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Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

The Citizens’ Bulletin

Volume 8, Issue 1 – Winter 2012

In This Issue…

Welcome To The Citizens’ Bulletin!

Welcome to the Illinois EPA’s Citizens’ Bulletin. We are pleased to present our electronic environmental newsletter created specifically for the citizens of Illinois. The Citizens’ Bulletin is a component of our ongoing effort to carry out Governor Pat Quinn’s commitment to making state government more responsive to citizens by using technology such as the Internet.

We created this e-newsletter to provide you with useful information, such as Green Tips, a regular feature offering tips and ideas you can use to prevent pollution and protect the environment. Events, another regular feature, will include public hearings, workshops, conferences and events that offer opportunities for you to get involved. A schedule of events will also be available on our website and will be regularly updated. Each issue will include articles about Illinois EPA programs and activities to keep you informed.

We hope that this newsletter provides you with comprehensive news, events, and helpful hints. We welcome your feedback and your ideas of how we may better serve you.

New Regulations on Electronics Disposal

As of January 1, 2012, individuals are no longer able to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash. Discarded electronics, including computers, monitors, electronic keyboards, scanners, fax machines and many other electronic devices, must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. It will be illegal for the consumer to dispose of them in the trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.

The Illinois Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act, which took effect in 2008, required manufacturers to establish a recycling program for discarded and unwanted electric products, if they sell their products in Illinois. This newest phase includes individual citizens in the effort to keep electronics, which contain a variety of potentially toxic contaminants, out of the state’s 48 active landfills. Current law requires computer monitors, televisions and printers to be diverted from landfills. Under the new law, the list of items required to be recycled expanded from four to 17 to include keyboards, portable music devices, scanners, videocassette recorders, video game consoles and more.

A 2007 report showed that electronic products were the fastest growing portion of the solid waste stream. That year, three million tons of electronic products became obsolete, yet only 14 percent of those products were recycled. The metals, which include gold, cadmium, lead and silver, if landfilled can threaten groundwater. When the metals are reused, it eliminates some of the need for mining for new supplies and can also be valuable resources when reclaimed.

The Illinois EPA’s web site, Electronic Waste Recycling, provides a list of registered collectors, as well as a complete listing of all electronic items included in the ban.

New List of Covered Electronic Poducts

• Televisions
• Monitors
• Printers
• Computers (including tablet computers)
• Electronic Keyboards
• Facsimile Machines
• Videocassette Recorders
• Portable Digital Music Players
• Digital Video Disc Players
• Video Game Consoles
• Small Scale Servers
• Scanners
• Electronic Mice
• Digital Converter Boxes
• Cable Receivers
• Satellite Receivers
• Digital Video Disc Recorders

New Light Bulb Regulations

Energy efficient light bulbs will soon be replacing standard light bulbs as new federal regulations take place in the New Year. Although it will be required that these bulbs use less wattage, or energy, it will produce the same amount of lumens, or light output. Therefore, there is no need to stock up on the light bulbs being phased out because they will no longer be available. These regulations are being put into effect to replace current bulbs with more energy efficient ones, thus raising the standards for common light bulbs to use 25-30 percent less energy than most incandescent light bulbs.

Beginning January 2012, the 100W incandescent bulbs will be phased out and replaced by the more energy efficient 72W bulbs. These new bulbs will be required to emit the same amount of lumens as a 100W bulb, just without consuming as much electricity. The 75W bulb will be phased out beginning January 1, 2013 and replaced with the 53w bulb, and the 60 and 40W bulbs will be replace with 43 and 29W bulbs beginning January 1, 2014.

The wattage rating of a bulb merely indicates the wattage of electricity required for input to the bulb. The light output is measured in lumens. Thus, lighting efficiency is expressed as lumens per watt. Some alternatives to incandescents include advanced incandescents that meet the new efficiency requirements and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) which use about 75% less energy, lasts up to 10 times longer, and produces about 75% less heat, so it’s safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling. Although CFL bulbs contain significantly less mercury and lead than they did a decade ago, the bulbs still must be handled in a responsible manner for disposal. Some stores now have drop-off sites for proper disposal of the burned-out CFL bulbs. Another alternative includes LED (Light Emitting Diodes) bulbs which are even more efficient and can last can last 25,000 hours. They use at least 75 percent less energy and last at least 15 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

Here are a few energy saving tips to help reduce your electrical consumption:

• Turn off lights whenever possible
• Install dimming controls to reduce unnecessary electric use
• Install motion sensors or timers outdoors, or wherever possible
• Use CFL’s or LED’s wherever possible
• Use halogen incandescent bulbs when incandescent lighting cannot be avoided

For more information on the lighting efficiency regulations, visit the Appliance Standards Awareness Project web site, or the American Lighting Association.

For more information on alternative light bulbs, visit the Energy Star web page on LEDs.

For information on CFL disposal options in Illinois, visit Illinois EPA’s Compact Fluorescent Lamps and the Environment web page.

Winter Fish Kills

When the spring thaw arrives and the ice melts, many pond owners will find that they have experienced a winter fish kill. The majority of winter fish kills are experienced as cold temperatures cause ponds and lake to freeze over. Low dissolved oxygen levels result from a combination of factors. The air/water interface is capped by the formation of ice limiting the exchange of oxygen at the surface. This icy cover also reduces or completely eliminates sunlight form reaching any aquatic plant life that would otherwise produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. With no light available, aquatic plant life will begin to respire (consume oxygen) along with fish and other aquatic life and further increase the oxygen demand. The bacterial decomposition of organic material and bottom sludge also depletes oxygen levels. Over time, the dissolved oxygen levels eventually become too low to sustain aquatic life. This can vary widely depending upon the type of aquatic organisms living in your pond or lake.

There are many things that can be done to lessen the chance of having a catastrophic fish kill. We know that low dissolved oxygen is the major culprit of most fish kills, but other factors like stress, disease and pollution can all contribute to the problem. The best way to limit stress and disease in game fish is to maintain proper water conditions. The use of subsurface aeration and beneficial microbes can greatly improve the water quality and clarity. Fish living in good quality water are healthier and are better suited to deal with stress, disease and the occasional dip in dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Aeration

Aeration can greatly enhance the dissolved oxygen content in ponds and lakes. Subsurface aeration systems utilizing compressed air and diffusers are the best choice for most ponds and lakes. Small or very shallow ponds may benefit more from the use of a surface aerator or a decorative fountain. In emergency situations, an outboard motor or other mechanical device can be used to agitate the surface of the water. This can provide enough oxygen to keep the fish alive for a short period of time until other arrangements can be made.

Subsurface Aeration

Subsurface aeration systems are both efficient and effective. For example, a 1/3hp subsurface aeration system can easily maintain proper dissolved oxygen concentrations in ponds up to 5 acres in size. Not only will they provide vital oxygen to the water, they also greatly improve water quality and help reduce algae and aquatic plants that can rob the water of oxygen during the night or long winters. Subsurface aeration systems are considered the foundation for improving and maintaining proper water quality and clarity in ponds and lakes.

If your pond is ice-covered and aeration is not an option, fish winterkills can often be prevented by simply removing some of the snow off the ice. About 25-50% of the pond surface needs to be kept free of snow to maintain enough light to allow sufficient photosynthesis to occur. This is particularly effective in small, shallow ponds where the volume of water may not be sufficient to allow oxygen to last the winter. Only remove snow when the ice is safe. Four inches of ice is a good rule to follow before stepping onto the ice to remove snow.

Information provided by Learn about Fish Kills web site.

For more information on lake aeration and circulation, visit Illinois EPA’s Lake Notes.

Firewood…Know Where It Came From

Now is the time of year when truckload after truckload of firewood is cut, delivered, stacked and burned in fireplaces and wood burners around the state. A nice stack of firewood can provide warmth and enjoyment all winter. However, caution must be taken when dealing with firewood due to an accidental infestation that can be caused from the transference of an invasive insect via firewood. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic, invasive beetle from Asia capable of destroying Ash trees. Therefore, a ban has been placed on moving firewood outside many states due to the federal EAB quarantine as a result of the mass destruction on ash trees this insect can cause.

For more information visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Firewood Information web page, or the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s web page on Emerald Ash Borer.

As the Worm Squirms

If you are looking for a way to produce free, high quality compost, while at the same time, reducing waste, vermicomposting may be ideal for you. As you may already know, composting keeps valuable nutrients from ending up as garbage in a landfill, while creating a great fertilizer for plants. Furthermore, worms are nature’s best composters.

Vermicomposting is composting using various species of worms, such as red wigglers, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, such as newspaper or even cardboard, and vermicast. The resulting product, worm castings or worm manure, is the breakdown of organic matter, which results in an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner containing water-soluble nutrients. It can be as easy as a plastic storage bin filled with shredded newspaper, worms and non-dairy, non-meat kitchen scraps.

For more information on instructions on how to start your own bin, visit the University of Illinois Extension, WormWoman.com , or Red Worm Composting web site.

Get your school involved!

The Illinois EPA offers different programs and contests that Illinois schools can get involved with, such as the following:

2012 Statewide Poster and Poetry/Prose Exhibit: “Going Green to Keep Your Storm Water Clean!”

Fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois are invited to compete in this year’s Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest. The contest, which coincides with Illinois EPA’s environmental education packet, Environmental Pathways - Youth Investigating Pollution Issues in Illinois, gives students an opportunity to express and share, on a deeper and more personal level, what they have learned about the importance of protecting our air, land and water. This free teacher’s guide meets the criteria of the North American Association for Environmental Education’s, Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence, and is correlated with the Illinois Leaning Standards.

The theme of the 2012 event is ‘Going Green to Keep Your Storm Water Clean!” focusing on the importance of storm water and ways to prevent polluting it. Students whose works have been chosen for the exhibit, together with their parents and teachers, will be invited to an awards reception in Springfield. The finalists will receive certificates and ribbons. Twelve students (six in each category) will be given special recognition and will each receive a $50 savings bond and an environmental reference book for his or her school’s library. Following the recognition reception, the works will remain on display at the Illinois EPA April 2 through May 2. The top twelve entries also will be displayed on the Illinois EPA’s web site providing additional recognition for the winning entries as well as promoting the program.

Visit the Illinois EPA’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest web page for more information. Entries must be postmarked by February 2, 2012 and the awards ceremony will be held in Springfield on March 31.

Lake Education Assistance Program (LEAP)

The Illinois EPA provides funding of up to $500 for lake and lake watershed related educational field trips, seminars/workshops, projects, and activities. Projects and activities must have stated goals and involve the enhanced lake/lake watershed education of teachers, students, organizations and/or the community. A one page final report will be required, including such things as the level of participant involvement, videos, photographs, artwork, and/or written work. Funding will be in the form of reimbursement of documented costs incurred, and can be applied to such items as educational materials, scientific equipment, substitute teacher payment, buses/drivers, seminars, workshops, software, and visual materials.

Application deadlines are September 30 and January 31. Only one application per school or organization for each application period will be accepted. For more information, visit the Illinois EPA’s LEAP web page. For an application, please download a copy of the Lake Education Assistance Program Application Form.

In the Community

Three high school students received the honor of the village of Algonquin ECO (Engage, Conserve Optimize) Committee’s first Gold Leaf Award. The project, “Going for Green” was created by Allison Dianis, Rosa Wu, and Erin Dianis and consisted of collecting recyclables from around the neighborhood and producing a new web site to encourage environmental awareness and commitment by asking for pledges from individuals to change their lifestyle and benefit the environment.

According to the Village web site, “The Gold Leaf Award is an outreach effort to engage and encourage residents to be active in the Village’s environmental efforts. It is an opportunity to recognize those individuals, families, organizations, classrooms, schools, and businesses that demonstrate an on-going commitment to our local and global resources--water, land, and air--through involvement and participation in various environmental initiatives.”

For more information, visit the Village of Algonquin web site or Going for Green web site to make your pledge.

Environmental Tips

Provided by EarthShare

The 10 Biggest Energy Users:

1. Water heaters
2. Refrigerators
3. Freezers
4. Air conditioners
5. Ranges
6. Clothes washers
7. Clothes dryers
8. Dishwashers
9. Portable heaters
10. Lights

Inexpensive solutions to consider:

• Cover your air conditioner: If you can't remove your window unit, consider covering it both inside and out. Besides protecting your air-conditioning unit, these covers also help keep cold air from entering your home through the space around the air-conditioner and can be a great way to lower utility bills.
• Caulk it: Small spaces and gaps around windows and pipes and wires entering the home create energy wasting drafts that can cut the efficiency of your heating system. Most caulking products cost under $10; rope caulk, one of the easiest types to apply, sells for about $4 for 40 or 50 feet.
• Block drafts: Draft blockers are foam plates that fit behind light switches and electrical outlets to reduce drafts that enter through those spaces. You can get a packet of 10 for about $3 and they're easy to install with just a screwdriver.
• Install heat reflectors: These are thin sheets that fit behind radiators, to reflect heat away from the wall and into the room, thereby maximizing each radiator's energy efficiency.
• Upgrade your thermostat: Changing your thermostat to a programmable one allows you to control the temperature in your home at different times of the day without you being home. Keep the heat off when you're out of the house and set it to turn back up before you get home. Some also have a second set of settings for weekends, when people usually spend more time at home. The thermostats range from $90 to $175, but can save 12% or more on your energy bill and pay for itself within three years.
• Reflective Window Film: Place these thin, plastic sheets directly on the inside of window panes and glass doors. The film reflects inside heat back into your home, reducing the amount that is conducted outside through windows. The film costs about $10 a window and is easy to put on — it adheres to the window directly, or with the help of water from a spray bottle.
• Storm Window Kits: It can be expensive to have storm windows installed throughout your house, but there is a less-expensive way to weatherproof home windows. Storm window kits consist of plastic film or sheets to cover the window. Attaching the plastic is done with tape or tacks. Prices range from about $3 to $10 per window.
• Weatherstripping: Create a tight seal around all your windows to reduce heated and cooled air from escaping outside. Weatherstrips are plastic, foam, felt or rubber strips that fit around window and door frames with a self-adhesive backing. Prices vary, but average about $5 per window or door.

Need More Help? The Home Energy Saver allows you to enter information about your home and compute what specific changes would result in energy and environmental savings.

For more tips on Winterizing Your Home, visit Preparing Your Home for Winter.

FAQs

How can I prepare for a winter emergency?

It's getting to be that time of year when a winter storm can come out of nowhere. Preparation for blizzards and severe weather is essential. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you have everything you need to survive hours or even days without electricity, heat or anything else it takes necessary.

According to the FEMA web site, the recommended supplies list is as follows:

Emergency Supplies:

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Clothing and Bedding:

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:

• A jacket or coat
• Long pants
• A long sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes
• A hat and gloves
• A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.

• Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
• Rain gear
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Paper towels
• Fire Extinguisher
• Tent
• Compass
• Matches in a waterproof container*
• Signal flare*
• Paper, pencil
• Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
• Disinfectant*
• Household chlorine bleach* You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Medicine dropper
• Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

For tips on how to save energy and money while staying warm, visit Keep Warm Illinois' web site. It offers information regarding ways to save energy, state energy assistance resources, winter storm preparedness and more. Also, check out the different videos for more energy saving tips. The Energy House interactive web site also offers energy saving tips for each room of the house. More tips and lists regarding severe weather can be found on AccuWeather.com.

Do you take student suggestions for reference links?

Yes. In fact, recently we received a correspondence from a science teacher, Ms. Smith, teaching at Brighter Futures Charter School in California. Her class is learning about water conservation and used the Citizens' Bulletin as a resource. Her students have been inspired to find other resources on their own and suggested a web site on Water Conservation Resources. We would like to thank Ms. Smith and the entire science class at Brighter Futures for their hard work and their interest and excitement in taking steps to protect the environment. Keep up the good work!

**The mention of any products or services seen in the resource web sites in the articles above are not meant as an endorsement of any of these products or services by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Environmental Contribution

Do you have a local story of an outstanding group or individual that has contributed to a healthy environment that you would like to share with us? If so, please email us using the form below. If you prefer, you can fax, mail or call us with the following information.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
1021 N. Grand Ave. East
PO Box 19276
Springfield, IL 62794-9276
Phone: Toll Free 888-372-1996
Fax: 217-785-8346
Email: Kristi Morris