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ADVISORY COMMITTEE
HON. STEVE BELLONE
Suffolk County Executive
HON. EDWARD MANGANO
Nassau County Executive
HON. STEVE ISRAEL
U.S. Congress
HON. KENNETH LAVALLE
NYS Senator
JOHN D. CAMERON, JR., P.E.
Managing Partner
Cameron Engineering & Assoc., LLP
ROBERT CATELL
Chairman
Advanced Energy Research and
Technology Center
BILL CHALEFF
Chaleff and Rogers Architects
NANCY RAUCH DOUZINAS
NETWORKING
®
MAGAZINE
2020:
GUIDE TO
GOING GREEN
President
Rauch Foundation
PETER ELKOWITZ
President, CEO
LI Housing Partnership
AMY ENGEL
Executive Director
Sustainable Long Island
ROZ GOLDMACHER
President, CEO
Long Island Development
Corporation
“ There is no doubt that a few committed people can
change the world. In fact, it is the only
thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
AMY HAGEDORN
Board Member, co-founder
Sustainable Long Island
SARAH LANSDALE
Director, Division of Planning,
Environment; Dept. of Economic
Development & Planning,
Suffolk County
NEAL LEWIS, ESQ.
Executive Director
The Sustainability Institute
at Molloy College
KEVIN MCDONALD
Conservation Finance
and Policy Director
The Nature Conservancy, LI chapter
NEAL LEWIS, Esq.
Executive Director
of The Sustainability Institute At Molloy College
MITCHELL H. PALLY
Chief Executive Officer
Long Island Builders Institute
GORDIAN RAACKE
Executive Director
RELI
®
20 NETWORKING April/May 2015
ROBERT A. SCOTT
President
Adelphi University
PAUL TONNA
Executive Director
Energeia Partnership
Molloy College
MICHAEL E. WHITE
Member of LI Commission for Aquafer
Protection and member of Board of
Governors for NYS SeaGrant
“Today there are many opportunities to integrate ‘green’ innovations
into every aspect of our daily lives. A great place to start is improving
the energy performance of homes and buildings. High efficiency
lighting, improved insulation, geothermal heating and cooling systems,
solar roofs, and other innovations will reduce our carbon footprint
while creating local jobs and saving money on avoided energy costs for
years. To get the process started, there are free or low cost home energy
audits available as part of the Green Jobs, Green New York program
and rebates that offset the initial cost of these measures.”
Coastal Erosion:
Solutions In The Crosshairs
BY KARL GROSSMAN
“We live on an island made of sand.”
That’s how Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski accurately describes Long
Island.
Mr. Krupski well understands the nature of the island’s coastline. For 20 years
he was a member of the Southold Town Board of Trustees, for 14 years its
president. The Southold Trustees, with origins dating back to the Colonial-era
Andros Patent, oversee the shores and adjoining waters of Southold Town.
He became a Southold Town Board member for five years before being elected
to the Suffolk Legislature. On the panel since 2013, his district includes a large
portion of Brookhaven Town—parts of Center Moriches and East Moriches up
to Manorville and Middle Island and Wading River—along with Riverhead and
Southold Towns.
“I am very familiar with the processes of
coastal erosion and the dynamics of the
shoreline,” says Mr. Krupski. He knows the
land of Long Island beyond its shores, too: a
fourth-generation farmer, he owns and
operates a farm in Cutchogue growing corn,
pumpkins, tomatoes and other crops.
In October, Mr. Krupski became a minority
of one on the Suffolk Legislature when he
voted to oppose the county’s participation in
an $8.9 million project to try to fortify a 3,100foot stretch of downtown Montauk ocean
shoreline. The other 17 legislators voted for the
county to have a stake in the project and
County Executive Steve Bellone signed the “intermunicipal agreement”—which
means that you, as a county taxpayer, will be paying towards “operation and
maintenance of the project.”
The Army Corps of Engineers’ plan—which now the county as well as the
Town of East Hampton have joined in—involves placing tens of thousands of
cubic yards of sand in “geotextile” bags along this shore.
Mr. Krupski isn’t backing off his opposition. In a recent letter to county
officials, he noted that the nor’easter that hit Long Island this past December 9
and 10 “caused enough damage to cause the…Army Corps…to re-evaluate their
proposed hardening project” for Montauk. It wasn’t even a “named” storm but a
“typical” nor’easter, he went on. Yet it hit the Montauk coast hard and if the
system of “geotextile” sand-filled bags was in place “it would have cost the town
and county millions of dollars to repair.”
“I believe Suffolk County should not endorse a project that hardens the
shoreline,” said Mr. Krupski. “This is a project that, one, is sure to fail and cause
accelerated erosion to adjacent properties, and two, puts the maintenance on the
shoulders of the entire county.”
Will Mr. Krupski’s lone voice in county government be heeded? The fight he is in
is not new. I’ve written about such battles involving the Long Island shoreline over
and over again as a journalist here for more than 50 years.
Vividly, I remember Westhampton Beach beach house owners pushing in the late
1960s and early 1970s, with the Army Corps and some officials, for a line of rockjetties, termed “groins,” to be built along the oceanfront to protect their dwellings.
The result involved “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” The groins grabbed sand, but at the
cost to the shoreline downdrift to the west which was left radically eroded. Beach
house owners on the west ended up forming a village, West Hampton Dunes, and
brought a lawsuit. It resulted in 1994 in a
settlement with us, the taxpayers, paying for
$80 million in beach work and an agreement
to keep dumping sand for 30 years on a
coastline reduced by those also taxpayerfinanced groins.
When the Army Corps first considered
what might be done in Montauk after it was
walloped by superstorm Sandy, a stone
seawall and, yes, groins again, were among
the options advanced. Then came the
“geotextile” bag scheme. Mr. Krupski says of
the Army Corps: “I don’t understand their
commitment to shoreline hardening.”
It’s not only our tax dollars and the overall coastline that can end up being
gouged.
There’s a big question as to the source of the sand for the Montauk project. The
Army Corps initially said that it would be necessary to bring in 71,000 cubic yards
and now says 100,000 more cubic yards of sand are needed. Most of it is to come
from a still unnamed place upland on Long Island. Might some of this come from a
sand mine in Noyac now being proposed for expansion? The state Department of
Environmental Conservation has been expediting—despite strong opposition from
environmentalists, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. and area residents—an
application to permit a major deepening of this mine, called Sand Land. The mine
sits right atop the vital and sensitive water aquifer.
One environmental folly leads to another—and we and the earth suffer. ■
“One environmental folly
leads to another—and
we and the earth suffer”
G R E E N
Karl Grossman is an author, professor of journalism at the State University of New York/College at
Old Westbury, hosts the nationally-aired television program, “Enviro Close-Up” produced by EnviroVideo (www.envirovideo.com), and is chief investigative reporter, WVVH-TV on Long Island.
E V E N T S
Since 1970, Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, has been an international holiday,
celebrating all things that help to preserve this wonderful earth that we live on.
Arbor Day is Friday, April 24, a day to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.
April
17
18 Saturday
20-24 Monday - Friday
Earthstock Festival Stony Brook University, 10 am - 3 pm. Free Admission.
Events range from a lecture on Ecological
restoration to an exploratory adventure
25 Saturday
6th Annual Eco Carnival Suffolk
County Environmental Center, Islip.
11:00 am - 5:00 pm. Cost $5/person,
$20/family. Nature programs, live
animals, music, art, games and food to
celebrate Earth Day. Rain Date Sunday,
April 26. Info 631-581-6908 or www.seatuck.org
Green Festival New York City 2015
Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., NYC.
Green Festival connects customers, retailers, wholesalers and corporations. It
provides excellent opportunities for
green brands to generate business - to business and business - to - consumer.
Info.:www.greenfestivals.org
Guide to
Going Green
May
18
Monday
Save the Date. New York League of
Conservation Voters (NYLCV) 2015
Spring Gala, Celebrating 25 Years,
Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30, Pier
Sixty at Chelsea Piers, New York City.
Contact: Interested in sponsoring this
event please email Bridget Moffatt at
[email protected]
®
Earth Day Eco Fair, Cold Spring Harbor
Whaling Museum 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Enjoy fun recycle crafts in the workshop
and keep the ocean clean. Rain date April
25. Info 631-367-3418 or www.cshwhalingmuseum.org
24
Friday
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Presents Environmental Champion
Awards honors individuals, businesses
and organizations that have contributed
significantly to improving the environment and protecting public health.
Contact Chris Sebastian
([email protected], 212-637-3597)
24, 25, 26 Fri., Sat., Sun.
NETWORKING April/May 2015 21
Friday
Sustainable Long Island, The Ninth
Annual Sustainability Conference:
“Sustainable Solutions” 8:00 am – 2:00
pm, Carlyle on the Green Farmingdale.
Visit www.sustainableli.org
on Science at Sea. info www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/earthstock/
NETWORKING®
MAGAZINE
2020:
Be Seen
if Youre Green
631-288-1586
DEC Recognizes Six New York State Programs
Resulting in a Healthier Environment
and Stronger Economy
22 NETWORKING® April/May 2015
T
he New York State Department of Environmental
The 11th Annual Environmental Excellence Award winners
Conservation (DEC) honored six organizations for
are: Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District’s
their innovative programs and commitment to
Fuel Tank Replacement Program (Suffolk County) - The Fuel
environmental sustainability, social responsibility and
Tank Replacement Program is a model of excellence as it
economic viability at the 11th Annual New York State
demonstrates an innovative, sustainable, economically viable
Environmental Excellence Awards celebration, which was
and socially acceptable solution to aging agricultural fuel
held at the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and
tanks atop Long Island’s sole source
Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute at
aquifer. Through a unique partnership,
their NanoFab South Rotunda and
farmers were able to install new tanks that
Auditorium in Albany.
met regulatory requirements at a reduced
“This year’s awards recognize innovative
cost. The farmers are participating in this
programs, smart business decisions and
proactive program are leaders in the
unique collaborative initiatives that improve
agricultural industry and are setting a
New York’s environment and contribute to a
precedent for others to become good
stronger economy,” said DEC Commissioner
stewards of the environment. Columbia
Joe Martens. “These six organizations are
University’s On-Site Solvent Recycling
models of excellence. They are having a
Program (Kings County) - Columbia
positive impact on our economy and their
University is reducing its environmental
voluntary, innovative and sustainable actions
footprint, reducing costs and improving
address the environmental challenges facing
the health and safety of its students and
our communities, state, nation and the world.
surrounding communities by
“Through the Environmental Excellence
implementing a multi-faceted and
Awards, DEC is able to showcase those who
comprehensive on-site solvent recycling
Joe Martens, Commissioner,
are setting the example for others across New
program. Harbec Inc. Becomes CarbonNYS Department of
York. Presenting the awards here at the
Neutral (Monroe County) - Harbec Inc. is
Environmental Conservation
Colleges of Nanoscale Science and
a custom injection molding and precision
Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute is fitting because
component part manufacturer that has transformed from an
here, through the vision and leadership of Governor
energy-dependent business losing ground competitively to a
Andrew Cuomo, New York is setting an example of global
profitable innovator producing carbon-conscious components
education, research and development and technology
with verifiable carbon reductions. Harbec has reduced energy
advancements that is critical for the next generation of
use and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more
scientists and researchers.”
than 50 percent which translates into an avoidance of almost
DEC established the awards program in 2004 to recognize
2,200 tons of CO2 emissions. IBM East Fishkill’s Chilled
those who improve and protect New York’s environment
Water Optimization Project (Dutchess County) - East
and contribute to a more healthy economy by advancing
Fishkill, IBM’s largest facility, supports the significant energy
sustainable practices and forming creative partnerships.
demand of semiconductor clean room space. The chilled
water plant is among the most
efficient of its type and saves almost
2.5 million kWh of energy which
translates to avoiding 5,400 metric
tons of CO2 emissions annually. That
equates to taking more than 1,000
cars off the road. New York City’s
Department of Administrative
Services (New York County) - The
NYC Fleet Sustainability Program
operates the largest municipal fleet
in the nation (27,000 vehicles
operated through 10 main fleet
agencies) and through this multifaceted program has achieved a 9.3
percent reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions. The City is continually
advancing sustainable practices by
publishing fleet procedures, assisting
in the drafting of local laws and
sharing information at forums,
events and product demonstrations.
Upper Susquehanna Coalition’s
Wetland Program (Tioga County) The Upper Susquehanna Coalition’s
Wetland Program provides a
comprehensive and systems
approach for conserving and
restoring wetlands. Over the past
five years, the Coalition has
constructed or restored more
than 700 acres of wetlands and
wetland related habitat. These
wetlands are helping New York
achieve its commitment to reduce
nutrient sediment loads to the
Chesapeake Bay.
For additional information about
the program and past winners, and
to learn about applying for the
Environmental Excellence Awards,
visit DEC’s website at
http://www.dec.ny.gov
/public/945.html. ■
GREEN
THOUGHTS
COMPILED BY
SALLY GILHOOLEY
T
he US Department of Energy and
the National Institute of Building
Sciences announced new Better
Building Workforce Guidelines.
Developed from industry feedback, the
new guidelines will help enhance and
streamline commercial building
workforce training and certification
programs. See energy.gov
N
early 47,000 clean energy and
transportation jobs were
announced in more than 170
projects across the US in 2014, according
to jobs tracking analysis by the national
nonpartisan business group
Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).
Nevada, California, and New York led
the nation in new job announcements
last year, followed by Michigan,
Arizona, Texas, Colorado, North
Carolina, Utah, and New Mexico,
respectively. A map detailing the clean
energy industry in every state is
available at
www.CleanEnergyWorksForUs.org.
T
he Energy Department has
announced up to $35 million in
available funding to advance fuel
cell and hydrogen technologies, and
enable early adoption of fuel cell
applications, such as light duty fuel cell
electric vehicles (FCEVs). This funding
opportunity will accelerate American
innovation in hydrogen and fuel cell
technologies by supporting research and
development advancements in
demonstration and deployments of early
fuel cell markets. Read more at
energy.gov
P
olicy changes may hinder
bioenergy growth according to
Bob Cleaves, President of the
Biomass Power Association. Many
projects completed in 2014 were the
result of tax incentives that no longer
exist and without those incentives,
financing for biomass power plants is
hard to acquire. Read the complete story
at www.RenewableEnergy.com
G
oogle Inc. invested $300 million
to support 25,000 SolarCity Corp.
rooftop power plants. SolarCity
is building North America’s largest solar
panel factory in Buffalo, New York.
Google has committed more than $1.8
billion to renewable projects including
wind and solar on three continents.
Read more at www.buffalonews.com
T
he LEED Silver Certified SUNY
Stony Brook Simons Center for
Geometry and Physics is a new
41,000 sf building on the SUNY Stony
Brook campus. Six stories in height, it
stands between two older math and
physics buildings and is linked to them
by a glass bridge. The building also
features faculty offices, conference
rooms, a 250-seat lecture hall and a
fountain that will run year-round using
a geothermal heating system. Visit U.S.
Green Building Council Long Island
Chapter for details and rendering. ■
The Debate: Ocean Fertilization as
a Form of Carbon Sequestration
O
stopping subsidies, and stopping expansion of offshore drilling and at the same
time, invest in technologies like solar and wind power that are certain to reduce
carbon emissions without threatening complex ocean ecosystems.”
For information contact Moss Landing Marine Labs, www.mlml.calstate.edu;
Planktos, www.planktos.com; Oceana, www.oceana.org. ■
EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E- The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com. Send questions to: [email protected]
®
NETWORKING April/May 2015 23
cean fertilization is a technique whereby swaths of ocean are “seeded”
with iron to promote the growth of phytoplankton (microscopic plants
that form the base of the marine food chain), and is one of several
promising geo-engineering techniques that could help mitigate global
warming. Also known as carbon sinking or ocean seeding, the idea was first
suggested in the 1980s by Moss Landing Marine Labs’ John Martin, who
subsequently conducted experiments off the California coast confirming that
phytoplankton growth could be encouraged by dumping ferrous sulfate (iron)
into nutrient-deprived areas of the ocean.
More recently, California entrepreneur Russ George has developed ways
through his firm, Planktos, to use ocean fertilization to help governments and
companies meet emissions reduction goals. In 2012 Planktos helped the Haida
Gwaii tribe of western Canada spread 100 tons of iron sulphate into the Pacific
Ocean180 miles off the coast of British Columbia, which triggered a
phytoplankton bloom across 10,000 square miles of ocean. Juvenile salmon feed
on phytoplankton, and salmon runs came back fourfold across the region. The
tribe is keen to use ocean fertilization to restore the severely depleted salmon
fishery they have depended on for centuries and to generate income from the
sale of carbon credits to the Canadian government (a carbon credit—or carbon
offset—is a credit for greenhouse gas reductions achieved by one entity that can
be purchased and used to compensate (offset) the emissions of other entity).
But some environmental leaders
warn that ocean fertilization might be
“Unanticipated downsides, too good to be true as a tool for
mitigating climate change. “Many
like changing the scientists have suggested that the
complex interplay between the iron
phytoplankton community and carbon cycles prevents any direct
of how much carbon
structure, could cause extrapolation
dioxide will actually be removed from
repercussions throughout the the atmosphere following
fertilization,” says Jackie Savitz, Vicefood web, and may disturb key President for U.S. Oceans at the
Oceana. “This means we
feeding relationships.” non-profit
will never be able to estimate the
benefits, much less verify them well
- Jackie Savitz
enough to sell carbon offsets based on
fertilization.”
Savitz adds that “much of the carbon taken up by phytoplankton may simply
be re-released when those plants are consumed by bacteria or zooplankton at
rates that are impossible to accurately predict.” She also worries that largescale, long-term fertilization could drastically alter marine ecosystems:
“Unanticipated downsides, like changing the phytoplankton community
structure, could cause repercussions throughout the food web, and may disturb
key feeding relationships.”
Another issue with ocean fertilization is that phytoplankton blooms could
release large amounts of other greenhouse gases, like methane or dimethyl
sulfide, that are even more potent than the carbon dioxide they are
sequestering. Also, the bacterial decay resulting from the die-off of massive
iron-induced phytoplankton blooms could create oxygen-free dead zones in the
water column that could leave marine ecosystems in worse shape than before.
“Rather than engaging in expensive and uncertain experiments on our
oceans,” Savitz concludes, “we should move away from fossil fuels, by
Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
This huge 2010
phytoplankton bloom,
visible from space,
stretched for hundreds of
miles across the Barents Sea
between Russia and
Scandinavia.