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September 22, 1999

1. Alabama's Worst Case Scenarios: Potential Toxic Accidents on the Web
2. Montgomery Advertiser Hog Factory Editorial
3. ALDOT Looking Into Mass Transit
4. Forest Service Introduces a Fall Color Hotline
5. Events Throughout Alabama : EcoFest, Forever Wild Meeting, TREASURED Forest Conference, "Gendered Environments", BirdFest 99, TREASURED Forest Conference, AWF Event, Ruffner Mountain Schedule, Sipsey Swamp Tour

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"I am constantly amazed at the created world, astounded that it is there - its size, its complexity and intricacy, its beauty. I feel like a beggar walking through a Tiffany store." - Father Henry Fehren
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1. Alabama's Worst Case Scenarios: Potential Toxic Accidents on the Web - As a result of the 1990 Clean Air Act, the government requires manufacturers, wastewater treatment plants and chemical companies across the nation to file worst- case scenarios, spelling out the effects of hypothetical spills, explosions or other catastrophes that could occur at an industrial or muncipal site.

Now, despite some second thoughts by federal officials concerned about terrorism, much of the information is available on the web. The "Right to Know" website operated by OMB Watch and the Unison Institute contains summaries of risk management plans for 192 Alabama facilities.

There is a worst-case scenario, and an alternate scenario considered to be slightly more realistic. Some scenarios contend that the dangers will be contained on company property, while some companies are very specific. For example, the Occidental chemical plant in Muscle Shoals said the chlorine release in its worst case scenario potentially would expose 85,000 people within 14 miles of the plant to a hazardous chlorine vapor cloud.

By releasing this information, advocates of "Right to Know" believe that the public will be more informed about possible emergencies in their neighborhoods and can work with their local facility to prevent such accidents. To access the reports visit http://www.rtk.net


2. Montgomery Hog Factory Editorial - Here are some excerpts on flooding and hog farms, from a Montgomery Advertiser editorial that appeared Monday September 20th. "N.C. Floods Hold Lesson for State" - "When Hurricane Floyd dumped huge rainfall totals on North Carolina last week, it not only flooded thousands of homes but exposed an environmental threat that has implications for Alabama as well - the wastewater lagoons created by huge "hog farms."

Several waste lagoons on North Carolina hog farms reached or exceeded their capacities, and at least one ruptured, spilling 2 million gallons of sewage waste into Cape Fear. More than 20 communities and 200 swine farmers reported wastewater problems. The entire water supplies of two entire counties were contaminated, although not all of the contamination was not caused by hog operations. Hog farming is a relatively new development for Alabama, and it is not practiced on anything like the scale here that it is in North Carolina. But agricultural officials believe Alabama has the potential to develop more such farms. Anytime you concentrate thousands of hogs in a limited area, you also concentrate their waste. And if that waste is released into the environment, the results can be catastrophic, as North Carolinians can attest.

... To its credit, last year the Alabama Department of Environmental Management adopted new standards for animal farming operations that concentrate large numbers of animals such as hog farms. but the experience of North Carolina last week should prompt ADEM officials to look again at those regulations to see if they are stringent enough. The agency especially should consider whether the distance waste lagoons must be located away from streams - now 100 feet - should be increased dramatically. It also should reassess whether the regulations provide ample protection if Alabama is faced with flooding on the scale brought to North Carolina by Hurricane Floyd."

3. ALDOT Looking into Mass Transit - After years of ignoring pleas from mass transit advocates, state transportation officials say they are looking for ways to provide and expand public transportation in communities across Alabama. Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Director Mac Roberts told the Alabama Legislature's Joint Highway Committee last week that he and the department are examining public transportation systems in other states and may propose legislation. Roberts also said, the next step will be to gather legislators, advocacy groups, state agency officials, and transit representatives to discuss ways to beef up public transportation.

These statements by the Director of ALDOT is truly a breakthrough for mass transit in Alabama. If you are interested in learning more about this issue, and supporting mass transit, please contact Alabama Arise at 334-832-9060 or visit their website at http://www.alarise.org

4. Forest Service Introduces a Fall Color Hotline - The U. S. Forest Service has set up a toll-free Fall color hotline to assist visitors to national forests. By calling 1-800-354-4595, callers will reach an automated voice system with weekly updates on peak color in different regions of the country. You can also receive the same information by visiting the Forest Service's website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fall.shtml

Some of Alabama's most popular viewing routes include the Talladega Scenic Drive from Interstate 20 in East Alabama, Alabama 195 to Double Springs, Alabama 5 from Brent, Interstate 85 from the Tuskegee National Forest, and the Conecuh National Forest near the Alabama /Florida line.

5. Events Throughout Alabama - Many of Alabama's environmental and conservation organizations are planning some exciting events for the Fall. Here some of the events and important meetings that have crossed our desk over the past week.

Eco Fest 1999 - The Southern Environmental Center will be holding its inaugural Eco Fest Benefit, Tuesday October 5, 6:00 to 9:00 at the Southern Progress Building. Music will be provided by the Marian McKay Trio, there will be sumptuous hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a live auction. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information please call 205-226-4934. This is a can't miss event!

Gendered Environments - The Fourth Biennial Associated Colleges of the South Women's Studies Conference will be held at Birmingham Southern College, October 15-17. This year's conference will focus on women and the environment, with nationally renown speakers Lois Gibbs, director of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice and Winona LaDuke, 1996 vice-presidential candidate (along with Ralph Nader) for the Green Party. Please contact Jane Archer (205-226-4667) at Birmingham Southern College for registration details.

BirdFest 99 - The Alabama Ornithological Society (AOS) will be holding "BirdFest 99" at Dauphin Island, October 8th to October 10th. There will be outstanding seminars and workshops, along with field trips. For registration information call 1-800-382-2696. The deadline is October 1st.

Alabama Landowner and TREASURED Forest Conference - The annual TREASURED Forest Landowner Conference is scheduled to be held in Tuscaloosa October 7-8. This is a great educational conference for forest owners. For more additional details visit http://www.forestry.state.al.us/current_events.htm or call 334-240-9355.

Wildlife and Outdoor Photography Conference - On Saturday October 16th between 10-3:30, the Alabama Wildlife Federation AWF is sponsoring a Wildlife and Outdoor Photography short-course, to be held at the Wehle Nature Center near Eufaula Alabama. Professional outdoor photographer Paul Brown will giving the seminar. This will be a great opportunity for people interested in photography and wildlife. People can register by calling 1-800-822-9453.

October Events At Ruffner Mountain - Night Hike - Experience the autumn forest in a different way.... in the dark. Take Ruffner Mountain's Night Hike on Saturday, October 9 from 7 - 9 p.m. Walk through the deepening dusk and watch for the resident bats to emerge; listen for the sounds of the forest night. Then discover your night vision as you return in the new moon's darkness. The hike will be led by our experienced staff naturalist. It is suitable for adults and children 10 and older. Cost is $3 per person ($2 members).

Wine, Cheese & Sunset Hike - Ruffner Mountain's popular Wine, Cheese and Sunset Hike will be held October 16. Following a guided hike to Hawk's View Overlook, guests can watch the glowing autumn sunset over the valley, while sipping chilled wine and enjoying light snacks. The fee for this unique experience is $7.50 per person and you must be 21 years or older to participate. Participation is limited; reservations are required and must be made by October 12.

Haunted Mountain - October 29-31, 7 - 10 p.m. -An almost moonless night... the wind rustles through the leaves... who knows what lurks behind that tree up ahead? Come to Ruffner Mountain's famous Halloween event, Haunted Mountain, if you dare to be scared. You'll see spooky scenes, and a ghost or two; scary surprises await on the trail ahead! Come in costume or not, for a fun fright. Admission is $3 per person. For more information about Ruffner Mountain call 205-833-8264 (weekends 833-8112)

Regional Transportation Mobility - Light Rail Transit Feasibility Study - Want to be a part of making light rail a reality in the Birmingham Metro area? The Birmingham Regional Planning Commission is holding several public meetings on the subject. Please take in one of these meetings and provide your input. Meetings are scheduled for: Sept. 22 - Bessemer Civic Center 4-7, Sept. 23 -Raytheon Engineers 4-7, Sept. 27 - Irondale Public Library 5-7:30, Sept. 28 - Parkway Christian Academy 4-7 and Sept 29 - Hoover Council Chambers 4-7. For more information call the BRPC at 251-8139.

New Forever Wild Sipsey Swamp Preserve Tour - Come tour Forever Wild's newest acquisition the Sipsey Swamp on Saturday Sept 25. Meet in the parking lot o Westwood Elementary at 10:00. The school can be easily reached by following U.S. Highway 82 West from Tuscaloosa for about 10 miles to the Coker area. Turn left on Tuscaloosa County Road 2. A highway direction sign for the school is located at this turn. Follow County 2 for about a quarter mile, and the school will be on the left.

Bring lunch, sunscreen and binoculars. The tour will leave Westwood Elementary a little after 10:00 a.m. and should be rapped up around 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. For additional information on the tour contact Ken Wills of the Alabama Environmental Council at naturalwonders@alenvironmentalcouncil.org or (205) 322-3126 or Greg Lein at glein@dcnr.state.al.us or (334) 242-3484.

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