Skeptics of offshore wind energy are fretting about the wrong things. Instead of finding imaginary faults with wind turbines that will produce renewable energy for Long Island, they should focus on the real threats of fossil fuels.
Construction Begins on Converter Station for 339-Mile Champlain Hudson Power Express
What are the Problems with Artificial Turf? You have questions, we have answers!
Join CCE and PEER on October 10th for a virtual lunch and learn presentation on the environmental and public health concerns associated with artificial turf fields
Throughout New York State, Connecticut, and the nation, natural grass playgrounds and athletic fields are being replaced with “artificial” or “synthetic” turf. The use of artificial turf raises significant environmental, health, and safety concerns that parents, schools, and policymakers must be made aware of. As schools continue to switch over to artificial turf, children who play on these surfaces are at increased risk of physical injury and exposure to toxic chemicals.
On Tuesday, October 10, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) are co-hosting a virtual educational presentation to discuss the significant problems with artificial turf. Topics include:
Adverse impacts to water quality, public health and safety, and our environment
Microplastic pollution caused by artificial turf
A closer look at how ubiquitous turf fields are on Long Island, and how that can impact local water quality
What can we do to address the problem, including policy solutions
Join us to hear from experts and have the opportunity to ask questions. This event is free and open to the public.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, October 10
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual presentation on Zoom. Register today!
Speakers:
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, CCE
Matt Simon, science writer at Wired magazine
Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy, PEER
Monica I. Mercola, Environmental Legal Fellow, PEER
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Wastewater infrastructure casts shadow over Suffolk County elections
The Unstoppable Sand Land
IN THE HILLS of the Hamptons, next to one of the most expensive golf clubs in the country, sits a big pit. It spans an area of just over 30 acres — about six city blocks — and drops more than 100 feet deep in some parts, with heaps of sand scattered throughout. Heavy machinery scoops that sand out of the ground, sifts it, and loads it onto trucks for sale. It’s a mine called Sand Land, and it operates much as it has for more than half a century.
It isn’t supposed to. New York’s highest court ruled more than six months ago that Sand Land’s permits were invalid, and regulators told the company to stop mining. The town slapped a stop work order at the entrance. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (dec) sent inspectors and issued violation notices. Sand Land kept digging.
Fact Check: The Truth About Wind and Whales
Opponents of offshore wind have wrongly blamed the renewable energy for recent whale strandings and deaths. Wind turbines do not cause whale deaths!
Here are the facts:
In 2017 the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared an “unusual whale mortality event” for whales. This designation was based on data that showed a steep increase in deceased whales in 2016 and 2017 washing up on America’s shores. This event began prior to offshore wind siting in the US. Misinformation about a connection between offshore wind development harming whales is simply wrong. This misconception is not based on scientific facts.
Wind surveys do not kill whales
When NOAA declared an unusual whale mortality event in 2017 there was no offshore wind project approved in NY or NJ and it was long before offshore wind survey work was conducted. A second misconception is that offshore wind survey work requires the same exploratory equipment as natural gas and oil companies. This is simply not true. Oil and gas exploration requires seismic air guns that penetrate deep into the sea floor. Seismic air guns create one of the loudest man-made sounds in the ocean that damages marine life, including whales. The sound can travel several miles through the ocean at 220-250 decibels. Blasts are repeated as often as every 10 seconds for days and weeks.
Offshore wind surveying uses sound waves known as High Resolution Geophysical (HRG). These surveys use higher frequencies than those used in seismic air guns and image smaller structures with a high level of detail. Additionally, most of the equipment for these surveys cannot be heard by humpback whales. According to the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management “physical attributes of HRG sources-such as beamwidth, exposure duration, and frequency – make them significantly unlikely to result in harm of marine mammals.”
So what is causing the whale deaths?
Scientists are working to understand the cause of increased whale strandings. The two most common species impacted are Minke Whales and Humpback whales. When whales die, they undergo what is called a necropsy to determine the cause of death. These procedures are challenging when dealing with a 25-ton marine mammal, many of which are in various stages of decomposition. Scientists tell us that Minke Whales are showing signs of infection around the heart area, and 40% of Humpback whales are showing clear signs of ship strikes. Another cause of death is entanglement with commercial fishing gear which weighs down whales, decreases their mobility, and results in a diminished ability to feed.
Many scientists believe that whales are here in greater numbers due to changing water temperatures and an increase in bait fish off our shores. The bait fish are a beloved food source for whales, but this food source may be leading whales into shipping lanes making them vulnerable to ship strikes. Also, according to the Port Authority there had been a 35% increase in ships from 2019 into New York Harbor, adding another serious threat to whales.
How do we protect whales?
We know that ship strikes, along with commercial fishing are a real threat to whales. Over 20 environmental groups have called on Congress to allocate $20 million for better whale monitoring, which would help decrease ship strikes, and to fund marine mammal response and necropsy efforts.
One of the greatest threats to not only whales but all wildlife and our oceans is climate change. Warming temperatures, ocean acidification, changing food webs, and altered migration and feeding habits put whales at greater risk. One thing we can do locally is support the transition off fossil fuels and towards renewable energy, which will decrease local ocean acidification in our local waterways, protect local marine species and fisheries, and help combat global climate change. Offshore wind is the solution, not the problem.
If you want more information, check out:
Lunch and Learn: Whale Tales and Whale Facts, click here.
Offshore Wind & Whale Protection factsheet, click here.
Understanding Ocean Sounds & Whales factsheet, click here.
Fight Climate Change with Offshore Wind factsheet, click here.
Offshore Wind Future, Long Beach Herald. July, 2023, click here.
Sincerely,
All of us at CCE
Suffolk sales tax hike to build sewers could be on December ballot
SCWA unveils new water treatment systems for Huntington
In a secluded residential block on Northport’s McKinney Avenue lies an advanced water treatment center masquerading as a barn.
At this site, representatives from the Suffolk County Water Authority joined state and local public officials for a press event on Thursday, Aug. 24, announcing eight new high-tech water filtration systems for local drinking water.
CCE’s Environmental Equinox Awards Gala
Join us September 27, 2023 to Celebrate 38 Years of Grassroots Advocacy!
For more details and to Purchase tickets https://www.citizenscampaign.org/annual-gala
Get ready to join CCE for our Environmental Equinox Awards Gala to celebrate over three and half decades of grassroots accomplishments and our 2023 honorees. CCE is excited to honor Doreen Harris, President of New York State Energy and Research Authority (NYSERDA) for her dedication and leadership in prioritizing renewable energy and fighting climate change. CCE is also honoring Danielle Campbell, Journalist & Environmental Reporter for her dedication to protecting our environment and public health for 3 decades! Her influential reporting and media coverage on Long Island’s environment have educated the public and impacted positive changes throughout Long Island communities. These leaders have changed New York for the better and will make our island more sustainable and livable for years to come.
When: Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Where: The Piermont, 494 Fire Island Ave, Babylon, NY
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Visit https://www.citizenscampaign.org/annual-gala
Please contact Maureen at 516-390-7150 or mmurphy@citizenscampaign.org
The equinox is the time of year when the sun crosses the equator and the length of the day equals the length of the night on all parts of the earth. The equinox is a symbol of achieving environmental and societal harmony.
Thank you for your support. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Highlights and Happenings: August 2023
Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT.
Make a contribution today.
Highlights
Governor Hochul: It’s Time to Save the Bees!
In August, we joined NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, environmental advocates, and farmers for a virtual press conference calling on Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act into law! This bill would ban the most harmful and unnecessary uses of toxic neonic pesticides that have been decimating bee and pollinator populations, contaminating water resources, and threatening public health. Neonics are likely the most ecologically destructive pesticides since DDT. Help us fight the pesticide industry and protect our pollinators by sending an email to Governor Hochul and tell her it is time to save the bees! You can also watch a recording of the press conference here.
Taking a Major Step Forward in Protecting Long Island’s Water from Forever Chemicals!
Unfortunately, carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane and PFAS “forever chemicals” have been detected in wells throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. In August, we attended the site for a new Suffolk County Water Authority AOP System that will remove PFAS and 1,4-dioxane from our drinking water. Our work fighting for state clean water funding is paying off! We got a great tour of the facility and had a press conference celebrating the eight new AOP systems in total that will ensure Suffolk’s water meets state drinking water standards for these toxic chemicals. Thank you to Suffolk County Water Authority, Senator Mario R. Mattera, and Assemblyman Steve Stern for your work to provide clean water to Suffolk residents.
Happenings
Weighing in on NY’s Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act
The $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act was approved overwhelming by New York State voters last November. This funding will allow our state to undertake urgently needed environmental improvement projects that are vital to New York’s future and provide necessary and overdue investments to solve pressing public health and environmental problems. Throughout July and August state agencies hosted listening sessions across NY to get ideas for projects from local communities. We attended listening sessions from Buffalo to Long Island and will be submitting a list of potential projects to improve water quality, fight climate change, preserve open space, and create green jobs. You can submit your ideas as well!
Fighting to Preserve Plum Island
We had a fantastic trip to Orient Point, overlooking Plum Island, with the Preserve Plum Island Coalition and Congressman Nick LaLota in August. Plum Island is an 840- acre island located 10 miles from Connecticut in the heart of Long Island Sound. Approximately 90% of the island is undeveloped, allowing pristine wetlands and grassland areas to flourish and giving the island tremendous ecological value. We are fighting to preserve Plum Island for future generations.
Transitioning to Offshore Wind
New York is poised to be a national leader in offshore wind, with five wind farms already selected and a mandate of 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035. August saw some more big milestones for offshore wind:
Sunrise Wind Virtual Open House: We joined a virtual open house to hear about progress on the onshore construction work for Sunrise Wind. The Sunrise Wind Farm will be located off the coast of Montauk and will power 600,000 Long Island homes via a cable connection in Town of Brookhaven. The first phase of onshore construction activities is under way, with additional phases occurring later this year and into next year. If you missed the open house, you can check out the info here.
South Fork Wind: The South Fork Wind Farm will be NY’s first offshore wind, powering 70,000 homes on the east end of Long Island. The construction is under way and the project is expected to be online at the end of the year. As of last month, the foundations are now installed – Next step is installing the turbines!
Understanding the Health Risks of 1,4-Dioxane on Long Island
Yale Superfund Research Center has crafted a study to better understand the impact of 1,4-dioxane exposure on Long Island residents. This spring, we launched our partnership with Yale to provide education and outreach to inform Long Islanders about this new, exciting program. If you live on Long Island and are interested in participating and finding out if you have been exposed to 1,4-dioxane, you can find out more here. Last month we had a great meeting with NYS Senator Anthony Palumbo and Yale Superfund Research Center in Riverhead to spread the word and educate the public about this 1,4-dioxane health study.
Be on the Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms
As we start enjoying summer here in New York, it is important to be aware of dangerous harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs pose an immense threat to our communities’ drinking water, public health, outdoor recreation and wildlife. HABs are erupting across NY more frequently and more aggressively in NY waterbodies. To learn more about HABs and efforts taken to combat them on Cayuga Lake check out our short video. If you see a HAB in a lake or waterbody (looks like spilled green paint or pea soup), be sure to avoid it and report it using the DEC Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form!
Hochul should sign bill to protect birds and bees
Rachel Carson, a pioneer of the modern environmental movement, fought against pesticides and their damaging impact for much of her career. Her landmark 1962 book, “Silent Spring,” relied in part on evidence from two organic farmers on Long Island, who fought against the aerial spraying of the toxic pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, or DDT, on crops.
Systems installed in Huntington to remove contaminant from existing water wells
Help Save the Bees!
Join the Online Action Party & Urge Governor Hochul to Sign the Birds & Bees Protection Act into law!
On Wednesday, August 30, join an online Climate Action Party to save the bees! The NYS Legislature recently passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which was a huge step forward in protecting our pollinators from one of the most dangerous and toxic pesticides, known as neonics. Now we need your help in urging Governor Hochul to sign this monumental legislation into law. Tune in and take action! This event is free and open to the public, get your tickets TODAY!
Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Neonics are proving to be the most environmentally harmful pesticide since DDT. The Birds and Bees Protection Act would ban neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, as well as cosmetic uses of neonics on lawns and golf courses. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators with this toxic pesticide.
Hear from an expert panel on the immense impacts neonics have on our pollinators, public health, and environment. You’ll hear from Dr. Kathy Nolan from Physicians for Social Responsibility, the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter’s Caitlan Ferrante, and Dan Raichel from the Natural Resources Defense Council. During this event we’ll all take substantive actions using the free Climate Action Now App to ensure the Governor does the right thing and signs this nation-leading legislation. Register today and help protect our birds, bees, and pollinators!
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
All of us at CCE
Would you swim in at this beach?
Bathers looking for a respite from the summer heat have a choice — jostle with crowds at one of the bigger ocean beaches, or find a less crowded bayside beach.
For many, Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway is a nice option, especially for families with little kids who want to enjoy the water but avoid bigger waves.
Locals, however, know that after a heavy rain, the beach is likely to be under an advisory against swimming.
Sinkholes on Long Island caused by aging infrastructure, extreme weather, experts say
In May, a 20-foot deep sinkhole swallowed part of a Lido Beach road. In June, another one opened in Baldwin. In late July, a third appeared in Oceanside, its dimensions less impressive than its predecessors but big enough “that cars can’t drive safely over it,” a Nassau County police spokesman, Officer Kenneth Palmieri, said at the time.
Yale researchers seek participants for study of 1,4-dioxane in Long Island drinking water
DEC Announces New Leadership Appointments
DEC Names Chief Resiliency Officer, Director of Indian Nation Affairs, Regional Director for Region 7, Director of Media Relations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced four appointments to new and existing leadership positions with DEC's Executive and Regional teams.
Foundations of South Fork wind farm off of Long Island now complete
New York forces Brookhaven to address toxic plume coming from its landfill
Brookhaven Landfill rises behind the Frank P. Long Intermediate School and playground in North Bellport.
An underground plume of PFAS and other dangerous chemicals has emanated from the Brookhaven Landfill for decades. The Town of Brookhaven is now ordered to measure how far they must go to remediate affected drinking water sources.
