1) Mobile Register Poll: Ozone Health Effects Concern Citizens
2) Macon County Mega Dump Withdrawn
3) New School in Munford To Be Model "Forest Environment School"
4) Alabama's 13th Annual Coastal Cleanup: An Alabama Success Story
5) F&W Service Announces Plan To Create Longleaf Wildlife Refuge
6) BEN Notes

1. Mobile Register Poll: Ozone Health Effects Concern Citizens - A recent poll on ozone air pollution conducted by the University of South Alabama Polling Group for the Mobile Register revealed a strong concern about ozone air pollution in Mobile and Baldwin counties. It also indicated the need for more ozone education in the region.

The poll was conducted between August 7-9, with a plus or minus 5% margin of error. Here are the results of some of the questions.

How concerned are you about the health effects of ground-level ozone on you and your family?

Very concerned - 35% , Somewhat concerned - 43% , Not very concerned - 14% , Not concerned at all - 7% , Didn't know/No answer - 1%

Would you say you know a lot, some, but not a lot, a little, or nothing at all about the effects of ground-level ozone?

A lot - 9% , Some - 30% , A little - 43% , Nothing at all -18%

Which statement is the most accurate statement?

A. Ground-level ozone is good, atmospheric ozone is bad - 6%
B. Atmospheric ozone is good, ground-level ozone is bad - 17%
C. All ozone is bad - 60%
D. Did not know/No answer - 17%
(Correct answer - B)

Which one of the following produces the most ground-level ozone?

Air conditioner and refrigerator chemicals - 6% , Automobile exhaust - 31% , Chemical industries - 32% , Coal burning plants -10%, Large hog and cattle feedlots - 1%, Open burning of trash - 4% , Small engines such as lawn equipment -3%, DK/NA -13%(Answer: Power plants make up 55% of nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions in the Mobile area. Autos are second largest producer, while chemical plants play a very minor role in ozone production)

Would you pay a few cents more per gallon for cleaner burning gasoline to reduce ground-level ozone?

Yes - 64% , No - 32%, DK/NA - 4%

Would you be willing to pay a higher amount for electricity produced in a way that results in less ground-level ozone?

Yes - 60% , No - 36% , DK/NA - 4%

In response to the poll, and the need to answer questions about ground-level ozone for the general public, Mobile Register environmental editor Bill Finch wrote an informative and detailed question and answer article on the issue. You can read the article by visiting the Mobile Register website at: http://www.al.com/news/mobile/Aug2000/20-a364323a.html

2. Macon County Mega Dump Withdrawn - A company that planned to build a 10,000 ton a day landfill in Macon County withdrew its proposal after receiving opposition from Governor Don Siegelman, Jesse Jackson and local residents.

In a news conference, Milton McGregor majority owner of the Macon County Environmental Facility and the Victoryland dog racing track, stated that he withdrew plans for the landfill after getting assurances from local officials they would work to find ways to clean up county. Jesse Jackson attended the news conference.

To put the size of the "now dead" proposed landfill into perspective, the per day capacity (10,000 tons) of the Macon County landfill almost equaled the entire amount of garbage produced by all Alabama residents, which is approximately 11,000 to 12,000 tons a day.

3. New School in Munford To Be Model "Forest Environment School" - Students in Talladega County will be among the first in Alabama and the nation to experience a brand new concept in learning when they start the 2001 school term. Every day they will be entering a forest setting surrounded with clouds, ponds, trees, hands-on displays, paintings and nature trails at a new elementary school being constructed in Munford, Alabama.

Because the new Munford Elementary school is located near the Talladega National Forest and at the foot of Cheaha Mountain, the Talladega County School Board decided that it would be appropriate to carry a forest theme. The overall theme for the Munford school is "Discovering Through Nature - The Enchantment of Learning". Each wing of the school will have its own
sub-theme. K-2nd grade is Enchanted Forests-emphasizing plants and trees, 3rd and 4th grade is 'Where the Wild Things Are" which focuses on wildlife; and 5th and 6th grade is 'The Main Stream" with the emphasis on the world of water.

The environmental education/forest theme is being supported by state, federal and private organizations. Representatives from the USDA Forest Service, Alabama Forestry Commission, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, Cooperative Extension Service, Jacksonville State University Environmental Policy and Information Center, and Talladega County school administrators have formed a group called SEEM - Supporters of Environmental Education in Munford."

To learn more about this exciting and groundbreaking new school contact Coy Mills, Talladega County Schools at 256-362-1401 or Tammy Truett, Forest Service at 334-241-8144. To join SEEM's efforts contact Johnny Ponder at 256-362-9008 ext.280.

4. Alabama's 13th Annual Coastal Cleanup: An Alabama Success Story - For nearly 13 years, thousands of Alabamians have dedicated a day to cleanup our beaches and shores, coastlines, riverbanks and lakes. Last year, 3100 volunteers made a difference, picking up garbage ranging from soda cans to cigarette butts. In 1999, more than 55,000 pounds of debris on 203 miles of shoreline was picked up and properly landfilled and recycled.

Please don't let the program's name "Alabama Coastal Cleanup" fool you. Volunteers will be cleaning up Alabama's lakes (Smith Lake, for example) and riverbanks in North Alabama along with cleanups around Alabama's beaches. This year's Alabama Coastal Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th. To learn how to participate and volunteer contact Alma Wagner at: 334-861-5296. What great opportunity to do something for Alabama's environment!

5. F&W Service Announces Plan To Create Longleaf Wildlife Refuge - The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a proposal to establish a new national wildlife refuge at Fort McClellan located near Anniston, Alabama. According to the Service's Southeast Regional Director, Sam Hamilton, the proposed Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge would cover a total of up to 15,000 acres of undeveloped pine and mixed pine-hardwood forests on the closed base in Calhoun County. The Service would acquire the proposed lands through an interagency transfer from the U.S. Army.

The purpose of the proposed refuge is to protect, enhance and manage a unique mountain longleaf ecosystem for the benefit of neotropical migratory birds and a diversity of native flora and fauna, with a special emphasis on endangered and threatened species. The F&W Service has just recently released a draft environmental assessment and is seeking public comment. The
assessment was prepared by the Wildlife Service in coordination with the U.S. Army, Alabama Game and Fish Division and the Nature Conservancy. To request a copy of the assessment contact Bill Garland. U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, at : 256-848-6833.

6. BEN Notes:

Governor's Environmental Commission to Meet - The Alabama Commission on Environmental Initiatives (ACEI) is planning to hold its first meeting Friday, August 25th at 2:00 in the Archives Room of the State Capitol Building. The meeting is open to the public and Governor Don Siegelman plans to attend and address the Commission. For more information contact ACEI chair Pete Conroy at 256-782-5681.

Need an Eco-Entertainer - Want to make your next conference a "magical" experience? - Invite Steve "Trash," Alabama's own Eco-Entertainer. Steve can perform a solo "Green" Magic Show, Roving Street Magic and a Full Illusion Concert. Make your next event stand out ! You can learn about Steve "Trash" by contacting G.G Greg Agency 216-692-1193 or
http://www.stevetrash.com

Ground-level Ozone Air Pollution Information - If you are concerned about ground-level ozone air pollution, check out the Alabama Partners for Clean Air website at http://www.alabamacleanair.com Along with useful information about ozone air pollution, this site gives you the daily statewide ozone forecasts.

Please share BEN with friends and fellow conservationists. If you have any questions or comments about this publication, contact Pat Byington, the author and publisher of BEN at 205-226-7739 or pkbyington@aol.com To receive back issues of BEN, please go to our website at: http://www.BamaNews.com