Brazilian dish at Williams-Sonoma by Ellie Marovotich and Liz Beal of the Chefs Consortium - http://ping.fm/3V8WY

http://ping.fm/7uWlo

Paraco Gas wants 2/ 30,000 gal propane next to CSX tracks

Village Planning board hearing Dec 14@6:30 in the Village Fire Dept hall. Paraco gas wants to put two 30,000 gal propane tanks at the CSX freight train tracks.

Toronto Propane Explosion

Shows the shockwave very clearly. Found in an online forum, reposted here because it's one of the best footages showing the shockwave and intensity of this event.

Bad news for Saugertiesians who breathe

Fresh air is hard to find even in Saugerties. Take a look for yourself:

Fresh

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Saugerties Farmers Market Sept. 3,2011

Farm animals and fresh produce at Saugerties Farmers Market

Approaching the old "Cow Flop" (across from Cahill Elementary in Saugerties) I could hear the sounds of what used to be. Roosters, ducks, horses and an assortment of exotic pets waited to be pampered. It was around 9:30 AM Saturday morning, and the Saugerties Farmers Market was setting up.

Saugerties - Hudson Valley Water Industrial Discharge Permit Gets Renewed after being expred for 9 years.

Hudson Valley Water Companies, Inc. Jeffrey Fuller, Owner

83 Eagle Chase Woodbury, NY 11797

516-802-7103

Ulster County

Applicant:

Hudson Valley Water Co
83 Eagle Chase Rd
Woodbury, NY 11797

Facility:

Hudson Valley Water Co Plant #1
Park Circle
Mt Marion, NY 12456

Application ID:

3-5148-00079/00003

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 17 Titles 7 & 8 Industrial SPDES - Groundwater Discharge

Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The Department has determined to renew existing SPDES permit NY 007 6376, which expired in 2002, as a Uniform Procedures Act Major groundwater discharge of industrial waste for a term of 10 years. Discharge consists of backwash from a water treatment plant in the amount of 3,000 gallons per day. The permit requires monitoring and submission of an annual report to the regional water engineer.

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is not subject to SEQR because it is a Type II action.
SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Sep 02, 2011.

Contact:

Andrea Sheeran
NYSDEC Headquarters
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
(518)402-9167
depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Saugerties not without environmental neglect... please read

The new EPA database details the violations that have occurred in Saugerties.

Kayak, Canoe BBQ on the Esopus in Saugerties! http://ping.fm/kYLD4

4th JULY 2011 Saugerties

The Great Saugerties Bed Race on August 6th. 2011

American Legion at Saugerties 4th of July Parade in Saugerties

American Legion at Saugerties 4th of July Parade in Saugerties

4thJULLY2011Saugerties

Cartoonist Joe Sinnott as Grand Marshal at Saugerties 4th of July 2011 Parade

Natural Food Market Donates $69K to Hudson Valley’s Hungry - http://ping.fm/tHhXI

Vertis Inc applies for change in Air State Facility Permit

Applicant:

Vertis Inc
250 West Pratt St 18th Fl
Baltimore, MD 21201

Facility:

Vertis Inc
1 Tomsons Rd
Saugerties, NY 12477

Application ID:

3-5148-00070/00013

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 19 Air State Facility

Project is Located:

Saugerties, Ulster County

Project Description:

The New York Division of Vertis Inc. produces advertising inserts and other printed materials for commercial use. The facility operates five heatset and two coldest web offset lithographic printing presses. Supporting operations include pre-press, a scrap paper recovery and baling system, a labeling operation, and a bindery.

VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions from the heatset presses are controlled by natural gas fired catalytic oxidizers. Particulate emissions from the scrap paper recovery system are controlled by two cyclones and a bag filter unit.

Presently, the facility is designated as a major source of air pollution. The Air State Facility Permit will limit VOC emissions from the facility to 40.89 tons per year, in order to stay below the major source threshold of 50 tons per year. Thus, the facility will no longer be subject to the requirements of Title V of the Federal Clean Air Act. The facility will track usage of VOC containing materials to demonstrate compliance with the VOC limit.

Persons wishing to inspect the subject files, including the application with all relevant supporting materials, the Draft Permit, and all other materials available to the DEC (the "permitting authority") that are relevant to this permitting decision should contact the DEC representative listed below. The Draft Permit and Permit Review Report may be viewed and printed from the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32249.html.

DEC will evaluate the application and comments received on it to determine whether to hold a public hearing. Comments and requests for a legislative public hearing should be in writing and addressed to the Department representative listed below. A copy of the Department's permit hearing procedures is available upon request or on the Department web site at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6234.html.

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment. A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.
SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Jun 17, 2011.

Contact:

Kenneth R Grzyb
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

A Spring Deliverance - Celebrating "Local" Albany | St. Joesph's Historical Landmark | Albany | Albany Events at wnyt.com

A Spring Deliverance - Celebrating "Local" Albany | St. Joesph's Historical Landmark | Albany | Albany Events at wnyt.com

Local food, wine, music and art, all in a 1800's historic landmark in Albany.

March Issue of Environment DEC

Hello!

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's public newsletter for March 2011 is now available online. You can access the main table of contents at DEC's website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/newsletter.html

Snow and Ice Hazards for Recreationists in the Adirondacks http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72423.html - Unstable snow and unsafe ice in the Adirondacks can make winter recreation deadly for those who are unprepared.

NYS Rechargeable Battery Recycling Law
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72469.html - The law requires manufacturers of covered rechargeable batteries to collect and recycle the batteries statewide in a manufacturer-funded program at no cost to consumers.

U.N. General Assembly Declares 2011 "International Year of Forests"
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72561.html - DEC was invited to send a delegate to the ninth session of the U.N. Forum on Forests, where ways to sustainably manage the world's forest resources were discussed.

Trout Season Opens April 1
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72515.html - New York State offers world-class fishing for a wide variety of species on more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and hundreds of miles of coastline.

Comments Invited on New SEQR Forms
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72518.html - Comments and supporting documents will be accepted on new State Environmental Quality Review forms until the close of business on April 8, 2011.

Bald Eagles a Welcome Sight at Onondaga Lake http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72481.html - In another promising sign of the lake's comeback, an increasing number of American bald eagles return year after year, much to the delight of bird watchers and nature lovers.

Brain Worm in NYS Moose
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72478.html - Brain worm causes moose and other susceptible animals to behave abnormally, compromises their health and eventually kills them.

Meetings on "State of Lake Ontario" Scheduled http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72498.html - These meetings, to be held in Oswego, Niagara and Monroe counties, will provide an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in the lake to talk to the scientists who study its fisheries.

Transfer of Lifetime Sporting Licenses Now Possible http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72467.html - A new state law that became effective on January 15, 2011 allows for the one-time transfer of lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping licenses under certain circumstances.

Exams for Wildlife Rehabilitator and Falconry Apprentice http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72528.html - The deadline to apply for either exam is April 1, and both exams are scheduled for April 22.

Applications for Pheasant Release Program Due March 15, 2011 http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72422.html - This program enhances pheasant hunting opportunities through a partnership with DEC, sportsmen and sportswomen, 4-H youth and landowners who are interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.

Miscellaneous News
http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/72545.html - Even though there's still ice and snow around, it's not too early to make a reservation at a DEC environmental education camp or campground. Also, applications are now being accepted for the eighth annual NYS Environmental Excellence Awards program and registration is open for the June Becoming and Outdoors-Woman workshops.
_______________________________________________

If you are interested in learning about the environment, also check out our award-winning outdoor magazine, the Conservationist.  You get 7 issues of gorgeous photographs and captivating articles for only $12 a year or 14 issues for $21 when subscribing online.  Check it out at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/conservationist.html

_______________________________________________
EnvironmentDEC mailing list
EnvironmentDEC@lists.dec.state.ny.us
http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/environmentdec

A G Properties of Kingston LLC applies for DEC permit

Ulster County

Applicant:

A G Properties of Kingston LLC
300 Enterprise Dr
Kingston, NY 12401

Facility:

Tech City
300 Enterprise Dr
Kingston, NY 12401

Application ID:

3-5154-00153/00006

Permit(s) Applied for:

Article 19 Air State Facility

Project is Located:

Ulster, Ulster County

Project Description:

The Department has made a tentative decision to approve an application to surrender the permit and to approve emission reduction credits (ERCs) for the past reductions which were the result of the shutdown of multiple boilers and replacement with smaller units at Tech City. The applicant has requested and the Department has approved 17.0 tons of oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) and 0.1 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The application and supporting documentation are available for review at the NYSDEC Region 3 office.

Availability of Application Documents:

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection during normal business hours at the address of the contact person. To ensure timely service at the time of inspection, it is recommended that an appointment be made with the contact person.

State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination:

Project is an Unlisted Action and will not have a significant impact on the environment. A Negative Declaration is on file. A coordinated review was not performed.

SEQR Lead Agency: None Designated

State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination:

The proposed activity is not subject to review in accordance with SHPA. The permit type is exempt or the activity is being reviewed in accordance with federal historic preservation regulations.

Coastal Management:

This project is not located in a Coastal Management area and is not subject to the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act.

Opportunity for Public Comment:

Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than Mar 25, 2011.

Contact:

Kenneth R Grzyb
NYSDEC Region 3 Headquarters
21 South Putt Corners Rd
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845)256-3054
r3dep@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Tax deal for Partition Street Project was news to Saugerties leaders - DailyFreeman.com

Tax deal for Partition Street Project was news to Saugerties leaders - DailyFreeman.com

???

If only I could make improvements to my house without being taxed. Sweat deal for big business, bad for taxpayers. While the debates rage over Unions, NPR and Planned Parenthood consider that the biggest beneficiaries of taxes are corporations.

Saugerties construction crews urged to clean up - DailyFreeman.com

Saugerties construction crews urged to clean up - DailyFreeman.com

Commenters skewer me after article appears in the Freeman.

Spring Elections are the Cure for Cabin Fever

With a smile across his face, my son says "Look Dad, look", as he's pointing out the kitchen window. I stare in disbelief as yet another snow storm begins to fall. It means another school "Snow Day" for him, though for me it's the sixth morning this season shoveling out of the driveway. The entirety of the scene is a bit daunting. Gazing beyond the snowy flakes I see huge icicles hanging from my neighbors house, they look like stalactites. Several of them well over six foot long, grow closer to the ground with every evening freeze. We're not even half way through winter's coldest part and the storm sequels repeat endlessly. When you live in upstate New York, clips of Jack Nicholson in The Shining come to mind about the same time every mid-February. As to say, "I'm back" old man winter sets his sight on my little Village of Saugerties. Cabin fever has taken hold. The only way I'll survive till warmer weather is with vivid recollections of my spring garden, and anticipation of the Village election in March.

Old Farmers' Almanac explains that the particularly rough winter we've been experiencing is due to "two huge weather patterns tag-teaming us - the La Nina and the Artic Oscillation (AO)". Since 1792, the Almanac has predicted the weather to an 80% accuracy. It's the oldest continuously published periodical in North America. By the way, it's predicting that a warm spring will follow this year's frigidity. I'm really longing for a warm March. When crocus break the ground is around the same time that Village elections take place across the state of New York. Both signify hope that "winter's cold spring erases". Typical turnout is low. Some years as little as 50 votes are counted in a community of 2500 registered voters. Not surprising, years that my name appears on the ballot, election inspectors are busy with upwards of 50% casting their vote. Last year was the best thus far, including a referendum to abolish the Village Police Department. Seeing new faces standing in long lines through the doors of Village Hall to the polls is always a very good sign.

Being covered in snow four months of the year can make you introspective. Any hint of sunny weather in February teases of spring. I imagine all of us "upstaters" look at sunlight breaking through winter clouds as an epiphany of sorts. It reminds us that we need to rise from our warm comfort zone and take on a new challenge. After my first year of living through a Saugerties' winter I had my own revelation. Looking around my community, I knew I wanted to change the status quo. This is my community and wanted to have a say in how my taxes are being spent. Forcing the courage to stand up at board meetings and community groups, I made my voice heard. Though politics in a small Village can be tightly knit.

In the Village of Saugerties alliances have existed for centuries. Alliances that may be based on ancestry, membership to an organization, church fellowship or businesses interests. American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and Lions Club are a few of the many community groups that have an influence on local elections. Patronage is also a serious consideration and is the essential glue that holds all of it together. Loyalty is sometimes earned through favors, special treatment and job security. Those in charge of hiring can wield their power at the ballot box and can be the most difficult obstacle to breach.

2002 campaign photo with my running mate.

Peculiar as it may seem, New York state villages typically hold their local elections on the third Tuesday of every March. In order to have your name on the ballot you must collect enough signatures on a Designating Petition for nomination and submit them to the Village clerk for approval. Rules are detailed and vary based on whether you're running as an Independent or a recognized Political Party. My first two attempts for Village trustee was as an Independent and last year I ran as a Democrat. In the latter case, the required procedure was to form a Village Democratic Party (http://bit.ly/saugerdems) which had not existed, and then hold a caucus in order to be nominated. New York State Village election law is unique and has its own rules which are specified in The Election Law, Article 15. When YOU choose to run [as I know you will] for office, you'll need to carry a copy of Election Law with you at all times. Don't take for granted that the Village clerk, or for that matter, the Board of Elections will know every legal detail. The reality is that you need to be familiar with New York election law and be willing to persist, be tenacious and sometimes forceful when you feel that you are not being listened to. Remember that government officials have at their disposal attorneys and usually a well-rehearsed repertoire that may be used to dissuade you from challenging the incumbency. This is not to say all election officials are the same nor do they have ill-intentions. It's just natural order and we're all just human.

You are like a hibernating bear, for the past several months you've been sheltered from the cold. Even though your reserves may be near exhausted, you have undoubtedly built up a lot of nervous energy. Get online and remind your friends that Village elections are on Tuesday, March 15. Attend local Village Board meetings and stand-up, introduce yourself to all your neighbors. Let them know the importance of voting in the upcoming election. There may not even be any challengers this year. However, the incumbents need to know that you are watching them closely. This is no time for complacency, especially with a struggling economy. Remind them that you will hold them accountable. And, then hold your head high and tell them in a matter of fact way, that you've been considering running in next year's primary.

David Radovanovic
Creative Director
www.whatsthebigidea.com

Hormne and antibiotic free poultry from Punsit Farms, NY.

http://ping.fm/FNrFo