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Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Nos Quedamos - WE ARE MELROSE 2023 - July 8th from Noon-6pm | Artist Spotlight
AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR NEW YORK CITY METRO AND LONG ISLAND REGIONS
In Effect for Wednesday, July 5, 2023
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions for Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
The pollutants of concern are:
- Ozone for New York City and Long Island
- Fine Particulate Matter for New York City
The advisory will be in effect 11:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.
Elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution were recorded primarily due to fireworks displays causing temporary spikes of PM2.5, not the Canadian wildfires.
DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern.
OZONE
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Ozone and PM2.5 are two different pollutants that form in different ways: PM2.5 is often produced directly as smoke from wildfires and other sources of small particles emitted into the air.
Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone isn't as visible as PM2.5 because it's a colorless gas, but it will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.
People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.
Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.
FINE PARTICULATE MATTER
Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.
Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.
When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.
New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:
- use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
- conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
- turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
- use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
- close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
- limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
- set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
- purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
- reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation.
Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone).To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.
The Wednesday, July 5, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; and Long Island which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Comptroller Lander’s Latest COVID-19 Audit Reveals Weak Cost Controls Over Testing and Vaccination Sites
Comptroller’s Office issues letter to City Agencies detailing best practices for controlling costs in emergency procurements such as services for asylum-seekers
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released an audit of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) handling of testing and vaccination services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, consistent with previous audits, highlights the lack of effective cost controls in the City’s emergency contracting.
DOHMH primarily relied on vendors to set staffing levels at testing and vaccination sites, instead of implementing a comprehensive monitoring plan with clear standards for assessing contractor performance. Relying on vendors rather than agency monitoring resulted in inadequate cost controls and inefficient staffing for sites, despite successfully establishing testing and vaccination services in communities most affected by COVID-19.
“Emergency contracting allows the City to stand up vital services in times of crisis, but demands heightened vigilance to safeguard the fiscal interests of the City. Our audit reveals significant weaknesses in the control mechanisms that impact past, present, and potentially future emergencies. By addressing these challenges head-on, agencies can better spend New York City’s taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently, even in crises,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.
The audit’s review of over $200 million in invoices revealed a significant discrepancy in costs. While the average cost per test was $405, the prices DOHMH paid varied from $202 to $937 per test, a wide range depending on the location. Similarly, the average cost per vaccination per site ranged $169 to $2,423. Underutilized sites led to huge cost variations and inflated costs when a smaller volume of tests or vaccines were administered.
At certain sites, an excessive number of personnel unnecessarily escalated labor costs. Notably, the audit revealed significant findings: at the eight long-term testing sites, staff only administered a single test approximately every 1.61 hours open, and at the 23 long-term vaccination sites, staff administered one vaccination approximately every two hours.
As agencies tackle the pressing humanitarian crisis stemming from the arrival of thousands of asylum seekers and as New York braces itself for future challenges like extreme weather events and health emergencies, City agencies must be prepared to effectively manage emergency spending costs. To accompany the audit, the Comptroller’s Office issued a letter to City Agencies detailing best practices for controlling costs in emergency procurements in the following areas:
- Maximize competition in vendor selection to the fullest extent practicable.
- Ensure strong contract terms and specific guidance to vendors to track and manage costs.
- Conduct robust vendor oversight through contract compliance and enforcement.
- Hold vendors accountable for problems, errors, and contract violations during the contract period, in performance evaluations, and in consideration of extensions or renewals.
- Track and document spending to ensure maximum reimbursement from state and federal funding sources.
While the urgency of emergency situations necessitates expedited processes, agencies must exercise diligence to mitigate risks, contain costs, and uphold financial responsibility to protect the best interests of New York City and its residents.
“Our reviews have demonstrated a number of challenges that agencies face in handling emergency contracts, including lack of competition during the selection of vendors, weak contract terms for managing costs, and insufficient monitoring of vendors during implementation. […] Especially as multiple City agencies deploy emergency contracting to address the humanitarian crisis created by the arrival of tens of thousands of individuals seeking asylum, and as New York City prepares for future crises from extreme weather to future health emergencies, City agencies must be prepared to contain emergency spending costs,” wrote Deputy Comptroller for Audit Maura Hayes Chaffe in the letter to agencies.
Read the audit of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene here. Read the Comptroller’s Office’s letter to agencies on vendor oversight and cost containment during emergency procurement here.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Fallen U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kory Wade
Flags to be Flown at Half Staff on July 5 and 6
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags to half-staff at all State government buildings and facilities on July 5 and July 6 in honor of U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Kory Wade, who passed away following training exercises that took place on June 14. Staff Sergeant Wade was a native of Shortsville, New York in Ontario County.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of Staff Sergeant Kory Wade and extend my deepest sympathies to Sergeant Wade's family and loved ones on behalf of all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks the brave men and women in our nation's military face every day to keep us safe."
Wade enlisted in the Air Force and served his country since 2008. He received numerous awards, including the Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and U.S. Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon.
Wave Hill Weekly Events: July 21–July 28 Sunset Wednesdays, Yoga, Tours & More
We’re thankful for the much-needed rain falling this week, and hope it helps the gardens stay looking lush and summer-gorgeous—especially for the lazy days and summer nights ahead. Our regularly scheduled garden walks and gallery tours will inspire you and reconnect your soul to nature. And the rhythmic sounds of Los Hacheros at this week’s Sunset Wednesday are sure to add more sizzle to your week.
Exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationship between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are open, Gallery Greeters lead public gallery tours on Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in a unique environment. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Lisa Lindstrom. All levels welcome. Rain cancels. Continues through July.
Lisa Lindstrom wants you to feel welcome and fulfilled practicing yoga, and will encourage you to explore your body with curiosity, an open mind, and a kind heart. Her intention is for you to feel at least a bit better in some way after you take her class.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.
Modern-day torchbearers of the Golden Age of Latin music, Brooklyn’s Los Hacheros are reviving folkloric styles like son montuno, guaracha and salsa. A band of only five musicians, they can sound like a conjunto of 12, infusing their sound with Bomba, a fiery rhythm from the mountains of Puerto Rico.
Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.
Exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationship between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are open, Gallery Greeters lead public gallery tours on Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in a unique environment. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.
DEC ISSUES GUIDANCE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF NEGATIVE INTERACTIONS WITH SHARKS
Seasonal Shark Activity Increases in New York’s Marine Waters During Summer Months
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued guidance to promote public safety at ocean beaches and help minimize the risk of negative interactions between people and sharks. The annual summer migration of sharks into New York’s coastal waters is underway and sightings of shark activity in the nearshore ocean waters is expected to increase during the summer months, June through September. DEC encourages New Yorkers to be aware of their surroundings in the water and the potential for shark-human interactions and follow DEC guidelines to minimize the risk of negative interactions.
“New York State has world-class ocean beaches that are desirable destinations to many visitors during the summer months. It’s also a wild and natural marine ecosystem that supports a wide diversity of marine life, including sharks,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Human-shark interactions are rare events in New York. However, DEC encourages all beachgoers to respect these animals and follow shark safety guidance to minimize their risk of negative interactions with sharks."
To reduce and minimize potential interactions with sharks, New Yorkers are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Avoid areas with seals;
- Avoid areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, or diving seabirds;
- Avoid swimming at dusk, night, and dawn;
- Avoid murky water;
- Swim, paddle, and surf in groups;
- Stay close to shore, where feet can touch the bottom; and
- Always follow the instructions of lifeguards and park staff.
Humans assume risk whenever they enter any wild environment, whether on land or in the water. Although it is impossible to eliminate risk altogether, ocean users can modify their behavior to minimize potential interactions with sharks and reduce overall risk. When in the ocean, follow DEC’s shark safety guidelines to minimize the potential for negative interactions with sharks.
Sharks have existed in New York’s marine waters for millions of years. Today there are more than 13 shark species that migrate through New York’s marine waters each year. Each shark species has unique habitat and food preferences and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem. Sharks can prevent other species from monopolizing limited resources and degrading the marine environment. The presence of sharks in New York’s marine waters is a positive sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. Learn more about sharks in New York by visiting: https://on.ny.gov/sharks.
Governor Kathy Hochul also recently announced enhanced shark monitoring and additional surveillance capabilities implemented this summer to protect visitors from negative shark interactions.
Proposed New Fishing Regulations to Protect Sharks and Improve Angler Safety
DEC recently proposed changes to recreational fishing regulations to improve the management and protection of sharks by establishing gear restrictions for recreational shore anglers and shark handling and release requirements for all anglers.
Recreational shore anglers are increasingly targeting prohibited shark species such as sandbar, dusky, and sand tiger sharks, which are illegal to pursue, capture, or kill. The life histories of these shark species make them vulnerable to fishing activities and require long-term rebuilding strategies in order to restore healthy populations. The proposed regulations seek to further protect these prohibited shark species in New York State from being illegally targeted and irresponsibly handled.
The proposed regulation is available for public comment until Aug. 7, 2023. DEC will hold a virtual public hearing to accept public comment on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. Information on how to submit written comments or participate in the hearing can be found at DEC's website.
July 2023 at KRVC!
Join Us for for all these July 2023
Events Sponsored by KRVC!
Look forward to seeing you!
