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CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FUND FOR

THE ENVIRONMENT

ANNUAL REPORT

2019

Citizens Campaign Fund for the Environment

225 Main Street, Suite 2, Farmingdale, New York 11735

516-390-7150 -- Fax: 516-390-7160

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2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Citizens Campaign Fund for the Environment (CCFE) continued to expand our activities

designed to provide research and education to support our sister organization Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCFE) and advance environmental and public health

protection. CCFE continued to positively impact communities in 2019.

CCFE areas of program activity are divided into four groups. They address:

• Water Resources

• Environmental Education & Events

• Solid Waste Management

• Energy Education

• Environmental and Public Health Research

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WATER RESOURCES

Water is essential to a prosperous and safe community. CCFE is involved in efforts designed to

improve and protect water resources in New York, Connecticut and the nation.

The Great Lakes

Protecting, restoring and improving the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater ecosystem on the globe, is a core program area for CCFE. CCFE actively works throughout New York as state

lead of the New York Healing Our Waters (HOW) Coalition. CCFE’s Great Lakes campaign benefits the health and welfare of all NYS’s residents that rely on the Great Lakes for drinking

water, recreation, and a healthy economy. This includes sixteen percent of NY’s population that

live in the fifteen counties that surround that Great Lakes. Forty percent of New York State’s land mass is wholly contained in the Great Lakes basin.

CCFE champions a number of initiatives to protect water quality and quantity. Highlights of

CCFE’s work in 2019 to protect and restore the Great Lakes include:

Great Lakes Public and Stakeholder Education

CCFE facilitated events throughout the year to educate various stakeholders about important issues related to the Great Lakes:

• CCFE attended the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes conference that was held in Detroit,

MI. This is the region’s largest Great Lakes gathering, and allowed us an opportunity to

collaborate with stakeholders from all the Great Lakes States on how to continue to advance Great Lakes restoration. Critical issues included ensuring increased federal

funding, upgrading failing water infrastructure, drinking water affordability, keeping

Asian carp out of the lakes, and more.

• CCFE joined with the Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) to host a webinar to educate a

variety of stakeholders, including government agencies and environmental organizations, on the most effective solutions needed to protect our Great Lakes from pharmaceutical

pollution. More than 150 people from the U.S. and Canada registered for the webinar, which is available at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=Jz2EuyFoSrY&feature=emb_logo

.

Fly-in to Washington DC to Educate Policymakers about the

Benefits of Great Lakes restoration

CCFE recruited and joined with environmentalists, local

business leaders, restoration project implementers to travel to Washington D.C. in 2019 to educate members of Congress

about the environmental and economic importance of restoring the Great Lakes.

Implementation of New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda

(GLAA)

CCFE worked throughout 2019 to raise the profile of the GLAA and work toward its implementation. CCFE joined with Great Lakes stakeholders in a

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first-of-its-kind, basin-wide partnership to advance key priorities for New York's Great Lakes basin, as identified in the GLAA. CCFE participated in a series of GLAA stakeholder

roundtables held by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in order to identify key Great Lakes restoration priorities, while ensuring that stakeholders are coordinating

restoration efforts.

Implementation of the Great Lakes Compact

Ratified in 2008, the Compact specifies how each Great Lakes state will act to protect Great Lakes water quantity, and prohibits diversions outside of the basin. In 2019, CCFE continued to

work with New York State agencies to ensure that this historic agreement is implemented

effectively in NYS.

Drinking Water Affordability

From 2010 to 2017, water costs increased 41 percent across

the country as water shutoffs also increased. As we work to

make investments in protecting drinking water in the Great Lakes region, we are also working to ensure that water

remains affordable, particularly to low-income residents. CCFE worked with the City of Buffalo Water Board to

develop a program to provide low-income residents with a

credit to ensure that their water bills don't increase, despite costly investments being made by the City to upgrade

drinking water infrastructure.

CCFE participated in a water equity learning exchange held

by the U.S. Water Alliance. Representatives from Buffalo, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Camden and other cities around the nation shared information on

challenges and best practices to ensure clean water is available to all, particularly those in low-income communities. Issues included drinking water affordability, lead in drinking water,

climate change and urban flooding, and workforce development.

Onondaga Lake Watershed Onondaga Lake Superfund Remediation

CCFE is a stakeholder in the New York State led, Onondaga Lake Bottom Federal Superfund

site, in which Honeywell is the Principle Responsible Party. With the completion of the lake bottom remediation, CCFE is committed to ensuring that the natural resources are restored with a

focus on ecological and habitat restoration projects. Ongoing and meaningful citizen participation in these projects is a CCFE priority. CCFE will continue to advocate for public

involvement, ongoing monitoring of the Lake Bottom Cap, and prioritizing ecological

restoration.

Onondaga Lake Watershed Partnership

CCFE participates in the Onondaga Lake Watershed Partnership (OLWP). The OLWP is a

clearinghouse of information regarding the Lake and its watershed and how to be a good steward of the natural resources that make the watershed unique. With many community members,

federal, state, and local partners, CCFE has worked to expand the focus from Onondaga Lake

CCFE’s Brian Smith and our Great Lakes partners in

D.C. in support of the GLRI

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remediation and restoration to protecting the entire Onondaga Lake watershed. CCFE works with the partnership to address many emerging issues and topics that surround the lake, including

Tully Mudboils, fishing advisories and public awareness, and increased public access to Onondaga Lake.

New York and Connecticut Estuaries

Long Island Estuaries

New York State is fortunate to have over 1,500 square

miles of bays and estuaries and 120 miles of ocean

shoreline. The Long Island Sound and the South Shore Estuary Reserve contribute to the regional economy,

New York & Connecticut’s current culture, and their historical maritime culture. CCFE works to preserve,

protect, and restore our ecologically important bays and

estuaries. CCFE is an active member of the Long Island Sound Study Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and

chairs the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The LISS CAC meets 4

times a year and the SSER CAC meets bi-monthly.

Save the Western Bays Campaign

CCFE, Operation SPLASH and The Nature Conservancy hosted a forum to update community members on the south shore of Nassau County on the plan to divert treated sewage from the

Western Bays. The plan is known as the Bay Park Conveyance Project. Currently treated

wastewater effluent is discharged into Reynolds Channel. Science has shown that this treated effluent stays in the Western Bays and has led to the deterioration of the bays. The Bay Park

Conveyance Project is the biggest environmental project in decades and will restore the Western Bays.

The forum featured scientists, local and state agencies, and wastewater experts to discuss the proposal to connect the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant and Long Beach Sewage Treatment

Plant to an existing ocean outfall pipe at the Cedar Creek Sewage Treatment Plant.

South Shore Estuary Reserve Stewardship Award . CCFE, along with our partners in the South Shore Estuary

Reserve, hosted the SSER Boat Tour and Stewardship Awards aboard the Lauren Kristy on the Great South Bay.

In 2019 the SSER Stewardship award was awarded to Carl

Lobue, with The Nature Conservancy for his leadership in working to pass state legislation to protect menhaden,

including collaborating with local fisherman, environmental groups, charter boat captains and spearheading a professional

video to bring awareness of the importance of menhaden fish. South Shore Paddleboards owner Karen CCFE presenting the South Shore Es tuary

Reserve Stewardship Award

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Marvin was also recognized for her work in organizing regular clean-ups of marsh islands in Babylon, even in the winter months on paddleboards.

Creating Living Barrier Reef in Western Bays

CCFE joined Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Town

Councilwoman Erin King-Sweeney, and Town Clerk Sylvia Cabana to launch a living barrier reef around Long Meadow Island, off the coast of Lido Beach on Long Island. The reef is

composed of tens of thousands of discarded clam and oyster shells from nearby seafood restaurants. Hundreds of mesh bags containing the discarded shells were linked together and

submerged in the Western Bays to restore wetlands and encourage proliferation of oysters and

clams.

Long Island Sound (LIS) Protection

CCFE works to educate members of the public and policy makers in New York and Connecticut on Long Island Sound protection and restoration efforts, as well as working to identify emerging

threats to LI Sound. In 2019, CCFE’s Connecticut Program Director Louis Rosado Burch

continued his involvement as a member of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy’s Advisory Committee on Long Island Sound. Throughout that process, CCFE has used its role on the advisory committee

to highlight our work on LI Sound restoration & stewardship, offshore drilling, and protecting the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument.

Plum Island

Plum Island holds great ecological and cultural significance

for the entire Long Island Sound community. This rare, largely undeveloped island provides critical wildlife habitat

for more than 200 different bird species, a variety of

terrestrial & marine mammals, and a virtual treasure trove of rare & native plants.

Plum Island is the former home of USDA’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), which is being relocated

to a new site in Manhattan, KS. In 2008, Congress passed

legislation ordering this priceless natural resource be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. PPIC has advocated

extensively through diverse community stakeholders to block the sale of Plum Island, with the goal of preserving undeveloped portions of the island. In

December of 2019, President Trump signed the FY ’20 appropriations bill, which temporarily

halted the sale of this natural treasure for at least one year. The Plum Island Preservation Act, which permanently reverses the requirement to sell the island, passed the House but has not

passed in the U.S. Senate.

Northport Harbor Water Quality Protection

The Northport Harbor Water Quality Protection Committee (NWQPC) was established spring of 2010 and has since successfully implemented a comprehensive plan to restore water quality in

the Northport/ Centerport Harbor complex. The plan focused on reducing nitrogen loading in the bays using storm water runoff mitigation and upgrades to sewage infrastructure. The plan also

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included a subcommittee on education and outreach that aims to increase resident awareness about limiting fertilizer and pesticide application, as well as controlling runoff on private

properties with natural vegetation.

In 2015, due to efforts to upgrade the Northport sewage treatment plant and reduce storm water

runoff, Centerport Beach was re-opened to the public after 7 years of permanent closure. The beach had been closed due to degraded water quality and high bacteria levels, and the

improvements made by the municipalities as part of the NWQPC in the Northport Harbor complex have led to significant water quality improvements. The victory is a clear demonstration

that with good planning, hard work, and adequate resources our bays can be restored. In 2017,

the Town of Huntington constructed a large rain garden to control potentially polluted storm water runoff from entering Centerport Harbor. CCFE partnered with the Town to implement this

important accomplishment and continued to see great results throughout 2019. The NHWQPC met bi-annually to continue work on upgrading sewage infrastructure around the treatment plant

and reducing storm water runoff.

Long Island Estuary Day

In September, CCFE joined our partners in Long Island water protection for Estuary Day at

Seatuck Environmental Association in Islip. The event brought together diverse groups to celebrate the

beauty and natural resources of Long Island's

Estuaries of National Significance. The public had an opportunity to participate in a coastal cleanup,

wildlife hikes, and information sessions to learn more about our local communities' efforts to protect Long

Island's coastal waterways. CCFE collaborated with

Cornell Cooperative Extension to give a presentation on, “Sound Gardening: Why Your Grass Choice

Matters” program, with information on how homeowners can make landscaping choices that

better protect Long Island's water for the future!

Subwatersheds Plan to Fight Nitrogen Pollution

CCFE continued our work with our clean water partners and Suffolk County to reduce nitrogen pollut ion entering Long Island’s waterways. Nitrogen pollution is

present in nearly every Long Island waterway, which leads to degraded water quality, loss of

fisheries, beach closures, and harmful algal blooms. In 2019, Suffolk County released a new plan which details the sources of nitrogen pollution entering all 191 subwatersheds in the county and

provides a pathway to restoring our waterways to pristine condition. This 50 year plan to restore Suffolk’s waterways lays out a blueprint for reducing nitrogen pollution which will involve

replacing outdated septic systems and cesspools and expanding sewers where appropriate. CCFE

has worked to educate community members and elected officials on the importance of adopting this plan, including a door to door outreach campaign throughout Suffolk which generated

hundreds of letters and thousands of petition signatures in support of reducing nitrogen pollution entering our local bays, lakes, and estuaries.

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Ocean Protection

In 2019, CCFE continued collaborations with a number of environmental organizations in the

NY Ocean and Great Lake Coalition to advance ocean and Great Lakes protection and restoration. CCFE continues to work with the New York Oceans, Estuaries, and Great Lakes

Coalition. The coalition is made up of groups throughout New York State, to ensure critical protections for these waterways, including educating policy makers and the public on the

importance of implementing the NYS Ocean Action Plan as well as research and restoration

projects.

Creating Artificial Reefs CCFE was thrilled to join Governor Cuomo in Fire

Island in August for an artificial reef building

event. NYS deployed recycled materials, including pieces of the Staten Island Expressway, Kew

Gardens and Kosciuszco bridges, Erie Canal and the retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers steel vessel

M/V HUDSON. The materials are strategically

placed to improve New York's diverse marine life and boost Long Island's recreational and sport fishing

and diving industries.

Restoring New York's Shellfish Governor Andrew Cuomo developed a New York State Shellfish Council and appointed CCFE's Adrienne Esposito as a member. The Council was developed to support and guide shellfish

restoration efforts throughout Long Island. The Council is tasked with providing recommendations on coordination, management, and monitoring of restoration efforts;

identifying future restoration initiatives; and coordinating training and education programs

throughout Long Island.

Water Reuse CCFE joined SUEZ Water Long Island, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, and Operation

Splash for the announcement of the largest water reuse project on Long Island. Nassau County

and SUEZ will treat and reuse effluent from the Cedar Creek Sewage treatment plant for plant operations, saving one million gallons of water per day. This innovative water recycling project

will preserve Nassau's drinking water resources and serve as a model for water reuse on Long Island.

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Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts were designated as a Marine National Monument in 2016.

Its unique geological landscape is the only one of its

kind in U.S. Atlantic waters, and it carries tremendous ecological value. This deep-water region is a hotspot

for an incredible abundance of sea life, including rare, centuries old corals, squid, finfish and marine

mammals.

The Northeast Ocean Canyons and Seamounts are

protected against offshore drilling, commercial fishing, and other activities that can adversely impact

the marine ecosystem—although scientific research is

permitted. The rich diversity of sea life there makes the area a virtual treasure trove for marine biologists seeking to study sea life in an environment

untouched by human disturbances. Unfortunately, the U.S. Dept. of Interior has recommended rolling back protections for the monument, along with dozens of others across the United States.

Additionally, pressure from the commercial fishing industry to lift the fishing ban in the

monument has grown in recent years, and some members of congress have signaled their support for easing restrictions in this area. CCE has been working to educate the public about the critical

science research being conducted in the monument, as well as ongoing federal efforts to lift protections for this rare natural treasure.

Harmful Algal Blooms Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) pose a serious threat to our drinking water, public health, outdoor recreation, and wildlife. HABs are erupting across New York more frequently and more

aggressively. HABs continue to represent a major environmental problem all across NY, posing an immense threat to communities’ drinking water, public health, and wildlife. CCFE continues t

educate the public, state and local officials on the dangers of blue-green algae.

In 2019, CCFE successfully advocated for sustained funding to address HABs, worked to improve public awareness, and worked to ensure implementation of the HAB Action Plan. In

2019, CCFE successfully campaigned to advance NY’s efforts to combat HABs. Public engagement and awareness of HABs has improved with the use of the DEC’s new web page

dedicated to HAB information, notification, an interactive map, and the use of a public reporting

system. Additionally grants are being awarded for a verity of projects and distributed equitably

across the State.

Long Island Groundwater Protection Long Island is a sole-source aquifer region, which means residents rely on groundwater for 100% of our drinking water. A clean, healthy aquifer system is vital to maintaining Long

Islanders’ quality of life. Contamination of groundwater from improper household hazardous waste disposal negatively impacts public health, our environment and pollutes groundwater

supplies. The aquifer system is substantially vulnerable to contamination due to land use

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activities that use toxics such as industrial uses, pesticide applications, gas stations, improper disposal and use of household hazardous wastes, fertilizers, septic systems, sewage treatment

discharges and more. These widespread activities cause contamination that seep through the land surface and reaches groundwater supplies. Most of Long Island cannot drink from the 1st

layer of the aquifer because of contamination. CCFE is a founding member of the Long Island Clean Water Partnership and helped to launch

the website www.longislandcleanwaterpartnership.org. CCFE works with the LICWP to keep the website updated, to draft alerts and notices to the hundreds of group members and thousands

of individual members and to keep the social media pages updated and relevant. Also, as a

member of the LICWP, CCFE has an aggressive public education component where we provide presentations to organizations, schools, and other stakeholder groups.

Suffolk County "Reclaim Our Water" program

CCFE worked in partnership with Suffolk County to help educate members of the public about

the “Reclaim Our Water” program. This program provides millions of dollars in direct financial support for Suffolk County residents who want to replace their existing septic systems with new

technology that will improve Long Island water quality. Priority is given to residents in priority areas, including unsewered coastal areas where nitrogen pollution from septics and cesspools

quickly reaches surface waters. . CCFE distributed door hangers and educational literature to

thousands of homes. We did targeted mailings to key communities on the importance of changing out their outdated septic systems. We also conducted public education forums with

Suffolk County educate residents and answer any questions that residents had on the program.

Water We Going to Do? Conference

• CCFE and our collaborators at the Long Island Clean Water

Partnership hosted the annual "Water We Going to Do?" conference. Over 150 people attended the conference.

Policy makers, scientists, business leaders, environmental

stakeholders, and civic groups discussed the most pressing issues facing Long Island's drinking and surface water and what

we need to do restore Long Island's water resources and

fisheries for future generations Toxic Algal Blooms

• CCFE joined with our partners at the Long Island Clean Water

Partnership and Dr. Chris Gobler to unveil a Summer 2019 map

of harmful algal blooms—and the news was not good. An array

of toxic tides was found in Long Island waters, including blue-green algae, Brown Tide, Red Tide, Rust Tide, and hypoxia.

Toxic tides can be traced back to rising levels of nitrogen coming from land and entering Long Island's surface waters. The largest sources of

nitrogen are household sewage and fertilizers, which are washed into groundwater that

seeps in bays, harbors, and estuaries. There was some good news. In some areas where nitrogen pollution has been significantly reduced, like Western Long Island Sound, we

are seeing improved water quality and decreased hypoxia.

Water Forum on Fire Island

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• CCFE hosted a forum on drinking water protection and marine mammals "" in the Fire

Island Village of Saltaire. There was a discussion with environmental and scientific

experts. Speakers included Adrienne Esposito from CCFE and Rob DiGiovanni with Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. CCFE also spearheaded the creation of the

“Coalition for Fire Island Waste Water Solutions”. The Coalition is working to educate members of Fire Island on innovative sewage solutions while working towards a holistic

plan.

Protecting NY from 1,4-Dioxane Contamination in Drinking Water

1,4-Dioxane is an emerging contaminant of concern found in Long Island's groundwater

and drinking water. It is a Synthetic Organic Compound (SOC), not found in nature. Long

Island, Nassau and Suffolk water suppliers

have reported the highest levels of 1,4-dioxane contamination in drinking water in

the nation. 1,4-Dioxane is listed as "likely to be carcinogenic to humans," with a Lifetime

Cancer Risk Guideline for drinking water of

0.35µg/L (micrograms per Liter) by the U. S. EPA. The chemical has been linked to tumors

of the liver, kidneys, and nasal cavity.

In 2017 CCFE launched an interactive map

and comprehensive report on the extent of contamination of 1,4 dioxane in drinking

water supplies. In 2019, we released a report on 1,4 dioxane and personal care products. Concerned residents asked what personal care products put them at risk of exposure to

1,4-dioxane and what products did not contain the harmful contaminate. This

contaminant is a byproduct of manufacturing and is not listed on product labels, so CCFE conducted our own independent testing. We tested 80 personal care products, including

shampoos, bath soaps, baby products, and detergents, independently tested for 1,4-dioxane. Of the 80 products, 65 tested positive for the contaminant! We released the

information in our Shopping Safe guide as well as factsheets on the “Dirty Dozen”

products containing the highest levels of 1,4-dioxane and the “Green 15” which had no detections of this contaminant. This first-of-its-kind testing allowed the public to know

how much 1,4-dioxane is present in everyday products and make well-informed decisions on which personal care products to choose for their homes and families.

CCFE worked throughout the year to educate the public and policy makers on the dangers of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water and the hidden carcinogen lurking in everyday

products. We conducted door-to-door education campaigns in Central New York, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island and spoke extensively about the public health risks

associated with this emerging contaminant at press conference, community meetings, and

educational forums, In addition, CCFE spearheaded a robust social media and digital outreach campaign, which led to our report, “Dirty Dozen”, and “Green 15” information

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going viral. In 2019, New York State became the first state to pass legislation banning 1,4-dioxane from products, which will not only protect New York’s drinking water but

has led to a national conversation on this issue and other states looking to pass similar laws!

CCFE has also participated in the NYS Drinking Water Council. In 2018, The Council voted to set a

standard of 1 ppb for 1,4-dioxane and 10 ppt for PFOS and PFOA. These will be the most rigorous

drinking water standards in the nation for these

harmful emerging contaminants. Long Island has the highest detected levels of 1,4-dioxane (a likely

carcinogen) in the nation. PFOS and PFOA are also toxins that may cause cancer and have been detected

at high levels in drinking water wells throughout NY.

Throughout 2019, CCFE worked to ensure that these standards are codified into law and that water

suppliers are required to treat our drinking water for these chemicals.

PFAS in Firefighting Foam

Recent water contamination cases in New York State have sounded the alarm about the dangers associated with PFAS contamination. In

Newburgh and Suffolk County, PFOS was used in firefighting foam that seeped into the

groundwater through firefighting and training activities. Exposure to PFAS can lead to higher rates of kidney and testicular cancer, higher cholesterol levels, suppressed immune system,

thyroid problems, and adverse developmental effects and decreased immune response in children.

In 2019, the New York State Drinking Water Council voted to recommend that the New York

State Department of Health adopt a drinking water standard of 10 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. If adopted, this would be the most rigorous drinking water standards in the nation for these harmful

emerging contaminants. Throughout 2019, CCFE worked to ensure that we do not continue to pollute our drinking water sources with additional PFAS contamination. CCFE successfully

educated policy makers and the public of the need to remove PFAS from firefighting foam in

order to prevent the contaminant from continuing to pollute drinking water near airports, air bases and firehouses where foam is commonly used and stored.

PFAS in Food Packaging PFAS are widely used in food packaging to provide water and grease resistance. PFAS are found in fast food packaging, beverage containers, microwaveable popcorn bags, bakery and deli

papers, grocery store take-out containers, and in other food packaging. PFAS are very persistent in the environment and in the human body, meaning they don’t break down and bioaccumulate

over time. PFAS can transfer from toxic packaging to the foods and beverages we consume,

leading to dangerous exposure. Exposure to PFAS can lead to higher rates of kidney and

CCFE staff at the 1,4-dioxane Shoppers Guide Press Conference

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testicular cancer, higher cholesterol levels, suppressed immune system, thyroid problems, and adverse developmental effects and decreased immune response in children.

Scientific studies show that food packaging is one of the most common ways people are exposed to PFAS. The Center for Environmental Health found PFAS in 100% of microwave popcorn

bags and molded food service-ware tested. A study by the Silent Spring Institute found PFAS in one-third of fast food packaging. Currently there are no state or federal regulations on the use of

short-chain PFAS in food packaging, and there is no way for consumers to know if our food is

packaged using PFAS. The only way to ensure PFAS are not contaminating our foods and beverages is to ban their use in food packaging.

Throughout 2019, CCFE aggressively worked to

educate the public and policy makers on the presence

of PFAS in food packaging and the negative environmental and health impacts of the

contaminant. CCFE conducted a successful grassroots public education campaign and advocated

for the removal of PFAS from food packaging in

New York.

Connecticut PFAS Action Plan

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent

a growing class of over 6,000 chemical compounds comprised of a series of fluorine atoms organized

around a carbon chain. These chemicals are used in a variety of household and industrial products,

including firefighting foams, food packaging, and

numerous water-resistant, stain-proof, and nonstick products. PFAS are highly persistent in soil and water, and are linked to a wide range of human health impacts. These include birth defects

and developmental challenges, elevated cholesterol levels, thyroid disease and testicular cancer.

In June of 2019, more than 20,000 gallons of Class-B firefighting foam containing PFAS

chemicals escaped into the Farmington River following an accidental discharge at Bradley International Airport. In the days immediately following the spill, PFAS levels in the Farmington

River were measured as high as 1.5 million ppt (parts per trillion). By comparison, the EPA health advisory for PFAS in drinking water is 70 ppt. There are currently no established health

advisories for PFAS in recreational waters, and no enforceable health standards for PFAS in

drinking water.

Following the spill, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced the establishment of an inter-agency PFAS task force, charged with creating a PFAS Action Plan to identify existing

contamination issues and prevent future releases of these toxic chemicals. The Inter-agency PFAS Action Plan recommended several common sense measures, including testing of soil and

water resources, assessing pathways for exposure through treated food packaging, and

establishing a buy-back program for firefighting foams that remain in storage at airports and firefighter training facilities across the state. CCFE is currently working to advance several of the

CCFE at a press conference calling on the Congress

to fund the clean up of toxic PFAS in CT groundwater

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Task Force’s recommendations, including requiring testing of public water sources for PFAS, restricting the use of fluorinated firefighting foams, and establishing a buy-back program for

unused foam being stockpiled at airports and firefighting storage depots around Connecticut.

Maximum Contamination Levels (MCLs) for 1,4-dioxane, perfluorooctanoic

acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) Throughout 2019, CCFE aggressively campaigned to address emerging contaminants 1,4-

dioxane, PFOA and PFOS. CCFE successfully promoted strong drinking water standards for emerging contaminants. Due to CCFE and the NYS Clean Water Coalition’s efforts the

NYSDOH proposed MCLs of 1 part per billion (ppb) for 1,4-dioxane, and 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and PFOA. While these would be the most stringent, enforceable drinking water

standards for these contaminants in the nation, CCFE continues to advocate for MCLs that

reflect recent science showing that PFOA and PFOS are harmful to human health at very low levels. CCFE continues to advocate for a MCL of 1ppb for 1,4-dioxane, and a combined MCL of

2ppt for PFOA and PFOS.

Sandland Sandland is a large sand mining operation that is acting as a solid waste storage and processing facility on Long Island. In 2014, they submitted an application to expand its operations. This 50-

acre mine is located within a Special Groundwater Protection Area, a critical area for protecting

the quality and quantity of Long Island's drinking water. In 2015 the DEC denied the expansion, however, Sandland has appealed that ruling. CCFE in partnership with Group for the East End

requested standing to become part of the DEC legal proceedings to support DEC’s expansion denial. The denial of

the expansion request still stands.

New York’s Clean Water Forum and Roundtable

New York’s water resources are under threat. State and local

agencies, water suppliers, wastewater treatment operators, and consumers face a number of critical water challenges now

and in the years ahead. In 2019, CCFE, along with our

environmental colleagues, reconvened the New York Clean Water Coalition and brought together wastewater treatment

operators, water suppliers, elected leaders, local and state agency representatives, environmental leaders, and other

stakeholders for another one-day forum in Albany to the

discuss challenges and solutions to protect New York’s water resources and to develop a shared vision for water

protection in New York State. The forum included presentations from dynamic speakers and an open

roundtable discussion on wastewater and drinking

water treatment needs and strategies, emerging contaminants, water resource recovery, water protection, and funding sources to pay for water

needs. CCFE produced a shared agenda for funding, policies, and other actions needed to protect clean water in 2020.

Participants at the Clean Water Forum and Roundtable

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CCFE reconvened the Clean Water Coalition in Albany to develop and establish upcoming priorities and a shared agenda for 2019. The coalitions diverse group of stakeholder came

together to identify a number of priority clean water issues to advocate for in the coming year. Based on the expert presentations and the roundtable discussion that followed, CCFE worked

with coalition members to develop a document that outlines our shared 2020 priority water issues

and agreed upon solutions. This coordinated approach continues to be critical in the coalition’s advocacy efforts. The 2020 priorities include one billion dollars in new funding for clean water

infrastructure, increased staff at DEC and DOH, additional protections for streams and wetlands, mandated testing of private wells for emerging contaminants, and several strategies to improve

the efficiency of existing water programs to make limited resources go further.

New York’s 1st Clean Water Legislative Breakfast

In 2019, CCFE brought coalition members, experts and over 50 elected officials, staff, and

agency members together for a Clean Water “Legislative Breakfast” in Albany to educate policy makers about the current science and solutions to address New York’s drinking water challenges.

Utilizing the shared agenda developed at the Clean Water Roundtable and released in early 2019 educated policy makers on the immense clean water needs for the State. CCFE and the coalition

successfully advocated for continued full funding of the $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure

Improvement Act of 2017, an additional $500 million in new funding for clean water infrastructure, a fully funded $300 million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), a ban on

plastic bags, continued funding to address Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), the removal of 1,4-dioxane from consumer products, and for the nation’s strongest Maximum Contamination Levels

(MCLs) for 1,4-dioxane, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

Connecticut Statewide Water Plan

CT Public Act 14-163 directed the CT Water Planning Council (WPC) to develop a

comprehensive water management plan to help drive future policymaking on issues related to water supply management. The final State Water Plan (SWP) was approved by the WPC in

January, 2018, and was approved through a joint resolution in June of 2019.

Following the plan’s approval by the CT General Assembly, CCFE’s CT Program Director Louis

Rosado Burch was appointed by to the Implementation Working Group (IWG) by the WPC. The IWG is charged with implementing the recommendations in the SWP across each of the four

relevant state agencies (DEEP, DPH, PURA and OPM). These include promoting progressive water management strategies such as water conservation, the reuse of Class-B water for non-

potable uses, improved agricultural and land management practices to improve water quality and

drought planning, among others.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & EVENTS

Long Island: What Does Your Water Cost?

In August 2019, CCFE released a comprehensive report on the cost of water throughout the 48 water districts on Long Island. So, What does your water cost? Our report uncovered a

confusing and widely variable network of costs for water that include charges on resident’s tax

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bills, reoccurring access fees, tiered costs of water that are varied and confusing, and more. There are even water

districts that DO NOT have water. The report found that the privatization of public water, overabundance of small

water districts, no uniform rate structure, and lack of

transparency hurts our wallets and our water quality.

Environmental Equinox Awards Gala

In 2019 we celebrated 34 years of working to

protect public health and the natural environment at our annual Environmental Equinox Gala. We

were proud to honor Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone for his commitment to protecting

Long Island’s waters, and Estee Lauder Companies

for their dedication in fighting cl imate change by

investing in renewable energy

Earth Day CCFE participates in a variety of Earth Day Events across NY & CT. In 2019, CCFE tabled at

Earth Day fairs and gave presentations at schools, community forums, and municipal events, focusing on the importance of BYOBag behavior, renewable energy, and protecting our

waterways from the Great Lakes to the Long Island Sound.

Celebrating Earth Day, Climate March

April was an especially busy month for us, with great Earth Day events throughout New York and Connecticut. Some highlights: • Northport Yacht Club: CCFE's Adrienne Esposito joined an expert panel to discuss the

water quality issues, including plastics and nitrogen pollution from septic systems, facing

the north shore of Long Island.

• St. Joseph's College Earth Day and Town of Huntington Family Earth Day Expo: On Long

Island, CCFE tabled at Earth Week events focusing on protecting our drinking and surface waters from nitrogen, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants

• Panel on Microplastics and Plastics in the Long Island Sound: CCFE joined scientific

experts and environmental leaders for a panel discussion at the Flinn Gallery in Connecticut

focusing on the threat plastic pollution poses to our waterways and what we can do to reduce plastics in Long Island Sound and our oceans

• Hamden Earth Day Celebration: We were happy to once again table at Hamden's Earth

Day Celebration on critical water protection and energy issues facing Connecticut.

• CCFE participated in the New Haven Rock to Rock Earth Day bike ride, an annual event

organized by Common Ground to highlight and support the work of local environmental

groups and nonprofits.

• Speaking about plastic pollution in Western New York: We joined with University of

Buffalo and other local partners for an event with former EPA regional administrator Judith Enck for a discussion on how to reduce plastic pollution, including bags, straws, and

CCFE Staff at the Syracuse Climate Strike

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Styrofoam. We also presented to the Orchard Park Garden Club on the threats that plastic pollution poses to the Great Lakes.

• Syracuse Climate Strike: We joined hundreds of climate activists in Syracuse and hundreds

of thousands across the world for the Climate Strike and march.

AQUIFER WORKS!

In 2019 CCFE continued its work to educate school children and the community on the importance of protecting Long Island’s drinking water. This program uses a three-dimensional

interactive aquifer model, created specifically to illustrate Long Island’s unique hydrological system. CCFE uses this 3-d model in presentations and talks throughout classrooms on Long

Island. The model illustrates the unique properties and vulnerabilities of Long Island’s groundwater system and how pollution moves through the ground. As part of this program,

CCFE staff also educates teachers to increase their understanding of Long Island’s unique

groundwater system. Teachers have incorporated lessons from the aquifer model into their curricula

for English, Science, and Civic classes.

Plastic Reduction Long Island Social Marketing Campaign

CCFE partnered with Atlantic Marine Conservation Society on a comprehensive

social marketing campaign to reduce plastic

debris in the Sound. In June, we held a beach cleanup at Sunken Meadow State Park.

Following the clean-up we unveiled Shelley the Sea Turtle, a 3D art instil lation crafted

from mesh metal and filled with the plastic

pollution we collected. Shelley the Turtle is a lasting reminder for the public to never leave

garbage on the beach and to reduce their use of throw-a-way plastics.

The campaign also included disseminating public educational literature, producing a short educational video, a social media campaign and distributing reusable straws and utensils. CCFE

created a sign-on pledge card that is used to enhance public participation to “skip the straw”. Once members of the public signed the pledge, they were provided a free reusable packet that

included a stainless steel straw, a straw cleaner, a wooden fork, a wooden spoon and a wooden

knife all in a transportable pouch. We collected over 700 pledges.

Adrienne Esposito speaking at a press conference

with the Suffolk County 5&5 Task Force

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Plastic Educational Sculpture at Jones Beach

CCFE joined Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Senators Kaminsky and Brooks, SUEZ,

and other water protection advocates to unveil

“Jonesy the Whale” at the Jones Beach East Bathhouse in August. Jonesy, a beautiful 32 ft,

2500 pound metal hand-crafted metal art sculpture, will serve as a reminder to all

beachgoers to pick up their litter and prevent

plastic pollution in our oceans.

Trawling for Microplastics in the Great

South Bay, Long Island CCFE has joined with Protecting the

Environment in Patchogue, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Fire Island National Seashore, and St . Josephs

College to further understand microplastics in rivers, bays, and harbors. Over the summer of 2019 we went on several t rips on Patchogue River and in the Great South

Bay collecting water samples that will be analyzed for microplastics by St . Josephs

College.

Plastic Reduction Coalitions

CCFE also worked to strengthen partnerships with over 100 community groups in over 50

municipalities through the Clean Seas Coalition, Atlantic Chapter and Plastic Free Waters

Partnership (formerly EPA’s Trash Free Waters). CCFE also continued to work with the Protecting the Environment in Patchogue Committee, NYS Plastic Bag Working Group, and Bag

It NYC coalitions to bolster BYOBag movements at the local and state level throughout the year.

In Erie County, NY, CCFE continued its work with the Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo Museum of

Science, the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, and several environmental groups to conduct a large-scale public education campaign on disposable bag pollution and the

need to switch to reusable bags, known as the Erie BYO Coalition. CCFE participated in a teacher training session held by Erie County Department of Environment and Planning. Science

and art teachers from across Erie County were trained on plastic pollution, and subsequently

conducting lessons and projects focused on plastic bag reduction for students across Erie County.

CCFE’s Adrienne Esposito and Maureen Murphy at

the unveiling of "Jonesy The Whale”

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CCFE co-hosted an event with the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning called

“They’re Demanding Less.” CCFE moderated a panel that included Rich Products, the Buffalo Zoo,

Borderland Music Festival, and the Sweet_ness 7

Café. All of these businesses have taken steps to either eliminate or significantly reduce their use of

plastic in favor or more sustainable alternatives. The panel provided the businesses in the crowd with

great advice on how they can quickly and cost-

effectively go plastic-free. The event was attended by approximately 75 people.

CCFE presented at an event held by the

Tonawanda Commission for Conservation of the

Environment on the threat that plastic pollution poses to the Great Lakes, and how the public can

help address this problem. By bringing your own reusable bag, coffee mug, takeout container, straw,

and more, everyone can help protect our lakes from plastic pollution.

After over a decade of working to educate policy makers on dangers of plastic bag

pollution, New York State banned plastic bags in 2019. Throughout the year, CCFE worked to educate the public and local elected officials on this new policy, which will

take effect in spring of 2020, and help ensure a smooth transition from plastic bags to

reusable alternatives. Part of this transition is to avoid members of the public simply choosing disposable paper bags at the register and instead choose to bring their own bag.

Small fees, like the 5 cent fees on carryout bags in Suffolk County, have proven effective at getting residents to change their behavior and change their shopping behavior. In 2019,

CCFE worked in NYC and Tompkins County to educate policy makers and community

members on the importance of not switching from plastic to paper, but rather from plastic to reusables. Both NYC and Tompkins County passed laws placing a 5 cent fee on paper

bags, and CCFE is continuing this campaign in communities across New York.

Reducing Restaurant Takeout Plastics in Onondaga County

In 2019, CCFE kicked off a campaign to reduce the use of plastic straws, throw away plastic cutler, and non-recyclable polystyrene takeout container and cups in local restaurants. These

takeout plastics remain a large and unchecked contributor of plastic pollution. CCFE worked to educate restaurants in Onondaga County on plastic reduction methods and available sustainable

alternatives. Additionally, CCFE educated the public on the need to reduce takeout plastics and

provided them with a reusable straw if they took a pledge to “skip the straw”.

CCFE’s Brian Smith presenting on the threats of

plastic pollution to the Great Lakes

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Pharmaceutical Disposal CCFE continues to work tirelessly to protect

NY and CT water from the emerging threat of

pharmaceutical contamination.

Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Webinar When flushed or thrown in the trash,

unwanted pharmaceutical drugs can end up

polluting our water resources, For years, CCFE has worked to establish drug take

programs throughout New York and Connecticut. In 2019, we joined with the

Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) to host a

webinar to educate a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies and

environmental organizations, on the most effective programs and policies needed to

protect our Great Lakes from pharmaceutical pollution. You can view the webinar here.

Long Island

One of the most successful safe pharmaceutical take-back programs in the country is King Kullen's program, which has collected and disposed of over 14,000 pounds of drugs since 2015!

Onondaga County In 2019, CCFE continued to educate the public on safe drug disposal programs. CCFE partners

with the Onondaga County Sharps, Needles, and Drug Disposal (SNADD) Program and the Onondaga County Drug Task Force Prevention and Education Committee to address both the

community and environmental impacts of improper pharmaceutical disposal.

ENERGY EDUCATION

Climate Change

Throughout 2019, CCFE worked at the local, state, regional, and federal level to advance solutions to

the climate crisis. We advocate for comprehensive

energy policies that support renewable energy (such as offshore wind and solar power) and energy

efficiency, while ending our dependence on dirty, polluting fossil fuels. Additionally, CCFE works to

advance climate adaptation and increased

resiliency measures, to ensure that New York and Connecticut are equipped to manage the impacts

we are already and will continue to face.

CCFE at the signing of the Climate Leadership and

Community Protection Act

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Combating Climate Change in Connecticut CCFE continued its work on combating climate change in Connecticut in 2019, by conducting public education campaigns on a range of campaigns on advancing clean energy and reducing the

state’s dependence on fossil fuels. These include working to expand offshore wind and community

shared solar, improving energy efficiency programs for low and moderate income residents, fighting to ban fracking waste in CT, halting the expansion of pipelines and other fossil fuel

infrastructure and requiring public utilities to minimize and address fugitive methane gas leaks.

Offshore Wind Energy Long Island and NYC Offshore Wind Power

Offshore wind is arguably Long Island's largest remaining untapped resource. After working for years to educate the public on choosing

offshore wind over fossil fuels for the south fork of Long Island, LIPA approved New York’s first offshore wind farm in 2017. The project,

30 miles off the coast of Montauk, will power tens of thousands of

homes on the east end of Long Island with renewable energy and offset the need for additional fossil fuel generation.

In June, the Public Service Commission held public hearings on South

Fork Wind Farm and the much-needed cable connection between the

offshore wind turbines and the East Hampton power grid. CCFE helped to educate members of the public on the importance of bringing

130mw of clean wind to Long Island.

HeatSmart CNY

CCFE is a member of the HeatSmart CNY campaign, which has been working to help CNY

residents and businesses install modern, clean geothermal systems. HeatSmart CNY is a grassroots community initiative to support residents and businesses in exploring ways to improve

the efficiency of their buildings, including air source, ground source, and hot water heat pump

technologies. Through community events, open houses, and workshops, HeatSmart CNY will provide information about sustainable heating and cooling systems, and provide access to vetted

and trusted installers. HeatSmart participants will learn what they can do to improve the efficiency and comfort of their homes and buildings, and receive a free site visit and evaluation

to determine which clean heating and cooling technologies are best suited for their home or

business.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Reducing Polystyrene Foam

Polystyrene foam (often called Styrofoam) is a pervasive form of plastic pollution found in our

parks and beaches throughout the state. CCFE worked to educate the public and policy makers on the public health and environmental impacts of polystyrene and the importance of switching

to reusable cups and bottles. In 2019, CCFE worked throughout NYC, Long Island, the Hudson

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Valley, and Central NY to address polystyrene pollution, attending press conferences, public

hearings, and community events where we spoke about the importance of moving away from

polystyrene foam and the importance of

reducing, not recycling, polystyrene. NYC won a court case allowing them to ban polystyrene on

January 1 2018 and CCFE worked to educate our members through digital outreach and social

media on the role this law plays in reducing

plastic pollution in our local waterways. After the success of NYC’s law, CCFE worked in Suffolk

County, Nassau County, Westchester County, Tompkins County, Onondaga County, Yates

County, and other Central NY Counties to

educate policy makers on this critical issue and mobilized community members and key

stakeholders to attend public hearings in support of passing similar polystyrene bans. Westchester,

Suffolk, and Nassau Counties all passed bans on

polystyrene and Tompkins and Yates Counties passed resolutions calling on the State to by polystyrene in 2019, adding momentum to a

statewide movement to get rid of this plastic pollutant.

Connecticut Recyclers Coalition

The CT Recycler’s Coalition (CRC) is made up of a diverse group of corporate, municipal,

private members and non-profit groups working to advance Connecticut's recycling and materials management programs at the local and state levels. Formed in 1989, CRC assists

members in improving the efficacy of their programs, educating the community and advocating

policies and programs that make recycling more effective, economical and robust throughout the State.

CCFE’s CT Program Director Louis Burch was elected to the board of directors for the CT

Recyclers Coalition in 2018. He continues to use his role at the CRC to advocate for prudent

recycling policies, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for consumer packaging, reforming curbside recycling programs and modernizing Connecticut’s container

deposit law (aka the Bottle Bill).

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH

Pesticide Education in Connecticut

CCFE continues to play an important leadership role in educating the public about the human

health and environmental risks associated with toxic pesticides. In 2019, CCFE worked in partnership with a coalition of local organizations working to raise awareness on toxic

chlorpyrifos pesticides, as well as advocating for sweeping reforms within DEEP’s Pesticide

CCFE’s Adrienne Esposito providing expert

testimony on solutions to NY’s solid waste crisis

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Management Program. These include providing a dedicated funding stream for pesticide inspections and enforcement, modernizing to an electronic records system and reinstating the

statewide pesticide monitoring system.

Brookhaven Landfill The Brookhaven Community Coalition (BCC) was formed in February 2011 to protect the lower

Brookhaven community from impacts of large-scale waste management activities. The BCC is made up of over 30 organizations in southern Brookhaven including; school boards, local

libraries, fire departments, civic organizations, the local ambulance company, business

associations, residents, and local educators. In 2018, the BCC continued to address issues at the Brookhaven Town Landfill, where odor, dust, and environmental and public health threats

emanated from their operation. Results of air samples taken by the BCC revealed the presence of Benzene and Hydrogen Sulfide. CCFE and BCC called on the NYS DEC to require the town

implement an air quality-monitoring program around the landfill and to test specifically during

odor events. DEC has not acted.

After years of suffering health impacts and diminished quality of life due to unbearable odors from the Brookhaven Landfill, community members, teachers, and parents have filed a lawsuit

against the Town. CCFE joined plaintiffs and lawyers at a press conference announcing that 25

plaintiffs filed a Notice of Claim. This action is an act of last resort because the Town has ignored requests to meet. At Frank P. Long School, 35 out of 105 staff members have been

diagnosed with cancer.

ADVISORY COMMITTEES, TASK FORCES AND COALITIONS CCFE staff continued to serve on numerous advisory committees and task forces involved in

studies of environmental problems.

• Healing Our Waters Coalition: CCFE is one of more than 100 organizations representing millions of residents in the Great Lakes have joined the HOW coalition

whose goal is to restore and protect the Great Lakes. Led by the National Wildlife

Federation and the National Parks Conservation Association, the coalition seeks to

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secure a sustainable restoration plan and the billions of dollars of state and federal funding needed to implement it. www.healthylakes.org

• Great Waters Coalition – CCFE has joined with groups nationally to work to protect

our nation’s great water bodies including Long Island Sound, the Great Lakes and Lake

Champlain.

• Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut – CCFE is a key member of the

Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Connecticut (CSHC), which works to identify dangerous and unnecessary toxic exposures in the home environment and educate consumers about

how to avoid them. CSHC is part of the national “Mind the Store” campaign, which targets large retailers and works to phase out products that contain toxic chemicals at

store locations nationwide. The 2019 Retailer Report Card, ranked 43 major nation-wide

retailers on actions taken to eliminate consumer products containing toxic chemicals at their stores nation-wide. Among the top scorers were Apple, Ikea, CVS Health and the

Home Depot. Additionally, the coalition stepped up its efforts to educate the public bout emerging contaminants in public drinking water, including toxic PFAS chemicals and 1,

4-dioxane.

• CT Recyclers Coalition- CCFE’s Connecticut Program Director Louis Rosado Burch is

an active member of the CRC Board of Directors, working to improve Connecticut’s

recycling programs including modernizing the Bottle Bill, promoting EPR solutions for consumer packaging and reducing the use of single-use plastics in CT.

• Onondaga Lake Watershed Partnership (OLWP) — CCFE is a member of the

OLWP, which acts as a clearinghouse of information regarding the Lake and its

watershed and how to be a good steward of the natural resources that make the watershed unique. With many community members, federal, state, and local partners, CCFE has

worked to expand the focus from Onondaga Lake remediation and restoration to protecting the entire Onondaga Lake watershed.

• Brookhaven National Laboratory Citizens Advisory Committee: This committee

evaluates and advises BNL on the ongoing environmental remediation efforts at this

important laboratory.

• Chair, Citizens Advisory Committee for the South Shore Estuary Reserve - The

Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) of the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council was established in 1994 to make recommendations and provide guidance to the Council in the

preparation of the Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). Since the adoption

of the CMP in 2001, the CAC has focused on implementation of CMP recommendations. It is authorized to prepare reports, recommend studies, and submit findings and

recommendations to the Council.

• Long Island Sound Study Citizens Advisory Committee- The Long Island Sound

Study (LISS) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) provides ongoing advice to the Federal, state, and local government Management Conference partners working on

implementing the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the

restoration and protection of Long Island Sound.

• Clean Seas Coalition – CCFE chairs the mid-Atlantic chapter of the Clean Seas Coalition (CSC) as well as New York City Bag working group. The coalition is made up

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of nonprofits, community leaders, scientists and educators working to reduce plastic pollution in our waterways and promote BYOB behavior.

• Great Lakes Action Agenda Workgroups—CCFE participated in the Great Lakes

Action Agenda (GLAA) workgroups, which brings together a broad range of

stakeholders working to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The groups work together to identify opportunities to work together to accomplish Great Lakes restoration goals

identified in the GLAA

• Water Management Advisory Committee—CCFE participates in this committee,

whose function is to advise the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water (DOW) on water programs and to facilitate the exchange of

information between the DOW and members’ constituents.

• Onondaga County Drug Task Force-Prevention and Education Committee: CCFE

sits on the Prevention and Education Committee of the Onondaga County Drug Task

Force whose function is to increase public awareness and use of safe pharmaceutical disposal options in Onondaga County.

• HeatSmart CNY— CCFE is a member of the HeatSmart CNY Steering committee,

which is a grassroots community initiative to support residents and businesses in

exploring ways to improve how they heat their buildings.

• Suffolk County Pesticide Phase-Out Committee. In Suffolk County CCFE sits on the

Suffolk County Pesticide Phase-out Committee. In 2000, Suffolk County passed legislation that banned pesticides from all county-owned property. The committee was

established to review progress on implementation and to approve/disapprove any proposed exemptions. CCFE is a voting active member of the committee.

• Clean Energy Organizations Collaborative – In 2015, CCFE joined the CEOC, a

coalition of organizations working to phase out fossil fuel power generation and promote

renewable energy development within NY’s REV (Reforming the Energy Vision) and CES (Clean Energy Standard processes. The collaborative is working to ensure that the

goal of 50% renewable energy production by the year 2030 becomes reality and is

reached as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

• Plastic Free Waters Partnership – CCFE participates PFWP (formerly EPA Region 2’s

Trash Free Waters program), which focuses on how to reduce plastic pollution from cigarette butts, bottles, bags, microbeads, and EPS foam (commonly called

StyrofoamTM). CCFE participates in the steering committee and also chairs the subgroup focusing on actions to reduce plastic bag use.

• Fire Island Sewage Solutions Coalition – This is a diverse group of stakeholder

working to address septic system replacement in Fire Island communities and expansion

of the Ocean Beach STP.

• Nassau County Waste Water Oversight Committee – Meets quarterly to review the

management by SUEZ of Nassau County’s waste water system.

• Protecting the Environment in Patchogue (PEP) – CCFE worked with the PEP

committee in Patchogue to implement a Bring Your Own Bag campaign, including conducting surveys of residents, hosting educational forums, and doing direct mailings to

residents on the importance of reusable bag use.

• Long Island Clean Water Partnership – CCFE, along with the Nature Conservancy,

Pine Barrens Society, and Group for the East End lead the LICWP, a coalition of over

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100 groups focusing on educating the public on the importance of protecting Long Island groundwater and implementing programs to protect surface and drinking water resources

for future generations.

• Natural Gas Working Group – CCFE is a member of the NGWG, which works to

address natural gas issues that face New York and Pennsylvania.

• Suffolk County 5 & 5 Education and Effectiveness Committee – CCFE is a member

of the Suffolk County 5 & 5 committee, which was created by the Suffolk County Legislature to assist in implementing the county’s BYOBag law, educating the public and

businesses on making the switch to reusable bags, and collecting data on the effectiveness

of the 5 cent fee on single-use bags in changing public behavior.

• Western New York Environmental Alliance – CCFE joined the board of the WNYEA,

an independent, member-run organization with a mission to mobilize change through

collective action and collaboration, in order to ensure sustainable, thriving ecosystems

and communities in Western New York. With more than 100 member organizations, affiliates and supporters, the WNYEA wants to ensure that the environment is the key

factor in local and regional planning.

• Additional Committees include:

Albany County Soil and Water Conservation Committee

Agriculture Environment Management Steering Committee Bag it NYC

NYS Shellfish Restoration Task Force

Erie County Water Quality Committee Suffolk County Planning Commission

Tonawanda Commission for Conservation of the Environment Suffolk County Plastics Reduction Committee

Long Island Commission on Aquifer Protection Water Conservation Committee

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CCFE 2019 PROGRAM EXPENSES

Program Category Program Expense

Water Resources $ 241,605 Environmental Education $ 140,100

Energy Education $ 95,370 Environmental and Public Health Research $ 158,728

TOTAL $ 635,803

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Long Island: Nassau County

Office hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 225-A Main Street, Farmingdale, New York 11735

516-390-7150 --- Fax: 516-390-7160

e-mail: farmingdale@citizenscampaign.org

Hamden: New Haven County 2404 Whitney Ave. (2nd floor)

Hamden, CT 06518

203- 821-7050 e-mail: hamden@citizenscampaign.org

Buffalo: Erie County

Office hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

733 Delaware Road, Box 140, Buffalo, New York 14223 716-831-3206

e-mail: buffalo@citizenscampaign.org

Albany: Albany County

Office Hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 744 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207

518-434-8171 --- Fax: 518-434-8172 e-mail: albany@citizenscampaign.org

Syracuse: Onondaga County

Office hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 2000 Teall Ave, Suite 204, Syracuse, 13206

315-472-1339 --- Fax: 315-472-1179 e-mail: syracuse@citizenscampaign.org