ALEXANDRIA, Va., January 27, 2009 - For boaters cruising offshore, having a way to summon help in an emergency is critical. For years cruisers and racers making offshore passages relied upon EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) utilizing the 121 MHz radio frequency. However, with better technology available in the newer 406 MHz EPIRBs, the U.S. Coast Guard will cease monitoring the old frequency on February 1.
"406 MHz EPIRBs are now the standard for offshore distress signaling," said BoatU.S. Foundation Rental EPIRB Program Manager David Carter. "They have better accuracy, fewer false alerts and greater reliability. Search and rescue agencies are able to respond quicker and pinpoint offshore boaters in trouble."
The BoatU.S. Foundation highly recommends that boaters who make frequent offshore passages -- generally considered to be about 20 miles out from shore and too far for VHF radio or cell phone coverage -- to purchase and install a new 406 MHz EPIRB. Current retail pricing starts around $500. The Foundation also rents the 406 MHz EPIRBs for only $40 a week for those with a temporary need who only go offshore occasionally.
"Our BoatU.S. EPIRB Rental Program is perfect for someone entering an occasional offshore race, or making that once or twice a year passage to a new cruising ground such as Mexico or the Bahamas," said Carter.
The decision to no longer monitor the 121 MHz radio frequency was made by the international satellite-based search and rescue organization, COSPAS/SARSAT, nearly nine years ago, giving time for mariners to transition to the newer technology.
For more information on the BoatU.S. EPIRB rental program, go to http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/epirb or call 888-66-EPIRB (888-663-7472).
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Researchers target invasive species
For years, wildlife officials have struggled to control invasive species without harming the native ones.
Researchers on French Island have identified a weapon they believe could help shift the tide.
A delivery mechanism developed by a Maryland biotech company could be used to target unwelcome fish such as silver carp, the giant flying fish that has taken over the Illinois River and turned up last month in the Mississippi River at La Crosse.
Now they need time and money to study whether it will work.
It’s been nearly four decades since Ohio’s Cuyahoga River, clogged with industrial waste, last caught fire. Federal controls enacted in the 1970s reduced the chemical pollutants in the nation’s waterways.
Today, the most dangerous pollution is biological — in the form of invasive species.
“Now what we have is fires burning below the surface,” said Mike Hoff, a fish biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Fort Snelling, Minn.
When water burns, people notice. But when pollution swims, public concern is harder to muster.
Hoff coordinates the aquatic invasives program for an eight-state region that includes the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin and has worked on invasives since 1975.
“We’ve done a very good job of cleaning up our surface waters,” Hoff said. “What we haven’t done very well is to prevent the introduction of non-native species.
“A lot of people look out on the water. They have no idea what’s happening underneath.”
More than 6,500 non-native species — fish, insects, mammals and reptiles — have established populations in the U.S. Invasive fish alone are blamed for $137 billion a year in costs.
In the Great Lakes, 186 non-native species have established populations, Hoff said; another 50 are expected to become established.
Pests such as the zebra mussel and sea lamprey have long since worn out their welcome.
Resource managers such as the Great Lakes Commission and the Mississippi River Citizens Commission have identified invasive species as the most serious problem they face.
more
Researchers on French Island have identified a weapon they believe could help shift the tide.
A delivery mechanism developed by a Maryland biotech company could be used to target unwelcome fish such as silver carp, the giant flying fish that has taken over the Illinois River and turned up last month in the Mississippi River at La Crosse.
Now they need time and money to study whether it will work.
It’s been nearly four decades since Ohio’s Cuyahoga River, clogged with industrial waste, last caught fire. Federal controls enacted in the 1970s reduced the chemical pollutants in the nation’s waterways.
Today, the most dangerous pollution is biological — in the form of invasive species.
“Now what we have is fires burning below the surface,” said Mike Hoff, a fish biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Fort Snelling, Minn.
When water burns, people notice. But when pollution swims, public concern is harder to muster.
Hoff coordinates the aquatic invasives program for an eight-state region that includes the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River basin and has worked on invasives since 1975.
“We’ve done a very good job of cleaning up our surface waters,” Hoff said. “What we haven’t done very well is to prevent the introduction of non-native species.
“A lot of people look out on the water. They have no idea what’s happening underneath.”
More than 6,500 non-native species — fish, insects, mammals and reptiles — have established populations in the U.S. Invasive fish alone are blamed for $137 billion a year in costs.
In the Great Lakes, 186 non-native species have established populations, Hoff said; another 50 are expected to become established.
Pests such as the zebra mussel and sea lamprey have long since worn out their welcome.
Resource managers such as the Great Lakes Commission and the Mississippi River Citizens Commission have identified invasive species as the most serious problem they face.
more
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge gets $2M in federal funds to improve auto tour through heart of preserve
It's not lions and tigers and bears, although you might spot a bald eagle, egret or deer.
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge will spend $2 million to improve a 7.5-mile auto tour that whisks visitors through the heart of the nearly 9,500-acre federally protected nature preserve, officials said.
The improved road with observation decks will showcase "the wildlife spectacle that brings the refuge to national wildlife status," said Steven F. Kahl, refuge manager.
"Right now, with the trails that we have on the refuge, visitors can only access the edges of the refuge and don't get a real good view of what makes the refuge special," he said.
Motorists enter the one-way horseshoe-shaped tour route off Curtis near Bishop and exit at Ambrose in Spaulding Township.
Refuge officials hope the changes will attract more visitors and tourism dollars to the mid-Michigan safari.
"Basically, it will take folks through the heart of the refuge," said Edward P. DeVries, assistant manager. "It's where all the action is."
The refuge attracted 60,000 visitors in 2006, and the new drive could add another 30,000, estimates show. Recreational use added $1 million to the local economy in 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.
Drivers motor through marsh and crop lands, near open water, forests and along the Shiawassee River.
The project also will add handicapped accessible areas and places to park. Work on the gravel road would begin this year and finish in 2010. Federal dollars will pay for the project.
Until now, tourism hasn't reached its potential at the nature site, said Annette Rummel, president and chief executive officer of the Saginaw Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
It's well documented, she said, that nature preserves are a "healthy, sustainable tourism product" that attract families in search of wholesome entertainment plus bird watchers and nature photographers who spend more than the average tourist.
more
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge will spend $2 million to improve a 7.5-mile auto tour that whisks visitors through the heart of the nearly 9,500-acre federally protected nature preserve, officials said.
The improved road with observation decks will showcase "the wildlife spectacle that brings the refuge to national wildlife status," said Steven F. Kahl, refuge manager.
"Right now, with the trails that we have on the refuge, visitors can only access the edges of the refuge and don't get a real good view of what makes the refuge special," he said.
Motorists enter the one-way horseshoe-shaped tour route off Curtis near Bishop and exit at Ambrose in Spaulding Township.
Refuge officials hope the changes will attract more visitors and tourism dollars to the mid-Michigan safari.
"Basically, it will take folks through the heart of the refuge," said Edward P. DeVries, assistant manager. "It's where all the action is."
The refuge attracted 60,000 visitors in 2006, and the new drive could add another 30,000, estimates show. Recreational use added $1 million to the local economy in 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.
Drivers motor through marsh and crop lands, near open water, forests and along the Shiawassee River.
The project also will add handicapped accessible areas and places to park. Work on the gravel road would begin this year and finish in 2010. Federal dollars will pay for the project.
Until now, tourism hasn't reached its potential at the nature site, said Annette Rummel, president and chief executive officer of the Saginaw Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
It's well documented, she said, that nature preserves are a "healthy, sustainable tourism product" that attract families in search of wholesome entertainment plus bird watchers and nature photographers who spend more than the average tourist.
more
Pollution-law plans hailed
During his campaign, President Barack Obama promised sweeping environmental-policy changes.
Now that his administration is getting down to business, what can Ohio residents expect?
Environmental advocates say that we'll have cleaner air and water. Some businesses, however, say that we can expect higher energy bills, more expensive cars and a bigger government.
Proposals include:
• New pollution limits for coal-fired power plants to curb global warming, smog and toxic effects of mercury.
• More fuel-efficient cars to cut emissions of gases tied to climate change.
• Spending plans to help restore the Great Lakes, build wind turbines and renovate antiquated sewer systems.
• Stricter oversight of dairy, pig and egg farms.
"Clean energy (will) not only protect our environment, but also rev our economic engine," said Amy Gomberg, program manager for Environment Ohio.
Coal and climate
Obama's campaign promise to cut industrial carbon-dioxide emissions by 80 percent in the next 40 years would have a huge impact on power companies that burn coal.
It also could affect customers, who likely would see their bills increase to help pay for new technology.
One idea, underground carbon storage, will take 10 years to figure out, said Bruce Braine, vice president of policy analysis for American Electric Power.
The process could increase the cost of electricity by as much as 35 percent.
"What's really at stake are very substantial rate increases," Braine said.
Clean cars
Obama is expected to ask today that California and some other states be given permission to set their own standards for carbon-dioxide emissions and fuel efficiency -- standards that would be stricter than the federal government's. The Bush administration had rejected California's request in 2007.
Cars and trucks make up about one-third of the nation's annual carbon-dioxide emissions.
Wade Newton, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the mandate would add an average of $3,000 to new-car prices.
However, "This is a necessary part of what our automotive industry has to do to be competitive and move forward," said Teresa McHugh, the Sierra Club's central region organizing manager.
Economic stimulus
more
Now that his administration is getting down to business, what can Ohio residents expect?
Environmental advocates say that we'll have cleaner air and water. Some businesses, however, say that we can expect higher energy bills, more expensive cars and a bigger government.
Proposals include:
• New pollution limits for coal-fired power plants to curb global warming, smog and toxic effects of mercury.
• More fuel-efficient cars to cut emissions of gases tied to climate change.
• Spending plans to help restore the Great Lakes, build wind turbines and renovate antiquated sewer systems.
• Stricter oversight of dairy, pig and egg farms.
"Clean energy (will) not only protect our environment, but also rev our economic engine," said Amy Gomberg, program manager for Environment Ohio.
Coal and climate
Obama's campaign promise to cut industrial carbon-dioxide emissions by 80 percent in the next 40 years would have a huge impact on power companies that burn coal.
It also could affect customers, who likely would see their bills increase to help pay for new technology.
One idea, underground carbon storage, will take 10 years to figure out, said Bruce Braine, vice president of policy analysis for American Electric Power.
The process could increase the cost of electricity by as much as 35 percent.
"What's really at stake are very substantial rate increases," Braine said.
Clean cars
Obama is expected to ask today that California and some other states be given permission to set their own standards for carbon-dioxide emissions and fuel efficiency -- standards that would be stricter than the federal government's. The Bush administration had rejected California's request in 2007.
Cars and trucks make up about one-third of the nation's annual carbon-dioxide emissions.
Wade Newton, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the mandate would add an average of $3,000 to new-car prices.
However, "This is a necessary part of what our automotive industry has to do to be competitive and move forward," said Teresa McHugh, the Sierra Club's central region organizing manager.
Economic stimulus
more
Buffalo Place wants to keep running Erie Canal Harbor
Buffalo Place will likely continue to oversee day-to-day operations and special events at Erie Canal Harbor beyond the May expiration of its current contract.
Jordan A. Levy, chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.’s board, said he wants to extend the Buffalo Place contract through May 2010.
“They’ve done a great job through the first year and I have every intention of renegotiating to keep them on,” Levy said. “I’m enthusiastic and confident it’s a relationship that’s good for the waterfront and downtown.”
Buffalo Place, the nonprofit downtown- boosting group that stages the “Thursday at the Square” concert series, stepped into the role of harbor keeper late last spring, providing maintenance, security, dock operations, marketing and event planning for the site’s debut year.
The agency is currently working under a $299,676 contract, which includes a one-year extension option.
“We’d love to continue what we’re doing down there,” said Buffalo Place Executive Director Michael Schmand. “I think we share the same goals as the Erie Canal Harbor folks, which are to provide a safe, clean, fun and interesting downtown experience. Now we’re taking that all the way to the waterfront.”
In 2008, Buffalo Place staged successful Fourth of July and “Buffalo Rocks the Harbor” events, a menu Schmand would like to expand.
“This time around, we have time on our side and can add more activities to the schedule. The site has so much potential as a weekend and weekday destination,” he said.
To that end, harbor agency and Buffalo Place representatives have scheduled information sessions on Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12, from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m., at Buffalo Place offices, 671 Main St., to meet with individuals, organizations, vendors and others who have ideas for beefing up harbor programming.
“This is the people’s waterfront, so we want to hear from the people. We want to hear from the public on what they liked, what else we can do and ideas to engage harbor visitors,” Levy said.
More details on the call for programming ideas and how to submit proposals can be found on the harbor agency’s Web site: www.eriecanalharbor.com.
more
Jordan A. Levy, chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.’s board, said he wants to extend the Buffalo Place contract through May 2010.
“They’ve done a great job through the first year and I have every intention of renegotiating to keep them on,” Levy said. “I’m enthusiastic and confident it’s a relationship that’s good for the waterfront and downtown.”
Buffalo Place, the nonprofit downtown- boosting group that stages the “Thursday at the Square” concert series, stepped into the role of harbor keeper late last spring, providing maintenance, security, dock operations, marketing and event planning for the site’s debut year.
The agency is currently working under a $299,676 contract, which includes a one-year extension option.
“We’d love to continue what we’re doing down there,” said Buffalo Place Executive Director Michael Schmand. “I think we share the same goals as the Erie Canal Harbor folks, which are to provide a safe, clean, fun and interesting downtown experience. Now we’re taking that all the way to the waterfront.”
In 2008, Buffalo Place staged successful Fourth of July and “Buffalo Rocks the Harbor” events, a menu Schmand would like to expand.
“This time around, we have time on our side and can add more activities to the schedule. The site has so much potential as a weekend and weekday destination,” he said.
To that end, harbor agency and Buffalo Place representatives have scheduled information sessions on Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12, from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m., at Buffalo Place offices, 671 Main St., to meet with individuals, organizations, vendors and others who have ideas for beefing up harbor programming.
“This is the people’s waterfront, so we want to hear from the people. We want to hear from the public on what they liked, what else we can do and ideas to engage harbor visitors,” Levy said.
More details on the call for programming ideas and how to submit proposals can be found on the harbor agency’s Web site: www.eriecanalharbor.com.
more
Now is the time to prepare for spring fishing
Late winter is the most somber of times for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Most of the more popular hunting seasons have ended. The river, sheathed in ice and too treacherous for boating, is beautiful in its starkness, as dramatic as any Ansel Adams print.
The weather during recent weeks has been brutal, too windy and too cold for even the hardiest adventurers to venture outdoors.
For Cory Yarmuth of McHenry, however, it is a busy time.
As host of www.chitownangler.com, Yarmouth's life is steeped in the outdoors. In fact, Cory recently qualified as one of only a dozen outdoorsmen from throughout the United States to compete in Field & Stream magazine's competition to determine who is the nation's best all-round outdoorsman.
With air temps forty degrees below freezing and the landscape crusted with brittle snow, Yarmouth is already looking to spring with the undaunting optimism of a fisherman.
"It's that time of year again when the open water starts calling. Time to get the boats and gear out and hit the local lakes, ponds, and rivers. But are you prepared? That's key!"
Yarmouth shared his "...list of items, those few things that you should do..." to prepare for open water.
1. Inspect your rods, checking all the guides for nicks, cuts or abrasions. Run a cotton swab through the guides and if you have cotton catch you know you have an issue.
2. Check the reel seats and make sure your reels are in tight.
3. Clean the cork on your rods for a better grip. This is easily done with some soapy warm water and a scouring pad.
4. Clean your reels. If you have never taken one apart, ask your local bait or tackle shop if they offer a cleaning service.
5. Change the line on all of your spools. It's the only link between you and the fish of a lifetime!
more
Most of the more popular hunting seasons have ended. The river, sheathed in ice and too treacherous for boating, is beautiful in its starkness, as dramatic as any Ansel Adams print.
The weather during recent weeks has been brutal, too windy and too cold for even the hardiest adventurers to venture outdoors.
For Cory Yarmuth of McHenry, however, it is a busy time.
As host of www.chitownangler.com, Yarmouth's life is steeped in the outdoors. In fact, Cory recently qualified as one of only a dozen outdoorsmen from throughout the United States to compete in Field & Stream magazine's competition to determine who is the nation's best all-round outdoorsman.
With air temps forty degrees below freezing and the landscape crusted with brittle snow, Yarmouth is already looking to spring with the undaunting optimism of a fisherman.
"It's that time of year again when the open water starts calling. Time to get the boats and gear out and hit the local lakes, ponds, and rivers. But are you prepared? That's key!"
Yarmouth shared his "...list of items, those few things that you should do..." to prepare for open water.
1. Inspect your rods, checking all the guides for nicks, cuts or abrasions. Run a cotton swab through the guides and if you have cotton catch you know you have an issue.
2. Check the reel seats and make sure your reels are in tight.
3. Clean the cork on your rods for a better grip. This is easily done with some soapy warm water and a scouring pad.
4. Clean your reels. If you have never taken one apart, ask your local bait or tackle shop if they offer a cleaning service.
5. Change the line on all of your spools. It's the only link between you and the fish of a lifetime!
more
Panasonic Introduces World's First(*1) Waterproof, Shockproof and Dustproof Digital Camera with AVCHD Lite HD Video Recording Capabilities(*2)
Panasonic today introduced the LUMIX DMC-TS1, the world's first(*1) waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera(*2) to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities(*3). The TS1's tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The LUMIX TS1, with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic's proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced imaging features.
"Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using in these tough environments," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family."
The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.
Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments -- especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment's lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1's LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.
more
"Many consumers are hesitant to take their digital cameras on outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, boating or even a day at the beach, for fear it will be damaged. With the introduction of the LUMIX TS1, we offer a digital camera with a rugged design that consumers can feel confident using in these tough environments," said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Even more, with the ability to take both beautiful high-quality still images and High Definition video, with AVCHD Lite, the TS1 offers a powerful one-two punch to capture memories that can later be shared with friends and family."
The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.
Starting at the 28mm wide angle, and zooming up to a useful 128mm in telephoto, the TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments -- especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment's lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1's LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.
more
Virus Could Threaten Lake Champlain
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, also known as VHS, is killing thousand of fish in the Great Lakes, and federal analysts say fish in Lake Champlain are at high risk of becoming infected.
"They've done some evaluation based upon connectivity to other waters, geographic location, likelihood of transient boats, that kind of stuff," said Fisheries Biologist Bernie Pientka. "And Champlain comes in at a high risk."
VHS kills fish by causing severe hemorrhaging, which can be internal or external. But something else sets this bug apart:
"It infects a large number of species," said Pientka. "A lot of fish diseases usually only get two, three, four species. It's been documented in close to 30."
The lake hasn't been affected yet, but Vermont's Department of Fish and Wildlife is already taking precautions.
The hatchery in Grand Isle is being isolated to serve only Lake Champlain.
It used to send fish nearly all over the state, but now biologists say that could be too risky.
"Because Grand Isle gets its water from Lake Champlain, even though we do do some disinfection of the water with ultraviolet light, disinfection system, more of a proactive method is to reduce that spread," Pientka said. "Reduce the chance of a spread."
As the Grand Isle hatchery switches over to serving only Lake Champlain, other hatcheries around the state will have to do more stocking.
more
"They've done some evaluation based upon connectivity to other waters, geographic location, likelihood of transient boats, that kind of stuff," said Fisheries Biologist Bernie Pientka. "And Champlain comes in at a high risk."
VHS kills fish by causing severe hemorrhaging, which can be internal or external. But something else sets this bug apart:
"It infects a large number of species," said Pientka. "A lot of fish diseases usually only get two, three, four species. It's been documented in close to 30."
The lake hasn't been affected yet, but Vermont's Department of Fish and Wildlife is already taking precautions.
The hatchery in Grand Isle is being isolated to serve only Lake Champlain.
It used to send fish nearly all over the state, but now biologists say that could be too risky.
"Because Grand Isle gets its water from Lake Champlain, even though we do do some disinfection of the water with ultraviolet light, disinfection system, more of a proactive method is to reduce that spread," Pientka said. "Reduce the chance of a spread."
As the Grand Isle hatchery switches over to serving only Lake Champlain, other hatcheries around the state will have to do more stocking.
more
Hundreds trapped on ice-enclosed ships in Canada
Two ships carrying hundreds of passengers are stuck in the ice in the Saint Lawrence Seaway off Matane in eastern Canada, news reports said.
Ice breakers failed on Monday to clear a path for the two stricken ships, the CTMA Vacancier ferry with 300 people on board, and the Georges-Alexandre-Lebel, a cargo ship owned by Canada's COGEMA shipping company.
COGEMA general director Andre Landry told the French-language newspaper Le Soleil that ice of that thickness has not been observed in the seaway that early in the year for many years.
"That is usually expected in February and March," Landry said.
Initial attempts to help the ship by the ice breaker Terry Fox failed.
A 5-square-kilometre-large ice blanket has been blocking access to the port at Matane since the weekend, Le Soleil wrote.
The Saint Lawrence Seaway connected North America's Great Lakes with the Atlantic.
from
Ice breakers failed on Monday to clear a path for the two stricken ships, the CTMA Vacancier ferry with 300 people on board, and the Georges-Alexandre-Lebel, a cargo ship owned by Canada's COGEMA shipping company.
COGEMA general director Andre Landry told the French-language newspaper Le Soleil that ice of that thickness has not been observed in the seaway that early in the year for many years.
"That is usually expected in February and March," Landry said.
Initial attempts to help the ship by the ice breaker Terry Fox failed.
A 5-square-kilometre-large ice blanket has been blocking access to the port at Matane since the weekend, Le Soleil wrote.
The Saint Lawrence Seaway connected North America's Great Lakes with the Atlantic.
from
Cities looking for federal aid for sewer plans
Tiffin and Fostoria officials expect to be pursuing federal aid for sewer projects, should a $5 billion provision be included in a federal stimulus package.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and seven other senators are asking for $5 billion to be placed in a grant program in the federal aid package to help municipalities separate combined sewer systems.
"He's hopeful," said Meghan Dubyak, spokeswoman for Brown's office.
Dubyak said there already is $1.4 billion-$3.8 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater projects in rural areas in the federal aid plan.
For some officials, it is about time the federal government helped fund a program they mandated.
"The federal government, in my mind, should have considered this long ago when they asked municipalities to separate these sewers. This is a step in the right direction, regardless of the economic situation. They have to be there to lend a hand," said Tiffin Mayor Jim Boroff.
He said he will be placing calls to Brown, U.S. Rep Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, and U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, this week.
Due to an accelerated EPA timeline to finish the project, Tiffin City Council recently approved a rate increase to help pay for phase three of the project, which is expected to cost $5.5 million. Boroff said if any aid is received, officials would look at modifying the rate increase to take pressure off Tiffin residents.
Dubyak said there are 86 sites with serious sewage overflow problems. She said Ohio has a larger number of combined sewers than most other states.
"(Brown) is very concerned. CSOs generate a threat to human health and communities in facing challenges of the renovation of CSOs need federal support," Dubyak said.
The EPA mandated the separation of lines that handle waste water and storm water. Excessive rains at times lead to runoff of an estimated 1 billion gallons of raw sewage into the water supply, putting public and environmental health at risk.
Boroff said the entire separation project was estimated to cost the city $51 million, with some inflation factored in. He said the project is on schedule.
more
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and seven other senators are asking for $5 billion to be placed in a grant program in the federal aid package to help municipalities separate combined sewer systems.
"He's hopeful," said Meghan Dubyak, spokeswoman for Brown's office.
Dubyak said there already is $1.4 billion-$3.8 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater projects in rural areas in the federal aid plan.
For some officials, it is about time the federal government helped fund a program they mandated.
"The federal government, in my mind, should have considered this long ago when they asked municipalities to separate these sewers. This is a step in the right direction, regardless of the economic situation. They have to be there to lend a hand," said Tiffin Mayor Jim Boroff.
He said he will be placing calls to Brown, U.S. Rep Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, and U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, this week.
Due to an accelerated EPA timeline to finish the project, Tiffin City Council recently approved a rate increase to help pay for phase three of the project, which is expected to cost $5.5 million. Boroff said if any aid is received, officials would look at modifying the rate increase to take pressure off Tiffin residents.
Dubyak said there are 86 sites with serious sewage overflow problems. She said Ohio has a larger number of combined sewers than most other states.
"(Brown) is very concerned. CSOs generate a threat to human health and communities in facing challenges of the renovation of CSOs need federal support," Dubyak said.
The EPA mandated the separation of lines that handle waste water and storm water. Excessive rains at times lead to runoff of an estimated 1 billion gallons of raw sewage into the water supply, putting public and environmental health at risk.
Boroff said the entire separation project was estimated to cost the city $51 million, with some inflation factored in. He said the project is on schedule.
more
CITY OF LOCKPORT: Flight of Five project hitting snags with Canal Corp.
The Flight of Five committee knows what it wants. So does the state Canal Corp.
Unfortunately, it seems, the end goals of the two are not the same.
Choppy waters have surfaced on the City of Lockport’s journey to Flight of Five canal locks restoration. The citizen committee in charge is being advised it can’t have the full, historically accurate restoration that it’s been trying to chart for years.
Canal Corp., which controls the locks, instead is steering the committee toward a watered-down version that doesn’t disrupt the way it does its business.
The gist, according to project manager Peter Welsby, is the city won’t get permission to do any work on the flight area if the project it proposes is more, or less, than the agency wants to handle.
The city wants the Flight of Five locks operated as they were in 1842, by the use of wooden gates opened and closed by balance beams over them. Two modern structures, a utility building between the old and new locks, and a vehicle bridge spanning Lock 67, are in the way of that vision. Canal Corp. doesn’t want the structures moved, despite the project designers having suggested alternatives.
The agency’s stance is it can’t incur any additional operating/maintenance costs and, therefore, Welsby said, “it is not able to make any changes to current operating procedures. ... The only recourse we have is to take a second look at what we want this project to be.”
Canal Corp. has not explained how the alternatives would cost it more or be otherwise unworkable, however. Its silence isn’t sitting well with Flight of Five committeemen, who confronted the possibility of downsizing their ambitions Monday and agreed: Unless the agency can justify it on technical or financial grounds, they won’t do it.
Welsby is meeting with Canal Corp. officials today and was instructed to convey that message.
“I’d rather hold out for historic accuracy than do a short-term compromise just to get (construction) going,” Becky Burns said. “Don’t tell me ‘fall in line or there’s no project.’ That just gets my hackles up.”
Margaret Truax suggested the agency’s fixation on “nuts and bolts (instead of) heritage” is misplaced, and the committee ought to pursue as much restoration as the agency will allow — then let public outcry over an incomplete job prod the agency to change its tune. At some point, she observed, the State Historic Preservation Office will weigh in on the project and could be the committee’s ally.
Welsby suggested a compromise on the gates wouldn’t necessarily lessen restoration’s historic value. If the modern structures remain, two of the six gates would have to be built beneath footbridges, instead of over them, but there are examples of that design from the 1800s. “It’s not historically accurate to Lockport but it’s still historically accurate,” he said.
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Unfortunately, it seems, the end goals of the two are not the same.
Choppy waters have surfaced on the City of Lockport’s journey to Flight of Five canal locks restoration. The citizen committee in charge is being advised it can’t have the full, historically accurate restoration that it’s been trying to chart for years.
Canal Corp., which controls the locks, instead is steering the committee toward a watered-down version that doesn’t disrupt the way it does its business.
The gist, according to project manager Peter Welsby, is the city won’t get permission to do any work on the flight area if the project it proposes is more, or less, than the agency wants to handle.
The city wants the Flight of Five locks operated as they were in 1842, by the use of wooden gates opened and closed by balance beams over them. Two modern structures, a utility building between the old and new locks, and a vehicle bridge spanning Lock 67, are in the way of that vision. Canal Corp. doesn’t want the structures moved, despite the project designers having suggested alternatives.
The agency’s stance is it can’t incur any additional operating/maintenance costs and, therefore, Welsby said, “it is not able to make any changes to current operating procedures. ... The only recourse we have is to take a second look at what we want this project to be.”
Canal Corp. has not explained how the alternatives would cost it more or be otherwise unworkable, however. Its silence isn’t sitting well with Flight of Five committeemen, who confronted the possibility of downsizing their ambitions Monday and agreed: Unless the agency can justify it on technical or financial grounds, they won’t do it.
Welsby is meeting with Canal Corp. officials today and was instructed to convey that message.
“I’d rather hold out for historic accuracy than do a short-term compromise just to get (construction) going,” Becky Burns said. “Don’t tell me ‘fall in line or there’s no project.’ That just gets my hackles up.”
Margaret Truax suggested the agency’s fixation on “nuts and bolts (instead of) heritage” is misplaced, and the committee ought to pursue as much restoration as the agency will allow — then let public outcry over an incomplete job prod the agency to change its tune. At some point, she observed, the State Historic Preservation Office will weigh in on the project and could be the committee’s ally.
Welsby suggested a compromise on the gates wouldn’t necessarily lessen restoration’s historic value. If the modern structures remain, two of the six gates would have to be built beneath footbridges, instead of over them, but there are examples of that design from the 1800s. “It’s not historically accurate to Lockport but it’s still historically accurate,” he said.
more
Inside Ice Dunes
Walking on a Lake Erie beach in winter can make the same place in June seem a world away.
The screams and splashes are long gone. The frozen sand doesn't give under your feet. Even the waves stand stuck in one position.
Those waves -- called "ice dunes" here, but also known as "the ice foot" and "ice ridges" -- are a feature seen on almost every shoreline in the Great Lakes, created when waves join frozen chunks of lake water and clumps of snow.
"They can form overnight," said Dan Powell, a ranger at Presque Isle State Park for the past 11 years.
Ice dunes form in shallow water when air temperatures are below freezing and the lake is near that point, M. Leonard Bryan and Melvin G. Marcus of the University of Michigan say in their report "Physical Characteristics of Near-Shore Ice Ridges."
As snow falls on the lake, it doesn't immediately melt. Some snowflakes are joined together by waves or attach to ice floating in the water, the study states. Eventually, many of those chunks of ice are washed to the shore and build up in layers.
Waves also leave behind water and wave spray, which freezes on the ice, creating another layer. Add continued snowfall on the shore, and the dunes grow quickly and large. Ice dunes of 6 feet or higher are relatively common.
more
The screams and splashes are long gone. The frozen sand doesn't give under your feet. Even the waves stand stuck in one position.
Those waves -- called "ice dunes" here, but also known as "the ice foot" and "ice ridges" -- are a feature seen on almost every shoreline in the Great Lakes, created when waves join frozen chunks of lake water and clumps of snow.
"They can form overnight," said Dan Powell, a ranger at Presque Isle State Park for the past 11 years.
Ice dunes form in shallow water when air temperatures are below freezing and the lake is near that point, M. Leonard Bryan and Melvin G. Marcus of the University of Michigan say in their report "Physical Characteristics of Near-Shore Ice Ridges."
As snow falls on the lake, it doesn't immediately melt. Some snowflakes are joined together by waves or attach to ice floating in the water, the study states. Eventually, many of those chunks of ice are washed to the shore and build up in layers.
Waves also leave behind water and wave spray, which freezes on the ice, creating another layer. Add continued snowfall on the shore, and the dunes grow quickly and large. Ice dunes of 6 feet or higher are relatively common.
more
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