MRV Energy Series #5 | Nov. 13
Entries Tagged as 'Announcements'
MRV Energy Series #4 | Biomass | 11.15.11
The fourth installment of the MRV Renewable Energy Series will take place on Tuesday, 11/15, 7 PM at the Big Picture Theater. Biomass will consist on four presentations followed by Q & A.
- MRV Biomass Analysis | Cecilia Danks, PhD & Susannah McCandless, PhD. Cecilia and Susannah will summarize the work of the Community Biomass Project, a partner project of UVM, VT Family Forests, and the National Forest Alliance. For the past few years the CBP has focused on opportunities for increasing the sustainability of the MRV’s local wood supply as part of an overall goal of achieving energy independence in heating and power generation. Results of wood consumption and forest practices in the MRV will be presented.
- Harwood Union Forest Project | Kimberly Coleman, UVM. Kimberly will share a variety of forest education and mapping projects focusing on Harwood’s 180 acre forest. This project sprang out of the Community Biomass Project and is a partnership between teachers, staff, and UVM. More info here.
- Biomass Heating Systems | David Frank, Sunwood Biomass. David will provide an overview of biomass heating systems, from chips to pellets.
- Heating Homes & Greenhouses with Compost | Gaelan Brown, Compost Power Network. Gaelan will talk about the Jean Pain Method of woody biomass compost – heating with wood without burning wood.
The final event in the series will be Energy Conservation, Efficiency, & Weatherization on December 13th.
These talks continue the dialogue of energy in the Valley through structured, information-based public discussions exploring a range of issues related to the Valley’s energy future. Summaries of all events and copies of presentations are available at www.mrvpd.org.
Mad River Flooding Talk | 11/10
The Mad River Watershed Conservation Partnership, a consortium of the Vt Land Trust, Friends of the Mad River, and the MRV Planning District, is sponsoring an evening dedicated to understanding flooding in the Mad River Valley and how we’ve attempted to manage it.
It’s a Mad River: A look at flooding in the Mad River Valley & the evolution of river management
A presentation led by river scientists from the VT Department of Environmental Conservation, local river experts & historians.
November 10th, 6:30-8:30pm
1824 House Inn, Waitsfield
Agenda:
- Intro and welcome
- Irene: Holy Cow, that was A LOT of water
- What happened during Tropical Storm Irene?
- How did it compare to other flood events?
- How did the river change (before and after orthophotos)
- What did we do “right”?
- Areas for improvement?
- The history of the Mad River
- Major flood events since the 1800′s
- How the river channel has changed over time (historic orthophotos)
- How our management of the river has changed
- How the watershed has changed
- River Dynamics and Management
- Brief review of basic river science
- How flooding and erosion impacts our communities
- How our communities impact flooding and erosion
- How gravel extraction, straightening and rip rapping changes/impacts rivers
- Inherent conflicts with the river and our development
- Current management strategies (active and passive)
- Success stories
- What we have done right so far (i.e.: conservation projects)
- Questions
MRV Energy Series #3 | 10/24
The third installment of the MRV Energy Series will take place on Monday, 10/24, 7 PM at the Big Picture Theater. Financing Energy Projects & VT’s Energy Plan will consist on three presentations followed by Q & A.
- Marianne Tyrrell, Esq., Fellow at VT Law School, will provide an overview of financing options for residential energy efficiency improvements. Mrs. Tyrrell co-authored the recently released Financing Residential Energy Efficiency in VT, an investigation of financing tools and procedures that can enable lenders to accelerate the pace of home energy improvements.
- Peter Adamczyk, Energy Finance & Development Manager with VT Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC), will explore one financing option for green improvements: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE). PACE provides energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for residents funded by taxable municipal bonds and repaid via ones property tax bill. Waitsfield is one of the “quick start” towns in this new and exciting program.
- Elizabeth Miller, Commissioner of VT Department of Public Service, will talk about energy programs at the state level as well as the draft Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan (CEP). The CEP addresses Vermont’s energy future for electricity, thermal energy, transportation, and land use. This is a great opportunity in advance of the CEP’s 11/4 public comment deadline.
The last two events in the series are Biomass & Hot Water (November 15th) and Energy Conservation, Efficiency, & Weatherization (December 13th). These talks continue the dialogue of energy in the Valley through structured, information-based public discussions exploring a range of issues related to the Valley’s energy future. Summaries of all events and copies of presentations are available at www.mrvpd.org.
Residential & Community Solar | Sept. 20th
The Mad River Valley Planning District’s second installment of its five-part Mad River Valley Energy Series takes place on Tuesday, September 20th – 7 PM at the Big Picture Theater. Residential & Community Solar brings professionals in the renewable energy field to speak on different aspects and opportunities for solar in the Mad River Valley. Fayston resident Gaelan Brown will provide an overview of solar with Photovoltaics 101. This will be followed by a discussion of the MRV Community Solar Farm project via the Mad River Valley Energy Network co-operative. Last, James Moore will provide a description of VPIRG’s Solar Community Program, which is making its way to the broader MRV in 2012. All are invited to this free community event.
Subsequent events will be held monthly through the end of the year: Financing Energy Projects (October 24), Biomass & Hot Water (November 15), and Energy Efficiency (December 13). These talks continue the dialogue of energy in the Valley through structured, information-based public discussions exploring a range of issues related to the Valley’s energy future.
MRV Flood Recovery Resources | 8.30.11 | Updated 9.8.11
Funding
- The MRV Community Fund has reopened its flood fund. Grants are available, please call 496-3638 and leave a message, or email info@mrvcommunityfund.org with your name, phone number and the address were flooding occurred. Calls will be returned starting Wednesday, 9/7.
- The Difference Between 211 and FEMA per Governor’s website: Friday, September 2 – 8:22 a.m. – now that President Obama has signed a disaster declaration for the state of Vermont. The 211 call service is not the same as FEMA’s number for registration for federal assistance. Those who have suffered damages and losses in Chittenden, Rutland, Washington and Windsor counties can register for disaster assistance by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). NOTE: Suggest you talk to MRV Community Fund (above) first to make sure you maximize what you can receive.
- Vermonters helping Vermonters – An effort initiated to help Vermonters and Vermont Communities affected by the devastating flooding due to Hurricane Irene. 100% of all donations will be distributed to Vermont Communities and their businesses and residents in need, www.vtirenefund.org/about-the-fund. If you would like to contribute please make checks payable to: VT Irene Flood Relief Fund or VT Irene FRF, 7 Walker Terrace, Montpelier, VT 05602
- Financial assistance may be available to farmers. Info here in a press release from VEM about what you need to apply: http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/Post_Irene_Farmer_Release.pdf
Volunteering
- http://www.facebook.com/MRVpostIrene is functioning as a community bulletin board with road updates, volunteer needs/requests, etc. The Masonic Lodge at corner of Bridge Street is the central location for help offers/needs and resources. Call 496-6089 or visit website http://mrvhurricaneirene.com/.
- More MRV specific communication and updates on Valley Futures listserv. Sign up at http://valleyfutures.net.
- VTResponse.com is working to connect volunteers ready to help with those that need assistance. If you want to help clean up and rebuild, let the folks behind this site know.
Other Info
- The Masonic Lodge at corner of Bridge Street is the central location for help offers/needs and resources. Call 496-6089 or visit website http://mrvhurricaneirene.com/.
- Waitsfield road closure info at http://www.waitsfieldvt.us/
- State-wide road closures, dial 511 or http://www.511vt.com/
- Vermont Emergency Management continues to post updates via their Facebook page and their website: http://vem.vermont.gov/.
- If you need assistance or information from the state, dial 211 or visit vt211.org. House damage should be made at 211 and then a damage assessment report should be completed with the operator. Homeowners can begin making repairs to their homes as soon as they are able (per EOC release Sept. 1).
- NOTE: If you intend to make any kind of claim, whether you are a homeowner, farmer, or local government, you should document your losses with date stamped photographs before you clean up. Also document any costs you are incurring. You should also keep any hotel receipts or any other housing expenses incurred while you were displaced. FEMA inspectors are out in the field now assessing damage to homes. However, if you have not called 211 it is not too late, Vermont is early in the relief process and you have time to report your damage. 211 is a reporting point only and new contact information will be provided to register once a declaration has been made. 211 is now operating with more call takers; if you get voice mail please leave a message and it will be returned in due course.
- vtresponse.wordpress.com is another site aggregating information that may be helpful.
- Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom has hired Myers to drop off 2 large roll off dumpsters to help dispose of flood damaged items. Note: The dumpsters will be located in our FRONT parking lot. They should be delivered by Wednesday morning. Myers advised they cannot accept tires, appliances, chemicals/hazardous materials or electronics in these dumpsters.
- VT Division for Historic Preservation is collecting info for the Emergency Declaration on cost and loss to historic buildings, landmarks and archeological sites. Towns are working with the MRV Rural Resource Commission on this effort. Contact Ellen Strauss for more info: straussarc@madriver.com.
- The Preservation Trust of Vermont has set up a list of resources for historic places damaged by flooding that may be a useful referral as calls come in: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs041/1102172352505/archive/1107373832970.html. It is linked from their front page (http://www.ptvermont.org) and it includes info on their $500 matching grants for emergency conditions/engineering assessments.
- If your property was affected by flooding, your DRINKING WATER may be contaminated. BOIL you water until you confirm that it is potable. Contact the Vermont Department of Health to get you water tested for bacteria.
- If farmers experience damage to property or business, it should be reported to the county USDA Farm Service Agency (802-658-2803) or county Natural Resources Conservation Office (802-951-6796). These organizations are providing a summary to the Agency of Ag which will then forward to VEM.
- Natural Resources Conservation Services has the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) that can help protect property that is in threat of further damage if not immediately repaired. This program supports homeowners and towns facing immediate threats to life and property with 75% of the costs. They will send an engineer down your way to make an assessment. Call 802-951-6796 for information.
- Advice for flooded crops: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Important-Information-About-Flooded-Crops-for-Human—Animal-Consumption.html?soid=1101685099010&aid=vEFHos9v5s4.
VEDA Financing Available
Below is a press release announcing VEDA’s post-Irene emergency loan program for businesses and farmers. I’ve also provided the links to VEDA information and application for the agricultural loans.
http://www.vermontagriculture.com/news/2011/irene_veda.pdf – press release
http://www.veda.org/ – VEDA home page
http://www.veda.org/uploads/1314806432.pdf – info about agricultural emergency loans
http://www.veda.org/uploads/1314806495.pdf – agricultural emergency loan application
There are also emergency loans available for businesses. See the VEDA website for information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 31, 2011
Contact: Susan Allen at 802-279-8493
Or Jo Bradley, Chief Executive Officer
Vermont Economic Development Authority
802-828-5627
SPECIAL VEDA FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR HURRICANE-DAMAGED BUSINESSES AND FARMS
MONTPELIER – Gov. Peter Shumlin, Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross, Secretary Lawrence Miller from
the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and VEDA CEO Jo Bradley announced today
that Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has allocated up to $10 million in special lowinterest financing for Vermont businesses and farms who suffered direct physical damage as a result of
Hurricane Irene.
The Hurricane Irene Assistance Loan Program funds are available immediately, the Governor said.
“This is important support for farmers and business owners across the state who found themselves in
the path of the storm,” Gov. Shumlin said. “I hope those in need will take advantage of this program.”
“Many of Vermont’s businesses and farms suffered significant damage as a result of the terrible flooding
caused by the hurricane,” said Bradley. “We want to do everything we can to help those affected
rebound as quickly as possible from these devastating losses.”
The funds will be available to help commercial businesses and farms who suffered direct physical
damage as a result of the hurricane. Affected not-for-profit organizations are also eligible for the special
low-interest financing.
Eligible financing purposes include, but are not limited to, damages to and/or losses of inventory,
equipment, business premises, feed, crops and livestock. The maximum loan amount under the
program is $100,000; the interest rate will be 1 percent for the first two years of the loan, with no
payments required during the first year. At the beginning of the third year, the rate will adjust for
commercial businesses to the VEDA Small Business Loan Program variable index, and for farm loans, to
the Vermont Agriculture Credit Corporation prime rate index.
Applications for financing may be obtained by calling VEDA at 802-828-5627. Applications may also be
downloaded and/or completed on-line at www.veda.org.
Applications will be reviewed and loans approved on a first-come, first-served basis until all available
funds are exhausted. For more information, please contact VEDA at 802-828-5627, visit www.veda.org,
or email info@veda.org.
MRV Relief Headquarters Established at Masonic Lodge
The Mad River Valley Hurricane Relief Headquarters has been established at the Mad River Masonic Lodge, Rte 100, next to Village Grocery. This hub serves as a way to connect resources to needs and volunteers to sites for the entire Valley Community. Staff will strive to be open 7 days a week from 8am-4pm. Volunteers are needed to begin staffing right away. Please contact juneand@madriver.com or efrankel@madriver.com if you are ready to fill shifts. Phone: 496-6089. Many thanks to the Masons and WCVT for making this happen.
ACCD Recovery Overview & Impacts on Historic Properties | 8.30.11
After the tremendous impact to individuals, businesses and communities by Hurricane Irene, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has compiled information for our partners to utilize to help answer questions and direct concerned Vermonters. Please check our website for up to date contact and resource information (http://www.dca.state.vt.us/).
Information for Vermonters and Visitors on Impacts of Hurricane Irene:
August 30th, 2011 Status of FEMA efforts:
The President has made an Emergency Declaration for Vermont. This type of declaration allows Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to immediately assist with shelters, National Guard, emergency repairs, etc. FEMA is gearing up to do Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) in each of the 14 counties. The Goal of this phase is to document sufficient damage to get a Major Disaster Declaration from the President.
If you want information on road conditions, call 511:
“511” provides Vermonters and visitors to the state with information on state road closures. The Agency of Transportation is working 24/7 to update the information as fast as possible. AOT is working on a system to report local roads as well. Go to http://www.511vt.com for additional information.
If you are an individual and need immediate help, call 211:
“211” is the resource to help individuals access services now and to register information on individual property damage. (For more information, go to: http://www.vermont211.org/).
If you are a business (for-profit; non-profit; multi-family housing provider, etc.) call 828-3211:
If you are a business looking to report damage to your business or would like to speak to someone about additional resources available, please call 828-3211. The ACCD has set up a system to document damage to businesses and properties (both for and non-profit businesses, including mulit-family housing providers and services) in order to assist FEMA in their collection of information
Communities are reporting storm damage for inclusion in the preliminary damage assessment.
Communities also need to report damages and that information goes to the Vermont Emergency Management. The link to their site for communities to input information is at http://vem.vermont.gov/home/damage_report and filling out the survey on the site. The Regional Planning Commissions are also helping with emergency management for towns in their region. For contact information for an RPC in your town, go to http://www.vapda.org/.
Documenting Impacts to Historic Properties:
ACCD is helping to document impacts to historic resources for various reasons – a) When FEMA teams begin to work in communities they will be aware ahead of time of damaged/destroyed historic properties and can focus on those; b) It will give the historic preservation community a better sense of the extent and location of major damage and where we can help best during the recovery phase; c) It will help us better plan education and training information and workshops during the recovery phase.
What You Can Do Now:
If your property has been damaged, take immediate corrective action – - if your roof is leaking, put a roof on your building; if your carpets are wet, get them dried. If your collections or museum facility has been damaged, put your Emergency Plan in Place NOW.
FEMA recommends that you:
- Take lots of photos and document the damage
- Keep all receipts
- Document all volunteers who are helping out (you can use this for your cost share) – - Use a “Sign-in” book, with their name, time in, time out
- Take action NOW to protect your property
NOTE: You may or may not be eligible for FEMA or other federal assistance but in case you are, the above information will be critical.
As the Floodwaters Recede — A Checklist of Things to Do: (Courtesy Preservation Trust of Vermont, at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs041/1102172352505/archive/1107373832970.html) Adapted from: INFORMATION, National Trust for Historic Preservation Booklet No. 82, 1993, Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings, and provided courtesy of the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission.
The following checklist will help you respond to flood damage in historic and older buildings. Read the steps through carefully and take time to plan. While it is tempting to wade right in with a shovel and mop, it is very important to develop a plan for cleanup and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, overly zealous cleanup efforts can result in historic materials being carted away, excessively rough cleaning methods, and the unnecessary loss of historic fabric. The best way to prevent additional damage to historic structures and materials during a time of duress is to use caution and plan ahead.
- Follow all emergency rules, laws, and regulations
- Turn off all utilities
- Document building damage
- Wear protective clothing
- Stabilize any unstable structures with temporary bracing
- Use caution when pumping basement water
- Keep building properly ventilated
- Clean everything that got wet with a disinfectant
- Allow saturated materials to dry using natural ventilation
- Check for foundation damage
- Replace soil around foundation
- Save historic materials if possible
- Use caution when removing lead-based paint or any products containing asbestos
- Clean and repair roof and roof drainage systems to protect building from future damage