Biosolid Composting: Experiment in Kodiak
Lab tests released this week by Soil Control Lab show the experiment was a success. What was once toilet paper and human waste is now soil. Tests confirm the soil is sufficiently low in heavy metals and other potential toxins. It can now be used to grow flowers and vegetables.
The material used to make the soil would usually end up at the Kodiak Borough Landfill.
But the current load of soil is only an experiment to see if biosolids — the technical term for the main solid byproduct of sewage treatment — can be turned into dirt. The load of soil, composed of a week’s worth of biosolids, will probably produce only a couple of dump truck loads of soil in the coming spring when workers will screen out the woodchips used in the composting process.
After some number crunching and evaluation of public opinion the city will make decisions regarding the expansion of the project.
“We now want to find out if this is something the community wants,” plant supervisor Hap Heiberg said. “When I see people at Safeway they’ve been very supportive, and want to know how they can get compost.”
Heiberg said options for disposal of biosolids from the treatment plant include continuing to take them to the borough landfill, burning them, hauling them off island or composting. The city must now weigh the options.
He said Kodiak is now ahead of most Alaska communities in its water treatment because it invested in a secondary water treatment system. Most Alaska communities, including Anchorage, only send wastewater through a primary system.
To be placed on a list of people interested in receiving compost from the wastewater plant, e-mail Heiberg at hheiberg@city.kodiak.ak.us or call 486-8076.
Mirror writer Sam Friedman can be reached via e-mail at sfriedman@kodiakdailymirror.com.
See the full article here:
http://www.kodiakdailymirror.com/?pid=19&id=8284
Friday, December 11, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Alaska Climate Change Compact
For your consideration: Should Kodiak join this statement?
Alaska Coastal Communities Global Climate Change Compact
Alaska has more miles of coastline than all the rest of the United States. The vast majority of our state’s residents call our coastal communities home. These communities generate billions in economic activity. From Metlakatla to Kaktovik, people have lived along Alaska’s vast coast for thousands of years and depended on rich biological ocean resources for survival. Today, the cultural identity and survival of Alaska’s coastal communities still depend on the ocean resources that support commercial fishing, tourism, recreation and subsistence.
We, the undersigned Alaskan local and regional governments and elected officials, express our deep concern about human-induced global climate change and ocean acidification and issue a call to policymakers to take strong and immediate action to prevent catastrophic impacts from greenhouse gas emissions. We recognize the validity of the following statements:
1. Global climate change represents one of the greatest threats of our time. The Intergovernental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s leading scientific body on this subject, has presented compelling evidence of climate change’s dangerous effects and has recommended steps to avoid them. The IPCC has called on nations to collectively curtail greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that atmospheric concentrations peak no later than 2015 and decline 80 percent by 2050, compared to 2000. The IPCC has concluded with 90 percent confidence that today’s climate changes are attributable to human activity, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.
2. Ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations from the burning of fossil fuels and is accelerating. The daily uptake of over 22 million tons of carbon dioxide into the ocean is causing ocean acidification and threatens many forms of marine life by decreasing the ability of certain organisms to build their shells and skeletal structures. Ocean acidification has the potential, within decades, to severely affect marine organisms, food webs, biodiversity and fisheries.
3. Global climate change and ocean acidification threaten communities in Alaska. Because high latitude regions of the earth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change, Alaska has been described as “ground zero” for climate change. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and spruce bark beetle infestations are evidence of climate change in Alaska. In addition, ocean acidification threatens the fisheries that provide food, jobs, and cultural identity to many Alaskans, particularly in coastal communities.
4. Alaskan coastal communities are important to the nation, and Alaska can play a role in addressing climate change and ocean acidification. Alaska produces more than half of the seafood caught in the United States. Alaska also has potential to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification, through development and export of renewable energy technologies that can be used throughout the developing world.
5. There are compelling economic arguments to act now. Positive economic development and diversification of Alaska’s economy will be associated with addressing climate change in the state. Furthermore, the economic costs of inaction will be far greater than the costs associated with immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with IPCC recommendations.
6. The United States has an obligation to take a leadership role in addressing global climate change. With only 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States produces approximately 25 percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.
7. For the well-being of current and future generations, immediate action must be taken at all levels of government and throughout society to address global climate change and ocean acidification. Given the seriousness of these problems, policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must constitute a priority when allocating government resources.
We hereby express support for the following policies, actions and initiatives:
1. At the national level, immediately enact climate legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet or exceed the goals recommended by the IPCC; e.g., 80 percent reduction from 2000 levels by 2050.
2. Reengage at the national level in the international process of dealing effectively with global climate change.
3. At the national and state levels, enact legislation and fund initiatives that will dramatically increase energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy.
4. Utilize a significant portion of the proceeds from national cap-and-trade legislation, carbon tax, or other sources to fund initiatives in Alaska that will:
- develop renewable energy resources, improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, etc., in all sectors of the economy
- increase public knowledge of issues related to greenhouse gas emissions,
- create a skilled workforce for a new clean-energy economy
- help vulnerable communities adapt to unavoidable climate-related impacts
- protect or rebuild infrastructure that is threatened by climate impacts
- enhance research in the area of ocean acidification
- enhance research in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
We further express our commitment to:
1. network with other Alaskan coastal communities on the issues of climate change and ocean acidification;
2. encourage actions within our own communities to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification and adapt to unavoidable changes;
3. make wise and effective use of resources provided by the state and federal governments for such actions; and
4. support community efforts to educate the public on these issues.
Signatories:
City and Borough of Sitka
City of Homer
City of Petersburg
City of Dillingham
City of Gustavus
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska Coastal Communities Global Climate Change Compact
Alaska has more miles of coastline than all the rest of the United States. The vast majority of our state’s residents call our coastal communities home. These communities generate billions in economic activity. From Metlakatla to Kaktovik, people have lived along Alaska’s vast coast for thousands of years and depended on rich biological ocean resources for survival. Today, the cultural identity and survival of Alaska’s coastal communities still depend on the ocean resources that support commercial fishing, tourism, recreation and subsistence.
We, the undersigned Alaskan local and regional governments and elected officials, express our deep concern about human-induced global climate change and ocean acidification and issue a call to policymakers to take strong and immediate action to prevent catastrophic impacts from greenhouse gas emissions. We recognize the validity of the following statements:
1. Global climate change represents one of the greatest threats of our time. The Intergovernental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the world’s leading scientific body on this subject, has presented compelling evidence of climate change’s dangerous effects and has recommended steps to avoid them. The IPCC has called on nations to collectively curtail greenhouse gas emissions to ensure that atmospheric concentrations peak no later than 2015 and decline 80 percent by 2050, compared to 2000. The IPCC has concluded with 90 percent confidence that today’s climate changes are attributable to human activity, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels.
2. Ocean acidification is caused by increased carbon dioxide concentrations from the burning of fossil fuels and is accelerating. The daily uptake of over 22 million tons of carbon dioxide into the ocean is causing ocean acidification and threatens many forms of marine life by decreasing the ability of certain organisms to build their shells and skeletal structures. Ocean acidification has the potential, within decades, to severely affect marine organisms, food webs, biodiversity and fisheries.
3. Global climate change and ocean acidification threaten communities in Alaska. Because high latitude regions of the earth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global climate change, Alaska has been described as “ground zero” for climate change. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and spruce bark beetle infestations are evidence of climate change in Alaska. In addition, ocean acidification threatens the fisheries that provide food, jobs, and cultural identity to many Alaskans, particularly in coastal communities.
4. Alaskan coastal communities are important to the nation, and Alaska can play a role in addressing climate change and ocean acidification. Alaska produces more than half of the seafood caught in the United States. Alaska also has potential to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification, through development and export of renewable energy technologies that can be used throughout the developing world.
5. There are compelling economic arguments to act now. Positive economic development and diversification of Alaska’s economy will be associated with addressing climate change in the state. Furthermore, the economic costs of inaction will be far greater than the costs associated with immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with IPCC recommendations.
6. The United States has an obligation to take a leadership role in addressing global climate change. With only 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States produces approximately 25 percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.
7. For the well-being of current and future generations, immediate action must be taken at all levels of government and throughout society to address global climate change and ocean acidification. Given the seriousness of these problems, policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions must constitute a priority when allocating government resources.
We hereby express support for the following policies, actions and initiatives:
1. At the national level, immediately enact climate legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet or exceed the goals recommended by the IPCC; e.g., 80 percent reduction from 2000 levels by 2050.
2. Reengage at the national level in the international process of dealing effectively with global climate change.
3. At the national and state levels, enact legislation and fund initiatives that will dramatically increase energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy.
4. Utilize a significant portion of the proceeds from national cap-and-trade legislation, carbon tax, or other sources to fund initiatives in Alaska that will:
- develop renewable energy resources, improve energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, etc., in all sectors of the economy
- increase public knowledge of issues related to greenhouse gas emissions,
- create a skilled workforce for a new clean-energy economy
- help vulnerable communities adapt to unavoidable climate-related impacts
- protect or rebuild infrastructure that is threatened by climate impacts
- enhance research in the area of ocean acidification
- enhance research in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
We further express our commitment to:
1. network with other Alaskan coastal communities on the issues of climate change and ocean acidification;
2. encourage actions within our own communities to mitigate climate change and ocean acidification and adapt to unavoidable changes;
3. make wise and effective use of resources provided by the state and federal governments for such actions; and
4. support community efforts to educate the public on these issues.
Signatories:
City and Borough of Sitka
City of Homer
City of Petersburg
City of Dillingham
City of Gustavus
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Celebrating International Climate Change Action Day: 'A Sea Change'
On Thursday, October 15, at 6pm at the refuge visitor center downtown AMCC will sponsor a showing of the movie
“A Sea Change” by John Pierre Gattuso. Kodiak scientist Bob Foy is a leader in Ocean Acidification Research and will be present to answer questions after the showing. Don’t miss this!! Bring the family.
Here is a review excerpt from Southern Fried Movies:
Stop whatever you are doing and immediately make plans to go see “A Sea Change”. Why are you still reading this review? Ok, if you need convincing, read on, but it will be time you could have spent seeing one of the best environmental documentaries of all time.
“A Sea Change” is about ocean acidification, which could well be the worst problem you’ve never heard of. This was one of the first major screenings- another was earlier this week at the U.N.
The movie follows a retired history teacher named Sven Huseby as he travels the world learning about this problem. This style is unique and works very well- he isn’t a scientist, he’s a regular guy who is concerned and is trying to learn from the experts.
________________________________________
Thank you,
Switgard
To learn more about the International Day of Action on Climate Change go to http://www.350.org/
“A Sea Change” by John Pierre Gattuso. Kodiak scientist Bob Foy is a leader in Ocean Acidification Research and will be present to answer questions after the showing. Don’t miss this!! Bring the family.
Here is a review excerpt from Southern Fried Movies:
Stop whatever you are doing and immediately make plans to go see “A Sea Change”. Why are you still reading this review? Ok, if you need convincing, read on, but it will be time you could have spent seeing one of the best environmental documentaries of all time.
“A Sea Change” is about ocean acidification, which could well be the worst problem you’ve never heard of. This was one of the first major screenings- another was earlier this week at the U.N.
The movie follows a retired history teacher named Sven Huseby as he travels the world learning about this problem. This style is unique and works very well- he isn’t a scientist, he’s a regular guy who is concerned and is trying to learn from the experts.
________________________________________
Thank you,
Switgard
To learn more about the International Day of Action on Climate Change go to http://www.350.org/
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Alaska Bioneer's Conference October 16-18
2009 Bioneer Workshop Session Schedule
( Subject to change )
Saturday October 17th
http://www.sustainak.org/conference/conf_index.htm
(Donna Jones will be representing Sustainable Kodiak as an invited speaker at the Saturday Community Sustainability Workshop.)
Session A: 9:00-10:30
1. Read Your Body; Heal Your Body
Dr. Tatiana Riabokin
2. Ask, Don’t Tell (Mother Nature)
Ellen Vande Visse
3. Ionia: Community As The Root Cause of Eco-Crisis/Eco Healing
Ted Eller & Bill Johnson
4. Energy Retrofit
Scott Waterman
5. Urbanic Gardening
Kate Nilsson & Corey Brause
Session B: 10:45-12:15
1. Health Impacts of Oil Development on Rural Alaska
Rosemary Ahtuangaruak
2. The Medicine Wheel: Co-Creation is a Way of Life
Liz Holmgren
3. Community Sustainability
Bill Hall & Rich Seifert
4. Neighbor to Neighbor
Linda Tannehill
5. Part I Energy Efficiency – Reduce your use.
Andy Baker,PE, Philip St. John, MD, & Lee Bolling
Sunday October 18th
Session C: 9:00-10:30
1. Family Relations: It’s all alive, it’s all intelligent, it’s all relatives… and how is it that we communicate?
Nancy Lee-Evans
2. Permaculture in Alaska
Saskia Eslinger & Sharon Ferguson
3. Growing Communities through Community Gardens
Julie Riley
4. Interactive Theatre for Activists, Educators & Other Concerned Citizens
Gabrielle Barnett
5. Hanging by a Thread; A Case for Energy Conservation
Nils Andreasson, Carol Heyman, & Nick Szymoniak
6. Part 2 Renewable Energy - Produce your own
Philip St. John, MD & Andy Baker, PE
( Subject to change )
Saturday October 17th
http://www.sustainak.org/conference/conf_index.htm
(Donna Jones will be representing Sustainable Kodiak as an invited speaker at the Saturday Community Sustainability Workshop.)
Session A: 9:00-10:30
1. Read Your Body; Heal Your Body
Dr. Tatiana Riabokin
2. Ask, Don’t Tell (Mother Nature)
Ellen Vande Visse
3. Ionia: Community As The Root Cause of Eco-Crisis/Eco Healing
Ted Eller & Bill Johnson
4. Energy Retrofit
Scott Waterman
5. Urbanic Gardening
Kate Nilsson & Corey Brause
Session B: 10:45-12:15
1. Health Impacts of Oil Development on Rural Alaska
Rosemary Ahtuangaruak
2. The Medicine Wheel: Co-Creation is a Way of Life
Liz Holmgren
3. Community Sustainability
Bill Hall & Rich Seifert
4. Neighbor to Neighbor
Linda Tannehill
5. Part I Energy Efficiency – Reduce your use.
Andy Baker,PE, Philip St. John, MD, & Lee Bolling
Sunday October 18th
Session C: 9:00-10:30
1. Family Relations: It’s all alive, it’s all intelligent, it’s all relatives… and how is it that we communicate?
Nancy Lee-Evans
2. Permaculture in Alaska
Saskia Eslinger & Sharon Ferguson
3. Growing Communities through Community Gardens
Julie Riley
4. Interactive Theatre for Activists, Educators & Other Concerned Citizens
Gabrielle Barnett
5. Hanging by a Thread; A Case for Energy Conservation
Nils Andreasson, Carol Heyman, & Nick Szymoniak
6. Part 2 Renewable Energy - Produce your own
Philip St. John, MD & Andy Baker, PE
Monday, September 28, 2009
Plastic Bags and Bottled Water
Here are two news clippings of interest to Kodiak residents. We can we do something similar in Kodiak. Anyone interested in starting a grassroots effort?
NEWS: FAIRBANKS APPROVES PLASTIC BAG TAX
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has approved a 5-cent tax on plastic bags to reduce litter. Money from the tax will go directly into a fund reserved for recycling programs as they develop. The ordinance is intended to cut waste and create an economic incentive toward reusable bags. The bag tax automatically applies to a few dozen major retailers across town.
Source: The Associated Press (Sept. 2009)
NEWS: CITY OF SEATTLE STOPS BUYING BOTTLED WATER
Seattle joins a growing list of cities that either discourage or ban the use of city funds to buy bottled water. The City of Seattle will no longer buy bottled water in order to cut down on waste, says Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. In doing so, the city could save up to $58,000 a year. The mayor's spokesman added that Seattle has one of the best municipal; water supplies in the country, and that in terms of financial and environmental costs, "It's a pretty clear choice that using city water is a much better choice."
Source: The Seattle Times (March 2008)
Thanks to Marion Owen!
NEWS: FAIRBANKS APPROVES PLASTIC BAG TAX
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has approved a 5-cent tax on plastic bags to reduce litter. Money from the tax will go directly into a fund reserved for recycling programs as they develop. The ordinance is intended to cut waste and create an economic incentive toward reusable bags. The bag tax automatically applies to a few dozen major retailers across town.
Source: The Associated Press (Sept. 2009)
NEWS: CITY OF SEATTLE STOPS BUYING BOTTLED WATER
Seattle joins a growing list of cities that either discourage or ban the use of city funds to buy bottled water. The City of Seattle will no longer buy bottled water in order to cut down on waste, says Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. In doing so, the city could save up to $58,000 a year. The mayor's spokesman added that Seattle has one of the best municipal; water supplies in the country, and that in terms of financial and environmental costs, "It's a pretty clear choice that using city water is a much better choice."
Source: The Seattle Times (March 2008)
Thanks to Marion Owen!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Eco-tourism in Kodiak
Local tour operators Harry and Brigid Dodge have qualified! They will be reporting briefly at the Sept. 25 Sustainable Kodiak meeting (6:30 pm at Kodiak College) on eco-tourism certification and encouraging anyone who does charters, tours, and trips to certify their own businesses.
Here are some excerpts: Adventure Green Alaska: Tourism Certification Program
Your guide to sustainable tourism in Alaska! http://www.adventuregreenalaska.org/
"Are you thinking about a trip to Alaska but want to use tourism businesses that care for the environment, are sensitive to Alaska's Native cultures and rural way of life, and are good community citizens? Are you confused by the multitude of companies that describe their business as "green" or "ecotourism"? We created Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) for people like you."
Business Spotlight
Kodiak Treks, owned and operated by Brigid and Harry Dodge
The key to Kodiak Treks success has been maintaining a focus on the health of the environment and wildlife species that attract our guests. Balance is critical since we aim to share the beauty of Kodiak Island with nature enthusiasts from around the world while minimizing impact on bears, other animal species, and the entire ecosystem that supports them. We strive to instruct guests how to behave respectfully in bear country as opposed to trying to train bears to accept human presence for our own economic gain.
By offering a small-group experience (6-guest maximum) we are able to closely manage each group and spend time with our guests in a personal setting. The small group design also allows us to run the lodge on solar power and minimize fossil fuel consumption.
Kodiak Treks Sustainability Principles:
* Minimizing impact on wildlife
* Small group and staff size
* Education-based program
* Investment in local community
* Relationships with land managers
Congratulations and thanks to the Dodges for leading the way to a new area of sustainable business and life in Kodiak!
Here are some excerpts: Adventure Green Alaska: Tourism Certification Program
Your guide to sustainable tourism in Alaska! http://www.adventuregreenalaska.org/
"Are you thinking about a trip to Alaska but want to use tourism businesses that care for the environment, are sensitive to Alaska's Native cultures and rural way of life, and are good community citizens? Are you confused by the multitude of companies that describe their business as "green" or "ecotourism"? We created Adventure Green Alaska (AGA) for people like you."
Business Spotlight
Kodiak Treks, owned and operated by Brigid and Harry Dodge
The key to Kodiak Treks success has been maintaining a focus on the health of the environment and wildlife species that attract our guests. Balance is critical since we aim to share the beauty of Kodiak Island with nature enthusiasts from around the world while minimizing impact on bears, other animal species, and the entire ecosystem that supports them. We strive to instruct guests how to behave respectfully in bear country as opposed to trying to train bears to accept human presence for our own economic gain.
By offering a small-group experience (6-guest maximum) we are able to closely manage each group and spend time with our guests in a personal setting. The small group design also allows us to run the lodge on solar power and minimize fossil fuel consumption.
Kodiak Treks Sustainability Principles:
* Minimizing impact on wildlife
* Small group and staff size
* Education-based program
* Investment in local community
* Relationships with land managers
Congratulations and thanks to the Dodges for leading the way to a new area of sustainable business and life in Kodiak!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
September 25 Meeting Announcement
Don’t miss our first fall meeting, Friday September 25 at 6:30 pm, Kodiak College room 130.
Please send in any announcements or agenda items to djones@kodiak.alaska.edu
Sustainable Kodiak Presents:
Alaska renewable energy in action-
Chena Hot Springs:
Geothermal Power Plant
Various energy projects, a fabulous greenhouse, and more!
Film and first fall meeting
Friday, September 25, 6:30 pm ~ Kodiak College, room 130
Please come join us!
Please send in any announcements or agenda items to djones@kodiak.alaska.edu
Sustainable Kodiak Presents:
Alaska renewable energy in action-
Chena Hot Springs:
Geothermal Power Plant
Various energy projects, a fabulous greenhouse, and more!
Film and first fall meeting
Friday, September 25, 6:30 pm ~ Kodiak College, room 130
Please come join us!
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