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Researching Environment ...

Sewage Overflows Caused By Sandy
Superstorm Sandy caused 11 billion gallons of partially or untreated sewage - the equivalent of Central Park stacked 41 feet high - to leak into rivers, lakes, and waterways, according to this report by Climate Central. New York City reported six sewage spills larger than 100,000,000 gallons, and 28 larger than 1 million gallons. New York authorities estimate it will cost nearly $2 billion to repair flood damaged sewage treatment facilities. Sewage overflow is common in the city, although not on this scale, and climate change will only make things worse, the group warns: "Climate change is making sewage treatment plants more vulnerable to major failures and overflows due to rising seas, more intense coastal storms, and increasingly heavy precipitation events." (April 30, 2013)

Alternative fuel vehicles for state agencies
State agencies are in compliance with an executive order that vehicle purchases be alternative fuel vehicles, but guidelines about when to use which type of fuel are lax, according to this audit by the state comptroller. (September 20, 2012)

Housing authority water costs
A new water conservation program at the Housing Authority could widen its budget deficit, according to the Independent Budget Office. The bill could rise from $149.9 million last year to about $160 million in 2013. The authority’s five-year operating plan shows a general fund deficit of $61.3 million this year and $63.3 million for 2013. (August 21, 2012)

Testing the waters
A study by the Natural Resources Defense Council finds a sharp rise in beach closings due to water contamination. (June 28, 2012)

Waste-to-energy
This report by the Citizens Budget Commission makes the case that waste-to-energy should be a much larger component of the city's solid waste management strategy. (June 4, 2012)

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
State agency's website includes information on environmental regulations and natural resources for businesses and individuals.
Office of New York State Attorney General
This site includes detailed information on environmental matters that the attorney general and his staff are working on, including relevant speeches, environmental complaint forms, numerous reports and studies on wide-ranging environmental issues and links to other environmental groups.
Environmental Advocates
An aggressive, Albany-based advocacy group for environmental concerns throughout the state. Reports on many different issues (some NYC-specific), voters' guides and volunteer opportunities, as well a useful list of links.
New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health
The website of the non-profit New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health includes an excellent, in-depth section -- "9/11 related occupational safety and health." It provides links to newspapers and magazines, as well as specialzed journals, covering WTC-related issues.
Moregardens.org
This pro-garden web site provides background on Esperanza Garden and efforts to preserve the city's other community gardens. Log on to learn about the Samson Bill, which would make all New York City community gardens permanent State parkland, and SLR 61, a complimentary bill that the City Council must endorse before the State can act.