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Environmental Protection

Nearly 50-Year-Old Northern Westchester Business Expanding With New Store Nearly 50-Year-Old Northern Westchester Business Expanding With New Store
Nearly 50-Year-Old Northern Westchester Business Expanding With New Store A longtime Northern Westchester business is expanding its presence with a new store, marking the next milestone in its nearly five-decade-long history.  The new store, which will be built on a five-acre lot at 2010 Maple Hill St. in Yorktown, will be the future home of Atlantic Appliance, a business that has been serving the area since 1975, Yorktown town officials announced on Friday, Nov. 22. The 25,720-square-foot, two-story building will include retail, office, and warehouse space and incorporate numerous environmental protections, according to Yorktown officials. Atlantic Applian…
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency As the wildfires continue to burn across the state and in the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined the extensive efforts to combat them, highlighting the crucial roles played by local and national agencies in tackling the blazes. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Hochul provided an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in the state, prompting a robust response from more than 400 fire departments and over 1,300 personnel.  These teams have worked tirelessly to contain fires in Orange and Ulster counties, closely coordinating with local fire departments and first responders. Hochul said th…
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Several fire and police departments are battling a large brush fire near a country club in the Hudson Valley.  The fire began in Putnam County on Thursday, Oct. 24 around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Golf Ridge Road and China Circle Court near the Sedgewood Club golf course in the town of Kent, the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services announced around 12:45 p.m.  Several departments are now operating at the scene of the fire. A Department of Environmental Protection helicopter is also circling the skies over the blaze providing images from the air, officials said.  M…
750-Plus Acres Added To State Park In Hudson Valley: Provides Access To Appalachian Trail 750-Plus Acres Added To State Park In Hudson Valley: Provides Access To Appalachian Trail
750-Plus Acres Added To State Park In Hudson Valley: Provides Access To Appalachian Trail Two several-hundred-acre land parcels have been added to a popular state park spanning two counties in the Hudson Valley, officials announced.  In an announcement on Thursday, Oct. 3, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed the addition of 763 acres to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam and Dutchess counties.  The added acres will go towards meeting the state's goal of conserving 30 percent of its land and waters by 2030, Hochul said. The land acquisition consists of a 530-acre parcel with a new access point for the park's recreational facilities and the long-dist…
Sewage Truck Overturns, Spills Contents On I-684 In Northern Westchester Sewage Truck Overturns, Spills Contents On I-684 In Northern Westchester
Sewage Truck Overturns, Spills Contents On I-684 In Northern Westchester Traffic on a busy Northern Westchester interstate was backed up for miles following a crash involving a sewage truck that resulted in two people being hospitalized.  The incident happened on Thursday, Sept. 5, just before 2 p.m., when three vehicles collided on Interstate 684 South just south of the Route 138 overpass in Goldens Bridge, according to the Goldens Bridge Fire Department.  As a result of the crash, a septic company truck overturned, spilling some of the contents on the roadway. Additionally, a passenger car jumped the highway's guard rail and veered into a gully next …
Massive, Parasite-Carrying Snail Found In New York Park Massive, Parasite-Carrying Snail Found In New York Park
Massive, Parasite-Carrying Snail Found In New York Park Although a large, squirrel-sized snail found in a New York park may have looked harmless, it posed enough of a danger to people and the environment that its discovery prompted a police response.  The invasive giant African land snail was discovered within Brooklyn's Prospect Park in early May following a report from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  After it was seen in the park, it was surrendered to the City Parks department in a box, officials said, promoting a response from …
Van Plunges Into Lake In Hudson Valley Van Plunges Into Lake In Hudson Valley
Van Plunges Into Lake In Hudson Valley Firefighters had to ensure no hazardous fluids entered a Hudson Valley lake after a van plunged into it. The crash happened in Putnam County on Tuesday, July 30, when a van drove into Lake Mahopac on South Lake Boulevard, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department. After the incident, crews used hazardous material absorbent booms around the van to absorb any potential vehicle fluid leaks as it was removed from the water. The cause of the crash was not released. 
Work Begins On $1.9B Water Supply Tunnel Project In Mount Pleasant Work Begins On $1.9B Water Supply Tunnel Project In Mount Pleasant
Work Begins On $1.9B Water Supply Tunnel Project In Mount Pleasant A groundbreaking was held for an underground tunneling project in Northern Westchester that is planned to improve the operations of a drinking water supply used by over 9 million people, officials announced.  Work on the $1.9 billion Kensico-Eastview Connection tunneling project began in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, July 23, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced.  The two-mile-long tunnel, which will run around 500 feet below ground, will run between the Kensico Reservoir and the Catskill-Delaware Ultraviolet Light Disinfection Facility in…
$26.1M Flood Mitigation Project Starts In Northern Westchester $26.1M Flood Mitigation Project Starts In Northern Westchester
$26.1M Flood Mitigation Project Starts In Northern Westchester Work has started on a $26.1 million flood mitigation project in Northern Westchester just east of the Hudson River. The project will elevate the Annsville Circle as well as a half-mile stretch along Route 6/Route 202 in the town of Cortlandt, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday, July 15. “Last July, dozens of state roads in the Hudson Valley were affected by one of the most intense and devastating storms in years, causing mass flooding and road closures, and overwhelming communities,” Hochul said. “Resilient infrastructure is necessary to ensure public safety, and this project in Wes…
Westchester Public Water Provider To Pay $1.25M After Failing To Remove Contaminants: Feds Westchester Public Water Provider To Pay $1.25M After Failing To Remove Contaminants: Feds
Westchester Public Water Provider To Pay $1.25M After Failing To Remove Contaminants: Feds A public water provider serving 120,000 people in Westchester will be required to construct a filtration facility after failing to properly remove containments, federal officials announced.  Following a settlement announced by the US Department of Justice on Monday, June 24, Westchester Joint Water Works, which serves residents in Mamaroneck, Harrison, and parts of both Rye and New Rochelle, will be required to construct a drinking water filtration plant by July 2029.  The agreement follows a federal civil lawsuit filed by the US against the public water provider, the Town and Vil…
Longtime Riverkeeper Captain To Retire After 24 Years Patrolling Hudson River Longtime Riverkeeper Captain To Retire After 24 Years Patrolling Hudson River
Longtime Riverkeeper Captain To Retire After 24 Years Patrolling Hudson River For the past 24 years, Hudson Valley native John Lipscomb has served as the eyes and ears of the Hudson River for Riverkeeper as its patrol boat captain. This month he retires, but not before he trains his successor, conservationist and vessel operator Luis Melendez.  Since 2000, Lipscomb, who grew up in Westchester County in Irvington and Tarrytown, has been the vice president for advocacy for Riverkeeper.  He has patrolled the Hudson, including New York Harbor, the Mohawk, and Upper Hudson, searching out and deterring polluters, monitoring tributaries and waterfront facili…
Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman
Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman Westchester County Executive George Latimer has officially announced his intention to launch a Congressional Democratic primary challenge for New York's 16th District seat.  Latimer, age 70, announced his campaign in a video posted to social media on Wednesday morning, Dec. 6, in which he said he is "ready to deliver" for constituents within the 16th district.  The 16th district is made up of the southern part of Westchester, including the suburban cities of White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye, and a small portion of the northern Bronx.  "We're al…
Westchester County Town To Replace Cracked Sewer Pipes To Prevent Pollution, Bacteria Exposure Westchester County Town To Replace Cracked Sewer Pipes To Prevent Pollution, Bacteria Exposure
Westchester County Town To Replace Cracked Sewer Pipes To Prevent Pollution, Bacteria Exposure A town in Westchester County is dedicating efforts to clean deteriorated sewer pipes to prevent pollutants from entering the environment and to protect residents from exposure to harmful waste.  To do this, the town of Harrison has entered into a contract with a company called Pipelogix to enlist their help in maintaining and replacing aging and leaking sewer laterals running from residences to the curb, according to an announcement from the law firm representing Pipelogix, Abrams Fensterman, from Monday, Dec. 5.  The goal of the program is to reduce pollution in Long Island …
Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Hudson Valley Congressional Race District Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Hudson Valley Congressional Race District
Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Hudson Valley Congressional Race District New York Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan has squeezed out a win against Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt for the 18th US Congressional District.  Earlier Report - Rep. Pat Ryan Edging Out Republican Colin Schmitt In NY’s 18th District Race (Developing) Ryan won the contest by just over 2,000 votes, earning 50.4 percent of the total votes cast, according to the New York Times. Schmitt compiled 49.6 percent of the vote. In a tweet on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 9, Ryan, the former Ulster County executive, celebrated his hard-fought victory.  Now we begin the real work to unify our country an…
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing)
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) This story has been updated. Republicans appeared poised to win in New York’s 19th Congressional District, with Marc Molinaro seemingly on track to defeat Democrat Josh Riley early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley by 2.2 percentage points, 51 to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, with more than 95 percent of the votes in. The 19th Congressional District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. …
Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul
Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul New Yorkers can no longer light up at state parks and beaches. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday, July 15, that prohibits smoking in all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers, and group camps. Those who violate the law could be fined $50. "Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects not only the smoker but everyone around them, including families and children enjoying our state's great public places," Hochul said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign this legislation that will protect New Yorker's health and help reduce litter in public parks and …
NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know
NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know New York State's ban on single-use Styrofoam food and beverage containers and packing peanuts will soon take effect. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservatism, the ban on packing peanuts and food and beverage containers made of polystyrene foam, often known by the brand name Styrofoam, will go into effect on Saturday, Jan. 1. The goal of the ban is to help protect the environment, as foam packaging is a major contributor to environmental litter, harming waterways, wildlife and more. Officials said under the new ban, no food service provider or store covered in the lis…
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water All classes have been canceled through the end of the week at SUNY New Paltz due to reported tainted water. College officials at the campus in Ulster County said they made the decision on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to close out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students after being notified by a precautionary advisory issued by the Village of New Paltz. They said the closure will last until at least Saturday, Feb. 15. The first water notice was issued on Monday, Feb. 10, after residents complained of an "odor" and "taste" problems coming from the water supply. During an inspection, a “s…
Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY
Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY Have your reusable grocery bags ready? With a new store set to open in the area over the summer, Wegmans announced that the company is planning to phase out single-use plastic grocery bags in all its New York stores as of Monday, Jan .27. The grocery store giant announced on Monday, Jan. 6, that ahead of a planned statewide ban on single-use bags that takes effect in March, they will begin encouraging customers to use reusable bags. Related story: Wegmans Sets Official Opening Day For Harrison Location Paper bags will still be available for a five-cent fee, with sales being donated…
Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area
Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area An oil tanker crashed down an embankment, causing a fuel leak that firefighters are still busy soaking up. The crash took place around 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1, in Putnam Valley on Hollowbrook Road, officials said. The driver was not injured, but firefighters with the Putnam Valley Department are using absorbent pads to stop the oil from leaking into the nearby Hollow Brook, the department said. Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Montrose VA Fire Department and the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Hazmat Team assisted with the call. 
Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York
Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York Tiny plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash in hotels may soon be a thing of the past in New York as lawmakers continue efforts to reduce plastic waste statewide. Long Island Sen. Todd Kaminsky announced a proposal this week that would prohibit hotels from providing patrons with single-use plastic toiletries. Instead, guests may see wall-mounted dispensers, multi-use bottles or non-plastic containers used. It is estimated that hotels in New York City alone dispose of more than 25 million mini-plastic bottles each year. Some hotel chains have already taken measures to elimin…
Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester
Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester Police caught a truck driver from Mount Vernon red-handed illegally dumping debris and asphalt in a local parking lot in Westchester. Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department spotted the driver from a Connecticut company, Ruben Cruz, 57, on Thursday, May 30, dumping in the public parking lot 17, police announced. Cruz, a Third Avenue resident, was accused of littering and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Mount Vernon City Court on July 15. According to officials, the Mount Vernon City Code states that any person violating any provision of the City’s littering ordinance shal…
Video: Joined By Billy Joel, Cuomo Signs Bill Banning Offshore Drilling In NY Waters Video: Joined By Billy Joel, Cuomo Signs Bill Banning Offshore Drilling In NY Waters
Video: Joined By Billy Joel, Cuomo Signs Bill Banning Offshore Drilling In NY Waters Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by Billy Joel, signed legislation to ban offshore drilling in New York State waters. The festivities were held in Wantagh on Monday, April 29. The legislation (S.2316 (Kaminsky)/A.2572 (Englebright) will bar the state from granting permits for drilling, or oil or gas exploration in offshore areas controlled by the state.  The ban will protect New York State waters and coasts by making it more difficult for oil and gas drilling to occur close to coastal New York, even in waters controlled by the federal government.  In addition, the legislation p…
They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22 They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22
They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22 The bears are waking up and are busy dumpster diving and ravaging garbage cans. This bear was spotted off Route 22 in Brewster on Monday, March 25, by a Daily Voice reader. Environmental officials say that means its time to lock your garbage cans, remove bird feeders from yards, and to watch your household pets if they free roam in your yard. A few tips to remember if approached by a bear: Remain calm and avoid sudden movements; Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you are too close, back away; If you see a bea…
Con Ed Proposes Stiff Rate Hikes In Westchester, NYC Con Ed Proposes Stiff Rate Hikes In Westchester, NYC
Con Ed Proposes Stiff Rate Hikes In Westchester, NYC Just weeks after announcing a gas moratorium beginning in March, Con Edison has sought approval for new electricity and gas rates in 2020 that could see customers in Westchester and New York City paying nearly six percent more for services. Con Edison announced that they are seeking the rate increase “to fund infrastructure and other investments that would give customers more convenient access to clean, energy-saving products; enhance safety and reliability; and make it easier for customers to get information about their usage and service.” The proposal seeks an additional $485 million…
Cuomo Unveils $178 Billion Spending Plan Filled With Liberal Policies Cuomo Unveils $178 Billion Spending Plan Filled With Liberal Policies
Cuomo Unveils $178 Billion Spending Plan Filled With Liberal Policies New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has unveiled his annual state budget proposal that includes an aggressive liberal agenda. At the annual traditional State of the State speech on Tuesday, Jan. 15, Cuomo released his $178 billion spending plan that includes progressive voter reform, legal marijuana and safety reform for limousines. He also proposed making the state’s 2 percent property-tax cap permanent. Cuomo has called the budget his “most aggressive” during his three terms in office, spanning eight years. He and the Democrat-controlled New York Legislature have vowed to get long-awaited legislat…
Pivotal Murphy, Harckham State Senate Battle Gets Heated Pivotal Murphy, Harckham State Senate Battle Gets Heated
Pivotal Murphy, Harckham State Senate Battle Gets Heated The 40th Senate District, which includes parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties is considered one of eight "battleground" elections that could tip the balance of political power in Albany. On Tuesday, Nov. 6 voters can choose between incumbent Republican Sen. Terrence Murphy and Democrat Peter Harckham. Murphy of Yorktown was elected to the state Senate in 2014, and is completing his second two-year term.  Harckham of South Salem, a former Westchester County legislator, defeated Robert Kesten in the Sept. 13 Democratic Party primary election. Kesten said he supports Harckh…
Cuomo Calls For Offshore Drilling Ban In New York Cuomo Calls For Offshore Drilling Ban In New York
Cuomo Calls For Offshore Drilling Ban In New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a ban against offshore drilling and exploration on Friday, May 4, something that President Trump has pushed for. Cuomo advanced the "Save Our Waters" bill to prohibit the leasing of lands, including underwater lands, for offshore drilling and exploration in New York state waters.  A draft of the legislation can be found by clicking here. The Governor's action to protect New York's waters from oil and gas exploration was prompted by the Trump administration's plan to vastly expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. "The federal…
Cuomo Announces Plan To Ban Plastic Bags Cuomo Announces Plan To Ban Plastic Bags
Cuomo Announces Plan To Ban Plastic Bags A day after the world celebrated Earth Day, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed a bill that would ban plastic bags throughout the state. Cuomo announced on Monday that he has introduced legislation that would ban single-use, plastic carryout bags based on the recommendation of the New York State Plastic Bags Task Force, which “outlined the environmental impact” of reducing the use of the bags at retail locations. Led by State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos along with co-chairs Sen. Thomas O'Mara and Assemblyman Steve Englebright, the Task Force was ta…
Neighbors, Clergy Hold Vigil Outside Cuomo's Home In New Castle Neighbors, Clergy Hold Vigil Outside Cuomo's Home In New Castle
Neighbors, Clergy Hold Vigil Outside Cuomo's Home In New Castle More than 80 faith leaders and residents gathered in prayer for "a safe and healthy future for all New York state residents and for our planet home" outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo's home in New Castle on Sunday, Feb. 25.  Led by the founders of the grassroots group, Healing and Protecting Our Land Together: A Call to Prayer, the attendees asked Cuomo to “walk the talk on his commitment for the environment and to demonstrate the courage to be a true climate leader," the group said in a news statement. They asked him to release the risk assessment of the Enbridge/Spectra AIM high-pr…