Illegal Dumps Scar Remote Public Land

Household Sprays Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091228/ARTICLE/912281054

Creating public awareness would be a great way to start the prevention of illegal dumping. Even though people should already have the knowledge of the consequences and hazards of dumping, reintroducing the knowledge might be a good start.

Officials should research the cause of people illegally dumping. Why do they do it? If the answers are relatively the same, perhaps officials should consider attacking the problem by their motives for doing it. Do these states have free dumpsites for the public that is included in the taxes for those areas? Do they have amnesty days for bringing trash to a location? Or do you have to pay to pick up trash? In Sarasota, I would believe that we have less of a problem now that there is free trash pick up.

Valuable Land Is Safe. Now What?

Valuable Land Safe Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100201/ARTICLE/2011061

Why buy land if there is no plan in place to operate the park? Sounds like the county is stalling to make this place functional for the public. Are there no funds or staff available? Could grants or other financial resources be gained to create progress?

Manatee Eyes Larger Robinson Preserve

Manatee Wants Larger Preserve Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100203/ARTICLE/2031056?p=1&tc=pg

The Robinson’s are probably more motivated by making a sale on the land more than they are environmentalist. With no one buying new construction, the Robinson’s can’t make a profit in real estate, so selling the land to the County will give them the financial gain they might need. Environmentally, this situation could work out to the county and public's’ benefit, if the county could find the money to purchase it. Turning the property into a preserve will create more habitats for plants and animals plus a natural recreation area for people.

Slow Trip Across Sea Aids Profit and Environment

Slow Ships Aid Environment Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100217/ZNYT03/2173014

The shipping issue has much broader implication then what is mentioned in the article. Many American companies have outsourced their manufacturing to other countries where manufacturing costs are cheaper. This equates to more shipping to send the products back to the United States for sale, creating more greenhouse gases in the shipping process. By slowing down the shipping process it will help to offset the greenhouse gas emissions. Why create more greenhouse gas to ship products faster if they are to sit in a warehouse, awaiting sale? The idea of moving factories closer to where the products will be sold will create a more stable world economy and decrease the greenhouse gas of all the fossil fuels used in shipping.

Gas Powers Most Of Government's Flex-fuel Vehicles

Gas Powers Gov. Vehicles Article:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/11/24/gas_powers_most_of_governments_flex_fuel_vehicles/?s_campaign=8315

While in theory the idea was sound, but it was poorly conceived, planned and executed. It resulted in higher costs, less fuel efficiency, and more greenhouse gases. When congress mandates these types of laws, apparently they need to also mandate the steps necessary to implement the laws. What has happen to common sense? It’s like giving someone a bicycle without the wheels. It’s wasteful and useless without its ‘fuel’ being readily available. To fix the situation, more time and money will need to be spent which will undoubtedly be tax-payers dollars.

Good Chemistry For Some Household Sprays

Household Sprays Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/garden/11clean.html

Why do some companies seem resistant to changing their chemical formulas so they are healthier for both the environment as well as the households? This movement toward more environmentally friendly cleaning products has been too long in coming. I believe the government should be encouraging this movement with tax incentives. Consumers need to be open conscious of the decisions they make when purchasing cleaning products and try to choose ones that are not only effective but safe for the environment as well.

Venice May Cut Trash Pickups To Once A Week

Venice to Cut Trash Pickup Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100220/ARTICLE/2201037/-1/TODAYSPAPER?Title=Venice-may-cut-trash-pickups-to-once-a-week

Cutting the number of times trash is picked up weekly might help the residents consider the amount of their consumption. Where I live we only have once a week pick up, and we are a family of four. If consumers are concerned, such as in Manatee County like the article states, with their trash over flowing from the reduced number of pick ups, then they should probably take a good look at how much they consume and find a way to decrease their amount of waste. Doing so would be a great contribution to the environment and ecosystem.

The cut back on the truck usage would also decrease their amount of greenhouse emissions and would have a positive effect on the environment as well.

Tiger Farm In China Feed Thirst For Parts

Tiger Farm Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/world/asia/13tiger.html

There is no scientific evidence that tiger parts, such as their bones, have any medicinal benefits. The idea that they will help you is more of a placebo effect, and educating the people world wide that these ancient remedies consisting of tiger parts have no medicinal powers would be a good step toward stopping the poaching and selling of these products. When there is no profit or the risk is too great the poaching and sale of these animals and products will stop.

The extinction of any one animal has dramatic consequences to the environment. We live in a modern world, and no matter how devastating scientific knowledge might be to any belief system, change is needed to keep the balance of life in order and a species from extinction.

No Help For The Florida Panthers

Panther Habitat Articles:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100212/ARTICLE/100219939
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100219/ARTICLE/2191043

All species are important to the natural balance of life. Making them domesticated, such as in zoos, just won’t do it for the future of the species, or the good of the natural environment. Why are the regulators holding back on this issue? Having only ONE habitat for the panther left is a real problem! If they are not going to protect them, are they planning on creating other locations for them? I was absolutely shocked to hear that there are only about 100 of them left. How can they not see the urgency of this situation? Have they thought about of any new potential habitats for the panthers?

They need to find out what it would take to help develop the panther population. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service need to redirect their priorities. The Florida panther is not just endangered, they are dangerously close to the edge of extinction.

Beach Lighting Rules Panned

Beach Lighting Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100212/ARTICLE/2121030

You would think that the requirement to use less wattage would be favored by the beachfront property owners. The lower wattage would decrease the cost in electricity as well as help the sea turtles make their journey to the sea properly.

I understand that the cost of these new lights are coming out of the property owners pockets, but I have a hard time picturing them hurting financially. I’m sure it is possible, however, there are prices to being a beach property owner. If they can’t help out the struggling wildlife around them, the places that the animals’ ancestors had inhabited first, then they should have considered another location to live.

Finding Red Tide Answers

Red Tide Answers Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100215/ARTICLE/2151051

I don’t understand why they keep trying to cover up a problem with something else, later to find out that that is causing a problem too. Why aren’t they making a problem ‘better’ by treating the symptoms? If fertilizers are causing algae to grow out of control by feeding it, which later turns into red tide, why not fix the fertilizer? According to other sources, red tide was present before, when explores visited Florida. We should try to get back to the way things were before or at least close to it. Red tide can’t be permanently eliminated, only subdued when our altering of the environment is causing the current problems.

New Major Storm Heading To Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic Storm Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100209/BREAKING/100209718/2416/NEWS?Title=New-major-storm-headed-to-Mid-Atlantic

From being a Northerner, my mother remembers salt being poured on the roads to prevent vehicles from sliding. This winter is definitely no exception. Once the salt mixes with the snow in the area, the snow cannot be dumped any bodies of water to help eliminate the storage problem. The salty snow becomes a pollutant with the high amount of sodium. So the salt melts into the ground, polluting the earth anyway. At some point the rain and the water runoff will cause the water bodies to become polluted anyway.

Pollution Still Feeding Gulf Dead Zone

Polluted Dead Zone Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090728/ARTICLE/907281056

This problem seems to be from an over fertilization of land. Placing a ban on the use of fertilizers should be taken in to consideration. I’m surprised no environmental friendly fertilizers have been developed; ones that would feed the soil but have a shorter nutrient life or ones that don’t feed algae. The algae seem to be growing more rapidly due to fertilizer running off into water sources. Therefore when the algae has no more oxygen to grow, it dies off, creating red tide, the dead zone, furthering the devastation in the marine environments.

Snow Joke

Snow Joke Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100213/OPINION/2131005/-1/TODAYSPAPER?Title=Snow-joke

Scientists are continually proving the ultimate trend in climate change while politicians are constantly putting the problems on the back burners. This year is no exception. The statistics provided in the article are somewhat sobering. If politicians continue to ignore and debt the occurring situation, very little can be done to reverse the process.

Waterway Blacklist Updated

Waterway Blacklist Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100210/ARTICLE/2101040

While it is great that two bodies of water were taken off of the State’s list of impaired water sites, having two added negates the improved ones. What the articles don’t mention is what was done to the water areas to improve their quality. Learning from this would provide scientist and officials with answers to created better water quality for all areas of water in Sarasota. I do disagree with the fact that the improved water quality areas shouldn’t be monitored quite as much. Just as quickly as the two were added to their Blacklist, so can the improved ones fall under disrepair again.

Everglades Plan Pays Farmers To Corral Water

Everglades Plan Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100210/ARTICLE/2101056

It sounds like the same people who originally caused the problem of the now withering wetlands by damming and pumping out the water will now profit from this plan. With the farmers having ownership of the once wetland areas, nothing can be done to recreate the natural water without their cooperation. Unfortunately, this plan doesn’t give long-term protection for the wetlands either. Hopefully, concerned officials will keep brainstorming of a way to keep the wetlands from disappearing permanently.

Environment Seems To Be Forgotten In Building Of Rowing Site

Rowing Site Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100211/ARTICLE/2111069

The income from tourism is all well and good plus, pushing to put Sarasota on the map, but there is absolutely no mention of the impact this could cause on the environment. This will bring a greater influx of tourists, meaning more traffic, more air pollution from vehicles, and more trash and littering. And all of this is the result of what it will take to build the rowing site. With the extension of Cattleman Road, how many trees will have to be removed? How much land will this require? How many inhabited areas will this affect? Home surround the end of Cattleman Road and line the lake. Will these have to be removed to provide an observation area?

The Rowing site is a good idea economically, but everything environmentally is being forgotten about.

Sewer System Relief For Residents

Sewer Relief Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100211/ARTICLE/2111068

The over flowing sewage system is a health hazard to environment as well as its inhabitants, people included. The devastation to the affected area needs to be a major priority on the County’s agenda. Prolonging the relief could cause terminal effects on plants and animals in the environment.

Military Halts Cleanup Of A Failed Reef

Halt Reef Cleanup Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100211/ARTICLE/2111081#

If they are worried about the damage done to the natural reefs located near their failed artificial one, they could try calling for volunteer scuba divers. Being a diver myself, I would find it interesting and fun to help remove the tires. Perhaps if the state provides the extra training that might be involved, volunteers would be willing to in the clean up efforts.

I’m not sure how long it takes for a reef to develop but how could they let this failed reef go on this long? If the tires were destroying the ocean floor over this long a period of time, wouldn’t have someone noticed it sooner? Especially, with the amount of devastation that has been inflicted? Action needs to be taken to prevent further damages. Cleaning up this problem caused by the humans seems to be such a low priority given the amount of funding issued. If the military can’t provide the help needed, then turning to alternate resources needs to be considered.

Wildlife Safety Issue May Raise Glades Cost

Glades Wildlife Safety Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100209/ARTICLE/2091060/-1/TODAYSPAPER?Title=Wildlife-safety-issue-may-raise-Glades-cost

If the point in building the reservoir is to save the Everglades whether or not the animals survive, is pointless. The animals make up the Everglades as well. You can’t say you are saving the Everglades if the animals aren’t apart of the plan. What’s the point in saving them then? That might only kill of the Everglades faster. Everything is interconnected. If humans continue to assist Mother Nature (possibly for mans screw ups), then making the reservoirs as nature as possible is the best thing to do. What’s the point of wetlands if there are no animals to live in them? For the people that want to move ahead with the project to save nature, without the including the animals, then they are in the wrong business. Perhaps, these people are more financially motivated. In that's case, they should find another way to be productive, while leaving the productive ‘saving’ to people who understand the cycle of life, land and animals included.

Residents React To Sewage Lift Plan

Sewage Lift Plan Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20071128/NEWS/711280527

How is it environmentally better to place the sewage lift in another location that is also near a water source? Wouldn’t that just be repeating the problem? We also need to see the Sewage Company’s side of the argument. Have they still not taken action to prevent their accidental pollutions of the water sources? And, like the article questions, would the beautiful Central Park trees have to be removed? Those trees not only provide a nice view and privacy for the residents but also shade for the apartments. The shade helps by cutting electricity cost. Why does a sewage station need such a location? Isn’t there a more economical area for the company to operate from? We need to hear the facts as to why a location such as Central Park is even being considered rather than a remote location where accidents wouldn’t harm the environment quite so severely. But further more, the sewage company needs a proper plan of action if they are to move forward with relocation.

Groups Seek Regulation Of Bumblebee Importation

Bumblebee Importation Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/SR/20100117/LIFESTYLE05/100119484/-1/LIVING03?Title=-Groups-seek-regulation-of-bumblebee-importation

There seems to be no proof that the diseased imported bees are killing off the bumblebees. Are there test being done to verify that bees this? I suppose it’s not only disease that threatens domesticated bumblebees, but crop dusting or insect repellents, lose of habitats or maybe a combination of things. Providing more habitats for the bumblebees might help solve the problem with crop pollinating rather than importing them. If it were disease affective them then importing more would only add to the problem. I suspect, however, it’s lose of habitat and insect repellents damaging the bumblebee population. Perhaps breeding needs to be considered before importation. This could help contain disease the scientists believe is the problem.

Related Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumblebee#Agricultural_use

Sarasota Bay Moorings Fail

Moorings Fail Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091005/ARTICLE/910051029?p=1&tc=pg

I’ve lived in Sarasota my whole life and I’ve seen the boats at Marina Jack’s beached from not being properly anchored or tethered. There are many pros to having mooring fields, but many of them are for the boat and the boat owners’ benefits, not for the environment. The article does not mention how deep the current moorings are that are, which are now failing to keep boats anchored. What’s to say that the new moorings will be more effective than the current ones when they place them deep enough? Limestone is a relatively soft rock. Will it hold the moorings any better?

What does the congestion of boats do to the bay? I have read other articles that state the boat residents pollute the bay. Won’t updating the mooring fields create more congestion for those who are willing to pay the fees to anchor there?

Related Links: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/general-discussion-sailing-related/61633-downside-moorings.html

Utah Caverns To Save Natural Energy

Caverns Article:
http://blog.taragana.com/business/2010/02/07/developer-plans-to-carve-out-utah-salt-caverns-for-natural-gas-compressed-air-or-co2-28927/

Creating a location to be able to store energy instead of using it when it is available, such as only when the wind is blowing, would be cost effective and convenient. This would help maintain balance for when natural energy resources are not always available.

However, there are other elements to consider. What would the environmental impact be? What about the desert animals? Is there a way to safely relocate the animals? Could there be a problem structurally with the caverns? For example, in Florida when we pump too much water out of the ground sinkholes occur. What would it take just to create these energy-storing caverns? It takes removing thousands of trees and blasting the earth with dynamite to get to oil. Will a similar approach taken? Could this permanently damage the animal habitats and environment?

Restoring Sight To Sea Turtles

Sight To Turtles Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100202/ARTICLE/2021069

Hopefully it is implied that when they are searching for a cure they are also searching for the cause. One would think, since the tumors have increased in numbers around the world, finding the ultimate cause would help solve the problem. No mention is made that they have a strategy for finding the cause. What might help them in their search is tagging the turtles that they have removed the tumors from and tracking them. Seeing where they travel and taking samples from these locations might help pinpoint areas that have a higher incidence of the tumors, and contributing factors. This could assist them in further research as to how fast the tumor grows as well. Studies are needed to know if removing the tumors increases the lifespan of the turtles, comparing them to ones who have not had the tumors removed. Is their effort in removing the tumors effective in the turtles’ longevity? Further research seems to be needed to prove or disprove this.

Related Links: http://www.turtles.org/tumour.htm

Satellite To Warn Of Solar Flares

Satellite Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100208/ARTICLE/2081034

I have to admit that I am a Sci-fi fanatic myself and love the stories of space travel whether it’s fictional or realistic. But honestly, I don’t see how the satellite will help other than letting the scientist know when one is coming. Data retrieved from the satellite may give people more time to prepare, but how? Prepare to have our electricity out for 9 hours? Tell people they will have to rely on the old-fashion way for a while? Some people don’t even know how to live without a TV or a computer for a couple of hours! Is this a ‘productive’ effort to prepare to be unproductive? Eventually, I can see our technology exceeding our expectations to prevent technological failure from solar flares, perhaps I’ll live to see it, or maybe I won’t, but as of right now, I wonder what preparations can be taken when we receive data of an oncoming solar flare.

I flinched when I heard the project cost $856 million. That money could have been spent to help prepare or prevent technological failure. The satellite can’t prevent, only alert us of a solar flare.

Lionfish Invades The Keys

Venomous Lionfish Article:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/fl-lionfish-invading-keys-20100208,0,6793928.story

If the lionfish is in fact an invader originally released from aquariums, then there could be a real problem. The article stated that the lionfish has no known predators in the Keys and they are constantly eating the native fish. If humans originally caused this problem, and depending on how far and fast the lionfish population progresses, there could be limitations put on the recreational fishing. There will have to be a major eradication to prevent other animals from being endangered, including the other marine life that are loosing their food sources. The article states that the lionfishes presence and effect on the fish population in the Keys is expected to increase over the next few years and there is almost nothing that can be done on the issue. What have we gotten ourselves into?

Not only might we have to find a way to solve the problem but also prevent humans from coming in contact with them. Since the articles mention of the lionfish edibility, perhaps making lionfish apart of menus will help decrease their population. Heck, I’d try it.

Related Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionfish

Hospital May Build On Dump Site

Dump Site Article:
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100205/ARTICLE/2051026

Cleaning up an old dump site to become a productive and functional area seems very like a good idea, but the author of the article has barely scratched the surface. What initially was dumped there? Can it be cleaned up to produce a safe enough environment for offices? What is the process of cleaning it up? The article also touches on the fact that is only needs a partial clean up. Only Partial? What is in the requirements for only a partial clean up? Will the foundation be suitable for a building? These questions should be answered. It’s hard to find any information for these follow up questions.

I have done a little research and discovered that some landfill sites can produce landfill gas. The gas is 40 to 60% methane and mostly carbon dioxide (also with varying amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, sulfur, etc.). If there is landfill gas it could either benefit or hinder the construction. Depending on what was dumped there the gas could be toxic in which they will have to find a way to remove or contain it safely. If it’s not toxic, they could possibly make it into renewable energy.

Related Links:
http://www.landfill-site.com/html/building_on_landfill_sites.html

http://www.energyjustice.net/lfg/

Waterway Dredging

Dredging Article: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100109/ARTICLE/1091021

It seems that nature is trying to reverse what man has altered. The 1960’s man-made waterway now needs dredging because of boat traffic problems. Whether or not this will impact and species of plants and animals living there is not mentioned. Depending on how much sand will be removed by dredging could impact the species taking refuge there. Over the years there must also be debris in the waterway that have now become permanent homes or may have become reefs for various marine life. Every time I’ve gone scuba diving I recall the captain or dive master requesting for each of us to retrieve any non-inhabited debris from our dive sites. Who wants to be kicked out of their home? The marine life can’t just simply relocate.

Yet, at the same time the dredged sand placed on the shorelines helps nourish the beaches that have eroded from storms, waves and human activity. There’s always seems to be a Catch-22.

Related Links:
http://www.tpub.com/content/aerographer/14010/css/14010_139.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dredging

http://www.omnipinnacle.com/CatSubCat/CatSubCatDisplay.asp?p1=906&p2=Y&p7=0&p8=12130&p9=CSC6

Save The Views Or Restore The Bays?

Spoil Island Article: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100201/ARTICLE/2011057

It really is shocking that people are willing to give things up as long as it doesn’t affect them, especially with all the talk of going green and protecting the environment. It, therefore, is extremely disappointing to hear that the more privileged of Sarasota County isn’t willing to participate when it comes down to something as simple as a temporary altering of their scenic view.

In a small section the article discusses the governments fear to move forward with the project because the rising oppositions. From what I gather the only one’s opposing are the island partiers and the wealthy homeowners. And since the saying “Money is power,” seems to be the ultimate case there will always be attempts to postponing for fear of loosing their precious view, which is actually public property. Perhaps the government should put their foot down so Sarasota County’s environments can be taken care of the way they need to be. Postponing will only allow the problems to escalate, needing more future funding. Since the islands are public property the homeowners shouldn’t have a final decision in the matter. If the government was concerned enough about protecting Sarasota’s environment it would be taken care of, regardless of whose opinions try to defer their productivity.