Latest news with #DEC
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Greece police investigate unconfirmed mountain lion sighting
The Greece Police Department is investigating unverified reports of a possible mountain lion sighting near Northbridge Drive, close to North Avenue and Larkin Creek. Officers have conducted a neighborhood canvass but have not found any video footage or physical evidence—such as tracks or fur—to confirm the animal's presence. The department is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to monitor the situation. Residents are urged to exercise caution if they encounter any wild animal: keep a safe distance, back away slowly, and avoid approaching or feeding it. Report any sightings immediately to law enforcement or the DEC. Those with photos, video, or specific information should contact: 911 (for immediate concerns) DEC Region 8 Wildlife Office: (585) 226-5380 or r8wildlife@ After hours: DEC ECO dispatch at 844-332-3267 This investigation comes just weeks after a viral video reportedly captured a large cat walking through a yard in Rochester's East Main and Culver neighborhood around 4 a.m. on July 9. The DEC responded but found no tracks or evidence to confirm whether the animal was a cougar (also known as a mountain lion). Officials say if it is a cougar, it's likely a former captive animal, not a wild one. The DEC notes there is no known wild population of mountain lions in New York State. For more information on how to identify a cougar and what to do if you think you've seen one, visit This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Greece NY police investigate unconfirmed mountain lion sighting Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Vermont homeowners can apply now for septic and well repair aid
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is offering $3.5 million to help low- and moderate-income homeowners repair or replace failing water and wastewater systems, according to a community announcement. This is the fourth round of funding for the program, which aims to ensure equitable access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Eligible homeowners can apply by 3 p.m. Sept. 3, 2025, by submitting an online pre-qualification form. For assistance, contact the Healthy Homes Team at 802-828-0141, 877-344-0354 (toll-free), or Due to limited funding, the DEC will select about 100 priority projects based on income, environmental impact, household demographics and severity of system failure. Awards are expected to be issued in winter 2026, with projects to be completed by September 2027. To qualify, applicants must have a failed or inadequate on-site drinking water or wastewater system, own and live on a residential property with up to four units, and earn a household income of less than $80,835 per year. Community groups cannot directly receive awards but can assist homeowners in applying. DEC staff members are available to help those with accessibility needs fill out the pre-qualification form over the phone at no cost. The Healthy Homes program, first announced in 2021, has already issued over 600 awards with American Rescue Plan Act funding. This fourth round is funded by general state funds. Homeowners who previously applied but were not selected must submit a new application to be considered for this round. The DEC is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health. For more information, visit or follow the department on Facebook and Instagram. 'This critical funding will help Vermonters afford costly repairs to their wells and septic systems,' said DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder. 'Connecting homeowners with these dollars not only ensures equitable access to clean drinking water and sanitation but also furthers our mission to protect both human health and the environment.' This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont offers $3.5M to help low-income homeowners fix systems Solve the daily Crossword
Mint
5 days ago
- Climate
- Mint
Unhealthy air quality in NYC: Officials urge precautions as Canadian wildfire smoke lingers
Smoke from wildfires raging in Canada has once again blanketed the Tri-State area, triggering an air-quality alert that has been extended through the weekend. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health (DOH) have issued Air Quality Health Advisories, as per multiple reports, warning of elevated pollution levels that pose risks to vulnerable populations. New York City Emergency Management has warned that air quality remains at Level Orange on the Air Quality Index (AQI), indicating values between 101 and 150 — a level deemed Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. These include older adults over 65, children under 14, pregnant individuals, outdoor workers, and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions such as asthma or heart disease. NYC Emergency Management told residents to take precautions, limit outdoor activity, close windows, use air purifiers if available, and consider wearing a high-quality mask if they must go outside and are in a sensitive group. The haze is being carried southward by northerly winds from Canada, which have helped ease recent heat but ushered in wildfire smoke from active forest fires. While the smoke was thick early Sunday, forecasters expect the worst of it to shift toward New England later in the day. Healthy individuals face low risk from the smoke, but officials still urge caution. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services warned that fine particulate matter in the smoke can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure can exacerbate chronic conditions. Compounding the problem is the return of dangerous heat. A Heat Advisory goes into effect at 11 am Monday and lasts through Tuesday, with heat-index values expected to reach 105°F. Health officials urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Authorities are urging residents to monitor local air quality levels at follow public health advisories, and take extra care if they belong to any high-risk group. Key advice for residents: Limit outdoor activity, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health conditions Keep windows closed and use air purifiers if possible Wear a high-quality mask outdoors if sensitive to pollution Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during heat peaks
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Canadian wildfires prompt New York air quality alert
An air quality health advisory has been issued for New York City and its surrounding areas because of smoke from wildfires in Canada. In a post on X, New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) issued the advisory for Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and the Adirondacks on Saturday. Authorities are warning air quality in those regions is "unhealthy for sensitive groups". Wildfires in Canada have forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes, and the smoke drifting over the border has sparked air quality concerns across the northern United States. The air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be above 100 in much of New York state on Saturday, and could reach 135. Alerts are also in place for parts of New England. The AQI measures the severity of pollution in the air and categorises health risks. The higher the number, the more unsafe the air is to breathe. This is not the first time US authorities have issued air quality alerts because of smoke from the Canadian wildfires. In mid-July, a similar alert was issued for Chicago, with additional precautions advised for babies and the elderly. The political implications of the wildfire smoke have also reached Washington. Earlier in July, six members of Congress wrote to the Canadian ambassador complaining that smoke from wildfires was making it difficult for Americans to enjoy their summer. There are currently more than 550 active fires in Canada, with the most concentrated in the province of Manitoba, according to authorities. 6.1 million hectares (15 million acres) of land has been burnt across the country in the past year. May and June were particularly destructive months in western Canada, with roughly 30,000 people forced to evacuate in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where local administrations declared a state of emergency. Scientists have consistently linked the intensifying wildfire seasons to climate change. Canada is believed to be warming at twice the global average rate, and its Arctic regions are heating up at nearly three times the global rate, scientists have warned. Air quality alerts issued in Canada and US as wildfires continue to burn Wildfires scorch North America as crews battle flames US lawmakers write to Canada to complain that its wildfire smoke is spoiling summer
BBC News
5 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Canadian wildfires prompt New York air quality alert
An air quality health advisory has been issued for New York City and its surrounding areas because of smoke from wildfires in Canada. In a post on X, New York state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) issued the advisory for Long Island, New York City Metro, Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley, and the Adirondacks on Saturday. Authorities are warning air quality in those regions is "unhealthy for sensitive groups".Wildfires in Canada have forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes, and the smoke drifting over the border has sparked air quality concerns across the northern United States. The air quality index (AQI) is predicted to be above 100 in much of New York state on Saturday, and could reach 135. Alerts are also in place for parts of New AQI measures the severity of pollution in the air and categorises health risks. The higher the number, the more unsafe the air is to breathe. This is not the first time US authorities have issued air quality alerts because of smoke from the Canadian mid-July, a similar alert was issued for Chicago, with additional precautions advised for babies and the political implications of the wildfire smoke have also reached in July, six members of Congress wrote to the Canadian ambassador complaining that smoke from wildfires was making it difficult for Americans to enjoy their are currently more than 550 active fires in Canada, with the most concentrated in the province of Manitoba, according to authorities. 6.1 million hectares (15 million acres) of land has been burnt across the country in the past and June were particularly destructive months in western Canada, with roughly 30,000 people forced to evacuate in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where local administrations declared a state of have consistently linked the intensifying wildfire seasons to climate is believed to be warming at twice the global average rate, and its Arctic regions are heating up at nearly three times the global rate, scientists have warned.
