Tag Archives: Environment and Ecology

Getting 100 percent off the grid – award winning state of the art Mark Richey Woodworking is nearing its goal

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- The recent addition of Mark Richey Woodworking's 500-kW solar array marks the company's place as one of the greenest architectural millwork firms in the U.S. Mark Richey Woodworking (MRW) is a national model in manufacturing with the continual use of its 600-kilowatt wind turbine and solar array allowing the 130,000 square foot facility to operate entirely from renewable energy.

Most recently, MRW received a state award as an industry champion for its exceptional efforts to reduce pollution. Its unique biomass furnace - which heats the entire shop - achieves a 73% reduction in solid and universal waste generation according to the Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI).

One of the most unique aspects - and there are many - about the corporate culture of MRW is that Mark Richey sets the bar so high when it comes to sustainability that it is not unusual to find the accomplished mountaineer - who summited Mt. Everest in 1991 - comfortably situated at 290-feet above sea level cleaning the wind turbine himself.

Mark Richey and his wife Teresa founded MRW nearly 40 years ago and have always incorporated their renewable energy goals into its growth. Opening its doors for tours for school children and businesses reinforces the company's environmental commitment that has become a beacon for sustainable manufacturing.

"If a small manufacturing company in Newburyport, Massachusetts can do this so can the larger companies. Our hope for youth is that when kids are my age, sustainable manufacturing will become the norm and not the exception," said Mark Richey.

About Mark Richey Woodworking:

Mark Richey Woodworking crafts and installs custom architectural woodwork. Our work enhances the experience of performing arts centers, museums, corporate headquarters, academic institutions and restaurants across the country.

Mark Richey Woodworking is one of the greenest manufacturers in the country. Dedication to the art and craft of woodworking and to sustainability is the trademark of MRW.

For more information go to https://www.markrichey.com/ or write to pfullerton@markrichey.com or call (978) 499-3800.

Related link: https://www.markrichey.com/

Celebrating Los Angeles Unified School Districts Outstanding Plant Managers

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- California Safe Schools celebrated the outstanding efforts of more than 800 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Plant Managers and their supervisors at four luncheons honoring elementary, middle school, and high school Plant Managers for their exceptional efforts in implementing the most stringent school pesticide policy in the nation for the past 20 years.

The LAUSD Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy embraces the Precautionary Principle, Right to Know, training and communications, and a 15-member committee oversees implementation. As a result of these efforts, Roundup and other highly toxic pesticides, herbicides, and antimicrobials have not been used at LAUSD campuses for two decades. In place of toxic chemicals the district works to prevent infestations though inspections, exclusion (i.e. door sweeps), eliminating clutter, extensive cleaning, and gardening practices that reduce weeds and pests. In addition heat treatment has been the preferred method for eradicating termites, eliminating potential exposure of other toxic chemicals.

"The Los Angeles Unified School District, second largest school district in the nation, spans 28 cities and 710 square miles, with more than 25,000 buildings covering 80 million square feet," said Robina Suwol, founder and executive director of California Safe Schools. "The success of the policy is a result of extremely well trained and committed management, plant managers, pest, and turf and landscape management experts. celebrating our plant managers for all of their tremendous work was long overdue given their tireless efforts to make our schools safe for all."

The guests enthusiastically received Douglas Anderson, Area Facilities Director and Master of Ceremonies for the event. Between introducing the Los Angeles Unified Maintenance & Operations Management, Chief Facilities Executive Mark Hovatter, Director of Facilities, Roger Finstad, Angelita Khazei, Deputy Director, Adriana Salazar of the Teamsters, and Robina Suwol Executive Director of California Safe Schools, he energized the crowd with trivia questions, and distributed honors and prizes.

While all Plant Managers were praised, LAUSD supervisors selected Plant Managers whom excelled and represented their colleagues to receive awards from California Safe Schools, designed by celebrated artist Michael Bruza, for their 20 years of achievements, and commendations from Mayor Eric Garcetti, Assemblyman Adrin Nazarrian and Senator Robert Hertzberg. In addition to these honorees, each and every Plant Manager received a special commendation.

Additional guest speakers expressing thanks and congratulations include: Brian Gavidia from the Office of Mayor Garcetti; Jacqueline Lawson, Los Angeles City Attorney; Dr. Alfonzo C. Webb, II and Maryhelen Torres of Local District East; and Min Wang of Republic Services. All expressed their desire to make this an annual event.

"For twenty years, LAUSD has implemented one of the most stringent, collaborative and effective school IPM programs in the nation, one that has become a model for the state and the nation. This has only been possible because of the daily efforts and dedication of our Plant Managers. They have ensured the success of this program and we salute their tireless efforts to protect LAUSD students and staff," added Douglas Anderson, Los Angeles Unified Area Facilities Director.

Dr. Cathie Ann Lippman, celebrated physician from the Lippman Center for Optimal Health, joined in the praises. "A clean environment is imperative for good health. Congratulations to all of the exceptional Los Angeles Unified School District Plant Managers and staff for their commitment to groundbreaking environmental policies and protocols that ensure vulnerable students and staff are protected."

"It is important to take the time to honor and give thanks to those who are literally the gate keepers of our schools. Hats off and double high fives to each and every Plant Manager who takes on the often-complicated task of navigating a day in the life of a school. I thank you as a parent, and on behalf of the children who are our future!" underscored Kristina L. Jasiukonis, Los Angeles Unified School District parent.

Sponsors include:
Teamsters, Republic Services, Galpin Motors, South Coast Air Quality Management District, California Endowment, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Global Environmental, Inc., NATEC International, Inc. Anderson Trophy, and Farm Table

About California Safe Schools (CSS):
CSS is a children's environmental health and environmental justice coalition founded in 1998. CSS was formed after its founder's child was accidently sprayed with pesticides on his way into an LAUSD elementary school by a LAUSD gardener on, a pivotal event that catalyzed LAUSD's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy formation. The success of the policy led to the California Healthy Schools Act 2000, and AB405 (Montanez), sponsored by California Safe Schools, which bans the use of experimental, conditional, or phased out products at all California K-12 public schools.

Learn more at: http://www.calisafe.org/

Follow on social at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/calisafe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calisafe/

California Safe Schools celebrated the outstanding efforts of more than 800 Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Plant Managers and their supervisors at four luncheons honoring elementary, middle school, and high school Plant Managers for their exceptional efforts in implementing the most stringent school pesticide policy in the nation for the past 20 years.

Related link: http://www.calisafe.org/

Beavercreek High School earns milestone award in Energy Optimizers, USA-sponsored Healthy Schools Challenge

TIPP CITY, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Beavercreek High School earned the first milestone award in the Healthy Schools Challenge, a component of the Bring Your Green Challenge 2.0 that is sponsored in part by Energy Optimizers, USA.

Developed and organized by Dayton Regional Green (DRG3), the Bring Your Green Challenge is a year-long competition that encourages participants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. More than 207 locations, including businesses, school districts, nonprofits and other organizations, are participating this year.

Participants earn points by tracking their monthly energy, waste and water bills using online tools provided by DRG3. They can qualify for three quarterly milestone awards as they compete for the grand prize.

The first milestone focused on energy. Beavercreek High School students organized several events to promote energy conservation, including two student clean-air challenges and energy-focused employee challenges. Their efforts racked up 1,405 points, earning them the top spot for this segment of the competition.

Milestone winners were announced at a DRG Sustainability Luncheon on Nov. 15.

"We are proud to sponsor the Healthy Schools Challenge and so pleased to see teachers, students and support staff across the Miami Valley learning about and promoting sustainable practices," said Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA. "Education is a key component to what we do-helping our clients save money while saving the environment. Every organization that takes part in this challenge will benefit from it."

The next milestone will focus on waste reduction, with the award ceremony scheduled for Feb. 21, 2018.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs.

The company was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016.

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

Beavercreek High School earned the first milestone award in the Healthy Schools Challenge, a component of the Bring Your Green Challenge 2.0 that is sponsored in part by Energy Optimizers, USA. More than 207 locations, including businesses, school districts, nonprofits and other organizations, are participating this year.

Related link: http://energyoptusa.com/

Iron Dust from Brakes and Worldwide Magnesium Deficiencies are Contributing to Hypertension

KESWICK, Va. /ScoopCloud/ -- With 25 years of research involving primarily the cardiovascular complications of spaceflight and more recently of the moon walkers, particularly Neil Armstrong on his historic mission and James Irwin (Apollo 15), extraordinary findings were discovered. Both had vascular complications, triggered by inhalation of deadly iron-laden dust. Author Dr. William J. Rowe has applied this information as to how this can be utilized for underlying mechanisms of hypertension on earth, triggered by iron-laden brake dust.

Based on his studies of the moon walkers, primarily those of Neil Armstrong and James Irwin, Dr. William J. Rowe, former assistant clinical professor of Medicine, Medical University of Ohio at Toledo, concluded that inhalation of highly toxic lunar iron-laden dust can contribute to extraordinary hypertension.

In an editorial, published recently in the Journal of Hypertension and Management, Dr. Rowe published that iron dust inhalation contributed to Armstrong's extraordinary diastolic blood pressure ( 160/135 ) on Earth return, consistent with impairment of cardiac function; his high adrenaline -heart failure during his lunar walk, undoubtedly played a role.

On the other hand Irwin, with a history of hypertension a month before his mission (145/ 110), returned with a bicycle stress test of 275/125 after only 3 minutes of exercise; furthermore on return, Irwin showed stress test - "blue finger nails" consistent with vascular injuries.

Having supervised over 5000 hospital based symptom-limited maximum treadmill stress tests, Dr. Rowe had never seen such extraordinary vascular complications, apparently triggered by highly toxic iron-laden dust and intensified by a magnesium deficiency invariably occurring with space flight and extremely common world-wide.

Since at least a third of the world's population has hypertension - with very recent studies showing that with present guidelines, among Americans, hypertension may actually exist in a half of the population, urban pollution problems must be vigorously addressed. Also, a European study has shown that 12 year old children may have hypertension from iron inhalation with often persistence of hypertension to adulthood.

Inhalation of brake iron dust may simulate the highly toxic lunar dust inhalation with at least 90 percent of brakes made with iron. In China, Dr. Rowe's experience of having seen not over 10 cars a day in Beijing in 1988 with no obvious pollution and his return to Beijing in 2011 with inability to see the street from his 9th. Floor hotel room is very disturbing.

Furthermore the toxicity of iron brakes is growing but in comparison with global warming, there isn't the necessity of waiting 50 years before determining how great the danger might be.

This concept will be presented at the Innovate Biotech 2017, November 29, 30, Brisbane, Australia.

On Rowe's website homepage, Neil Armstrong's historical document is shown along with Irwin's "cyanotic nail beds."

For more information, visit: http://www.femsinspace.com/

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-1114s2p-DrRowe-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Dr. William J. Rowe, M.D., FBIS, FACN.

With 25 years of research involving primarily the cardiovascular complications of spaceflight and more recently of the moon walkers, particularly Neil Armstrong on his historic mission and James Irwin (Apollo 15), extraordinary findings were discovered. Both had vascular complications, triggered by inhalation of deadly iron-laden dust. Author Dr. William J. Rowe has applied this information as to how this can be utilized for underlying mechanisms of hypertension on earth, triggered by iron-laden brake dust.

Related link: http://www.femsinspace.com/

Trotwood-Madison City Schools secures Energy Star rating for two schools with assistance from Energy Optimizers, USA

TIPP CITY, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Two elementary schools in the Trotwood-Madison City Schools district have attained the highly sought-after U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification with the assistance of Energy Optimizers, USA.

The schools, Madison Park Elementary and Westbrooke Village Elementary, join an elite group of high performing facilities. Energy Star certified buildings and plants perform in the top 25 percent of similar buildings nationwide. On average, these buildings use 35 percent less energy, generate 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and are less expensive to operate than similar buildings.

"In setting out to make our district more energy efficient, we wanted to save taxpayer dollars and serve as a leader in energy conservation," said Trotwood-Madison City Schools Superintendent Kevin Bell. "Attaining Energy Star certification highlights our commitment to secure a better future for our students and our community. We couldn't have done this without Energy Optimizers, USA."

To be eligible for Energy Star certification, a building must attain a score of 75 or higher on the EPA's energy performance scale. Both elementary schools exceeded the requirements, with Madison Park Elementary earning a rating of 87 and Westbrooke Village Elementary earning a rating of 83.

The certification is the result of a district-wide upgrade to lighting and HVAC systems that Trotwood Schools completed in September 2015.

The district partnered with Energy Optimizers, USA, to:

* Replace all existing lighting with more energy-efficient systems
* Install occupancy controls to cut wasted electricity
* Install energy-saving features in the air filtration and kitchen equipment systems
* Integrate the buildings' controls into a web-based system.

To date, the upgrades have saved the district more than $266,000 on electrical and gas utilities.

As part of the project, Energy Optimizers, USA, compared each building's utility bills before and after the project. The company then used this information to assign each building a score using the EPA's energy performance scale. The study showed that the energy conservation project significantly reduced the amount of energy needed to operate both Madison Park and Westbrooke schools.

"Attaining an Energy Star rating from the EPA is a noteworthy accomplishment for the district and its residents," said Energy Optimizers, USA President Greg Smith. "This is a third-party endorsement that the district's efforts to get the highest level of performance from its buildings-and make responsible use of taxpayer dollars-are paying off. We are so pleased to have the opportunity to work with such forward-looking leaders."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs.

The company was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016. To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

Two elementary schools in the Trotwood-Madison City Schools district have attained the highly sought-after U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification with the assistance of Energy Optimizers, USA.

Related link: http://energyoptusa.com/

Arbor Day Foundation Partners with Simplifile to Plant Trees for Earth Month

PROVO, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents, and counties, has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant more than 2,300 trees in Goethe State Forest (Florida) in honor of Arbor Day 2017 and April's worldwide Earth Month celebration.

"Since 2015, the Simplifile Cares program has brought together our employees and their communities to raise money for worthy organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation," said Simplifile President Paul Clifford. "A fringe benefit of our technologies is that they help our clients and their customers reduce paper waste, so helping restore trees to our national landscape seemed like the perfect way to celebrate Earth Month."

"We are grateful to have Simplifile as a partner in stewarding our nation's forests, which are an important part of our legacy as a people and as a land," said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Thanks to Simplifile's partnership, thousands of trees will be planted to help clean the air, protect our water resources, restore wildlife habitats, and add beauty to forests that have suffered devastation."

Simplifile joins dozens of like-minded companies and communities across America in commemorating Arbor Day as part of the month-long Earth Month celebration. Observed on April 28, this year's Arbor Day celebration marked the 145th year of the national tree-planting holiday. For more information or to get involved, visit: http://celebratearborday.com.

About the Arbor Day Foundation:

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. During the last 44 years, more than 250 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty and hunger.

For more information visit: https://www.arborday.org.

About Simplifile:

Simplifile, the nation's largest e-recording network, was founded in 2000 to connect settlement agents and county recorders via its e-recording service. Today Simplifile has broadened its services to include collaboration tools and post-closing visibility for mortgage lenders and settlement agents working together on real estate documents. Through Simplifile, users can securely record, share, and track documents, data, and fees with ease.

To learn more, visit https://simplifile.com or call 800-460-5657.

Simplifile, a leading provider of real estate document collaboration and recording technologies for lenders, settlement agents, and counties, has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant more than 2,300 trees in Goethe State Forest (Florida) in honor of Arbor Day 2017 and April's worldwide Earth Month celebration.

Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc., Purchases the Daleo Entrance to Mammoth Cave

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. /ScoopCloud/ -- Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) announced today the purchase of the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world. The land surrounding the entrance, now named the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve, is one mile east of Mammoth Cave National Park and protects 88 acres of classic karst on the Mammoth Cave Plateau.

The Daleo Entrance is now the only entrance to the Mammoth Cave system outside the national park owned by a conservation organization.

The preserve includes a number of caves, most notably the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave. The Daleo entrance is a significant portal into much of the cave system, and its acquisition is important in the overall goal of protecting the unique resources of the longest cave on earth.

"With this acquisition, SCCi continues its mission of protecting significant caves in the southeast United States," said SCCi Board Chair, Brian Krebs. "Now, the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave will be protected forever and accessible for recreational caving and scientific exploration. It is with great pride we announce this purchase and look forward to working with the broader cave conservation community of Kentucky."

SCCi would like to recognize the National Speleological Society (NSS) for its gift of $5,000 toward the purchase of the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve. The NSS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exploration, study, and protection of caves and their environments, and foster fellowship among cavers.

Those interested in supporting the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve acquisition and stewardship, can do so here: http://scci.org/daleo.

As part of National Park Week, SCCi held a formal announcement at the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor's Center. The Cave Research Foundation (CRF) hosted a reception and meet & greet with SCCi following the announcement.

About Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc.:

SCCi currently protects 171 caves on 31 preserves in 6 states. Founded in 1991, SCCi is the world's largest land conservancy dedicated solely to cave conservation. SCCi conserves some of the Southeast's most significant wild caves, while protecting the habitat of many endangered animals, preserving historic artifacts, and providing some of the country's best recreational caving anywhere. Southeastern Cave Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For more information, visit http://scci.org

*PHOTO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0421s2p-caves-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Ann and Peter Bosted.

*LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0421s2p-scci-300dpi.jpg

Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) announced today the purchase of the Daleo Entrance to the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system in the world. The land surrounding the entrance, now named the Elroy and Marilyn Daleo Cave Preserve, is one mile east of Mammoth Cave National Park and protects 88 acres of classic karst on the Mammoth Cave Plateau.

Partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA, enables Oak Hills Local Schools to observe Earth Day every day

TIPP CITY, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping Oak Hills Local Schools lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the creation of Green Teams.

Green Teams engage students, staff and the community in developing, promoting and implementing energy savings and sustainability programs throughout their school districts. Energy Optimizers, USA, sponsors the teams at every school district where it completes a comprehensive energy conservation project.

"The Green Teams are about bringing the work we do with school districts full circle," said Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA. "Our solutions enable school districts to conserve energy by replacing outdated electrical and HVAC systems with energy efficient alternatives. Then we help these districts create grassroots-level teams that are engaged in creating and leading long-term energy conservation and sustainability projects that all students can contribute to or learn from."

At Oak Hills Local Schools, the Green Team's efforts have resulted in a massive recycling project and district-wide energy savings efforts. The team started off the 2016-2017 school year by placing zero-waste tables in all of the district's cafeterias. The zero-waste tables will help each building minimize how much trash goes to the landfill by enabling students and staff to separate their waste into compost, recyclables and trash.

To improve the district's energy efficiency, the Green Team students crafted an email for staff educating them about energy conservation. The message explained that keeping classroom doors closed during the colder months improves the energy efficiency of the heating system. Following the release of the email, the percentage of doors closed rose from 75 percent to 84 percent.

"The Green Teams have been an asset to our schools, not just because they are engaging our students and staff in adopting sustainability principles, but also because they are giving our Green Team members a chance to take on leadership roles in our schools," said Jeff Brandt, Superintendent. "Our students have an opportunity to tackle real-world challenges and see the results of their efforts."

In addition to providing the materials and support to get the teams up and running, Energy Optimizers, USA, provides scholarships for participating students, an educational trip to The Ohio State University to build a district "Energy Bike" and numerous after-school activities.

For Smith, sponsoring Green Teams isn't just about instilling conservation-minded habits in school districts and their communities. Smith is also helping to shape the future of the industry. That's because the teams offer the additional benefit of exposing students to career pathways in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

"STEM careers in general and energy management careers in particular are high growth fields," said Smith. "Our hope is that by exposing students to these career options, they may take an interest in the field and perhaps one day work for us."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company was named to the INC. Magazine Top 500 list of fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a finalist in the Dayton Business Journal Best Places To Work competition in 2016.

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com or call them at (937) 877-1919.

Earth Day may be observed just one day a year, but Energy Optimizers, USA, is helping Oak Hills Local Schools lead the charge on earth- and resource-friendly practices every day by sponsoring the creation of Green Teams.

Heritage Group Named Des Moines Metro’s Fastest-Growing Company on Inc. Magazine’s Top 5000 List for 2016

DES MOINES, Iowa /ScoopCloud/ -- Heritage Group in Des Moines, Iowa, has been identified as the #1 Top Environmental Service Company and the #2 Top Iowa Company for 2016, according to Inc. Magazine's 2016 annual 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies. In addition to these honors, Heritage Group was also listed as #573 on the list, boasting an astounding 683 percent three-year revenue growth.

"In addition to ranking so high in Iowa, as well as nationally, Heritage Group was listed by Inc. 5000 as the fastest-growing janitorial company in the U.S.," Heritage Group CEO Greg Theroux said. "This outstanding recognition indicates we are building a company that has become known as a leader in the janitorial services industry."

The Inc. 5000 list represents a unique look at the most successful companies among America's independent small businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.

Heritage Group, which is comprised of Heritage Building Maintenance and Heritage Microbial Control LLC, is a central Iowa-based commercial janitorial company dedicated to providing superior contract custodial services through the use of the most advanced products and technologies available. Theroux founded Heritage Group in Des Moines just over five years ago after returning to Des Moines with more than 30 years' experience leading janitorial /building maintenance companies in the Midwest and on the West Coast.

Joseph Johnson, President of Heritage Group, joined the company in 2014 after nearly 20 years leading and consulting with janitorial companies in the Des Moines metro area and throughout the Country. Once competitors in the market, Theroux and Johnson have melded their vision and passion for service into success in the fast-paced janitorial industry. The company is led by core values that include a deep commitment to caring for and building value in the lives of both clients and employees. It has found a welcoming and responsive home among both familiar and new networks in the Des Moines area.

"We are so thankful for the many building owners and managers that have trusted us and allowed us the opportunity to make a difference in the health of their employees, customers and visitors," Johnson said. "Our rollout of Science-Proven Healthy Cleaning in 2012 has received such an incredible reception in the Greater Des Moines commercial real estate market. We have only scratched the surface of the many applications for our comprehensive approach to cleaning that focuses on the indoor health and safety of buildings. We just want to make a difference in the health and well-being of the people in the communities we serve."

To learn more about Heritage Group and Science-Proven Healthy Cleaning(R), contact Greg Theroux at greg@heritagebldg.com, Joe Johnson at joe@heritagebldg.com, call 515-868-0842 ext. 202, or visit us online at http://heritagebldg.com/ or http://heritagemicrobialcontrol.com/.

Heritage Group in Des Moines, Iowa, has been identified as the #1 Top Environmental Service Company and the #2 Top Iowa Company for 2016, according to Inc. Magazine's 2016 annual 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies. In addition to these honors, Heritage Group was also listed as #573 on the list, boasting an astounding 683 percent three-year revenue growth.

Napa Citizens Rally to Halt Walt Ranch Deforestation and Development Project!

NAPA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Napa County citizens and Defenders of East Napa Watersheds will rally in front of the County Administration Building at noon on Friday, November 18, 2016, Forests Forever announced today. This occasion is the first day of hearings on the appeal against the Walt Ranch project.

The proposed Walt Ranch consists of 35 parcels on 2,300 acres in the hills seven miles northeast of Napa. Much of the property is covered in ancient oak woodlands that remain unspoiled and essentially unaltered by human activity. Thousands of years ago, the land would have looked much the same as it does today.

Unfortunately, the oaks standing on the Walt Ranch are an obstacle for Craig and Katherine Hall, who intend to replace them with wine grapes. Their vision for the property would permanently destroy a land that is both beautiful and serves valuable ecological functions. The project would remove 24,000 mature trees and re-grade existing slopes to make room for vineyards, holding ponds and 20+ miles of all-season gravel roads. The fragile wild land straddling the Milliken Creek and Capell Creek watersheds is to be sacrificed for the private gain of a very small number of people.

The project would remove 14,000 mature trees and re-grade existing slopes to make room for vineyards, holding ponds and 20+ miles of all-season gravel roads. Napa citizens rallying believe that his fragile wild land straddling the Milliken Creek and Capell Creek watersheds is to be sacrificed for the private gain of a very small number of people.

WHEN/WHERE:
When: Fri., Nov. 18, noon - Lunchtime rally.
Where: Napa County Administration Building, corner 3rd Street and Coombs, downtown Napa.

According to an article published Aug. 8, 2016 by the Napa Valley Register (http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/city-of-napa-walt-ranch-reach-agreement-on-water-quality/article_5a001e40-4601-5ded-89f5-e2433aefe313.html), the City of Napa estimates it could cost its water ratepayers $20 million to deal with agricultural pollution from this single project.

The water division manager recently wrote to the County to assert that "nutrients and other wastes in its agricultural storm runoff or irrigation drainage 'could affect' - and indeed will affect - the high-quality municipal drinking water supply that the City obtains from Milliken Creek, which runs through the project site before entering the City's Milliken Reservoir less than a mile downstream."

In another smaller, rural community surrounded by the project (Circle Oaks), its water district faces the prospect of running out of water because Walt Ranch would use two-and-a-half times as much water as the community annually - water from a shared aquifer.

Walt Ranch is, by far, the single largest deforestation project planned for Napa County. Other projects are in the pipeline. The continued amputation of forests in high-functioning, healthy watersheds, throughout Napa County favors the short-term financial gains of a few developers over the health of current and future generations.

Property owners have rights, but not to the detriment of their neighbors' rights. For Napa's political leadership, it's business as usual. They're intoxicated by the wine industry's success, blinding them to its destructive force happening today, and obscuring their vision of the long term, sustainable care of our precious shared natural resources.

For more information about this effort visit: http://denw.info/ .

For more information about Forests Forever and its efforts to protect California lands, visit: http://forestsforever.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Wilson
Of Defenders of East Napa Watersheds
707-226-2155 land
jplaudatosi@gmail.com

Napa County citizens and Defenders of East Napa Watersheds will rally in front of the County Administration Building at noon on Friday, November 18, 2016, Forests Forever announced today. This occasion is the first day of hearings on the appeal against the Walt Ranch project.

Erin Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg Responding to Air Quality Issues in Portland, Oregon

NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Long-time environmental activist Erin Brockovich is joining with Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., attorney Robin Greenwald to investigate claims from Portland, Oregon area residents who may have been harmed by chemical emissions released into the air by art-glass companies in the region.

Public Health Emergency Due to Chemical Emissions:

In early February, Oregon officials notified the public that scientists had detected exceptionally high levels of the toxic metals arsenic and cadmium in specific areas, or hotspots, of Portland.

According to news sources, the level of arsenic was 159 times greater than acceptable levels for that toxin and 49 times greater than for cadmium.

Both of Oregon's U.S. senators have declared the toxic air a public health emergency.

Chronic exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to:
* Cancers, including lung, bladder, skin, kidney and liver
* Cardiovascular illnesses
* Lung damage
* Renal dysfunction
* Gastrointestinal damage
* Reproductive dysfunction.

According to news reports, two environmental groups have presented lawmakers with a petition signed by thousands of citizens requesting that the Department of Environmental Quality take appropriate action to see that the quality of the air is improved.

"I can't believe that in this day and age companies would knowingly allow their dangerous chemicals to pollute the air. It's outrageous. We have known for decades the harm these toxic chemicals are capable of causing," stated Erin Brockovich.

The federal Clean Air Act requires metropolitan areas to monitor high levels of certain air pollutants. But this monitoring has not included monitoring for certain dangerous airborne chemical emissions, including arsenic and cadmium.

Long-Term Effects of Glass Company Actions:

"We already know these toxic chemical emissions have contaminated the air and soil. Residents have even been warned not to eat vegetables they've grown in their own gardens," stated Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit.

"It is tragic that for months, maybe even decades, these chemicals were causing injury to residents and no one notified the public until now. People in the vicinity of the facility have reported injures directly associated with exposure to these chemicals, and no one knows how many more people might develop illnesses from exposure in years to come," she added.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a long-time advocate for residents, businesses and other property owners who have suffered personal as well as economic injuries resulting from dangerous chemical emissions. Over the years, the law firm has represented many individuals who suffered both personal and economic losses following environmental catastrophes. In addition to affecting health, this type of toxin affects quality of life, as well as the property value of homes and businesses.

One of Weitz & Luxenberg's most recognized cases involved joining other law firms in holding BP accountable for the incalculable health and economic losses following the oil giant's offshore drilling explosion, which spewed millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Greenwald said.

Weitz & Luxenberg, along with other law firms, persuaded BP to enter a financial settlement compensating hundreds of thousands of individuals whose lives and livelihoods were harmed, including residents and oil spill clean-up workers who became sick from exposure to the oil, added Greenwald, who played a key role in the settlement negotiations.

Money May Be Owed to Victims for Health and Property Damage:

Although several of the art-glass companies that may have been responsible for leaching hazardous chemical emissions into the environment have suspended their use of these chemicals, the damage has already been done.

Portland residents who have been affected by the chemical emissions are invited to contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of their legal rights against the parties involved with the toxic chemical emissions.

To obtain the free consultation, chemical emissions victims can reach the law firm toll-free at (800) 476-6070 or online at weitzlux.com.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/erin-brockovich-and-weitz-luxenberg-responding-to-air-quality-issues-in-portland-oregon-2016-0226-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

RMA Rises to the Challenge of Sea Level Change

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Feb. 10, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- One of the most urgent issues South Florida's municipal leaders must tackle is sea level rise. Faced with inevitable flooding problems, leaders from around the state recently converged in Key West to discuss the coastal crisis. RMA (www.rma.us.com), which is currently planning and redeveloping several cities along the coast, sent their Director of Urban Design & Planning, Natasha Alfonso, to the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Leadership Summit to help their clients stay ahead of the challenge.

"We are charting a new course," said Alfonso. "Many of our clients are located in some of the most vulnerable areas and some have invested heavily on beach re-nourishment projects as well as building dunes along their beaches to protect them from the strong tidal waves," she stated. "However, after the recent devastating storms, many cities realized that beach dunes are merely the first line of defense."

The next form of defense, in some cases, is to raise roads and build higher infrastructure. Some cities like Ft. Lauderdale and Miami Beach have already identified in their respective Stormwater Management Plans the need for higher road elevations. Following that will be to raise buildings.

"Miami Beach will definitely be a model for what works and what doesn't work," explained Alfonso. "In the meantime, if cities do not take the lead and invest in their infrastructure now, they will not be doing the best job of providing public safety, enhancing quality of life; and decreasing property damage and land erosion which can result from poor and insufficient drainage capacities."

RMA's urban design and planning division coordinates with the city's public works, engineering and utility departments to ensure that the team understands the impact of the underground infrastructure improvements to the above ground streetscape improvements and the overall effect on the public realm.

This information is crucial in the early stages of a project's development, beginning with the visioning and master planning phase, and all the way through to implementation. RMA investigates the existing conditions and constraints thoroughly and is effective at communicating the issues and solutions during the public input process.

"RMA has also crafted some of the most innovative codes that provide incentives for green buildings," continued Alfonso. "The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint one project at a time. Our development standards are written for specific conditions that are unique to an area. The team evaluates the current minimum base flood elevations and the required new higher finished floor elevations due to sea level rise. Then, we determine the impact to the public realm resulting from the higher finished floor elevations or the inhabitable spaces that begin to populate the street level. Our codes provide design standards for the treatments of those spaces through architectural and landscape features."

"Navigating the sea change scenarios will not be easy," said Alfonso. "However, RMA is already rising to the challenge with the steps we are taking in our client communities."

More information: http://www.rma.us.com/.

* Photo Caption: RMA's Urban Design and Planning Team.

Twitter: @RMA_US

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/rma-rises-to-the-challenge-of-sea-level-change-2016-0210-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Redevelopment Management Associates :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Erin Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg to Visit Hoosick Falls, N.Y., Groundwater Contamination Victims on Jan. 30

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2016 (SEND2PRESSS NEWSWIRE) -- Environmental activist Erin Brockovich, together with a team of Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys, look forward to meeting with victims of the Hoosick Falls, New York PFOA groundwater contamination on Saturday, January 30, 2016, said the nationally known personal injury and mass tort law firm.

This community meeting will be held between noon and 2 p.m. in the Greenwall Auditorium at Bennington College, Bennington, Vermont, 15 minutes away from Hoosick Falls. Here are directions to the Auditorium: http://www.benningtondance.org/greenwall.html.

Ms. Brockovich also plans to visit the stricken upstate New York town for a tour, followed by a discussion at the Auditorium with residents about the local water contamination. She will be accompanied by Weitz & Luxenberg's Robin L. Greenwald, who heads the firm's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, and other attorneys from the firm.

Ms. Brockovich, a long time environmental advocate, will share her experiences dealing with water contamination. Weitz & Luxenberg will discuss the legal options and remedies available to Hoosick Falls clients and other residents who seek assistance, the firm announced.

PFOA Contamination Making Residents Sick:

Ms. Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg have been investigating suspected causes and consequences of the PFOA water contamination problem affecting Hoosick Falls since early January, said Ms. Greenwald. "This investigation was conducted to allow us to seek justice for the affected residents from those responsible for the contamination," she stated.

PFOA is a synthetic substance used in the manufacture of no-stick cookware, dental floss, electrical insulation and other familiar products.

The municipal water supply in Hoosick Falls has been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of PFOA. Some residents of the town have reported falling ill after using this water for drinking and cooking.

Chronic PFOA exposure has been linked to testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Studies suggest other possible health consequences including a possible connection to pancreatic cancer.

EPA Also Looking Into PFOA Problem:

Ms. Brockovich's visit comes after a January 14 public meeting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted. Officials with the New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation also attended that meeting, stated Weitz & Luxenberg.

According to the Albany, New York, Times Union newspaper, angry and frustrated residents filled the auditorium looking for answers and solutions.

EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck led the meeting and apologized to residents for the misery they are enduring.

"I'm very, very sorry that you have been going through this," the Times Union quoted Ms. Enck as saying. "I'm sorry that we don't know how long you have been drinking contaminated water.... Action should be taken to protect your health."

State officials at the meeting announced that they had requested that the EPA place the suspected major source of Hoosick Falls PFOA contamination on the EPA's Superfund cleanup site list. EPA officials announced that the earliest that Hoosick Falls could be considered for Superfund status would be in the fall of 2016, said the firm.

For more information, visit the Weitz & Luxenberg Hoosick Falls web page at http://hoosickfallslawsuit.com/.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/erin-brockovich-and-weitz-luxenberg-to-visit-hoosick-falls-ny-groundwater-contamination-victims-on-jan-30-2016-0128-02.shtml.

Weitz & Luxenberg Helping Hoosick, N.Y., Victims of PFOA Contaminated Groundwater

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg is investigating bringing a lawsuit against one or more companies believed responsible for certain cancers and other illnesses affecting residents of Hoosick, New York, where the residents have unwittingly been drinking water contaminated with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), the nationally known personal injury and mass tort law firm today announced.

Weitz & Luxenberg has not yet named the companies, but indicated that a potential lawsuit against them would seek compensation for the harmed residents of Hoosick, a town of 6,500 in central upstate New York.

Weitz & Luxenberg has been working with famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich to identify affected residents and to develop a case against the parties responsible for the contamination of the town's groundwater, said Robin L. Greenwald, who heads the firm's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit.

At this stage, Weitz & Luxenberg is focused on talking to Hoosick residents who used the PFOA-tainted water for drinking, cooking or bathing, and then afterward suffered health problems, as well as residents who cannot now drink their water because of the contamination, Greenwald said.

Most adversely affected have been residents of the Hoosick Falls section of town, where more than half of the population lives, Greenwald indicated. She added that the firm has already spoken to nearly two-dozen residents from Hoosick Falls and elsewhere in the vicinity.

EPA Plans Townhall Meeting on PFOA:

PFOA has been linked to testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, bone density reduction, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and pregnancy-induced hypertension, Greenwald said.

"Health problems can result from exposure to as little as one-half of one part-per-billion of PFOA in drinking water," she explained. "One full part per billion is equivalent to a single drop of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool. Testing last year near Hoosick's water treatment plant found PFOA levels of 18 parts per billion.

"Due to its composition, PFOA remains indefinitely in the environment. It also accumulates and remains inside the human body. It is a very problematic chemical for these reasons," added Greenwald.

The New York State Public Health Department recently recommended residents use bottled water instead of tap, she said.

That echoed a mid-December recommendation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that advised Hoosick residents to avoid municipal public water for drinking or cooking and cautioned that showering or bathing in it could pose a health risk, Greenwald said.

The EPA plans to conduct a public meeting in Hoosick on Thursday, Jan. 14, to discuss PFOA health concerns due to contaminated groundwater and possible plans for cleaning up the town's water supply, said Greenwald.

"It will be an open forum discussion that begins at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Hoosick Falls Central School, located at 21187 NY-22," she said. "The featured speaker will be EPA regional administrator Judith Enck. She will be joined by several EPA science and health experts. Information about PFOA will be distributed. Weitz & Luxenberg will have representatives at this meeting, which is being organized in cooperation with Healthy Hoosick Water, a not-for-profit corporation helping lead the effort to restore the town's water supply to a safe condition."

PFOA Water Contamination Lawsuit:

The firm continues to investigate all parties responsible for the contamination, Greenwald said.

Such a lawsuit will likely include demands for ongoing medical monitoring of Hoosick residents in addition to compensation for nuisance, diminution in the value of their real property and -- for those sickened - the costs of medical treatment, lost wages and pain and suffering, Greenwald said.

Last year, an Ohio federal jury awarded one plaintiff $1.6 million in compensation on her negligence and emotional distress claims against DuPont. The plaintiff alleged that she developed kidney cancer from drinking water contaminated with PFOA and that DuPont was responsible for the groundwater contamination, Greenwald noted. More than 3,500 personal injury cases arising from PFOA exposure are pending in federal district court in Ohio.

Residents of Hoosick and other communities impacted by PFOA groundwater contamination are encouraged to contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an attorney to discuss legal rights to compensation, Greenwald said.

The consultation can be set up by contacting Weitz & Luxenberg at 800-476-6070 or by visiting the firm's website at www.weitzlux.com and completing a request form, she said.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-helping-hoosick-ny-victims-of-pfoa-contaminated-groundwater-2016-0112-03.shtml.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Victims Ask Weitz and Luxenberg and Erin Brockovich for Help

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 11, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,200 affected residents gathered Wednesday night in Porter Ranch, California. They were there to listen to environmental activist Erin Brockovich, scientists and attorneys from Weitz & Luxenberg discuss their legal options against Southern California Gas Co. due to a leak from the natural gas storage well in the hills above their homes, the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg today reported.

The people who attended the meeting voiced concerns about their health, the health of their children, and the numerous economic losses due to the harmful leak. In addition to the rotten-egg smell, residents are suffering ongoing and debilitating health issues and loss of quality of life.

There were more than 2,000 attendees who signed forms requesting individual consultations with the nationally known law firm's attorneys, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Hundreds more indicated they planned to sign forms available online after the supply of paper forms available at the townhall meeting ran out, the law firm added.

The law firm explained that the consultations will help Porter Ranch residents more fully understand the full extent of their legal individual rights to compensation from Southern California Gas Co., owner of the leaking natural gas storage well.

The consultations will also help those who decide to sue the utility prepare for the next steps in their quest for justice, the firm added.

Porter Ranch Residents Described Health Problems:

Weitz & Luxenberg's attorneys were joined at the townhall by famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich, the firm said.

Brockovich and the attorneys shared with attendees the latest news about the gas leak. The leak is coming from an 8,500-foot-deep storage well that can hold 86 billion cubic yards of the methane-rich fuel, Weitz & Luxenberg noted.

Southern California Gas Co. has indicated that it could be three to four months yet before the leak is stopped, according to various news reports. It has been leaking since at least late October.

Porter Ranch residents have complained of health problems affecting them, but especially their children, said Robin. L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit. They have begged for a new location for their children's school, so that their children can stay with their teachers and friends, without jeopardizing their health on a daily basis.

Health complaints have included episodes of nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, skin rash, fatigue, eye irritation and respiratory problems, Greenwald said.

"In particular there have been reports of constant nosebleeds, with children affected most of all," she said. "Taken together, these problems are causing children to miss school - and causing parents to miss work by having to stay home to take care of their sick children."

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Lawsuits Planned:

A sizable number of Porter Ranch families have abandoned their homes to avoid further health consequences and because of the intolerable odor of the gas, Greenwald indicated. Many more want replacement housing, but the gas company either offers them housing that is inadequate for their needs, such as a one-room hotel for a family of 5, forcing them to leave their pets behind, or denies their request because their housing needs are too expensive. Add to this insult that it is holiday time, when children and families typically gather at their homes with family and neighbors and now can't.

By the time the townhall meeting convened, approximately 1,150 families had relocated. More than 2,500 other families were still awaiting relocation, according to news reports.

Townhall attendees heard from Brockovich and from Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys about using the legal system to seek monetary damages for their injuries and hardships, the firm said. The residents also deserve a medical monitoring regime, paid for by the gas company, to measure their health over the coming years and a monthly stipend from the company to help with the additional costs they are incurring from the gas leak.

Brockovich and the attorneys also discussed the possibility of obtaining a court order that would alleviate some of the immediate issues residents currently face, the law firm said, such as a safe location for the schools and adequate alternative housing until the leak is stopped.

There have been some positive signs on at least one front since the meeting. The school board has developed a survey for all parents to take, asking whether they want the district to relocate the schools until the leak is capped.

Parents have until 5 p.m. on December 11, 2015 to respond to the survey. Based on the participants at the Wednesday night meeting, the parents will overwhelmingly vote "yes" to relocating the schools for their children's safety and well being.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/porter-ranch-gas-leak-victims-ask-weitz-and-luxenberg-and-erin-brockovich-for-help-2015-1211-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Victims to Meet Erin Brockovich, Weitz and Luxenberg, Dec. 9 in Porter Ranch, CA

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Environmental activist Erin Brockovich - whom actress Julia Roberts famously portrayed in an Oscar-winning role - will join environmental and consumer protection attorneys from Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., at a Southern California townhall meeting Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, for victims of the Porter Ranch gas leak, Weitz & Luxenberg today announced.

The exact time and location of the meeting will be announced shortly, Weitz & Luxenberg said. However, it will be in or near Porter Ranch, a community in the northwestern part of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, the law firm said.

Victims will be invited to talk about health problems, financial hardships, children's school-related issues, and the emotional turmoil suffered since the Porter Ranch gas leak, said to have begun on Oct. 23, the firm said.

Residents will also hear from Brockovich and from Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys about using the legal system to force the public utility responsible for the leak to stop it and prevent it from ever happening again and to restore the injured families' lives to the fullest extent possible, the firm said.

Additionally, attendees will hear from scientists and others about what can be done now to protect health, homes, education, and family finances in the face of the ongoing gas leak, the firm said.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Causing Health Problems:

The gas leak occurred in an 8,500-foot well owned by Southern California Gas Co. The Los Angeles Times reported that the well is used to store natural gas treated with mercaptans, an agent that gives the odorless gas a smell like rotten eggs.

Attempts have been made to stop the leak but to date have failed. The Los Angeles Times reported that it could be as many as four months yet before the well is plugged.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the emissions from the Porter Ranch gas leak have also exposed the residents to methane.

The quantity of methane exposure has been significant. Authorities quoted by The Times estimate the Porter Ranch residents were exposed to the same amount of methane in just two months that is produced by 160,000 cars in an entire year. It is believed that residents are being exposed to other chemicals as well.

"The exposed residents have suffered headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, stomach pain and respiratory problems," said Robin. L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit. "There is no excuse for keeping those residents in the dark about the health consequences, about the health of their children, about the value of their greatest economic asset - their homes. They need and deserve help and information, but are not receiving any."

Brockovich, Weitz & Luxenberg Fighting for the Children:

Brockovich - best known for helping obtain a $333 million settlement from Pacific Gas & Electric on behalf of 600 residents of the town of Hinkley, California, over groundwater contaminated by a carcinogenic compound - has teamed up with Weitz & Luxenberg many times before, the firm said.

With the Porter Ranch gas leak, it is the children who are at greatest risk, Brockovich said.

"I've heard from many Porter Ranch parents who tell me their children have nose bleeds - even 1-year-olds with nose bleeds, it's tragic," she said.

"Children are being kept out of school because of the health consequences they're suffering," she continued. "Many of the families are being relocated, but to inadequate accommodations, sometimes a single room in a hotel, a family of four or more. It's the holiday time, when families should be in the comfort of their homes and celebrating with their friends and neighbors. This is a dreadful situation."

Brockovich said she and Weitz & Luxenberg intend to make sure at the Dec. 9 townhall meeting that the families' voices are heard.

Greenwald said she and Brockovich particularly want to hear from the parents about what's happening to them and their children from day to day.

"We want to hear about the problems they're having keeping their children in school, the problems that having their children home sick during the workweek is causing to the parents," Greenwald said.

"We want to hear about the acute physical reactions the children and their parents are having - the emotional toll this is taking on the families," she added.

Greenwald explained that lawsuits are the logical next step. "We plan to file on behalf of the individuals who are suffering from the gas leak," she said.

A lawsuit against the gas company would seek monetary damages for the families as well as an injunction to remedy some of the immediate issues residents are experiencing, Greenwald said.

The lawsuit would, among other remedies, also seek to provide ongoing health monitoring of all the residents of the area, Greenwald said.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/porter-ranch-gas-leak-victims-to-meet-erin-brockovich-weitz-and-luxenberg-dec-9-in-porter-ranch-ca-2015-1204-02.shtml.

Weitz and Luxenberg Exploring Southern California Oil Spill Victims’ Claims

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg P.C., today announced it is investigating claims from members of the fishing industry, property owners and others harmed by an oil spill that began Tuesday and blighted the shoreline just north of Santa Barbara, California.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in response to the oil spill.

NBC News reported the spill dumped about 105,000 gallons from a break in a 2-foot-diameter pipeline that runs through the northern part of Santa Barbara County.

Oil from the pipeline rupture flowed to the beach where it then entered the water and created 9-miles of oil slick in the ocean, affecting 4 miles of beach, CNN said.

Santa Barbara Oil Spill Causing Harm:

According to news reports, popular beaches and campgrounds in the affected area were ordered evacuated, and officials said that some beaches would be closed for Memorial Day weekend.

"California's coastal region is home to a rich and diverse habitat and is a vital part of the state's economy because of the variety of businesses supported by those Pacific waters - chief among them fishing and tourism," explained Robin Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit.

"Memorial Day weekend is typically a three-day period when local businesses expect some of their biggest economic gains of the year," she indicated. "Because of the oil spill, those gains may not materialize this year."

"The full extent of the spill is yet to be determined, but fishermen and coastal property owners will likely suffer economic harm, too, by this spill," Greenwald added.

Greenwald said Weitz & Luxenberg is no stranger to aiding businesses and property owners who suffer economic harms from oil spills.

Beginning in 2010, the law firm represented fishermen, businesses and individuals who suffered losses after the oil giant BP's offshore drilling rig exploded, spewing millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, she said.

Weitz & Luxenberg, joined by other law firms, convinced BP to enter a massive financial settlement. The settlement compensated hundreds of thousands of fishermen, businesses and individuals whose livelihoods and/or property were damaged in the course of the spill, said Greenwald, a key player in the settlement negotiations.

Money May Be Owed to Santa Barbara Oil Spill Victims:

The flow of oil from the burst pipeline eventually was stopped, the Coast Guard said.

However, the news media raised the possibility that the pipeline owner - Houston-based Plains All American Pipeline - may have allowed the leak to continue for hours before shutting off the flow.

Weitz & Luxenberg said that under California law, the pipeline owner had a duty to exercise reasonable care in preventing this kind of disaster from occurring.

"The company created an unacceptable risk of economic harm to innocent people and businesses," said Greenwald.

Santa Barbara oil-spill victims who contact Weitz & Luxenberg are eligible for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of their legal rights against the oil company

To obtain the free consultation, oil-spill victims can reach the law firm toll-free at (800) 476-6070 or online at www.weitzlux.com, Greenwald said.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

TWITTER: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-exploring-southern-california-oil-spill-victims-claims-2015-0521-02.shtml.

Miller Recycling Corporation Touts Benefits of Recycling on America Recycles Day

MANSFIELD, Mass., Nov. 14, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Miller Recycling Corporation celebrates America Recycles Day today by applauding all individuals who make a strong effort to recycle as part of daily life, and encouraging all to learn more about recycling and the industry. America Recycles Day, started in 1997, takes place every November 15 in a nationwide effort to promote and celebrate recycling in the U.S.

"With a history of 75-plus years in this industry, we are proud to take part in America Recycles Day, which recognizes the importance of our business. Recycling is such a vital component in the health of both the environment and U.S. economy. We hope generations to come continue to realize the importance of recycling, and continue to advance the industry as a whole," said Randy S. Miller, President of Miller Recycling.

"Having operated in Massachusetts as a family owned company for 4 generations, our 25 employees process paper, metals, plastics, and electronics. Our services contribute to the collection and recycling of over 50,000 tons per year of material. Not only do these actions assist with conserving the environment, but also avoid wasting our costly natural resources. All processing is performed at our Solar Powered recycling facility - located in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Our 300Kw solar installation provides the company with up to 70 percent of its electrical power needs," said Randy.

According to the ISRI Scrap Yearbook 2014, in 2013, U.S. scrap recyclers processed more than 130 million tons of scrap metal, paper, plastics, electronics, textiles, glass and rubber, creating significant energy savings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving natural resources and limiting the amount of material that would otherwise be sent to landfills. In addition to these critical environmental benefits, the scrap recycling industry also provides much-needed support to our economy and trade balance.

In 2013 alone, the United States exported 42.8 million metric tons of scrap commodities valued at $23.7 billion to 160 countries around the world. Here at home, independent research conducted by John Dunham & Associates confirms that the scrap recycling industry directly and indirectly supports nearly 463,000 good paying jobs while generating more than $87 billion in economic activity and $10.3 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

"Each year America Recycles Day provides us with an important reminder not only of the need to recycle, but also the positive impact the recycling industry has on the environment, energy savings, and the economy," said Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). "Together with our members, ISRI stands ready to serve as a catalyst to not only promote recycling at all levels, but also to work with and encourage manufacturers to design products with recycling in mind."

Miller Recycling Corporation is a member of ISRI, the Voice of the Recycling Industry(TM). ISRI represents more than 1,600 manufacturers and processors, brokers and industrial consumers of scrap commodities, including ferrous and nonferrous metals, paper, electronics, rubber, plastics, glass and textiles.

More information: http://www.millerrecycling.com/ .

Video: http://youtu.be/8Zeqkar-No0 .

Miller Recycling Corporation, 73 Plymouth Street, Mansfield, MA 02048.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Miller-Recycling-Corporation-Touts-Benefits-of-Recycling-on-America-Recycles-Day-2014-11-1114-001.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Miller Recycling Corporation :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Over 1.25 Million Pounds of Trash Recycled by Greener Owensboro Recycling

OWENSBORO, Ky., Aug. 6, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Greener Owensboro Recycling celebrates their 3rd year of business with over 1,250,000 pounds of recycled waste collected. Starting with a few neighborhood homes and a small truck and trailer in July 2010, GO Recycling has grown to now serving over 1,000 residential and business customers in Daviess County and Owensboro Kentucky.

"It is great so many people in our community are dedicated to saving the earth's natural resources and reducing the foot print they leave on the planet. 1,250,000 pounds ultimately equals lots of trees, water, and other valuable resources. Many people do not realize the positive financial impact recycling provides as well. It is much cheaper to recycle plastic bottles than it is to make them from scratch," said John Fentress, owner of GO Recycling.

GO Recycling is also growing and gaining efficiencies in its own operations. Due to advances in sorting technologies at recycling centers, customers no longer need to separate their materials. This technology saves both GO Recycling and their customers lots of time and effort. "Customers simply throw all their recyclables in one bin or totter and the machines handle the separation," said Fentress.

In late July GO Recycling added a new truck for collection with separated bins allowing recycling and other waste materials to be picked up at the same time by the same truck. This provides greater efficiencies and ultimately reduces their own footprint on the environment. "Not only does it help us reduce our business footprint, but it also helps us be competitive on pricing as well," said Fentress.

Another step Go Recycling has made to increase efficiencies is launching a full service website at http://saveowensboro.com/ . Both residential and business customers can now learn more about services, determine items available for recycling and residential customers can sign up and manage their accounts online. "We wanted to make our services as accessible as possible and we hope in time to reduce our paper billings as well," said Fentress. Go Recycling customers can currently pay by credit card and PayPal through the website.

Full waste management services are available for Daviess County residents only. For residents of the city of Owensboro, GO Recycling provides recycling services on the same days as normal trash pick-up.

"As people learn more about the benefits of recycling and the impact it can have both in terms of resources and financial savings, we expect the number of households recycling to grow," said Fentress.

Customers interested in recycling and its advantages for our resources and environment are encouraged to visit http://saveowensboro.com/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Over-1-25-Million-Pounds-of-Trash-Recycled-by-Greener-Owensboro-Recycling_2013-08-0806-003.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Greener Owensboro Recycling :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2013 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.