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Thousands of people are lucky
enough to call the Adirondack Park home. Homeowners in the Park
enjoy a "neighborhood" unparalleled by most in the
nation, if not the world. Our Adirondack communities are surrounded
by majestic mountains, glistening waterways, and protected wilderness
areas, all which provide unique recreational and scenic experiences.
Many neighborhoods throughout
the nation organize into neighborhood associations, which work
locally to better the quality of life in their area. Residents
of the Adirondack Park, while they may belong to local neighborhood
organizations, can work locally to better the environmental quality
throughout the entire 6 million acre Park.
By utilizing practices at home,
residents of the Adirondack Park can improve water quality throughout
the Park, protect vital habitats, prevent the spread of invasive
species, encourage sustainable populations of native plant and
animal species to continue to thrive, and reduce emissions which
can cause acid rain and mercury contamination.
If each homeowner in the Adirondack
Park made simple, but effective changes to daily routines, the
positive impact on the Park's ecosystem would be substantial.
This provides year round and seasonal homeowners with information
about things they can do to improve the environment in the Adirondack
Park such as: conserving water, maintaining septic
systems, landscaping, and conserving
energy. Also included is a list of resources for landowners.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is one of
the most important things residents can do to protect their water
supply. Many of us take our water supply for granted. We turn
on a faucet and we have access to water in our homes. In America,
we generally have abundant water supplies which the public can
access at relatively low cost. Water is involved in the majority
of our daily activities - drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing,
and recreating.
Water supplies are not limitless,
our aquifers and waterways used to supply drinking water are
valuable resources that must be protected. Although the Adirondack
Park is less developed than other regions of the state, as the
population in the Park increases, so does demand for water. Water
quality and quantity are issues that need increasing attention
from the public.
It is important for residents
of the Adirondack Park to understand their local water supply
systems. Is your home connected to a municipal water supply system,
or do you have a private well on your property? What is the source
of your water? Understanding where your water comes from will
help you understand what can be done to protect the watershed
of your source water. Residents can play an important part in
efforts to preserve watersheds and protect water supplies.
Watershed protection measures
are especially important inside the Adirondack Park because the
Park is home to the state's most magnificent rivers, many of
which feed water supplies or watersheds for communities outside
the Park. These rivers include the Beaver, Black, Grass, Hudson,
Moose, Oswegatchie, Raquette, St. Regis, and Saranac.
Conserving water is one of the
most simple and effective ways to protect not only the quantity
of water, but also the quality. The following is a list of ways
that you can conserve water in and around your home, and protect
the water supplies of the Adirondack Park and New York State.
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Water Conservation
Inside the Home
w Fix leaky faucets and toilets! A dripping faucet
can waste 20 gallons of water a day, a leaky toilet can waste
even more. Many times the fix is as simple as replacing old washers
or other small parts.
- w Don't let the water run while you do something
else. Turn the water off while you brush your teeth, lather soap
on your hands, and wash dishes.
- w Assess the efficiency of your appliances. Many
appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets
made more than 15 or 20 years ago are not as efficient as newer
models. Older toilets can be made more efficient by placing a
brick in the tank which displaces unneeded water. Older washing
machines and dishwashers are most efficient when loads are full.
If you are washing less than a full load, use the "small"
setting if available.
- w When purchasing new appliances, look for front
loading washing machines and low-flow toilets, which use less
water to do the same jobs. You can also outfit your home with
low-flow shower heads and faucets, which do not effect water
pressure but reduce the amount of water used.
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Water Conservation
Outside the Home
- w Outfit your hose with an automatic shut of nozzle,
so water only flows when you want it to during yard work or car
washing.
- w Water your lawn early in the morning or after sunset.
This will prevent loss of water through evaporation. When watering
your lawn, use a soaker hose or a trickle system, which are more
efficient. If you use a sprinkler, don't use one that produces
a fine spray, which tends to evaporate too quickly.
- w Create a shallow ditch around trees in a yard that
will collect and hold water.
- w Channel roof and other runoff to pervious surfaces
including lawns and gardens to help irrigate and reduce the need
for additional watering. A cistern may also be used for this
purpose.
- w Set your lawn mower to a higher setting, which
will keep the grass slightly longer. This will allow the lawn
to shade its roots and require less watering.
- w If you have a paved driveway, don't wash it down
with a hose. Sweep it instead.
- w Don't use your local lake or waterway to wash things
(including your dishes or your dog). Detergents that are used
for these purposes can cause degradation of water quality.
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Septic Systems
Many homes in the Adirondack
Park are not served by municipal wastewater treatment systems
(or sewage systems). These homes have their own waste treatment
systems - septic systems. Adirondack homeowners want to spend
time in the outdoors and in their yards. The last thing anyone
wants is a malfunctioning or poorly maintained septic system
to ruin the experience. Septic systems can cause not only embarrassing
odor problems, but also serious water quality problems.
When maintained properly, septic
systems are an effective way to dispose of sewage, however many
homes, especially older ones, have not had regular inspections
and preventative maintenance performed on the septic system,
or have no record of such activity. This can lead to conditions
that put the health of the ecosystem and local residents at risk.
A malfunctioning septic system not only causes problems in the
home, including messy sewage backups, but also puts local waterways
at risk of contamination. With the Park's waterways being used
for recreation and drinking water, leaking septic systems have
the potential to create serious and unhealthy conditions. Homes
with septic systems adjacent to waterways are more likely cause
water contamination.
When leaking septic systems introduce
coliform bacteria (the bacteria associated with waste which causes
illness) into drinking water supplies, expensive treatment is
needed to ensure potable water remains available for residents
and visitors. When such bacteria are introduced into recreational
water supplies, health risks for swimmers, boaters, and other
users exists. Many Adirondack waterways are currently being polluted
by aging and ineffective septic systems.
There are tell-tale signs that
a septic system is not working properly. If you notice a sewage
odor in your home or yard, toilets and sinks draining slowly,
gurgling sounds in the plumbing system, or soggy soil or sewage
surrounding the septic tank or absorption field, you should immediately
consult a professional to inspect your septic system and assess
what needs to be done to ensure it is operating effectively.
Taking responsibility and properly
maintaining your septic system will not only protect your health
and personal property, but also protect your community's water
supply and the local tourism based economy. After all, who wants
to come visit the Adirondacks if they can't drink or swim in
our wonderful waterways?
The following are tips you can
use to make sure your septic system is functioning properly:
- Be sure you know your septic
system. You should know where the tank and absorption field are,
and the age and size of the system. You should also keep a log
of when maintenance is done on the system, and a sketch of where
it is in relation to your home and property.
- Have your septic system inspected
and pumped every few years (2-6 depending on whether you are
in a year round or seasonal residence). A good indicator that
pumping is needed is when sludge fills half the septic tank.
Have this work done by a professional service. Be sure to keep
records of when these types of activities occur.
- Take care in choosing household
cleaning products, which may alter the effectiveness of your
septic system. Look for low-phosphorus detergents, use anti-bacterial
soaps only when needed, and limit the use of bleach, ammonia,
and other harsh cleaners and cleansers. These types of products
kill the bacteria in the septic tank needed to break down the
waste.
- Avoid using toilets and drains
as garbage disposals. Try to throw things in the trash instead
of using a garbage disposal, which will increase the amount of
times you need to have your system pumped. Do not put the following
items down toilets or drains: cat litter, dental floss, hair,
coffee grounds, chemicals, pesticides, fat, grease, oil, or paints.
- Do not plant trees or other
vegetation in the septic system's absorption field. The roots
will plug the lines and damage the system.
- If your home or property displays
one of the signs of a failing septic system (listed above), address
the problem immediately. Have a licensed professional assess
your system and work on the repairs.
- If you are constructing a new
home, or installing a new septic system, be sure that your design
meets local, state, and federal regulations. You most likely
will need to obtain a permit for construction. You or your contractor
should look into alternative technologies to protect local waterways,
proper soils to ensure good absorption, and design the system
to obey setback regulations.
- Talk to your neighbors about
good septic system maintenance. Organize a neighborhood septic
pumping. Companies that provide pumping service may give everyone
a discount if multiple homeowners have their tanks pumped together.
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Landscaping
Part of making a house a home
is personalizing the landscape. Never before has landscaping
and gardening been more popular. These activities can serve not
only as an exciting hobby and add individuality and value to
a property, but can have measurable impacts on the environment.
Many homeowners are now practicing
environmentally friendly landscaping by using plantings and products
that do not disrupt the natural function of the ecosystem in
which they live. These products, along with sustainable design
and proper planning will allow a property to become an oasis
for both the homeowner and the many species that thrive in the
Adirondacks.
Using native plants and natural
landscaping can also help slow global warming by providing shade
which allows a homeowner to conserve energy and by storing carbon
- a greenhouse gas.
Below are some tips you can use
to make your yard more natural. In addition, there is a variety
of information about native planting and natural landscaping
at your local library, bookstore, or on the internet.
- w Limit the amount of permeable surfaces you add
to your property. This includes using a gravel driveway instead
of a paved one, and limiting the size of areas like patios.
- Try to keep existing vegetation
on the property intact to protect habitats and prevent runoff.
- w Plan your landscaping design to preserve the natural
drainage of your property, which will reduce erosion.
- w Use native plants only! Talk to your landscaper
or landscaping store and ask them which native plants can be
used on your property. Using native species in landscaping will
not only beautify your home, but also provide important habitat
for the creatures you share the ecosystem with.
- w When doing yard work, don't put yard waste (ie.
leaves) into nearby waterways. As these materials break down
in waterways they can cause low oxygen conditions and kill fishTry
not to alter the shoreline of waterways near your home. If you
must build a dock, breakwater, pier, beach, or dredge an area,
contact authorities to assist you with permitting and proper
design.
- w If you use chemicals in your yard work, store them
in good quality containers and be sure to dispose of them at
a proper facility. Do not dump chemicals on the ground or into
waterways.
- w Limit or eliminate pesticide use. Go natural! This
reduces phosphorus levels that run off into local waterways and
cause water quality problems.
- w Limit cutting, especially along shorelines of ponds,
lakes, streams, and rivers. Don't disturb wetlands if it can
be avoided. These areas are important habitat and also protect
your property by providing natural flood control. If you must
make changes to a wetland, be sure to obey local and state regulations
and obtain any permit you may need from the proper agency.
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Energy Conservation
Energy conservation is a simple
way homeowners can protect the environment, and save money on
their bills. Most of the power plants which produce our energy
in New York Stateand throughout the nation, burn fossil fuels
(ie. coal, oil, gas) to generate power. These fuel sources cause
a number of environmental and public health problems including
global warming, acid rain, and mercury contamination.
Acid rain has already caused
over 500 of the lakes in the Adirondacks to become biologically
dead - meaning they are unable to sustain their native fish populations
because they are so acidic. Acid rain has also damaged our high
elevation forests. Additionally, the New York State Health Department
recently issued a warning to children and women of child-bearing
age not to eat fish caught in Adirondack waters because mercury
levels are unsafe. Global warming will forever change our beloved
Park, driving out many of the native plant and animal species
and creating water quality problems.
It will take action in Congress
and the State Legislature to fix these problems completely, and
the Adirondack Council is continuing its 30 year fight to ensure
that our elected officials act to address these issues and protect
the Park. But, rules, regulations and laws are not the only way
to stop problems like global warming and acid rain.
Energy conservation shows our
elected officials that the public is serious about stopping these
problems. It also reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned,
thereby reducing pollution that causes the damage. By conserving
in the home, citizens can protect ecosystems, the economy and
public health.
In addition to conserving energy,
homeowners should be aware of where their energy comes from.
In New York State, electricity providers are required to disclose
the "mix" of fuel sources that customers pay for. This
information can be found in the "Environmental Disclosure
Label" which a homeowner can obtain by contacting their
energy company. Some energy companies also offer plans where
customers can opt-in and purchase renewable energy. This is another
way to reduce the amount of fossil fuels being used to generate
electricity.
Below are ways homeowners can
use less electricity inside the home and throughout the property.
- Turn off lights when you leave
a room or when you are not home. If you feel the need to leave
a light on for security purposes, put it on a timer so it is
only on when it is dark out.
- Replace your regular light bulbs
with energy efficient or compact fluorescent bulbs. You can even
phase them in as old bulbs die out. These more efficient bulbs
usually last longer and produce the same amount of light.
- When replacing appliances including
washers, dryers, stoves, microwaves, air conditioners, televisions,
and computers, look for energy efficient models. In New York
State, you can look for the Energy Star label. Sometimes the
State offers rebates to individuals who buy Energy Star appliances.
Ask your retailer about these models and any special offers.
- If you are building a home,
ask your designer about using LEED standards. LEED stands for
"Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design." These
standards will ensure your home is the most energy efficient
it can be, which will not only save energy, but save you money
on your utility bills.
- If you are remodeling, pay attention
to the energy efficiency ratings on new windows and doors. Buying
top of the line models will save you money in the long run as
they save energy.
- If you have an automatic thermostat,
set it so that once your home is warmed or cooled the system
shuts off. Be mindful of open windows and doors if the heat or
air conditioner is on.
- If you are replacing the heating
or cooling system in your home, look into adding solar panels
or geothermal technology. These systems can often be added to
existing homes to allow them to produce some of their own energy
without the use of fossil fuels.
- Make sure your home is well
insulated so that you are not heating or cooling the neighborhood.
- Plant trees strategically on
your property so that they shade your home and reduce the amount
of energy you need to cool your house in the summer.
- When installing outside light
fixtures, use a motion sensor so that they are not on all the
time. Also, look for full cutoff fixtures, or fixtures that can
be directed so that you do not create light pollution, which
not only wastes electricity, but also disturbs many native species
and your neighbors.
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Resources for Adirondack Homeowners
Adirondack
Park Agency
Post Office Box 99
Route 86
Ray Brook, New York 12977
(518) 891-4050
www.apa.state.ny.us |
Contact the APA for obtaining
permits for projects on your property. Activities that need an
APA permit include but are not limited to subdivisions, new construction,
clear cutting of 25 acres or more, installing new wastewater
treatment systems, and shoreline clearing. If you do not know
if your project requires a permit, you can ask the agency to
determine that for you.
The APA has produced a helpful
guide to regulations for citizens of the Adirondack Park. To
access the APA's Citizen's Guide, call the APA or view it on
the web at: http://www.apa.state.ny.us/Documents/
Guidelines/CitizensGuide.pdf.
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New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233
(518) 402-8540
www.dec.state.ny.us |
DEC also has jurisdiction over
lands in the Adirondack Park and can serve as a useful resource
for citizens. In addition to the Albany office, the DEC has 2
offices with jurisdiction in the Adirondack Park.
DEC
Region 5 Office
1115 NYS Route 86
PO Box 296
Ray Brook, New York 12977
(518) 897-1200
Serves Clinton, Franklin, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, and Washington
counties. |
DEC
Region 6 Office
State Office Building
317 Washington Street
Watertown, New York 13601
(315) 785-2239Serves Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and
St. Lawrence counties. |
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New
York State Energy Research and Development Authority
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, New York 12203
1-866-NYSERDA or (518) 862-1091
www.nyserda.org |
NYSERDA
has a wealth of information on energy efficiency products and
design techniques, New York's electrical system, and incentives
being offered for homeowners who upgrade to more efficient appliances
and heating and cooling systems. |
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