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Entries from July 28th, 2011

DEC Seeks Assistance in Oil Dumping Investigation in Jefferson County

July 28th, 2011 · No Comments · News

Oil From Transformers Dumped to Access Copper

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking information from the public throughout the north country and central New York relating to the draining of up to 4,000 gallons of transformer oil and the theft of copper from transformers at the former Deferiet Paper Mill located in the Village of Deferiet, Jefferson County.

4-inch diameter Copper Conduit CableCopper Buss BarDEC is investigating the deliberate dumping of the “non-PCB” transformer oil which was done to facilitate the theft of copper. In addition to copper wire, three inch-wide solid copper “Buss Bar” in various lengths, and four inch-diameter conduit which contained three one-half-inch twisted strands of copper wire were stolen. The oil release is believed to have occurred between June 16 and 29, 2011.

Brookfield Renewable Power owns the two transformers that were damaged. After discovering the release, Brookfield notified DEC. Cleanup efforts and an investigation began June 30, including efforts to keep the oil out of the Black River.

The investigation is being conducted jointly by the New York State Conservation Police and State Police.

Anyone with information regarding this theft and spill is urged to contact DEC Division of Law Enforcement on its tip hotline at 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332). Information pertaining to the sale of the large copper “Buss Bar” and copper wire would be extremely helpful. Brookfield Renewable Power has offered a $1,000 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in this crime. Callers may remain anonymous.

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Hundreds of Cyclists to Converge On the Adirondacks

July 22nd, 2011 · No Comments · Adirondack News

NORTH CREEK, NY – Hundreds of bicyclists are expected to converge on the Adirondacks on Sunday, Aug. 14, for the Adirondack Mountain Club’s ididaride! Adirondack Bike Tour.

2011 IdidarideNow in its sixth year, ididaride! is a 75-mile road tour through some of the Northeast’s most spectacular scenery. Riders will depart at 8:30 a.m. from the Ski Bowl Park Pavilion in North Creek (Warren County) and cycle through the central Adirondacks, passing through Bakers Mills, Wells, Speculator, Sabael, Indian Lake and North River before arriving back at North Creek. There is also a 20-mile ride. A shuttle will take those riders and their bicycles to Indian Lake, and they’ll cycle back to North Creek.

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) has sponsored ididaride! since 2008, and it is becoming one of the most popular cycling tours in the Northeast. Last year, more than 300 people participated in the ride and even more are expected in 2011.

“This event gets more popular each year, with cyclists of all ages coming from as far away as California,” said Deb Zack, ADK’s director of membership and development. “If you love the Adirondacks, if you love to cycle, if you love a challenge, you’ll want to do the ride.”

After the ride, participants will enjoy an Apres-Ride Party with food, drink, music and prizes at the Ski Bowl Park Pavilion. Many North Creek merchants are offering great discounts on wining and dining on Main Street for all ididariders as well.

Proceeds from ididaride! Adirondack Bike Tour will help support ADK’s conservation and education programs. Also sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports, Cooperstown Brewing Co., Garvey Auto Group, Adirondack 2-Way Radio, WS Badger Co., Cascadian Farm, High Peaks Cyclery, Frederick Wildman and Sons, Whitewater Challengers, Stewart’s Shops, Cook’s Septic and Gore Bike Wear.

For complete details, including how to register, a description of the ride and lodging information, visit our Web site at www.adk.org or call Deb Zack at (518) 668-4447 Ext. 42.

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DEC Ausable Point Day Use Area is Open

July 7th, 2011 · No Comments · Adirondack News

The Ausable Point Day Use Area, which includes a large swimming beach and picnic pavilion, is now open to the public the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced today.

Ausable Point

The adjoining campground remains closed as DEC continues repair work. DEC plans to have the campground at least partially opened by Friday, July 15.

The day use area, campground and access road were underwater for almost two months during the historic flooding of Lake Champlain. The waters and waters caused extensive erosion and other damage. The Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area and the adjacent Ausable Point Wildlife Management Area were inaccessible during this period. Once the water levels receded below flood stage, DEC staff began clean up and repair of flood damage on the road, the campground, beach and other facilities.

The fee to enter the day use area is only $8.00 per car.

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