A sobering talk on what's really going on in the financial world

About 20 minutes. Well worth the time.

Poisoning Marion County for Profit: Brooks slated for yet more airborne toxics

Air Pollution Smoke Stack (Photo credit: EnvironmentBlog)Hey Marion County Neighbors!

Don't you just love the smell of burning plastics in the morning?

Feeling like the air near Salem is just too darn breathable? Wouldn't you rather breathe in tons and tons of hazardous pollutants and see particulate toxins enter the foodchain right here in the heart of the Willamette Valley by landing on produce and fields and in streams?

Then you're in luck! Agilyx Corp. wants to satisfy your craving for more pollution for you!

They're proposing to build a plastic trash burner up in Brooks, already the epicenter of air-quality insults in Marion County. In other words, they propose to dump millions of tons of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere over the project lifetime, while spreading a fine dust of toxic particulates and hydrochloric acid all over! What nice neighbors, eh? Oh, and they don't plan to pay anything for using our sky and our precious world-class farmland as their free toxics dumpsite.

And don't worry about the PVC -- they say they're going to screen out the PVC wastes first, since PVC combustion releases incredibly toxic and nasty products. And we all know that mistakes never happen when plowing through tons and tons of waste garbage that all pretty much looks the same and arrives in truckloads!

Here's the abbreviated notice. (pdf)

What does Agilyx Corporation do that affects air quality?

The company proposes to construct and operate a pyrolysis energy reclamation facility. They will produce a synthetic crude-oil like product from plastic feedstock. The feedstock will consist of plastics not feasible for recycling. The feedstock must be pre-screened to remove polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. The oil product will be sold to off-site customers.

The proposed operations will emit Particulate Matter (PM), Fine Particulate Matter (PM10/2.5), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2),Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Greenhouse Gases (GHG), and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) to the air. Additional detailed information regarding operations and emissions can be found in the review report.

Table 1
Criteria Pollutant Proposed Emission Limit (tons/yr)
Particulate Matter (PM) 24
Fine Particulate Matter (PM10) 14
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 9
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) 39
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 39
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 99
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) 39
Greenhouse Gases (GHG) 74,000 (67,100 metric tons)

Table 2
Hazardous Air Pollutants Proposed Emission Limit* (tons/yr)
Individual HAP (HCl) 9
Combined HAPs 24

*HAP PSELs are being established to ensure the source remains a minor source of HAPs pending further emission factor verification analyses.

For more on the criteria pollutants, see http://www.deq.state.or.us/aq/forms/annrpt.htm

Comments due: Written comments due: 5 p.m. September 5, 2012

Where can I send my comments?

Patty Hamman, Regional Permit Coordinator
(503) 378-5305 or Toll Free (800) 349-7677
750 Front Street NE, Suite 120
Salem, OR 97301-1039
(503) 378-4196 (Fax)
hamman.patricia@deq.state.or.us

Where can I get technical information?

Karen White-Fallon, Permit Writer
(503) 378-5315 or (800) 349-7677
750 Front Street NE, Suite 120
Salem, OR 97301-1039
(503) 378-4196 (Fax)
white-fallon.karen@deq.state.or.us

Where can I get background information?
Information about this project is viewable online by clicking the following link(s):
• Permit (pdf)
• Evaluation Report (pdf)

Help support transit in Salem -- Apply for the Cherriots Advisory Board

logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Cherriots - Salem Keizer Transit
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - CALL FOR APPLICANTS

Salem-Keizer Transit is creating a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) consisting of community members representing a broad spectrum of transportation and community concerns. Ideally, the CAC will include a balanced membership including users of the system, students, business community members, and at-large community members.

The CAC's mission is to assist Salem-Keizer Transit and the Board of Directors by encouraging and promoting services, and transportation decisions that meet the needs of the Salem-Keizer community. The CAC will also help communicate the Transit District's mission and programs back to the community. The CAC accomplishes this mission by providing the Board of Directors and staff of Salem-Keizer Transit with input on matters that go before the Board of Directors. This may include providing comments on transportation plans, programs and studies, project funding priorities, transportation-related legislation, and community transportation concerns. The CAC also assists in publicizing transportation projects and plans to neighborhoods, business groups, student groups, and other stakeholders; while soliciting input for feedback to the Transit District.

Salem-Keizer Transit is in the process of accepting applications for the Citizen Advisory Committee. Applicants are required to fill out an application and submit it by August 31, 2012. Salem-Keizer Transit will then make recommendations for appointments to the committee to the Board of Directors, who makes the final decision. New members will be notified about the time and location of the meetings. Typical appointment to the committee will be a two-year term. For the inaugural appointments, half of the membership will be appointed for a one-year term of service. Once an application is received, it will remain active for two years. Your application will be considered for any openings, unless a letter is submitted withdrawing your candidacy.

Download the application from our website at www.cherriots.org or call 503.588.2424 for mailing options. The application can be submitted via fax to 503.566.3933 or via email at carneys@cherriots.org.

Contact Info: Sadie Carney
Director of Community Relations
503-588-2424

Another Great Salem Public Library free offering, Weds 8/8 @ 7 pm

True-color picture of Saturn assembled from Voyager 2 images (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A free all-ages program,
Astronomy for Everyone:
Size & Scale of the Universe:

7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8
Anderson Rooms at Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty Street SE.

Retired astrophysicist Kevin Manning, a former NASA consultant, will present an exciting, family-oriented exploration of the universe, the stars, and other celestial wonders. Following an indoor presentation which includes video footage and hands-on activities, participants will go outdoors (conditions permitting) to view celestial objects in the night sky, such as the rings of Saturn and the craters on the Moon, through a telescope.

Dianna Clark
Office Assistant /Administration
Salem Public Library
585 Liberty St. SE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-588-6071
Fax: 503-589-2011

Permaculture Intro Series at Straub Aug 15/22/29 + Sep 5

Permacultural aspect: helping animals in a veggie garden; harnessing and maintenance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)Four-Part Workshop Series: Introduction to Permaculture Design
Instructor: Kendy Radasky

Four Consecutive Wednesday evenings, August 22 -- Sept. 5, 6 - 8 pm
At Straub Environmental Center (1320 A. St. NE, Salem)

Permaculture is a design system that enables humans to interact in a positive and regenerative way with our surroundings, as we consciously create lifeways that emulate natural patterns such as diversity, connectivity, resilience, flow, and cycling.

This introductory workshop series will give a taste of the principles and applications of permaculture, and provide an opportunity to see the depth and breadth of its roots. It will be a jumping-off point for understanding how natural systems work and how we can design human environments that produce food, shelter, and energy. It will also provide participants with models of community organization and engagement by which they can strengthen their support network and encourage others to do the same.

The hands-on learning focus of this workshop series is key to its content. The workshops will be taught using lecture, images and videos, group discussion, exercises, and other methods that suit a wide variety of learning styles.

The first workshop in the series will serve as a great beginning to the 4-workshop series, though each of the workshops may stand alone as well (i.e. attendance at the first workshop is not required to attend any of the other three).

_______________________________________________________________________

August 15th: Introduction/ Designing with Nature

This workshop will introduce to you the guiding principles and potential applications of Permaculture. We will also explore a number of approaches to the process of design – learning how to integrate systems for efficiency, abundant yield, and beauty. Lecture, discussion, and hands-on, interactive (indoor) activities will help us reach our goals.

August 22nd: Cultivated Ecology and The Living Soil –
Food Forests, Guilds, and Soil Regeneration

Have you ever noticed that there is no waste in a forest? Come to this workshop to learn to emulate natural forest systems in designing and thinking about your yard and garden. We’ll discuss the importance of perennial plants (especially trees) in natural systems and how to harness the innate skills of a variety of plants in caring for your garden. We’ll use an outdoor, hands-on project to explore various ways of improving the life and health of your soil.

August 29th: Water Harvesting / Earthworks and Wastewater Processing

It’s all about water. In this workshop, we’ll discuss ‘water security’ and how to obtain it through passive and active rainwater harvesting. We will also learn about greywater systems design (to make double-use of your shower, sink, and washing machine water) and the power of bioswales to clean polluted wastewater before it leaves your site. Our hands-on project will focus on using simple tools to locate and lay out a swale on the land around the workshop site.

September 5th: Urban Strategies & Social Permaculture

Permaculture is so much more than growing food or harvesting rainwater! It can be practiced on any scale (even an urban apartment) and its principles are very effectively applied to localized social and financial systems. We will learn about small scale urban permaculture strategies as well as skills for projects in re-localization and community-building.

Contact Kendy Radasky to sign up or for more info: kendyrad@gmail.com.

Cost is $5/workshop or $15 for the series. See flyer attached and more info below.

An example of the great (non)bills you can get through Solarize Salem

Ever since installing our solar photovoltaic (PV) system, we get these great letters from PGE telling us how much power they are buying from us in the summertime, which they bank and draw against all fall and into the winter. This year we only had to pay for juice used starting in Mid-January.

Given the horrible interest rates and all the financial uncertainty of investing in markets, solar could be the smartest balance of risk and reward ever. Give Solarize Salem a look if you want help understanding how solar can work for you.

An important perspective hits the blogosphere

Pentagon (Photo credit: gregwest98)A guy who has done seriously high-level work in military procurement world reaches some conclusions that might surprise you, given his background in the Red States and in the Mil-Ind Complex (MIC). Let's show some traffic love to a new and different voice in the blogosphere.

Hit that link, and check it out: http://timetothinkaboutit.com/

A unique story about a unique Oregonian

GeerCrest Farm

Presents...

Vesper Comes to Portland!

Sunday, July 29th at 7pm. Clinton Street Theater
Come join us for the Portland Premiere of Michael Turner's Epic Film on the Life of our Fourth Generation Farm Owner- and learn about the spark that created GeerCrest.
We are so excited to share Vesper's life with our community in Portland. The film is 90 minutes and suitable for all family members. $5 entry goes towards film showing and production costs. Read about the film and see a trailer here.

Vesper Comes to Bend!

Tuesday, July 31st at 6pm. Old St. Francis School
(McMenamin's History Pub)
Join us on the other side of the mountain as we travel to Bend to spread the word about Vesper. Call the farm if you are here in the valley and want to carpool to the show! For those of you in the area, we can't wait to join you for a special Vesper evening!

Vesper at the Coast!

Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 7pm.
Cannon Beach History Center
In the fall, we bring Vesper to all our friends at the coast, and all who want to catch the film again - you will want to see this movie more than once, trust us. Join us at this amazing history museum complete with the original Cannon Beach Cannon- sure to be an amazing evening of Oregon History.

Vesper at home- hers and yours!

Saturday, July 28th at 7pm. St. Edwards Church, Silverton
St. Edwards was Vesper's Church and the community wants to share her legacy with all who wish to enjoy the film in Vesper's hometown. Come down for the evening to see the film and share an evening with our farmers.

Any time you wish.... dvd of film available for purchase at the farm and at every screening, $10 each

Be There! Loucks Auditorium, Tuesday July 17, 6:30 pm

Photovoltaic system (Photo credit: Wikipedia)With the compressive economic contraction accelerating and financial prospects very uncertain from here out, NOW is the time to jump if you have good solar potential (unobstructed southern exposure is best) on your property.

Solar is a very smart investment here on the 45th parallel, and the competing options for your investment funds are looking pretty scary these days indeed. Sure, solar isn't a get-rich-quick scheme -- after all, it may take 7-10 years to get your money back. But that's an extremely safe, sure 10% - 7% return on investment that also does good for your community and planet at the same time. There are few if any such great investment options available to average folks these days.

If you haven't explored solar for your property yet, make time to go hear Rob talk tomorrow at Loucks Auditorium, next to the Salem Public Library on Liberty St.

Solarize Salem and Solarize Mid-Valley

Time to capture free energy from the sun during the third year of Solarize Salem. And this year it will be even more pocketbook-friendly because we’re bringing you the lowest install price in the country, again. You can join the sixty homeowners that have installed more than 186 kW of solar pv over the past two years, now for the low price of $4.15 per watt installed. Unable to buy? Learn about the 20-year SunRun lease program that requires a one-time payment that you can take as a tax credit.

Our first workshop occurs 6:30, Tuesday, July 17 at Loucks Auditorium, where we’ll hear about the benefits renewable energy and solar water heating from Energy Trust’s Rob DelMar. You’ll also have a chance to meet our contractors form Benton Electric and Sunlight Solar, who will be offering their services in our expanded service area that includes Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Benton and Linn counties.

"Seeding Studies" -- more evidence that Big Pharma is a criminal enterprise

Imagine an industry with the morals of a sub-prime mortgage broker, the self-righteousness of Ted Haggard, the quiet good taste and class of Lady Gaga, and the restraint of Rush Limbaugh.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the American pharmaceutical industry.