over the entire region. The current state study (Tappan Zee Bridge/I-287 Environmental Review) is looking at alternatives, including an east/west commuter rail from Suffern to Stamford, linking five north/south rails. It is the ultimate solution for the mobility of the region in an age of unaffordable oil and an aging population. It really should not be necessary to go from Tarrytown to 125th Street in order to get to Stamford. The commuter rail link on a replacement Tappan Zee Bridge must be supported vigorously, particularly by environmentalists, for its ability to protect natural resources.

Maureen Morgan is an FCWC Board member and former President, and a mass transit advocate.

By Cheryl Lewy

All one has to do is drive around Westchester to see that there’s something new going on. The skylines of our cities are changing dramatically. There are new tall structures that can be seen from miles around. Thirty and 40 story structures that pierce the sky and rise high above the tree line and every building in the surrounding area can be seen all over the county.

So what’s the problem? For many there’s the issue of whether these high-rises are appropriate at all – but that’s a topic for a different article. If we assume that “smart growth” and strong economic viability will change our cities, let’s analyze where we are and where we could be from a design perspective.

First, the structures being built in Westchester are mostly just plain boxes. Some have the shape of “wedding cakes” and are built in layers. But all the tops of these

boxes are plain, undistinguished rectangles. They could not be more boring. Plus on the very top there’s another undistinguished little box that covers the mechanicals for heating and elevator shafts in a basic utilitarian way. Or worse, the mechanicals are left exposed.

Second, these tall boxes are seen not only by residents but also by people of neighboring communities who have little ability to affect the design or the change in their viewshed that is being decided and imposed by another community.

Third, opportunity is being wasted. Cities all over the United States and the world are creating skylines of distinguished architecture that are varied, interesting and unusual. Think of the New York City skyline and dramatic new structures in Beijing, Sydney, London and Dubai that have become the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben of today.

If the future is building to the sky, Westchester deserves a distinguished skyline. If all Westchester residents will see these towers from near and far, let’s make sure that they are worth looking at and feature good strong design elements that are varied, interesting, architecturally innovative and pleasing to the eye. Each new building should add to a cohesive, well-designed skyline for each municipality. In addition, these new tall buildings should be built of materials that are innovative and environmentally and energy sound and efficient – they should be “green buildings” designed in accordance with recognized standards.

Municipal officials and their land use boards need to make sure that their community’s goals are clearly reflected in their land use laws to control height, density and design. Comprehensive plans and zoning laws may need to be revised. If a municipality doesn’t want tall buildings, then their zoning laws need to say that. If permitted, municipalities need to assert in their laws requirements for high quality architectural design, better building materials, interesting facades and environmentally friendly buildings. We should ask for the best!

Westchester’s governments have been leaders in so many areas including open space, liveable cities, recycling and building affordable housing. As we grow and develop, let’s make sure that our design elements and our skylines reach the same high standards. Our “common vista” may be determined by 43 individual municipalities but it’s all one skyline and we need to make sure that each city, town and village works to ensure a comprehensive vision that is compatible with Patterns for Westchester, the County Planning Board’s long range land use policy statement, and that leads toward a special Westchester skyline. Municipalities and developers need to gather in a forum to discuss the possibilities of design and to understand the county-wide impact on the future of Westchester County.

Cheryl Winter Lewy is Chair of the Westchester County Planning Board and former Mayor, Village of Larchmont, 1992-2002.

By Adiel Gavish

Enthusiasm for local stewardship and advocacy reached new heights this year, as the next generation of environmental leaders met to plan the coming school year of our high school environmental club, WESC (Westchester Environmental Student Council). Twenty students, ranging in age from freshman to seniors, from all over Westchester gathered in late September to share their innovative ideas for events they want to coordinate, and issues they are passionate about pursuing, including renewable energy, sustainability, green design, global climate change, recycling, environmental toxins and health, and corporate social responsibility. The new crop of students share a common interest in wanting to actively contribute to stopping climate change through local efforts. These students understand that climate change starts with each individual and can be reduced through education, awareness and individual action.

Our seven new WESC student officers include Eliot Bodine of Scarsdale, Rob Friedman of Hastings, Sara Gassman of White Plains, Lorenne Gavish of Chappaqua, Alix Kaye of White Plains, Lindsay Miller of Scarsdale, and Ellen Reifler of Mamaroneck. In addition to the core events WESC has held in the past five years, including beach cleanups, invasive vine removal, and traveling to Albany for Earth Day Lobby Day, the officers and their friends suggested partnering with a broader range of eco-clubs in other high schools to plan larger environmental education events that would make WESC a more cohesive umbrella organization. Officers identified outreach as one of their most important goals this year, not only for WESC, but for their SNAP! (Students for No Air Pollution) campaign.

High school students are encouraged to participate, and represent their school at any WESC meeting. Student officer positions are still available for those interested. Please contact the FCWC office at (914) 422-4053 to obtain WESC student officer contact information, or to join WESC.

Adiel Gavish is the WESC coordinator and FCWC Program Director.

By Cesare Manfredi

FCWC has forged a critical partnership with the Construction Industry Council in presenting a conference on soil erosion and sediment control on October 3. With financial support from the Hudson Valley Regional Council, plus support from other sponsors, such as Dolph Rotfeld Engineering PC, the County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Municipal Management Association of Metropolitan New York, and the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, the conference covered a broad spectrum of topics with one common aim, protecting water bodies from construction activity.

Sediment carried from construction sites in stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution. Under the NYS Phase II stormwater permit requirements, all Westchester County municipalities must adopt and enforce local laws requiring erosion and sediment controls for construction sites in their jurisdiction by March of 2008.

The featured speakers, from NYSDEC and from private sector land development, covered the new requirements and how everyone can work together to meet them. By working together, government, environmental interest groups, and the construction industry can implement these new regulations so as to stop contamination of our water resources from construction sites.

FCWC’s premise in organizing the conference was that working cooperatively with the construction industry will produce better environmental results than being confrontational. FCWC has already recognized sound environmental activity at construction sites by acknowledging Cappelli Industries for its use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and state of the art equipment at a While Plains construction site. Similarly, this conference can help make sure that construction sites will produce cleaner storm water runoff to accompany clean air emissions when ultra low sulfur fuel is used.

FCWC appreciates the willingness of the construction industry to work with the environmental community for cleaner air and water. FCWC will continue its efforts to further that partnership.

Cesare Manfredi is an FCWC Board member.

by Jeanne Alpert

On June 5th students at the Church Street School in White Plains helped to install a Native Plant Habitat Garden in the courtyard of the school. Under the direction of Bruce Riggs, a garden consultant, enthusiastic and determined students from all of the grades, working in small groups, participated throughout the morning by setting plants in holes, filling in with soil and spreading mulch. The Central Westchester Audubon Society obtained a generous grant from Audubon NY for planning, designing and purchasing the plant materials. The Church Street School PTA provided additional funds and the Buildings and Grounds Department of the White Plains School aided the project by tilling the soil and providing the mulch.

The plant materials were selected from a list of native plants recommended by Westchester County and the Native Plant Center and were chosen for their value as sources of food and shelter to birds and butterflies. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers will be used in the maintenance of the garden and all of the principles of the “Audubon at Home” gardening program will be followed.

We expect to actively use the garden in projects that will enhance the students’ understanding and appreciation of nature and the environment while at the same time meeting the curriculum standards of New York State. For more information on the garden, visit the website: centralwestchesteraudubon.org and click on “Newsletter”.

Jeanne Alpert is President of the Central Westchester Audubon Society.

“Nuclear Power is Not the
Answer to Global Warning”

By Carolyn Cunningham

That was the message delivered by Dr. Helen Caldicott, pediatrician, Nobel prize winner, and long time anti-nuclear activist at a lecture on September 17. Speaking to a full house at the Community Unitarian Church in White Plains with her characteristic combination of science and passion, she first discussed the dangers of global warming. Dr. Caldicott, who is also a founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility, noted that the earth is very ill and that the fight against global warming is about the salvation of humankind. She urged her listeners to take individual actions in this fight: e.g., that every house should have solar panels, and that we should turn off all electrical gadgets, and not use clothes dryers or dishwashers.

In considering nuclear power as a way to fight global warming, Dr. Caldicott reminded her listeners of the dangers that there is no safe way to dispose of nuclear waste. She said it is a religious issue that children should not be exposed to radiation. Concentrating on the health issues, she stated that radiation causes cancer and that therefore we should not increase the background levels of radiation, noting that the incubation time of cancer makes it hard to pinpoint radiation effects. She also reminded her listeners that old reactors become embrittled. She believes that Indian Point reactors should be closed now, as they emit isotopes all the time, noble gasses, and tritium. She said that the noble gasses can be inhaled and are fat soluble meaning they can end up in ovaries and testicles.

Those interested in reading Dr. Caldicott’s research and concerns can choose from several of her books on the subject, including, The Nuclear Danger, and most recently, Nuclear Power is Not the Answer.

Also on the same program were presentations by Manna Jo Greene, environmental director of Clearwater, speaking on “Global Warming: Energy Solutions & Alternatives” and Mark Jacobs of Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition (IPSEC) on “How We Will Close Indian Point.”

Carolyn Cunningham is an FCWC Board member.

Conservation Café to Explore “Nature Deficit Disorder”

By William Lawyer

If We Save it, Will They Come?” is the title and theme of a Conservation Cafe get-together, co-sponsored by FCWC, on Friday, November 17th. The event will focus on the issues raised by author Richard Louv in his recently published book Last Child In The Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder. Louv’s thesis is that today’s generation of children are spending very little time in natural surroundings, either in playtime or in more formal nature education situations. He asserts that this “deficit” is causing a variety of problems, from increased obesity to serious depression or anti-social behavior.

A panel discussion will include the following participants: Dr. Arthur Zelman, child psychiatrist; Dr. Susan Goodwin, Professor of Environmental Health; Dorna Schroeter, Coordinator of the PNW BOCES Center for Environmental Education; and science teachers Maria Winston of Edgemont Junior-Senior High School and Julie Hensley of Blind Brook High School. The panelists will consider the extent to which Louv’s thesis is true for Westchester, and if so, why, and what can be done to deal with the problem. I will serve as moderator of the program.

This program will be of particular interest to parents, child development professionals, PTA curriculum enrichment planners, parks administrators, and (of course) nature and environmental educators. Copies of the paperback edition of Last Child will be available for purchase at a special discount price of $10. The supply is limited, however. Proceeds will help cover the costs of future “Cafes.”

The point of the conference title (“If We Save It…) is that Westchester County in particular has seen a dramatic increase in preserved parkland and woodlands over the past twenty years, but ironically, it seems that fewer and fewer young people are spending any time there. Instead, they are spending their leisure indoors, lured by the call of Gameboys, X-boxes, television, DVD’s, and other electronic amusements. Their after school outdoor activities are highly structured sports. Their science classes are focused more on indoor labs and trips to zoos or other artificial settings.

Westchester’s environmental educators believe that only by making nature exploration an important part of the lives of young people can they guarantee that the next generation will care about and help support healthy wildlife habitats.

“ Conservation Cafe” is an on-going series of gatherings by the Westchester County Parks Department, with co-sponsors FCWC and other nature and environmental groups within the county. It is designed to bring together people and organizations interested in promoting conservation and environmental awareness in Westchester. Held approximately four times per year, prior topics included deer, road salt, and wildlife corridor issues. The Cafe, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Kessel Student Center at Pace University in Pleasantville, is free and open to the general public. Light breakfast will be served. People planning to attend are encouraged to pre-register by calling 914-864-7047.

Bill Lawyer is Executive Director of the Greenburgh Nature Center and a former FCWC president.