Latest news with #Tomasko
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WG&E starts project to replace aging and leaky gas lines throughout city
WESTFIELD — Westfield Gas and Electric held a brief ceremony Monday to announce it has started a yearslong project to replace all of the city's cast iron leaky gas lines with nearly indestructible polypropylene plastic. 'It's safe for our customer and good for the environment,' said WG&E Assistant General Manager Joe Mitchell about the line replacement project. With some of the city's cast iron gas lines up to 80 years old, they prone to fracture and leak methane, WG&E was included in a federal grant program aimed to improve safety and reduce the emissions. In 2023, WG&E announced it was recipient of a $10 million grant, which has risen to $17 million, to fund the project as part of the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Program, which was established by Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, and signed by former President Joe Biden. 'The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver results for the people of Massachusetts, and today's announcement is yet another step towards making much-needed improvement to our aging infrastructure,' said U.S. Rep. Richard Neal when announcing the grant. However, with the changing of administrations earlier this year, there was some concern that the grant would be rescinded. Mitchell said a portion of it was paused but because it had broad support on both sides of aisle in Congress, the pause was lifted. 'This program is on solid ground,' Mitchell said. While it's been two years since the grant was announced, Mitchell said supply chain issues pushed the start date back and complying with a portion of the Build America Buy America Act, which was part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan. 'That was a challenge,' Mitchell said. On Monday, a crew from R.H. White Companies Inc. was at the home of Gerald and Nancy Tomasko on Apple Blossom Lane to officially start the project. The Auburn-based construction services company will do the work with WG&E as the general contractor, said WG&E Operations Superintendent Greg Freeman, who also explained the process of replacing the lines. On the road in front of the Tomasko's home, WG&E will dig a three-foot deep trench to change out the cast-iron line. Once the new line is in place, the crew will then dig a trench from the new line to where it connects with gas conduit at the Tomasko's home — the work will tear up a small portion of their lawn. He said each customer's natural gas service will disconnected for only a few minutes during the installation. Freeman said once the connection is complete the disturbed area will be covered with loam and reseeded. And that process will continue over the next four years to replace 1,200 low-pressure services to businesses and residences, When plans for the project were being developed, it was believed that it would take 10 years, but it was moved up to four years. Mitchell said the replacement project will cover 22 miles of line, and at no cost to the utility's ratepayers. 'Because it's a grant, the cost will not fall on our ratepayers,' he said, adding that he's asking for city residents for their 'patience' during construction. Freeman said the gas line installation will start in April or May and continue through November or December as conditions allow. After the crew completes the replacements in the Apple Blossom neighborhood, it will move onto the neighborhoods of Colony Circle, Birch Bluffs Drive, the west side of Southwick Road and Hillside Road. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sarasota Bay sees 19% increase in seagrass despite Hurricanes Helene, Milton
The Brief During an expedition to check on the health of seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay, scientists discovered positive signs. While there are patches of macroalgae in parts of Sarasota Bay, each place visited showed thriving signs of seagrass beds. While the results for Sarasota Bay are positive, scientists said there's more work to be done. BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. - Launching from Bradenton Beach, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Southwest Florida Water Management District went on a science expedition to check on the health of seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay. "Whenever you're dealing with a living organism, like seagrass, things change over time," said Dr. Chris Anastasiou, the chief water quality scientist and the lead of the Seagrass Mapping Program with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. READ: Experts weigh in on study naming 10 Florida beaches America's most dangerous ones After just one dive down beneath the surface, they found what they were looking for. "We were very encouraged, pleasantly surprised that things look good," said Anastasiou. Big picture view The 2024 seagrass mapping study by the Southwest Florida Water Management District showed gains over the last two years, but there was concern Hurricanes Helene and Milton could have brought damage. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube On Friday, scientists discovered seagrass intact. While there are patches of macroalgae in parts of Sarasota Bay, which could smother seagrass, each place Dr. David Tomasko and Anastasiou visited showed thriving signs of seagrass beds. "We've gained about 19% increase in seagrass, almost 2,000 acres. That should be able to support more than 70 million fish," said Tomasko, who is the director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Dig deeper Tomasko said there's no gimmick when it comes to the health of Sarasota Bay. He said the bay's health and also seagrass is dependent on improvements to the area's stormwater and wastewater treatment plants. "Big upgrades from Manatee County, Sarasota County. The City of Sarasota has got one of the best wastewater treatment plants in the country. We are reducing the nutrient loads from wastewater, stormwater. We are getting our act together and educating the public," said Tomasko. MORE: Inside an organization's effort to attract more oysters in Bay Area waters What's next While the results for Sarasota Bay are positive, Tomasko said there's more work to be done. "Find the nutrient loads that make the most sense, go after them, get the water quality back and the seagrass will come back," he said. What you can do You can also help the Sarasota Bay Estuary program keep eyes on macroalgae and seagrass coverage. The 2024 Eyes on Seagrass program will start in April. To learn more, visit The Source The information in this story was gathered through interviews and information from Dr. Chris Anastasiou and Dr. David Tomasko. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Most Cybertrucks recalled to ensure steel panels don't fall off
Tesla's bulky, beleaguered Cybertruck has received another recall alert from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This time, it's not something a simple over-the-air software update can fix. According to the March 18 regulatory notice, a large strip of stainless steel exterior trim can potentially 'delaminate and detach from the vehicle' while on the road. A total of 46,096 Cybertrucks now qualify for the free in-shop repair. That's nearly every Cybertruck manufactured for the public since its December 2023 debut. The NHTSA expects all Cybertruck owner notification letters to be mailed by May 19. Rumors of a recall related to the cant rails—a pair of lengthy, boomerang-shaped metal sections that stretch over the vehicle's driver and passenger windows—began circulating in recent weeks. Multiple people waiting on the delivery of their Tesla trucks reported a 'delayed delivery due to inspection' on the popular Cybertruck Owners Forum, while the automotive website Road & Track published photos on February 21 of the EV with missing cant rails. A video posted last month by YouTuber and Cybertruck owner Reid Tomasko also relayed similar concerns. The faulty cant rails appear to stem from inadequate glue used to adhere the components to the vehicle frame, which allegedly weakens after exposure to freezing temperatures. As Tomasko and others pointed out, these aren't the only sections that appear to rely on the manufacturing adhesive. Multiple locations on the truck's two quarter panels allegedly can display similar issues. This is not the first recall notice for the Cybertruck. Less than five months after its release, nearly all vehicle owners received an alert citing a faulty accelerator pedal resulting from misapplied soap instead of lubricant. In October 2024, the vehicles required an over-the-air software update after regulators determined the rearview camera feed display was so delayed that it was illegal. The NHTSA in total has cited the Cybertruck in nine recalls, three investigations, while receiving 42 consumer complaints in less than 16 months. It's not just the Cybertruck that's faced a number of issues. In one of the most recent complaints filed to the NHTSA, a Cybertruck owner in New York City reported the driver side cant rail 'suddenly start[ed] falling off' while traveling along a highway at around 55 mph. 'This is the first winter for cybertruck [sic],' they wrote. '[T]he stainless panel is hard and sharp enough to hit other cars.'Another incident report from Illinois detailed a similar experience with the passenger side section, and the owner also included the results of the subsequent visit to a Tesla service center. Although mechanics replaced the detached cant rail free-of-charge, they told the owner they couldn't do the same for the driver side portion 'until it falls off.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Reportedly Halts Cybertruck Deliveries Amid Concerns of Flying Body Panels
Would-be Tesla Cybertruck owners are now reporting that some trucks scheduled for delivery are being held back for additional inspection. The issue comes after over a month of reports from existing owners that their trucks have had issues with loose bodywork, including at least one owner who has footage of a panel flying off of his truck at speed. Most owners waiting on the delay have not reported any specific reason for the wait, but one user on a Cybertruck owner forum has shared a screenshot from a conversation with a service advisor that suggests "the cantrail concern" is the problem being inspected. This is the trim piece that follows along the side of the Cybertruck's roofline, starting at the edge of the truck's A-pillar and continuing to the edge of the bed. It is also the piece of bodywork most frequently mentioned in reports of loose bodywork, including in what are now four different official NHTSA complaints. Reid Tomasko, the owner who shared footage of his truck shedding this particular piece of bodywork at speed, told Road & Track in February that he had seen the issue on "five to seven" different trucks encountered at his wrapping business. This includes his own truck and another truck in his shop when he filmed a YouTube video that dug into the problem. Tomasko has since claimed in another video that Tesla told him the problem was "glue delamination." It's worth noting that Tesla has not yet announced a recall, stop sale, or any other sort of formal delay over the issue. Road & Track has reached out to Tesla for comment, and we will update this story in the event that the brand responds. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Cybertruck Body Panels Are Flying Off While Driving, And This Wrap Shop Owner Figured Out Why
For a truck that was supposed to be the toughest truck ever built, the Tesla Cybertruck sure has had a lot of problems. So far, it's been subject to seven recalls and two investigations, snapped its subframe in a WhistlinDiesel test, been defeated by a car wash and continues to regularly get stuck in the snow. It also has a habit of losing its sometimes razor-sharp body panels, which is decidedly Not Great. And while it's hard to imagine Tesla will actually do anything about it now that its CEO is busy dismantling the federal government from within, our friends at Road & Track recently spoke with one shop owner who believes he's figured out why Cybertrucks like to lose their bodywork. Reid Tomasko owns Shock Auto Styling, a New Hampshire car-wrapping business that has reportedly worked on dozens of Cybertrucks. Tomasko is also an owner, and unfortunately for him, his experience with the issue was especially dangerous. As he told Road & Track, not only did the boomerang-shaped piece of trim on the roofline fall off, it did so while he was driving, putting other drivers in serious danger. You don't have to take Tomasko's word for it, either. He also managed to capture it on video. After looking at what happened to his truck and others, he posted a video on his YouTube channel explaining what he thinks is happening. Read more: Tesla Cybertrucks Are Rusting Despite Being Made Of Stainless Steel According to Tomasko, Tesla attaches these body panels to plastic frames that are bolted to the body of the truck. Instead of bolting the panels to the frames, though, Tesla uses an adhesive to stick them on. And so far, none of that is particularly concerning. Fancy glue tech has come a long way over the years, and you may be surprised just how strong those bonds can be. They even use adhesives to bond steel beams used in building construction. That said, whether Tesla cheaped out on the adhesive it used or didn't have the proper process in place to ensure proper bonding, the adhesive appears to be what failed when Tomasko's giant boomerang-shaped trim piece fell off. It isn't just that particular trim piece that's the problem, either. Tomasko told Road & Track he believes it's an issue with the actual body panels themselves, including two of his quarter-panels and the tailgate. To the tailgate's credit, though, it also has a few welds that should help hold it in place even if the adhesive doesn't hold, so at least you don't have to worry about the Cybertruck you see on the road dropping metal off the back of its tailgate and killing you. Just the other body panels and trim pieces. The good news is, he claims to have only seen similar issues on about 15 to 20 percent of the incEl Caminos he's worked on. The bad news is that he says it appears to be more common on new trucks than older ones, which suggests Cybertrucks are actually getting worse, and even a one-in-seven chance is still far too high. As Road & Track points out, Tomasko is far from the first person to run into issues with their Cybertruck trim or body panels falling off: Similar problems have been reported in two separate formal complaints to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration. The first, from an owner in Brooklyn, states that his roofline trim piece "suddenly started falling off" at highway speeds. Another complaint from an owner in Illinois claims that an "upper passenger trim piece," seemingly the same panel, fell off while the owner was driving their truck. The owner then claims that they asked a Tesla service center to replace the same component on the truck's other side, but a brand representative told him that the location "will not do it unless [the panel] falls off." Other examples of the problem have been reported on a Cybertruck owner Facebook group. Screenshots shared with R&T like the one above show four additional cases of trucks that have allegedly shed their roofline trim piece. At least one owner in the group claims that the piece flew off while they were driving. So is it the adhesive itself? A problem with Tesla's manufacturing process? Tomasko doesn't and likely can't know for sure, but as he told R&T, he suspects it's related to cold weather, but that may not be it either: "Based on research and responses that I've had to the video, it seems that something, the glue is not flexing with the panels, so what happens is the stainless steel seems to flex when it gets cold when it gets cold and hot, but the glue that they use is kind of brittle, so my guess is the glue is separating," Tomasko says. "Also, I have a friend with an earlier build than mine, and he lives in Vermont; I live in New Hampshire, he lives in Vermont, so we're both in cold climates. His truck, his is fine, same amount of miles and everything, his is fine, but then mine is falling apart. So I don't quite know, maybe it's a glue batch that was incorrectly made — I don't know." If you thought Tomasko would dump his truck after losing a massive trim piece while driving and move on from the automaker that doesn't care about quality or other people's safety, he claims it isn't that simple. His truck is currently at a nearby Tesla Service Center while he pursues a buyback. He also told R&T that he "[feels] like a new vehicle shouldn't really have to have all the panels replaced" and that Tesla fans have said he's "just a hater." If you've read other stories about Cybertruck owners discovering all the problems with their $100,000 MAGA-mobiles, you know exactly where this is going. "No, I'm not a hater. I have the truck, I love the truck. I bought one! I love the truck. I wrap, mostly, exclusively Teslas in the Northeast at my wrap shop. So I love Teslas," he told the magazine. "I'm just trying to share what's going on to better help the engineers to fix this super fast." He's also upset because finding more problems with the Cybertruck only reinforces the objectively correct belief that they're terribly made douche-wagons that fund the destruction of our representative democracy: "It does suck, because everybody kind of makes fun of the Cybertruck. To the outside person, it's kind of weird, it's ugly, whatever. Once you actually get in it, drive it, you realize it's pretty frickin' cool," he says. "It's kind of been sad, because I've been trying to prove to people that it's a really awesome truck that's not falling apart, and then mine starts to fall apart, so it's just... Yeah, it's kind of unfortunate and sad." While the Tesla Cybertruck's first recall landed on January 30, 2024, a mere two months after the production Cybertruck was revealed, the fun didn't really get started until April when Tesla was forced to recall the Cybertruck due to unintended acceleration. Apparently, no one noticed the plastic cover on the accelerator could easily come loose, pinning the pedal to the floor. The ridiculous windshield wiper also started causing problems, and Tesla was forced once again to recall the Cybertruck and fix it. About the same time, Tesla issued a separate recall because a piece of bed trim may not have been attached correctly and could fly off. The Cybertruck also had to be recalled in November over faulty inverters that could cause a total loss of power while driving. Those aren't the only Cybertruck recalls, of course, but they're definitely the most serious. We also have a roundup of all the Cybertruck screwups from the first six months of production if you're interested in that sort of thing. But only click if you're interested. It also isn't like no one buying a Cybertruck could have possibly known that it would be a turd or that Elon Musk was a far-right lunatic who lies constantly. You could maybe make the argument that regular people didn't know about Tesla's history of poor build quality and long repair times, failure to use automotive-grade components, environmental damage, worker abuse, rampant racism in the factories and constant exaggerations or outright lies. But by the time the Cybertruck came along, the era of plausible deniability was all over. Everyone who bought a Cybertruck knew what they were buying, and they liked it. After all, why else would you give $100,000 to a drugged-out oligarch who had allied himself with a party dedicated to destroying the planet? Read the original article on Jalopnik.
