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Jamaica ripe for renewable energy investment
Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (STEM), Julian Robinson, says Jamaica is ripe for investment in renewable energy.
Following a recent assessment of the rates paid to people who generate energy which is then sold to the grid, a recommendation is now on the table that will make it more attractive for investors to invest locally, said Robinson said, adding this will bring significant benefits to the energy consuming public.
"We have looked at the rates that are paid by our monopoly provider, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), to individuals who generate their own electricity. We had a consultant come in and examine those rates and the recommendations that have been put on the table will make it more attractive for individual companies to invest in other sources of energy and supply the grid."
Jamaicans currently buy electricity from the JPS at an average of US$0.40 cents per Kilowatt Hour, Robinson said, however, renewable energy is purchased by the JPS at US$0.10 cents per Kilowatt Hour.
"With the revised study, the rates will make it more attractive for investors who are looking at this as an investment opportunity, because they can make a quicker return on their investment. With that gap, the opportunity arises for other players, whether in solar, wind or hydro power, to provide cheaper rates of electricity to our consumers and businesses," he said.
The Government has set a target to reduce its electricity consumption by 30 per cent, as it currently pays about $1.2 billion per month for electricity for all its ministries, departments and agencies, Robinson pointed out. A 30 per cent reduction will realize a saving of $360 million per month.
Encouraging residents to do their part through conservation, either by the installation of renewable energy systems or through retrofitting with energy saving bulbs and other applications, Robinson cited the Government's retrofitting project now underway in public buildings.
"This is one of the few projects that pay for itself within three years. The initial outlay is expensive, but when they measure the savings this project will pay for itself. The money that we'll spend we will save in our electricity consumption. What you save more than pays for itself in a shorter period of time," he said.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jamaica-ripe-for-renewable-energy-investment-#ixzz27ayv1wN4
Category/ies:Jamaica News.


Where to Eat Guide & Associates is pleased to announce the Fall, 2016 issue of the Where To Eat Guide Central Oregon, available now at most Central Oregon hotels, Roberts Field Redmond Airport, Visit Bend, Central Oregon Visitors Association and the High Desert Museum. This issue of the Where To Eat Guide features Parrilla Grill.
Established in November of 2000. Parrilla Grill is a staple of Bend, Oregon's west side. Its commitment to exceptional customer service, environmentally conscious products and local charities have molded Parrilla into what it is today. Parrilla is dedicated to fresh, local ingredients.
Parrilla Grill is your refueling station. Locals and travellers alike visit after hitting the slopes, biking the trails or floating the Deschutes River. Parrilla provides a family-friendly atmosphere where kids are always welcome and parents can relax (21 varieties of craft brews and margaritas definitely help).
If you need to get someplace in a hurry, Parrilla has easily-transported wraps that keep you hands-free. Also offered is a huge variety of globally inspired dishes as well as gluten-free and vegan menu items. View Parrilla Grill's full menu here.


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Investec extends its support of UK food banks for a further 12 weeks
Investec has been supporting food banks in the UK since the beginning of April and arrival of Covid-19. We've been delivering thousands of essential food items every week to 18 centres across the UK.
items delivered *
average number of individuals supported weekly *
When we began helping with the vital work that food banks do, we said that if we needed to prolong our initial 12 week support plan, we would. And now, as the UK slowly starts to return to some sort of normality, we won't forget about those who can't afford to buy the basics.
We are pleased to confirm that we have extended our support of these food banks for a further 12 weeks.
In Edinburgh, deliveries will continue until mid-October. This ensures that Fresh Start food bank remains fully stocked throughout the school holidays and past the point when many other donations may have ended.
Throughout this time we've been so grateful to all of our colleagues who have given their time to help ensure the deliveries are made. We'd especially like to thank Carole Anderson and Kate Fisken who've been the relationship managers for Edinburgh.
Teresa O'Brien, Head of UK Sustainability
The desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world we live in is at the heart of Investec's values, and underpins our aim to be a responsible corporate citizen.
Hear from Emily, Fresh Start food bank
* correct as at 4 August 2020
Wanting to donate?
You can help us by donating to the food banks by visiting the food bank website.
Get in touch with the team in Edinburgh

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A24 has released an official trailer for How to Talk to Girls at Parties, which is based on Neil Gaiman's short story of the same name.
The movie is directed by John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus), and tells the story of a boy falling in love with a girl in 1970s London. A simple story, really. Apart from the fact that this particular girl happens to actually be an alien from another world who's visiting our planet. It stars Elle Fanning, Alex Sharp, Nicole Kidman, and Ruth Wilson.
Continue below for an official synopsis for How to Talk to Girls at Parties and to check out the official trailer and a poster.
A new trailer has been released for The Lone Ranger, Disney's new take on the classic masked hero.
The movie is directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango), and stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network, Mirror Mirror) in the title role and Johnny Depp (Edward Scissorhands, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) as the Native American warrior Tonto.
Check out the new trailer for The Lone Ranger below now.
A full trailer for The Lone Ranger has been released by Walt Disney, and you can watch it below now.
The movie stars Armie Hammer as the Ranger and Johnny Depp as his partner, Tonto, who thinks back on how exactly the Ranger came to be a legendary law man, and how the duo struggled to work together in order to fight and defeat the evils of greed and corruption.
If you have been following the progress of Gore Verbinski's adaptation of The Lone Ranger, you know of the difficulties it took for them to even get the cameras rolling. Pricey deals, a large budget, complications with the script, and big money already spent on John Carter (which didn't end well) and Oz: The Great and Powerful – all of these things were contributing factors that led to Disney's decision to halt the production of The Lone Ranger.
At first The Lone Ranger was budgeted at $250 million, which is quite large considering the film is a western. But once things were scaled down to $215 million – apparently CGI werewolves were taken out of the picture to reduce the budget of the film – the script was rewritten, and deals were reworked, the ball started rolling again, and production on the film finally started.
Now comes word that problems are arising once more, and the budget that was scaled down to $215, has once again inflated to what it started at in the beginning, a whooping $250 million. Also, mother nature is becoming a huge production problem. So much of a problem that production is behind schedule.
Singer and actor Dwight Yoakam was originally set to play the villain in Walt Disney's upcoming western epic, The Lone Ranger.
Now Yoakam has had to step away from the project due to a scheduling conflict, and a replacement has already been found. William Fichtner, star of such titles as Armageddon, The Perfect Storm, Black Hawk Down, and Prison Break, has joined the movie and will now be the villain.


Nevada homeowners facing foreclosure on their houses won't be getting any financial help from the state, but they could soon find that mortgage banks are more willing to renegotiate terms on problem home loans.
About 35 Nevada-based home-lending professionals from companies including Bank of America, Countrywide Homes Loans and Wells Fargo Bank held a summit Thursday with Gov. Jim Gibbons to discuss ways to ease Nevada's growing foreclosure rate. Their solutions revolved around reconfiguring delinquent loans and mounting a statewide consumer education effort. None of the ideas involved a bailout using state funds or grants to assist homeowners.
The state can't force private businesses to alter mortgage contracts with customers, Gibbons said, but lenders attending the summit said they're willing to re-examine the terms of mortgages on the cusp of foreclosure. One bank executive said his business would review 1,100 unconventional or subprime mortgages in the state to evaluate how company officials could tweak interest rates or mortgage lengths to help keep borrowers in their homes.
"Each situation is unique, and involves different people in different circumstances with a common problem," Gibbons said at a news conference following the closed summit. "Assistance available through lenders will be the catalyst to help buyers in trouble. Sometimes, a lender can make an adjustable-rate mortgage a fixed loan, or they can extend the years on the mortgage.
"I'm convinced the way out is addressing each individual problem one at a time," Gibbons added.
Rejiggering loan terms could be complicated in some cases because banks bundle home loans and sell them to investors on the secondary market. Gibbons said banks have indicated that some secondary-market investors are increasingly willing to grant latitude on changing loans to prevent defaults.
Consumers in Nevada can also expect an informational campaign in coming weeks, as state officials and banks work to educate borrowers about their options.
The state is preparing a Web site that will link to lenders and financial counselors. The site will also contain details on potential solutions for homeowners facing delinquency or foreclosure. A public-service announcement will direct borrowers to agencies and companies that can help them out of a mortgage pinch. The idea is to remind consumers that they should work with their lenders to keep their homes, and to educate them on keeping their budget problems from getting worse.
Gibbons will also assemble a task force of industry members and state and local officials to examine the foreclosure issue in more detail. Mendy Elliott, director of the state's Department of Business and Industry, said the task force should have its first meeting within about three weeks. Gibbons will also call a second summit that will include Realtors, contractors and credit counselors to discuss the wave of mortgage defaults in the state. The group should meet shortly after the task force has its first session.
In addition, state officials are planning a series of "home-stay" fairs that would connect homeowners with mortgage troubles and lenders who could help them. The fairs will visit local high schools by year's end.
Gibbons noted Sept. 20 in a speech to a local business group that the ailing housing market was beginning to affect the state's economy, and said he would convene a housing summit with Nevada's biggest lenders to discuss the issue.
Data from California research firm RealtyTrac show that Nevada led the nation in mortgage defaults, with one foreclosure for every 165 households. That's three times the national average of one foreclosure for every 510 households.
The jump in foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies, combined with the ensuing housing credit crunch, has bolstered unemployment and depressed taxable sales in recent months, Gibbons said last month.
WASHINGTON — Financial relief for homeowners facing foreclosure or in bankruptcy advanced in the House Thursday as the House approved legislation to help financially strapped homeowners.
The bill passed by a 386-to-27 vote would give a tax break to homeowners who have mortgage debt forgiven as part of a foreclosure or reworking of a loan. The value of that forgiveness, which is now taxable as income, would become tax-exempt.
While the measure is anticipated to reduce the taxes of some strapped homeowners by $650 million, it also looks to help offset that by limiting a tax break available on the sale of second homes.
Another measure, narrowly approved by a House Judiiary subcommittee and opposed by Republicans on the panel has been sent to the full Judiciary Committee. It would revise the bankruptcy code to help homeowners facing default and foreclosure.


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Quick Answer: Can My Car Be Towed Without Warning Texas?
Is Double towing legal in Texas?
Is it against the law to tow a car with a strap?
What are my rights if my car is towed Florida?
Can I sue someone for towing my car?
Can my car be towed from my driveway for expired tags Florida?
What constitutes an illegal tow?
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Texas?
How long can a car be parked on a residential street in Texas?
Can police tow your car for expired registration in Texas?
How long can a car be parked on the street without moving?
What are the towing laws in Texas?
Can my car be towed without warning in Florida?
Towing a vehicle is allowed and even a triple tow is permitted, providing that the maximum length of all vehicles, trailers and items towed do not exceed 65 feet in length..
Towing with a rope Towing a car with a tow-rope is legal, subject to complying with the relevant road rules and regulations, but it's not something we generally recommend. … a lack of power assistance to steering and brakes on the towed vehicle.
You have the right to pay with cash, money order, valid traveler's check, bank debit/credit card, or personal Florida check. You have the right to retrieve your license plate and personal items from inside the towed vehicle, if you are the owner or authorized driver.
In this case, a car owner can sue the tow company for up to four times the cost of the towing service, along with storage and the fees required to hire a personal injury attorney in some cases.
1 Answer. It is legal for a property owner to have a vehicle towed off of their property, if the vehicle is there without permission. … Apparently the practice of towing cars with expired tags is not isolated in Florida: an untagged vehicle may not be visible to the public.
Illegal towing and predatory towing is conducted by towing companies without the owner's consent. Predatory towers can overcharge, damage vehicles and often have monetary contracts with property owners to illegally tow vehicles from their property.
A motor vehicle is considered abandoned when: (1) it is inoperable, more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; (2) has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; or (3) remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in …
Vehicles can't be parked on any residential street for more than 48 consecutive hours. Vehicles can't park within 30 feet of a stop sign or 20 feet of a crosswalk.
For now, cars cannot be towed from private property over expired registration or license plates. "It's not fair to tow people for something they're not able to do anything about at this point," said Tela Mange, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. "You need to have heart.
72 hoursThis regulation applies to motor vehicles, boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles that are left standing on a public street for more than 72 hours. If your vehicle isn't moved within 72 hours, an officer or employee of the police department has the right to issue your vehicle a parking violation notice.
The TOW CHARGE: The maximum charge for a private property tow is:$255 for a car weighing up to 10,000 lbs.$357 for a car weighing more than 10,000 but less than 25,000 lbs.$459 per unit for unit for cars weighing more than 25,000 lbs with a $918 total maximum.These are the maximum rates statewide.
In Florida, property owners and businesses are allowed to tow vehicles off their property when parked without permission. However, tow companies must report the tow and where the vehicle is stored to police within 30 minutes of completion.
How Do You Know If A Resort Is All Inclusive?
What's included in an all inclusive resort?
How Loud Do Audiophiles Listen To Music?
Is music bad for your brain? It can be enjoyable but
Question: What Causes AC Fan To Keep Running?
Why does my AC fan keep running? Malfunctioning Thermostat
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Is there a difference between soulmate and true love?
Do Slugs Scream?
Is it bad to have slugs in your house? While they don'
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Are capacitors worth it? Yes, it stores power to an
How Do I Get A Title For My Boat Motor In SC?
Do you have to register a boat with a trolling motor in SC?
Quick Answer: How Does Uber Investigate?
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Question: What Is The Best Sound In The World?
What is the most beautiful sound in the world?
Why Are The Jacking Points Of A Vehicle Important?
Can I leave my car on a jack stand overnight?
Quick Answer: What Is A Good Side Dish With Grilled Cheese?
What is the best cheese for grilled cheese?
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What is the most beautiful city in Arizona?


You are here: Home / Event / The 4th Annual KL International Arts Festival is back!
The 4th Annual KL International Arts Festival is back!
This year's line-up will include at least 40 shows at 10 venues all over Kuala Lumpur from the 1st of September till the 30th of September with a photography exhibition of works by Hasselblad award-winning young photographer from Kelantan, Nabil Rosman, on the streets of KL every day.
Festivals around the world, such as in Sydney, Edinburgh, and Kuching, have been and are a great proponent of the city's arts and culture. We believe that Kuala Lumpur plays an equally important role in relation to this. Last year alone, the KL International Arts Festival attracted more than 33,000 visitors of which at least 10% came from 20 other countries.
Among the highlights that would excite every visitor are: "I am Ravana", Eggsistentialism, Kenyalang Alive: Sape Musica Expression, Cloud Soup by Wolfe Bowart, Konsert Harapan, Mak Yong and Akram Khan's Giselle, the movie.
We believe that DiverseCity's KL International Arts Festival will turn Kuala Lumpur into a global stage by connecting traditional and modern performances from the past and future, across 5 different genres, dance, literature, music, theatre and visual arts.
Hundreds of performers are set to enthrall the arts scene in Kuala Lumpur for one whole month. This festival aims to bring together the 5 different genres to showcase the true diversity of arts and culture.
The past 3 years have clearly shown that residents and visitors of Kuala Lumpur have a strong appreciation for the arts and culture. We would like to thank all our supporters for their continuous support.


Back in December, President Barack Obama signed a stop-gap spending bill to keep the government running through April 28, 2017. Immigration programs that were extended at that time included the Conrad 30 Waiver, the Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa, the EB-5 Regional Center, and E-Verify.
The E-Verify Program, a favorite of the Administration.
The Non-Minister Religious Worker Visa Program, which allows those with a religious vocation or occupation to emigrate to the U.S.
The Conrad 30 Waiver will be available for physicians who work in underserved areas, although the lack of premium processing continues to inhibit timely employment pursuant to issued waivers.
The EB-5 Regional Program will continue even as the DHS considers regulatory reform.


Powder-Coated Metal Construction- Our garden is mainly made of high-quality steel and cast iron which is solid enough. It is also with black powder coating that enables the garden bench to be rust and weather resistant. Two front legs are integrated with two arms and rear legs are combined with the backrest which constitute a stable and sturdy frame.Exquisite Craftsmanship and Beautiful Design-Backrest of each bench has different nice-looking patterns which makes it not only play its practical role but also serve a beautiful decoration for your garden or patio. Backrest makes you feel comfortable while your back leans on it.Easy Installation- Assembly manual and high-quality hardware are included. Specific graphic installing steps are for your reference. If encountering some assembly problems, you can feel free to inquire customer service.Easy to Maintain Clean- With immerse painting and smooth surface, it is easy for you to clean the garden bench. Six steel slats seat is perfect for outdoor use because gap between each slat is good for draining on rainy day.Powerful Capacity- The max load-bearing capacity of this garden seat is 500lbs which can hold about 4-5 persons. It will gives you a warm security and protection.
Our 50 beautiful garden bench is a great seat to sit and rest on while feelingtired or enjoying good time. Constructed with high-quality metal slats , this gardenbench stands steadily and is durable for long work span but is comfortable enoughto relax yourself appreciate beautiful sunset when you sit on it. Composed of 6steel slats, this seat provides strong support for you and is weather resistantand waterproof. The black color and exquisite pattern gives the Bench a modern lookthat will fit perfectly with any style of your garden. This bench is a perfect giftfor for you to relax in Garden! It will be worthy of your purchasing!


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Impact - April 2018
CUF Report Leads to MTA's New Bus Improvement Plan
The MTA's launches a comprehensive plan to improve all 300 bus routes follows the recommendation of CUF's recently published report.
Data - September 2016
Jobs in Transit: Opportunity in the Transportation Sector
The transportation sector is growing in New York City, creating opportunities for accessible middle-wage jobs across the five boroughs. This data brief, the latest publication of our Middle Class Jobs Project, documents the industry's recent job gains, which have outpaced the city's overall economic growth over the past two years.
Fast City, Slow Commute
New Yorkers are efficient, direct and fast moving. Their commutes: anything but. In this data analysis, we examine New Yorkers' commutes by neighborhood and across industries.
Following CUF recommendation, Mayor de Blasio takes action to reduce infrastructure costs
The administration's recent deal on public labor agreements implements a recommendation from our 2014 Caution Ahead report and will save the city over $347 million on construction projects.
Aging Gas Lines: Signs of Progress, But Improvements Still Needed
The recent tragedy in the East Village brought renewed attention to the city's infrastructure. And while aging gas mains and service lines remain an issue, both Con Edison and National Grid have significantly improved the safety and efficiency of the distribution system in recent years.
Mayor discusses CUF report on New York's aging infrastructure
In a January 2015 interview with The Nation, Mayor de Blasio corrects interviewer with the exact data from our Caution Ahead report.
Impact - November 2014
Prompted by CUF Report, City Council examines economic impact of aging infrastructure
Prompted by CUF's Caution Ahead report, City Council held a hearing on the economic impact of New York's aging infrastructure.
Impact - October 2014
Following CUF's recommendation, city requires companies to offer pre-tax transit benefits
Following a recommendation from our Innovation and the City report, the Mayor and City Council implemented legislation mandating that New York City companies offer full-time employees access to pre-tax transit benefits.
MTA Expands Real-Time Arrival Technology to all NYC Buses, a Recommendation from CUF's Behind the Curb Report
The Center's 2011 Behind the Curb report recommended that the MTA install GPS devices on all city buses in order to make real-time arrival updates available to all riders. After piloting Bus Time in Staten Island and expanding to the Bronx and Manhattan last year, the MTA is now installing the service on Brooklyn and Queens buses.
CUF Influences MTA's Needs Assessment for NYC Transit System
In July 2013, the MTA published a forward-looking needs assessment for New York City's transit system that was greatly influenced by the Center's Behind the Curb study.


Econo Lodge Hacienda Motel offers a range of accommodation including, double, family and two bedroom units. Recently refurbished.
If you are here on business, Econo Lodge Hacienda is for you. Located in a very quiet part of Belmont it is great for people who can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep and a home cooked breakfast close to Geelong's commercial areas.
Econo Lodge Hacienda is a clean, comfortable, and affordable motel in a convenient location, within walking distance to The Belmont Hotel, Geelong RSL, High Street shopping strip which includes K Mart, Coles, indian restaurant, various takeaway and it goes on. A short drive and you are at the Bellarine Peninsula, Torquay and its wonderful beach. Close to the city with plenty of shops including Westfield, and Kardinia Park Football Stadium.
If you are coming to Geelong for Deakin University at Waurn Ponds, then Econo Lodge Hacienda Motel is a good base to start with.
Econo Lodge Hacienda is a short 20 minute drive or shuttle bus journey from Avalon Airport.


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An Historical Sketch of Columbia College
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Wilkesboro, USA – MerleFest Records, distributed exclusively by Welk Music Group, has announced a May 11, 2004 street date for MerleFest Live!: The Best of 2003. The audio compact disc assembles a "who's who" of acoustic music recorded live at MerleFest 2003 on a generous 18 tracks. MerleFest host Doc Watson's two contributions reflect both his bluegrass ("Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms") and blues/rockabilly ("Match Box Blues") influences.
From Asleep at the Wheel's classic western swing on "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" to the hard driving bluegrass of Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder with "How Mountain Girls Can Love" to Guy Clark's wry troubadour twang on "Black Diamond Strings" and Don Edward's traditional cowboy music heard on "Master's Call" to the jam band fusion of Donna the Buffalo's "Conscious Evolution," this live compilation includes something for everyone who appreciates Americana music.
MerleFest Live!: The Best of 2003also features live cuts by artists including Dr. Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Whites, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Hot Rize, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mountain Heart, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, and the Red Stick Ramblers.
The CD also presents a glimpse into Vassar Clements' 75th Birthday Jam at MerleFest 2003 with "Orange Blossom Special" featuring Vassar, Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Tony Rice, Bryan Sutton, Mark Schatz, and Peter Rowan.
MerleFest has also released Fresh Faces at MerleFest 2004. This compilation of previously released tracks features The Waifs, Mindy Smith, Savoy Doucet Cajun Band, Hot Tuna, Ann Rabson, and many others.
Wilkes Community College will present MerleFest 2004, the 17th annual festival in celebration of the music of the late Merle Watson and his father Doc Watson, on its campus in Wilkesboro, NC on April 29 – May 2, 2004. Those joining Doc Watson and Merle's son Richard Watson for MerleFest 2004 will include the Sam Bush Band, Rosanne Cash, John Cowan Band, the Derailers, Donna the Buffalo, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Béla Fleck & Edgar Meyer, Vince Gill, the Gourds, David Grisman Quintet, Hot Tuna, Indigo Girls, Jeannie Kendall, the Kruger Brothers, Patty Loveless, Natalie MacMaster, Nickel Creek, Tim O'Brien, Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio, Old Crow Medicine Show, Reeltime Travelers, Tony Rice Unit, Savoy Doucet Cajun Band, Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends, the WAiFS, Gillian Welch, and Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison.
MerleFest Information: 800-343-7857 or www.merlefest.org.


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The opportunity is here if you're ready for it: work with the industry's top talent on dynamic, challenging projects.
We take great pride in the work we do and the talented people who work with us. We're always looking for highly motivated, globally thinking, skilled, driven people who value a collaborative, open environment and a flexible, professional culture.
As an organization that prides itself on the diversity of our work force, Control Towers actively encourages international applicants.


Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame.
You can lock 'em in now.
The Nos. 1, 2 and 3 teams in the College Football Playoff Rankings won't lose again, meaning all three will finish undefeated and claim three of the four berths in the post-season.
The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0) are simply dominant, and even a loss — however unlikely — to the Georgia Bulldogs (8-1) in the SEC Championship Game won't keep 'em in the top four. The only way to keep them out of the CFP would come after a blowout loss to Georgia. That won't happen.
The No. 2 Clemson Tigers (9-0) are also simply dominant, and their only threat to a spot in the CFP is ugly New England weather when they square off against a solid No. 17 Boston College Eagles this Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC). They'll weather any such storm, though.
The No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-0) are fairly dominant, and the only thing stopping them from making their way into the CFP is the one-game loss of starting QB Ian Book (rib), who will watch from the sideline as Brandon Wimbush takes the reins Saturday against the pedestrian Florida State Seminoles (4-5) in South Bend (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC). They will also have to be wary of the No. 13 Syracuse Orange (7-2), whom they'll play in Week 12. But Wimbush should hold serve against FSU, and because Syracuse game is at Yankee Stadium rather than at the Carrier Dome in Upstate New York, the Irish should take care of business, as they've done all year through a meat-grinder schedule.
So it's 'Bama and Clemson — sigh … again — and new blood in Notre Dame locked into the CFP.
But after that, she gets interesting.
The No. 4 Michigan Wolverines (8-1) currently have the inside track and — contrary to the belief of some pundits — control their own destiny. Winning out the rest of the way gives them only one loss — that in the opening week to Notre Dame, meaning they deserve that fourth spot.
In fact, Big Blue's only had let-downs in two halves of football this season in putting together a remarkable campaign.
The thing is they'll need two full halves of football — and maybe then some — against the No. 10 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1) come Nov. 24 in a must-win at The Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio. That's a toughie.
A loss in that Big Ten rivalry tilt would open the door for Ohio State or a possible one-loss team from the Big 12, the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners (8-1) or the No. 9 West Virginia Mountaineers (7-1), to steal Michigan's spot. (OK and West Virginia meet Nov. 23 to wrap up the regular season and likely then again in the Big 12 Championship Game a week later.) With two losses each, both Georgia and the No. 7 LSU Tigers (7-2) would be on the outside looking in.
And the Pac-12 winner just won't cut the mustard, even if the No. 8 Washington State Cougars (8-1) somehow manage to find their way through a daunting gauntlet of remaining games, including the conference championship Game.
So it's come down to a seven-team race, barring a major upset or two, to decide the final four.
Something's gotta give when Alabama meets No. 16 Mississippi State (6-3) on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS). 'Bama's hit paydirt 62 times this season, while Mississippi State's defence has allowed just nine TDs in nine games … Strangely enough, even if No. 12 UCF (8-0) runs the table for another perfect campaign, its string of 25 straight wins won't crack NCAA football's top-10 all-time winning streaks. Eleven teams have run up 30-game win strings. UCF plays Navy (2-7) on Saturday (Noon ET) in a game that any other year might threaten the big run, but Navy's on quite the rare down year without a road win to boast … Offensive coordinator Walt Bell is taking over playcalling duties from head coach Willie Taggart for struggling Florida State.
QB Kyler Murray's pass efficiency rating is off the charts — historic, in fact — at 216.6, eclipsing Baker Mayfield's record of 198.9 set last season. The Oklahoma pivot is one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. The lengthy list, which also includes Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa, West Virginia's Will Grier, Georgia's Jacob Fromm, UCF's McKenzie Milton and Oregon's Justin Herbert, will be cut down to three on Nov. 9. Be thinking Grier, Murray and Tagovailoa as the three … In not completely unrelated news, Grier, Murray and Tagovailoa are your Heisman Trophy frontrunners … QB Kyle Trask, who was in the conversation to start for Florida (6-3) in Saturday's game against visiting South Carolina (5-3), was carted off the field during practice Wednesday after suffering a serious, non-contact, lower-body injury.
Vote of confidence or kiss of death for Gus Malzahn, who's been told by the Auburn athletic director Allen Greene that he will return to coach the SEC program next year despite growing disapproval of the head coach among the fan base, which includes a GoFundMe page to buy him out? … Les Miles to woeful Kansas (3-6)? There's a vacancy at the head coach's position at the Big 12 school, and the veteran sidelines boss isn't getting any other offers … The last of the winless programs got off the floor in Week 10, when UTEP (1-8) beat Rice (1-9) 34-26 on the road. That now leaves Rice alongside Central Michigan (1-9) as the teams with the worst records in the nation.
So suddenly Sparty is some kind of threat to Ohio State, which is still in the CFP mix? Not a chance.
Northwestern controls own destiny to be Big Ten West winner and might be the better team.
QB Will Grier and WVa offence far too much for frogs of any sort to handle on home turf.
Lane Kiffin's got Fla Atl going in right direction, while Western Kentucky's won just once.


I would like to object to the proposed development because it is not consistent with the councils own Koala Plan of Management (Act 1999).
People that come to Coffs Habour to visit and to live come for the natural surrounds (flaura and fauna) which are specific to this area.
Where else in Australia can you look out your window and see Koalas and a large variety of bird species. Do we really want to change what Coffs Harbour is known for?
The first with a Koala Plan of Management and protected Koala corridors was insightful planning by the previous councilors.
I have personally seen Koalas in the trees in this area and it is indeed exciting to witness.
The biodiversity offset that is proposed is not even in Coffs Harbour.
You also need to remember Koalas are not that smart and are very fussy in which trees that they eat from not only the species of eucalyptus but also trees marked with their scent they are also fussy about the type of ground that they will cross.(They don't like getting their paws wet). If you plant new eucalyptus in the swampy area the trees need to be established for at least 7 years or they are poison , they need to have a trunk size that the Koalas like (the trees in the proposed area have been there for as long as I can remember and the trunk size is still to narrow and as I said they wont use them as they will get their paws wet), If the Koalas cant get to each other - no more Koalas.
Taking out the established trees in the Koala Corridor will undoubtedly lead to the extinction of Koalas to this area.


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The continued spread of coronavirus disease 2019 COVID 19 has prompted widespread concern around the world, and the World Health Organization WHO , on 11 March 2020, declared COVID 19 a pandemic. The significance of performing an antibody test against SARS CoV 2 using serum is to identify asymptomatic SARS CoV 2 infected individuals. Our research group has been studying the prevalence of anti severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 SARS CoV 2 antibodies in SARS CoV 2 infected Japanese individuals. Within 20 days after symptom onset, 100 of patients tested positive for antiviral immunoglobulin G IgG . Seroconversion for IgG and IgM occurred simultaneously or sequentially. Both IgG and IgM titers plateaued within 6 days after seroconversion. Takuma Hayashi | Ikuo Konishi "Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in COVID-19 Patients in Japan" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39857.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/medicine/other/39857/prevalence-of-antisarscov2-antibody-in-covid19-patients-in-japan/takuma-hayashi
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) Volume 5 Issue 3, March-April 2021 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470 @ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD39857 | Volume – 5 | Issue – 3 | March-April 2021 Page 375 Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in COVID-19 Patients in Japan Takuma Hayashi1,2, Ikuo Konishi1,3 1National Hospital Organization, Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan 2Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) Start-Program, Tokyo, Japan 3Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan KEYWORDS: anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, IgG, IgM How to cite this paper: Takuma Hayashi | Ikuo Konishi "Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in COVID-19 Patients in Japan" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3, April 2021, pp.375- 376, URL: www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39857.pdf Copyright © 2021 by author(s) and International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development Journal. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) Abstract The continued spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) has prompted widespread concern around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO), on 11 March 2020, declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The significance of performing an antibody test against SARS-CoV-2 using serum is to identify asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Our research group has been studying the prevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 infected Japanese individuals. Within 20 days after symptom onset, 100% of patients tested positive for antiviral immunoglobulin-G (IgG). Seroconversion for IgG and IgM occurred simultaneously or sequentially. Both IgG and IgM titers plateaued within


text:
Latest news in mechatronic components by CROUZET
With Crouzet, Volocopter is designing the air taxi for the cities of tomorrow
Urban Air Mobility
Volocopter
oloCity, the Germany-based Volocopter's urban air taxi, will incorporate three Crouzet-supplied components. Looking ahead to its scheduled 2023 commissioning, we want to examine this project and the technological partnership between the two companies.
"At Volocopter, we always refer to Crouzet internally as a partner, not just a supplier".
"At Volocopter, we always refer to Crouzet internally as a partner, not just a supplier", VoloCity's Chief Engineer, Pierre-Bertrand Lancelevée, perfectly sums up the existing collaborative spirit between Volocopter and Crouzet for this electrifying urban air taxi project.
This engineer is particularly well suited to gauge this partnership. And with good reason: he initiated it! "I worked for over 10 years for Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, in the south of France. Back then I was able to see the technological excellence of Crouzet for myself, particularly regarding electrical circuit breakers. When we began screening potential suppliers for VoloCity, Crouzet seemed an ideal candidate to supply certain components. The French group had considerable advantages in terms of both technical resources and engineering expertise".
Three components selected by Volocopter
We are in March 2020. Both the concept and architecture of the future air taxi are set.
The prospective VoloCity will be quiet, electric, and capable of carrying two passengers on short trips (roughly 30 km) over the world's major cities. At this stage, Volocopter's teams are working on identifying and integrating the right components, compatible with their requirements for reliability, simplicity, and cost. Crouzet is competing against other top names in the sector, notably for the supply of one specific component: the circuit breaker panel.
"From our very first discussions, the Volocopter teams clearly explained their certification requirements," recalls Dominique Meux, head of the Aerospace & Defence offer at Crouzet. "We therefore proposed robust solutions with maximum redundancy to meet these certification requirements. This element made all the difference. I should also mention our perfect knowledge of our components, enabling us to offer a competitive price for equipment with an elevated level of safety and reliability". Coordinated by Crouzet Business Development and R&D teams, the French response will finally allow three of the company's components to be installed aboard the VoloCity: not only a circuit breaker panel (which is unique for having no cables), but also a control stick, and finally a rescue box (permitting control over the device should the control stick fails).
Trust and proximity between teams
When describing the strengths of their Drôme-based partner, Pierre-Bertrand Lancelevée praised the agility and responsiveness of Crouzet's teams, even when facing a tight schedule and disruptions caused by the pandemic. "Other major aerospace groups could certainly have offered us equally relevant technical solutions. However, I doubt that they could have given us the same level of interaction as Crouzet. We had weekly contact with their teams in charge of the different components. Our counterparts fully understood our objectives and succeeded in harmonising their technical responses to our requirements and constraints. This closeness will continue in the forthcoming stages of the urban taxi's lifespan: certification phase (late 2022), commissioning (2023), industrialisation…
One source of pride for us on this project is that the initial contact came from Volocopter. Their teams were keen to work with us because they thought we would be the right partner. Ultimately, we proved ourselves worthy of this trust by providing them with simple, reliable, and competitive answers," concludes Dominique Meux.
Even ahead of VoloCity's certification, several cities worldwide have already confirmed their interest in hosting the future urban taxi to fly over their territories. VoloCity's first commercial flight in France is slated for 2023 in the run-up to the Olympic Games. While we cannot predict which of the two nations will win more medals, we do know that France and Germany will both stand tall at the top of the podium in terms of aeronautics.
Brief overview of the VoloCity project…
Certification: late 2022
Commercial flight: 2023
Capacity: 2 passengers including hand luggage
Power type: electric / lithium-ion batteries
Maximum speed: 110 km/h
Maximum take-off mass: 900 kg
Height: 2.5 m
Number of rotors: 18
Battery swapping time: 5 minutes
Pierre-Bertrand Lancelevée – Volocopter, Chief Engineer VoloCity
"I have very fond memories of my first visit to Valence to present the VoloCity concept to the Crouzet teams. I was worried that I would not be taken seriously with this project, which directly challenges aviation codes. Yet, it was just the opposite! Not only did they listen attentively to my presentation, but I also received confirmation of Crouzet's interest in actively engaging with us one week after the visit."
Benoit Secher – Crouzet, Communication Director
"Contrary to popular belief, air taxis are no longer relegated to science fiction. It is now a promising market that is emerging all over the world! It is therefore a great source of pride for Crouzet to be part of manufacturing one of the pioneering models of this type of vehicle. Through this partnership with Volocopter, we are demonstrating our involvement in highly innovative solutions that will shape the future of aeronautics. "
Photo © Volocopter
Business Case eVTOL UAM Urban Air Mobility Volocopter
Crouzet limit switches ready for 3rd generation nuclear... Previous
The Cockpit of the Future: Will they be Fully Digital? Next
Crouzet and Safran Electronics & Defense have teamed up to design piloting tools for the future of aeronautics
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Red Hat Refreshes Flagship Linux Server - InternetNews.
Red Hat has given its flagship Linux server a major upgrade. Version 5.5 of Red Hat Enterprise Linux is tailored around advances in virtualization technology and new interoperability features in Windows, as well as speedy new processor offerings from Intel and AMD.
And that's not the end of the story. Red Hat's latest comes as a prelude to the forthcoming Enterprise Linux 6 platform, which is due out in beta in the next month. Server Watch has the details on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.5, and what to look for in version 6.
The new Red Hat (NYSE: RHT) release takes advantage of the latest Intel and AMD processors as well as advancements in virtualization and Windows interoperability. The release of RHEL 5.5 comes as Red Hat is about to begin to ramp up its next generation Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 platform.


On this site you will find a great deal of easy to understand legal information about Florida divorce (dissolution of marriage) and paternity matters written by divorce attorney Arnie Gruskin.
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Mr. Gruskin is a former prosecutor and public defender. He is also a licensed pilot. Mr. Gruskin's goal is to get a fair settlement for his client, and avoid big fees. But he fights hard in Court if the case requires it.
So no matter where you live in Florida, take a look around the site. And take advantage of the wealth of information about Florida divorce and family law matters. And also take advantage of the opportunity to Email Florida Divorce Questions to the Attorney.
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There is also alot of information on this site about Florida prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and Florida divorce appeals, and paternity matters. (paternity matters concern a situation where the parties are not married but have a child together, and timesharing and child support matters must be addressed.) Also included is information about domestic violence, and mediation of divorce issues.
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You may contact attorney Gruskin anytime at 1-800-NOW DIVORCE to schedule a consultation, and you may also wish to take advantage of our selection of free Florida divorce forms on this site.


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Tag Archives: CEPP
Deadlines for EAA Reservoir and SB10, SLR/IRL
Aerials of A-1/A-2 region of the EAA, JTL/EL 2017
The following is a handout Mark Perry of Florida Oceanographic passed out yesterday at the Rivers Coalition meeting. It is created by John Ullman of the Florida Sierra Club and gives clear presentation on what is necessary for the EAA Reservoir and SB10's success. I am reprinting here as a resource and reference. Getting the legislation passed for Senate Bil 10 was just the beginning. As we know, for the reservoir to come to fruition we must be diligent over the coming years.
Notice the July 1st, 2017 deadline for the SFWMD to"request that the US Army Corps jointly develop a post-authorization change report for the Central Everglades Planning Project to revise the A-2 parcel element of the project."
Relationships with the District continue to be strained; a nice phone call or email to Executive Director Peter Antonacci or board member would prove helpful. We must rebuild relationships for future success. We all do have a common goal, clean water for Florida.
http://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xweb%20about%20us/executive%20management
SIERRA CLUB, FLORIDA'S SB10 Blog-by John Ullman
SB10, Important Deadlines:
By July 1, 2017 SFWMD must request that the US Army Corps jointly develop a post-authorization change report for the Central Everglades Planning Project to revise the A-2 parcel element of the project.
By July 31, 2017, SFWMD must contact the lessors and landowners of 3,200 acres of state-owned land and 500 acres of privately-owned land just west of the A-2 parcel. SFWMD must express interest in acquiring this land through purchase, exchange, or terminating leases.
If the US Army Corps agrees to begin developing the post-authorization report, work on the report must begin by August 1, 2017.
SFWMD must report the status of the post-authorization change report to Fla Legislature by January 9, 2018.
SFWMD and Corps must submit the post-authorization change report to Congress by October 1, 2018.*
The House passed the measure with a 99-19 vote; the Senate passed it 33-0.
The Governor signed SB 10 into law on May 9, 2017
Details of SB 10:
• Accelerates the state's 20-year goal of storing water south of Lake Okeechobee.
• Requires SFWMD to develop a project plan for an Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir that provides at least 240,000 acre-feet (about 78 billion gallons) of water storage by utilizing the A-2 parcel (14,000 acres of state-owned land), land swaps, early termination of leases, and land acquisition.
• Provides for at least two-thirds of the water storage capacity of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Component G.
• Allows the A-1 parcel to remain a Flow Equalization Basin (FEB) as provided for in the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP), or to be utilized for the EAA Reservoir if SFWMD can provide for at least 360,000 acre-feet of water storage.
• Requires SFWMD to include increased canal conveyance improvements, if needed, and features to meet water quality standards in the EAA Reservoir project.
• Provides deadlines for submitting the plan to Congress as a post-authorization change report, which will seek approval of the use of the A-2 parcel in a different manner than was authorized in CEPP.
• If the Corps has not approved the post-authorization change report and submitted it to Congress by October 1, 2018 or the post-authorization change report is not approved by Congress by December 31, 2019, SFWMD must request the Corps to develop a project implementation report for the EAA Reservoir Project located somewhere else.
• Prohibits the use of eminent domain to obtain privately held land.
• Provides for termination of the U.S. Sugar option agreement prior to the October 2020 expiration date if the post-authorization change report receives congressional approval or SFWMD certifies to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House that acquisition of the land necessary for the EAA reservoir project has been completed.
• Authorizes the use of Florida Forever bonds in an amount of up to $800 million for the costs of land acquisition, planning and construction of the EAA reservoir project.
• Appropriates $30 million from the Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF) to the Everglades Trust Fund, in the 2017-18 fiscal year, for the purposes of acquiring land or negotiating leases to implement or for planning or construction of the Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir project.
• Appropriates $3 million from the LATF to the Everglades Trust Fund in the 2017-18 fiscal year for the development of the CEPP post-authorization change report.
• Amends the LATF distribution to include $64 million of additional funding for the EAA reservoir project.
• Appropriates $30 million from the General Revenue Trust Fund to the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund to provide a loan for implementation of Phase I of the C-51 reservoir project.
• Appropriates $1 million from the LATF to the Everglades Trust Fund in the 2017-18 fiscal year for the purpose of negotiating Phase II of the C-51 reservoir and provides the LATF as a potential funding source for the implementation of Phase II of the C-51 reservoir.
• Creates the water storage facility revolving loan fund and requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules for its implementation.
• Creates the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Employment Training Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to provide grants to stimulate and support training and employment programs that seek to re-train and employ displaced agricultural workers.
• Requires SFWMD to give preferential hiring treatment to displaced agricultural workers, consistent with their qualifications and abilities, for construction and operation of the EAA reservoir project.
• Terminates the inmate labor work program on state-owned lands in the EAA.
The post-authorization change report must be approved by Congress by December 1, 2019.*
*If these two deadlines are not met (and no extension is granted), then the SFWMD must request that the Corps initiate the planning for the EAA Reservoir project that will result in a new Project Implementation Report (PIR) and may continue to build CEPP components as planned in the 2014 PIR.
Posted by Jon Ullman, May 2017, Sierra Club blog
Sierra Club Florida website:http://www.sierraclub.org/florida
JTL 6-23-17
June 23, 2017 Guest writer, Lake Okeechobee, UncategorizedACOE, Aerials, Army Corp of Engineers, blog on SB10 May 2017, C-44, CEPP, CERP, details of sb10, Drainage, EAA, Education, Environment, estuaries, Everglades, Everglades Agricultural Area, History, important deadlines, indian river lagoon, inspiration, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, John Ullman, Lake Okeechobee, Mark Perry, Martin County, SFWMD, Sierra Club, SLR/IRL, South Florida Drainage, south florida water management district, st lucie river, waterJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 2 comments
Aerials of EAA's A-1 & A-2, SLR/IRL
Map giving an idea of location of A-1 and A-2
A-1 with A-2 in distance
EAA=Everglades Agricultural Area
A-1 is a Flow Equalization Basin located above Strom Water Treatment Area 3/4 that today is part of a state program for EAA water quality improvement called "Restoration Strategies." The A-1 was once was part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan's EAA Reservoir.
A-2 is to A-1's west and is presently in agricultural use but scheduled to become another Flow Equalization Basin as part of the Central Everglades Planning Project coordinated by the South Florida Water Management District and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Over the weekend, I asked my husband, Ed, to fly me over the A-1 and A-2. He rolled his eyes as he does when I use "acronyms speak," saying: "Just tell me where you want to go….and get a map."
I got my old Florida Atlas & Gazetteer that works just fine…
As Ed drank his coffee, I gave him the plan.
"Well we're going to fly west over the C-44 Canal and then go south around Lake Okeechobee until we get to Belle Glade and there we are going to follow the North New River Canal south adjacent to Highway 27 until the bend, and the A-1 and A-2 should be just past there…."
Ed looked at me like I was crazy, smiling; I remind him that's why he loves me and we were off!
Today I am sharing our photos of the area of the A-1.
Sit back and enjoy the flight…
A-1 with A-2 lands in distance
CEPP:http://141.232.10.32/pm/projects/proj_51_cepp.aspx
Restoration Strategies:https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/restoration-strategies
EAA Reservoir what was completed before change to FEB:http://www.barnard-inc.com/projects/environmental/eaa-a-1-reservoir-environmental
Senate President Joe Negron's Reservoir goal:http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-lake-okeechobee-reservoir-negron-20160809-story.html
January 23, 2017 aerial photos, UncategorizedA-1 A2, A-1 aerial, A-2 aerial, aerial photographs, Aerials, Aerials of A-2 lands, aerials of the A-1 FEB, CEPP, CERP, EAA, Ed Lippisch, Everglades Restoration, fllight, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, lake o, Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee, photos, Restoration StrategiesJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 3 comments
Why #SupportJoeNegron 's EAA Reservoir? Because it Should Have Already Been Built! SLR/IR
CEPP, 2000.
"A1" Reservoir was never built but rather the A1 Flow Equalization Basin instead
In my opinion, one should support Senator Negron's controversial land purchase to build an EAA Reservoir, because the Reservoir should have already been built. It is a project that has been expected for almost two decades.
Due to water quality lawsuits against sugarcane growers, during the 1980s and 90s, the State of Florida had to build six Storm Water Treatment Areas to clean runoff water using Everglades Agricultural Area land, taking valuable sugarcane out of production. (Orange shows STAs) Unfortunately, the industry brought this upon itself as for many years its water runoff had been polluting Everglades National Park and Tribal Lands.
The problem was so bad, that on top of the Stormwater Treatments Areas, Congress appropriated the beginnings of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Yes, "CERP" has a plan for "EAA Storage." A Reservoir, to be the heart of clean water flowing south. (See 4 down left of image below) CERP (https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/cerp.htm)
Ev. Restoration.gov:http://141.232.10.32/pm/projects/proj_08_eaa_phase_1.aspx
At the beginning of CERP it was determined that the Reservoir/s were to be built near Stormwater Treatment Areas between the Miami and New River Canals. Although they tried, the SFWMD and ACOE never got very far building the Reservoir/s and, you'll notice "EAA Storage" is still listed on the ACOE calendar of projects, scheduled to begin in 2021. (http://evergladesrestoration.gov/content/cepp/meetings/012512/Recap_EAA_Reservoirs.pdf)
This shows an area of the EAA Reservoir/s proposed between the Miami and New River Canals.
"Why?" You might ask, "didn't the EAA Reservoir/s get built ?"
ACOE's IDS or Schedule of Projects: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Ecosystem-Restoration/Integrated-Delivery-Schedule/
Close up of latest ACOE IDS schedule. EAA Storage in white.
The Reservoir/s did not get built because Gov. Charlie Crist's proposed an idea of US Sugar's to purchase all of United States Sugar Corporation's land. This did not work out, induced a halt to the building of the Reservoir, and caused great discord with the Water Management Districts and the state Legislature. The Great Recession also made the full purchase very difficult.(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/us/08everglades.html)(http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2009-09-11/news/0909100559_1_everglades-restoration-reservoir-construction-reservoir-project)
Then on top of the US Sugar and the Recession situation, a Federal law suit that had been dragging on for years was settled and really changed things for the Reservoir/s. In 2010, Governor Rick Scott, "negotiated" a long-standing EPA law suit agreeing that the state of Florida would build more water quality projects to clean sugarcane runoff in the EAA that continued to destroy fauna and pollute Everglades National Park. This "fix" became known as "Restoration Strategies."(https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/restoration-strategies)
Restoration Strategies supplanted CERP's unfinished EAA Reservoir, building a Flow Equalization Basin instead. Mind you, a shallow treatment area is not a true Reservoir.(https://www.northstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SFWMD-EAA-A-1-Flow-Equalization-Basin.pdf)
Now for one last thing…
Just recently, in December of 2016, Congress authorized CEPP. CEPP consist of six components of CERP mentioned earlier. One of CEPP's components is the "EAA Reservoir." This sounds great, but….
CEPP, if appropriated, will not build a Reservoir but yet another Flow Equalization Basin to be located right next to Restoration Strategy's "A1 Flow Equalization Basin." This new Flow Equalization Basin will be called the "The A2." (http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Ecosystem-Restoration/Central-Everglades-Planning-Project/)
So in conclusion, neither Restoration Strategies nor CEPP will provide the Reservoir that was underway before everything changed in 2008, nor will their water come close to adding up to "a Reservoir."
Supporting Joe Negron's land purchase of 60,000 acres is the ground work for building a Reservoir that should have already been built!
#SupportJoeNegron
Support the completion of the EAA Reservoir!
(http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article94667592.html)
The ACOE has EAA Storage on their construction schedule for 2021. By 2021 the estuaries will surly be dead.
January 9, 2017 UncategorizedACOE, CEPP, CERP, circles, EAA circles, EAA Reservoir, Eaa reservoir component, Education, Environment, EPA, Everglades Restoration, ids, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Joe negron, law suits, learning, politics, Restoration Strategies, Scott, Should have already been built, STAs, Support Joe Negron Today, water quality, Why support Joe Negron's Eaa ReservoirJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 6 comments
Hope on the Horizon, CEPP— St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon
Double rainbow over Atlantic Ocean, Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island– just on the other side of the Indian River Lagoon. Photo JTL, 2015.
Hope (noun)
"a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen".
b. "grounds for believing that something good may happen."
"a feeling of trust."
CEPP, ACOE
When looking at the water issues facing the St Lucie/Indian River Lagoon, it sometimes appears that we are doomed to an endless repetition of discharges from Lake Okeechobee and regional canals for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. We are not; we must have hope.
I am clearly aware that the Central Everglades Planning Project, (CEPP) will not alleviate all of the waters killing our rivers. In fact, from what I think I understand, it will deal with about 250,000 acre feet of water of a needed at least 200 million. US Sugar Corporation will probably quote 450 million. For me, the number is not the issue right now, the issue is getting started. By getting started, a groundwork is laid for "more" in the future.
Yes, I wish that the state of Florida had purchased the US Sugar option lands and we could have storage and a "flow way south" to the Everglades from Lake O of sorts, but the state did not. We must still fight for this concept, but also for CEPP.
As right now, CEPP is the only thing "on the books" to send water south and thus our only hope for "sending water south" in the future. The last time I wrote about CEPP I was furious because after all of the hard collective advocacy work to get it in the Water Resources Development Act of 2014, it did not make it. Well now we have another chance, and I have hope that it will.
To remind readers, CEPP is a "fast-track" portion of CERP. (Central Everglades Planning Project/ Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.) CEPP: (http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/EcosystemRestoration/CentralEvergladesPlanningProject.aspx)
CERP:(http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Portals/44/docs/FactSheets/CERP_FS_March2015_revised.pdf)
CEPP was intensely reviewed across South Florida by many. It was led by environmental lead Dr Gretchen Ehlinger, ACOE/Jacksonville, and locally, by West Palm Beach's, project supervisor, Kim Taplin/ACOE. Both tirelessly worked this project. It was truly a miracle in itself that the project was fast tracked. As we know, government is the world of molasses and quicksand….
To review CEPP:
"The goal of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is to deliver a finalized plan, known as a Project Implementation Report (PIR), for a suite of restoration projects in the central Everglades to prepare for congressional authorization, as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The Central Everglades Planning Project will identify and plan for projects on land already in public ownership to allow more water to be directed south to the central Everglades, Everglades National Park and Florida Bay…."
(http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/NewsStories/tabid/6070/Article/479581/series-of-public-meetings-held-for-central-everglades-planning-project.aspx)
Dr. Gretchen Ehlinger, (second from right), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental lead for CEPP. Her office is in Jacksonville. (ACOE website)
Kim Taplin is in the red shirt . Kim worked with stakeholders in CEPP's review here in South Florida. Her office is in West Palm Beach. (ACOE website)
Map CEPP component of CERP ACOE, 2009
On August 31st, 2015, something big happened. Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary to the Army, finally signed the "record of decision" for the project. Thank you.
So now the project is approved to "move forward" by the Army Corp. The Final Integrated Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement has been "approved." (Please read document above.) So what has to happen now? A lot! The project has to become part of the next Water Resources Development Act, (WRDA), that moves through the US Congress only once every 2-7 years….
If CEPP becomes part of the next WRDA bill, then it would have funding to start with, then the funding has to be continued of course….as politics shift and sands sink and rise…. and yes, the project has to be built….and the water has to be there to flow!….Excruciating isn't it? But we are on our way. ——The business of hope is not for the weak of heart, it is for the strong.
ACOE CERP review: (http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Portals/44/docs/FactSheets/CERP_FS_March2015_revised.pdf)
SFWMD: See Restoration Projects to review CERP: (http://www.evergladesrestoration.gov/#)
September 23, 2015 UncategorizedACOE, ACOE building strong, Army Corp of Engineers, Central Everglades Planning Project, CEPP, CEPP--- St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon, Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project, estuaries, Everglades restoriation, Florida, Gretchen Ehlinger, hope, Hope on the Horizon, indian river lagoon, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Kim Taplin, Martin County, rainbow, record of decision acoe cepp, sending water south, South Florida Drainage, south florida water management district, st lucie river, strong, United States Army Corps of Engineers, US Sugar, waterJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 7 comments
What are Our Options for "Sending it South?" St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon
"Chronology of Water Management Changes" map. Reconstructed pre-drainage landscapes, source, McVoyet al., 2011. Presentation of Robert Johnson, Director of South Florida Natural Resources Center at Everglades National Park,Everglades Coalition, 2015. (With words added: "Water Started Flowing South 2014, JTL".)
After the horrendous "Lost Summer of 2013," and public outcry, more water has been sent south to the Everglades by the Army Corp of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District in 2014/15 than in the past ten years. But we are still drowning…
Hanging over our heads is the fact that Lake Okeechobee is at 15.04 feet today, and chances are that to prepare the lake for a predicted El Nino rainy winter/spring, the ACOE is going to "have to" start releasing water soon. Although it's being worked on right now, the system is not even close to being able to hold the ocean of overflow-lake water and "send it south…." plus we are handcuffed by 10 parts per billion phosphorus goals.(http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xrepository/sfwmd_repository_pdf/derivation_wqbel_stas_toc_4-20-10.pdf)
With this in mind, the Everglades Coalition's 30th Annual Conference (http://evergladescoalition.org) was a whirlwind; its theme "Send it South: Water for America's Everglades."
Let's begin, by looking at some water/land maps and think about the big picture.
The image below is a "simplified chronology of water management changes," and shows the canals and structures that waste water to the ocean destroying our precious estuaries. This map was shared by Robert Johnson during the coalition meeting. It made a big impression on me, because it gives historical perspective, is simple, and is clear.
Map again from above to review.
The red lines are canals that drain lake Okeechobee. We know them well: the Caloosahatchee (C-43); the Miami: the North New River: the Hillsboro: the West Palm Beach; and our own St Lucie (C-44). The grey shows the Herbert Hoover Dike built around Lake Okeechobee in the 1930s after the terrible hurricanes of the late 1920s; the Eastern Protective Levee is also in grey, on the far right, and basically is like a giant underground wall between the Everglades and eastern coastal development; the Everglades Agricultural Area Levee System, which I think is the grey line depicting a structure built south and almost around the Everglades Agricultural area; the Water Conservation Area Levees (WCAs-areas where water slowly travels south after being cleaned in Storm Water Treatment Areas (STAs) above them) are the grey lines around the WCAs; and last on this chart, the South Dade Conveyance System…
There are other canals as well. Thousands of miles of them….
These canals make our lives a living hell along the Indian River Lagoon, and must be re-plumed, but we must note that they also have allowed South Florida to rise above the poverty of our ancestors, and to develop some of the world's most "productive" sugar and vegetable farms. Too bad they had to build their riches south of Lake Okeechobee blocking the flow of the lake! Also, much of this drainage system has allowed development of the east coast of south Florida, inside the Everglades' boundary which is in yellow on the map above and red below.
The red line, shows were development has "crept into the Everglades." This is obviously a problem for sending water south. Therefore, whatever is created to "send more water south," must be created so as to avoid destroying lives or property.
West of the red lines shows the edge of what was once the Everglades in South Florida. Development has crept and continues to creep over this edge. (Photo/map courtesy of Chappy Young,/GCY Surveyors, 2014.)
So narrowing this down to "our" needs, how does one build a way to send more water south? And aren't we already doing that? Let's look at the projects being built first before we conclude our goals for more storage.
There are many projects on the books to help with sending water south: some include CERP (http://www.evergladesplan.org/about/about_cerp_brief.aspx) and CEPP…(http://www.evergladesplan.org/docs/fs_cepp_jan_2013.pdf), in fact parts of the Tamiami Trail are being raised right now, but according to many experts at the coalition, one thing is missing, enormous amounts of LAND. Land would help these projects come into being. There must be land to hold some of the tremendous amounts of water, and to clean it. Also realistically, the above projects will take generations to complete. Land purchase or no land purchase.
One thing is for sure, more land south of the lake would help the situation tremendously. As even a five year old can see, lack of lands south of the lake is the true disconnect. But where is there that much land and what are our options?
Below is a map of "Option 1," and "Option 2", lands in the Everglades Agricultural Area, lands that US Sugar agreed to sell in 2008. These lands remain for sale.
Perhaps US Sugar rather not sell these lands anymore. In 2008 they were going broke, but today, ironically after an infusion of cash from the South Florida Water Management District that was given to buy the paired down 26,800 acres purchased, and since the economy has improved since, US Sugar is thriving again.
But a "contract is a contract," and thus there remains a contract allowing for the state of Florida to buy the option lands.
General consensus for many at the Everglades Coalition meeting was "buy the lands" with the new Amendment 1 (http://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Water_and_Land_Conservation_Initiative,_Amendment_1_%282014%29) monies starting with Option 1 because it is less expensive than Option 2, and can be traded for other lands, and because the option expires in October of 2015. The second option expires around 2020.
Option Lands Map SFWMD River of Grass
Would purchasing these slow everyone down even more, taking moneys and energy away from other projects?
Hmmmm? Maybe, but according to some very seasoned River/Everglades Warriors, it is worth it.
At the Everglades Coalition meeting Nathaniel Reed, Maggie Hurchalla, Mary Barely, former governor Bob Graham, and Mark Perry gave the group a "call to action" to purchase these option lands. It is a lofty goal and one that would change the game forever.
But there is not much time, and the legislature is in committee meetings "now." (January through Feburary) and convenes (starts) March 3, 2015, and then ends in May! A rabbit race!
There is not a second to spare.
So long story short, there may be options as far a purchasing the sugar lands, but there is no option when it comes to advocating for such. Should this be your goal, you must start today! Start writing and calling below and thank you for being a part of history!
Governor Rick Scott: (http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/0)
House of Representatives: (http://www.myfloridahouse.gov)
Florida Senate: (http://www.flsenate.gov)
Senate site for future Amt 1 lands purchasing: (http://www.flsenate.gov/Media/PressReleases/Show/2159)
January 12, 2015 UncategorizedACOE, Amendment 1, canals, CEPP, CERP, dream or reality, EAA, Everglades, Everglades Coaltion, Florida, History, history florida drainage, indian river lagoon, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Lake Okeechobee, land purchase, option lands, satellite image EAA drainage, send the water south, Sending it south, SRWMD, st lucie river, storage, US Sugar, Us sugar option landsJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 4 comments
The Fallout of CEPP/the 4th Seminole War of Florida and the Indian River Lagoon
The delay of CEPP, the Central Everglades Planning Project, may end up symbolically being the beginning of Florida's 4th Seminole War as people fight for water to move south. (Photos public.)
I really did not want to write about the failure of the Central Everglades Planning Project, CEPP, as I have been trying to forget about it. The whole thing is so depressing to me. However, last night, before I went to bed, my husband said, "Dan thinks you should write about what's going to happen now that CEPP did not make it into the WRDA bill…" So, I had a long series of nightmares, now it's morning, and for Dr Daniel Velinsky, I will do the right thing, and try to write this piece.
First some history.
It is well documented that Florida's three Seminole Wars were the longest, bloodiest, and most costly of all the Indian wars fought by the United States, fought on and off between 1814 and 1858. In the end, no treaty was signed and the few hundred remaining native peoples hid in their well known Everglades swamp to resurrect themselves as today's Seminole, Miccosukee, and unaffiliated Independent Seminole Tribes.
They never surrendered and today their successful 1980s/1990s law suit against the Federal Government and the State of Florida requiring the polluting of Everglades Agricultural Area run off water onto their lands, to be reduced from sometimes over 300 to 10 parts per billion/phosphorus, in my opinion, is a key reason, along with its tartiness and other issues, why CEPP was not included in the Water Resources Development Act, WRDA, bill by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
I can hear the D.C. ACOE now: "Even if we had the designated land, the mass of water could not be sent south—it's too dirty. We need so much more land to clean it. So we'll build all this structure but we won't be able to send but a dribble of water south…Florida has to lessen the water quality requirements or …"
Well first of all, I say "kudos" to the Seminole and Miccosucci for holding the state responsible for cleaning up its water, even if it is an"impossible" number to achieve under present circumstances. I'd say in the karma department, "we had it coming."
So now what do we do? Well in my opinion a type of war is going to start, and I liken the people of the St Lucie River/Indian River Lagoon to the "Fourth Indian War Warriors." We will not surrender.
The failure of CEPP to pass will historically be the beginning of this war. And like the Indians of the 1880s, we were indirectly lied to, and part of it was our fault for believing what we were told, knowing the facts of history.
We all watched and participated along with the South Florida Water Management District and the Jacksonville Army Corp of Engineers for three years, putting full concentration of resources and creativity– forcing dedicated staff from both agencies to produce a document, CEPP, that the US Army Corp of Engineers more than likely knew, would never make it. So now, "they" want us to continue rallying for another two years for next WRDA bill. "Oh sorry maybe it will be seven years…."
Guess what? The people are tired of waiting. They put their money on the state and federal governments' horse, and our horse wasn't even allowed to run.
Do you feel the chain pulling and digging into your neck? I do.
This tactic is not new, and honestly I think it is simply part of a dysfunctional federal and state government. Let's look back.
In the 1990s governor Lawton Childs had the state halt the famous water quality law suit and actually "laid down his sword" in a courtroom-how courageous, but look where we are now; in the mid 2000s Charlie Christ's "Sugar Land Deal" was downsized due to the Economic Crisis of 2008 and other politics; before that, Jeb Bush started the "Acceler8 Program to quickly complete eight of over 60 Central Everglades Restoration Plan's (CERP) projects. The SFWMD, functioning under the governor, worked diligently like they did recently for CEPP–the eight projects were not completed; and since 2011/12, under the Rick Scott administration, the entire focus was on CEPP, which also would have bundled some of the CERP projects to begin "moving faster" and to "move the water south." After years of laser like dedication, for now, the project is "dead."
Florida has water quality and quantity issues brewing like a hurricane, and our Indian River Lagoon area will be the eye in November of 2014, as former governor Charlie Christ runs against Governor Rick Scott. The race would have been messy anyway, but now it is going to be war as the different sides configure how to "send the water south" with out CEPP. Start thinking about how you want to send the water south or stored, and "never, never, never give up."
History Florida WQ Law Suit:(http://www.peer.org/assets/docs/fl/08_14_8_epa_losing_water_quality_cases.pdf)
Seminole Tribe: (http://www.semtribe.com)
Miccosukee Tribe: (http://www.miccosukeetribe.com)
May 15, 2014 Uncategorized4th Seminole War, ACOE, Army Corp of Engineers, Bush, CEPP, CERP, Childs, Crist, Dr Dan Velinsky, EAA, estuaries, Everglades, Everglades Agricultural Area, Florida, governors race, indian river lagoon, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Martin County, miccosucci indians, miccosukee tribe, Scott, Seminole Wars, SFWMD, south florida water management district, st lucie river, United States Army Corps of Engineers, water quality, water quality law suit, water quantityJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 7 comments
ACOE's Refusal of CEPP, and the Future of the Indian River Lagoon
Topographical map of EAA showing elevations. CEPP would move approximately 15% of Lake Okeechobee's overflow water south and build a basis for future increases, rather than sending all water through the northern estuaries. By means of canals in the EAA and other structures, this water would be cleaned and then directed to the Everglades. The ACOE refused to sign off on CEPP 4/22/14. (Map courtesy of INTER-MAP via Kevin Henderson)
CEPP=Central Everglades Planning Project, 2014,( contains elements of CERP); CERP=Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan of 2000.
To every action, there is a reaction, and in the case of the ACOE refusing to sign off on CEPP, the reaction here in Martin, St Lucie, and Lee County across the state certainly will not be "good."
Mind you there is a Jacksonville ACOE, who works with "us" and then the ACOE in DC. They are the same but different…
Let's start at somewhat of the beginning so we can get a grip on this always terribly confusing, multi-layered attempt to fix our estuaries and restore the Everglades.
Around 2000, long before I was involved with the River Movement directly, a group of Florida stakeholders, including environmentalists, the agriculture industry, tribes, utilities, users, and government agencies miraculously agreed on something called CERP, or the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This plan consisted of at least 68 projects to "fix the Everglades." It was historical and celebrated by all. Congress approved and eventually appropriated some funds that would be shared in costs with the South Florida Water Management District, (SFWMD) towards "CERP."
Now, 14 years later, some work has been done, but not one of the 68 projects has been completed.
OK now we move to 2010, 2011… still in the sinkhole of 2008 Great Recession, the SFWMD, the local ACOE Jacksonville team, and the stakeholders decide sitting with "nothing" is not an option and determine to do something unprecedented and "speed things up." They work like crazy, often being criticized by those same stakeholders, to package some of the CERP ideas into CEPP (the Central Everglades Planning Project) to sell to the DC ACOE and Congress again, in a different form, and get things going.
Although often behind, the Jacksonville ACOE appears to almost meet their deadline of 18 months and finally, two weeks ago the SFWMD is able to sign off on cost sharing (not an easy task and not all supported the move) on the local Jacksonville ACOE completed CEPP project— which of course has to meet every Tom, Dick and Harry regulation you can possibly imagine. A neurotic situation for sure.
So yesterday, Earth Day, the Washington D.C. ACOE office refuses to sign off on CEPP, saying they need more time to review the documents they have had since last August.
As of yet, no official statement has been given, but the local press and the Everglades Foundation's Eric Eichenberg call the move "a staggering failure of duty and responsibility." I would imagine the main concern here is that the Water Resources Development Bill (WRDA) that only comes around once every 5-7 years these days, must include CEPP for it to be funded (appropriated) by Congress. Now it seems CEPP will certainly not make the deadline, which is really "now."
So is there hope? We all know, that "it's not over until its over," and until the WRDA is officially closed, perhaps some political miracle could ensue. Is it likely? I would doubt it. But I do not know.
What I do know is that Florida has been really dependent on the Federal Government since 1933 when the Florida Legislature and the people of Florida convinced the US Government to build the Herbert Hoover Dike around Lake Okeechobee and the ensuing flood control projects over the years to protect the important growing agriculture industry south of the lake and thousands of people who were allowed to build and develop inside the Everglades' historical flow area, especially south from Palm Beach to Dade counties. At this time there was no thought of the estuaries.
So in many ways we want our cake and to eat it too…."protect us from the waters of Lake O but don't hurt the estuaries…." Something is going to have to give.
For almost four years, Senator Joe Negron has been pushing for less involvement of the ACOE. Whether one likes Senator Negron or not, I agree with his philosophy. Congress/ the US ACOE is no longer supporting the dredging of our state inlets which they did for almost 100 years, and they most likely not going to support the restoration of the Everglades and the betterment of the estuaries through changing our pluming system and sending more water south. After 14 years of of begging, and celebrating crumbs, you'd think we'd get the message.
Is this the Jacksonville local ACOE's fault? Not really as the Federal Government is simply terribly dysfunctional so it is hard for the ACOE to do its job, plus they are broke.
In conclusion, yes, we have to finish what's been started, and I recognize the difficulty of "us" fixing our own problems, however; if we really take a hard look in the mirror, there may not be a choice but to try.
ACOE CEPP: (http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Portals/44/docs/FactSheets/CEPP_FS_September2013_508.pdf)
SFWMD/ACOE CEPP: (http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/projects/proj_51_cepp.aspx)
April 23, 2014 UncategorizedACOE, ACOE denies CEPP, ACOE needs more time, Army Corp of Engineers, CEPP, CERP, Chief's Report ACOE, Civil Works Review Board ACOE, estuaries, Everglades, Everglades Agricultural Area, Everglades Foundation, Florida, inability of Federal Government, indian river lagoon, internal review not complete ACOE, Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Lake Okeechobee, Martin County, Senator Joe Negron, SFWMD, South Florida Drainage, south florida water management district, st lucie river, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Water Resources Development Act deadline 2014, WRDA deadlineJacqui Thurlow-Lippisch View all 9 comments


Home › Environment › Serendipity (Part 2) – What role can serendipity play in enhancing environmental and social sustainability?
Recognising an opportunity or uncovering a new piece of information is only the first step in the journey.
You also need to appreciate its significance and be willing and able to take advantage of it.
You can influence variables within your control, such as your level of preparedness and attitude and the amount of effort that you invest. And can work to improve others, such as your communication and marketing skills so that you can get the right people supporting you and your idea.
But a few critical factors may still work against you, such as the weather or the political or financial climate.
And sometimes you need other events to have occurred before your idea makes sense or you can progress your opportunity. Or until there is a market or platform for your invention.
Would you have thrown out the penicillin with the bath water?
This suggests that many 'accidental' scientific discoveries may not have been quite so random and that even very logical technological advances may have benefited from a few serendipities.
For example, most science students have heard about Sir Alexander Fleming who returned to his lab in 1928 to find that a Petri dish inoculated with Staph bacteria had been infiltrated by mould spores while he was away.
Imagine if Fleming had ensured that all labware was washed and stored properly before going on holiday. Or what if Fleming had walked into his lab, seen the contaminated Petri dish, yelled at the lab assistant, and thrown out the dish? How long might we have had to wait for someone else to discover what we now know as 'penicillin'?
Despite the hype, this event was probably not a one-off coincidence or the 'lucky' result of disorganisation and careless lab hygiene.
Fleming used to actively search for outliers and deliberately created environments that were conducive to 'lucky' observations such as this. He took the time to investigate 'failed' experiments whose results made no sense and collected unusual life forms in the hope that they might one day be useful.
Blending art and science, Fleming also painted using microbes with different natural pigments and growing rates. He would carefully place each substance into an agar solution to produce ephemeral pictures of ballerinas, houses, soldiers, mothers feeding children, stick figures fighting and other subjects. This required a very good understanding of how each bacteria behaved under different conditions.
So, even if Fleming didn't deliberately leave the Petri dish uncovered on that now-famous occasion, he was unlikely to throw it away when the contents were not what he would have expected.
However, Fleming wasn't the first to work out that fungus could eat bacteria and it was Sir Howard Florey and Ernst B Chain who worked out how to turn Fleming's discovery into a life-saving antibiotic outside the lab.
Timing was also important – with a world war providing the incentive to produce and use penicillin on a large scale.
Why not look for or create your own mouldy Petri dish?
There are lots of stories about people who make a decision or set a goal – and the path seems to magically appear or they find the critical piece of data or contact they required. The solution may have been right in front of them all along but they hadn't ever noticed it before.
In other cases, scientists stumble upon answers to problems that they didn't know existed.
Like when 3M invented the Post-it note. Apparently one of their chemists had been trying to invent an ultra-adhesive glue and failed. And then another employee used this 'failure' to make himself some removable book tabs.
Scientists also hunt for things that they hope will expand human knowledge or understanding – even when they have no idea what they are likely to find.
For example, a team of researchers used helicopters to explore remote gorges in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and discovered 20 new species of freshwater fish previously unknown to modern science. This isolated region is almost impossible to access by road and has therefore only been explored by indigenous Australians until now.
In the same way that Fleming placed an unwashed Petri dish near a window where bacteria could multiply and contaminants were free to invade, environmental managers can manufacture conditions where 'sustainable' serendipities are more likely to occur.
For example, they can encourage interactions between people with different roles, backgrounds, and disciplines and facilitate discussions about ways to improve energy and water efficiency, minimise waste or reduce the toxicity of materials or processes used.
In the wine industry, the program identified measures able to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 percent in refrigeration and other processes.
However, it took a while to get wine companies on board as we were in the middle of a drought at the time and they were far more concerned about water efficiency.
'Luckily' for us, South Australia had just been hit with electricity supply shortages, the threat of rolling brownouts during vintage, and wide voltage fluctuations in some rural areas.
Engineers and maintenance staff made the most of their chance to talk to winemakers about energy saving opportunities, such as increasing the acceptable range of fluctuations in process temperatures and the time taken to reach set points. Ideas like these might not sound radical – but they had not been suggested before due to their potential to affect wine quality or market perception.
Winery designers and equipment suppliers recommended more sustainable options that were already available but cost more upfront or were a departure from traditional wine-making practices.
And external specialists who had never worked with the wine industry questioned why things were done in a certain way and offered alternative approaches and insights based on their specific expertise and experience with other sectors.
Seeking ideas from the factory floor and from outsiders is more common nowadays, but it can still be difficult to ensure that improvement opportunities are presented to decision-makers in a persuasive format. Proponents might need help to develop a decent business case or to break through risk-averse middle management.
And if the person with the missing piece of the puzzle isn't aware of its value, then you'll be dependent upon effective communication and consultation (as well as Lady Luck).
We should all be grateful that Edward Jenner took the time to talk to a lowly milkmaid who had noticed that people who contracted cowpox, a harmless disease easily picked up during contact with cows, never got smallpox.
So don't be too quick to throw out mouldy Petri dishes or to rule out challenging suggestions and insightful comments from third parties. You never know where they might lead.
‹ Serendipity (Part 1) – Why are some people luckier than others?