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9.06.2015

Radioactivity Found Offsite WestLake Landfill

      

Radioactivity Found Offsite at West Lake Landfill   

Sept. 4, 2015
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Dear Scotts, 

Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015: Attorney General Chris Koster released several expert reports detailing the smoldering fire moving toward the radioactive material as well as the finding of radioactive material in tree cores at offsite locations. The reports were released as a part of AG Koster's lawsuit against Republic Services related to the smoldering landfill fire, which Koster claims started due to the negligence of the landfill company. Read MCE's press release calling for the Corps of Engineers to be given jurisdiction of the radioactive materials immediately. 

Congresswoman Ann Wagner released a statementfollowing AG Koster's new information, "It is time for the Department of Energy, in consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers, to make a determination whether the inclusion of the West Lake site into FUSRAP will better protect area residents. The time for discussion and evaluation has passed; this community deserves a solution."

Congresswoman Ann Wagner is referencing a request made to the DOE by our federally elected officials. We already know that the Corps of Engineers will better protect area residents and that's why we've been asking our federally elected officials to legislatively transfer the jurisdiction of the landfill from the EPA to the Corps of Engineers. Read more HERE about why FUSRAP needs to be put in charge at the West Lake Landfill. See who supports FUSRAP being put in charge at the West Lake Landfill and take actionHERE

Republic Services is adding dirt to portions of the smoldering fire in an attempt to smother it so it does not become a surface fire. Photo taken by MCE.

Breaking News Press Coverage






Sept. 3: Koster releases new finding on West Lake Landfill The Missouri Times 



Call To Action

We need the Army Corps of Engineers put in charge of the West Lake Landfill. People live within one mile of this landfill and have been subjected to horrendousodors for over four years. Republic Services even said, "This will be life for the next five years," regarding the smoldering fire. It's time for Republic Services or the government to provide a voluntary buyout for the folks within one mile of the landfill. Just Moms STL formed to work with the people closest to and most impacted by the landfill. Karen Nickel is one of the Just Moms STL leaders and shared what you can do to help on their Facebook pageSee the picture below and take action! 

Upcoming Events

Franciscan Sisters of Mary Prayer Vigil
Where: 12755 St. Charles Rock Road in Bridgeton, MO at the abandoned Phillips 66 gas station. 
When: Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month (weather pending) at 10am. The next vigil isSeptember 9, 2015

West Lake Community Meeting 
Where: John Calvin Presbyterian Church
12567 Natural Bridge Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044
WhenThursday, September 17, 2015 beginning at6:30pm
Make A Call
Please make a call and thank Senator Blunt, Senator McCaskill, Congressman Clay, and Congresswoman Wagner for their July 17 letter to Secretary Moniz at the United States Department of Energy. Also let them know they have the power to act on this situation by legislatively transferring jurisdiction to the Army Corps of Engineers FUSRAP.  
Senator Blunt: 202-224-5721
Senator McCaskill: 202-224-6154
Congressman Clay: 202-225-2406
Congresswoman Wagner: 202-225-1621



Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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9.01.2015

Saving a Deck and Stairs Material List

Material List for Saving the Deck - Client six thousand dollars with Exterior Stair Rebuild Photos

While dismantling the stairs to replace the rotten stair stringers and posts, it became clear there was a reason that the stairs had rotted.  It wasn't long after getting to the last stair removal that the answer to my question became readily apparent as I was getting doused by the automatic garden sprinkler.

Water Problem from sprinkler- coupled with the style that the previous builder used to construct the stairs by layering the 2x12s instead of using Stair Stringer Hangers also caused water build ups that led the the wood rotting faster.

Scotts Contracting Deck Project Saved Six Thousand Dollars

Picture Composite Deck Boards cause the water collection-wood rot?
Layering the 2x12s instead of Stair Stringer Hangers caused the wood to rot.


Old Code Stringer Attachment Deck Construction
Old School- Built to Old Codes Stringer Attachment Deck Construction

Deck Stairs almost done next step Low Voltage Lighting
Rebuilt Deck Stairs next step Lighted Stairs
Deck Stairs Material List:

  • 5-2x12x8
  • 6-1x6x8
  • 2 small box 2 & 3 in deck screws
  • 2-4x4x8 posts
  • 4-2x12 Stair Stringer Hanger (Simpson Strong Tie)
  • 2-4x4 Composite Post Base




Material and Tool List for Saving the Deck and Cash

  • 37 composite 6 x 6 post base caps
  • 40 bags Quickcrete (Fast)
  • 3 bags sand topping mix
  • 1 bag Portland Cement
  • 16- 24 in #4 Rebar (1/2 in x 8 in Dowel Rods)
  • Small Bundle Wire Ties and Wire Twister
  • 2- 1 in x 8 in x 12 ft (10 in x 10 in Concrete Forms)
  • Miscellaneous scrap plywood (concrete forms)
  • Wheel Barrow
  • Garden Hoe
  • Flat and Round Nose Shovels
  • Mag and Sponge Float
  • Concrete Edger
  • Torch Driver
  • 1 1/2 in Screws
  • 1 1/2 in Roofing Nails (attach the composite base plate)
  • Tape Measure
  • Level
  • Small Square
  • 10 in Chop Saw
  • Right Angle Drill Adapter with 3/4 in dia "Shorty" wood bit
  • Small and Medium Hammer
  • Nail Puller
  • Skill Saw 7 1/2 in blade
  • Saw Saw wood blades
  • Extension Cords


Build Notes:
  • Temporary 2x4 Deck Supports were used
  • Post Rotation System ensured continuous support for deck- every third post was worked on and no additional weight loads on new piers for 24 hr minimum.
  • Forms Constructed for re-use / re-cycling saved manpower and materials






Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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8.31.2015

IBSO promotes Sustainability Worldwide


http://www.standardizations.org/charter

See Scottys Article: Sustainability is Key to Survival



The International Businesses Standards Organization is a non-profit independent organization which was established under the initiative of entrepreneurs in order to support an international trade and a business development.

At IBSO, we strongly believe that the increasing involvement of enterprises in international markets will help to promote a sustainable future and aids in the solution of many other serious global problems.

We are convinced that cross-border commercial activity provides a great number of benefits. It creates jobs, raises incomes and standards of living, increases the innovative capabilities of market-based national economies, and as a consequence of all this, it boosts local, regional, national, and global economic growth. And finally, global commercial exchange plays an important role in maintaining of worldwide peace and stability.

This reality motivates us to continue to build a robust structure that supports not just a modern, but a progressive and ethically oriented organization around the world. Maintaining and encouraging such an international business activity, there is where we invest our resources.

As a group, the IBSO strongly believes that our organization is a lot more than just a group of people coming together for a common cause. Ever since its creation in 2011, we have gone to great lengths to implement new initiatives and develop new tools that keep us focused on the ever changing interests of international market players all around the globe.

I am sure that now, in today's kind of economical world we are in, it is just the right time to present to the business-society our new project,

This is a global, voluntary initiative designed for entrepreneurs and a wide range of organizations. The Worldwide Charter encourages its signatories to contribute to sustainable global progress by incorporating into their business practices nine specific principles in the areas of environmental protection, and economic and social development.

Coupled with our carefully selected experts, we have developed this initiative as all-encompassing code of conduct that reflects the universal principles of fair dealing and the best international practices in ethics and corporate responsibility.

It is aimed at empowering businesses and organizations around the world to be more strategic in promoting its commitment to sustainable and positive business practices in clear, simple and easily understandable terms for their partners, customers and the public at large.

We have determined that there should be no charge for signatories to participate in the Worldwide Charter. The rationale is that we are thinking it will be illogical to require the fees from the enterprises whose leaders are committed to implement fair dealing practices and to conform to the standards of modern society.

I urge you to consider joining this Worldwide Charter. I hope it will increase your worldwide performance and your ability to compete globally.

In conclusion, I just wanted you to know that we are continuing to work very assiduously to maintain IBSO’s world-class status that is responsive to the 21st Century challenges of our global village. We intend to develop and maintain efficient and flexible standardization solutions to meet the needs of international business society.

We look forward to working with you on growing your involvement in the global marketplace through a collaborative and efficient partnership with the International Businesses Standards Organization.

Sincerely,
Konstantin Krinski,
Chairman of the International Businesses Standards Organization

SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY TO SURVIVAL

- Also posted at: http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/#sthash.IUT4ZxQC.dpuf


Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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8.29.2015

Saving a Deck and Cash

I saved this homeowner six thousand dollars by removing the rotten wood and adding a little concrete to the Deck Piers.  

Image Bottom 4in Rotten 6by6 Cedar Deck Post

1) Problem




2) Solution


  • Cut the bottom 8 inches off the 6x6 cedar post
  • Wire Tie Number 4 Rebar (1/2 in x 8 in long) to existing Dowel Pin

Simpson Strong-Tie Model # CPS6 Internet # 100375387 Store SKU # 825329

6 in. x 6 in. Composite Plastic Standoff

 6 in. x 6 in. Composite Plastic Standoff
  • Drill New Dowel Pin Hole for the Number 4 Rebar and Install this Composite Standoff to keep the Cedar Post from Rotting in the Future.

  • Install New Concrete 10x10 in Concrete Pier Base Cap

  • Water Proof and Protect new Concrete Pier with a layer of Concrete Portland/Sand topping mix.




The Client had 2 Bids as suggested:  

  • Rebuild Deck Bid 1............................$38,000
  • Replace Deck Posts Only Bid 2.........$8,000.  

I was the third bid and beat the lowest bid by $6,000.




Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

8.22.2015

Remembering the Lessons of the Elders



SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY TO SURVIVAL


Remembering the lessons of the Elders…

1989-The I first time ever heard about homes being completely self sufficient was in the drafting and engineering classes.  I silently thought: That Old Fool is spouting off at the mouth again.  Recycle their toilet water?  Make their own energy?  Completely self sufficient Homes?  That old blow hard that never grades my futurist home designs with angled roofs, siding on diagonal layouts, round windows…what does this old fool know about the future?

Fast forward to 2015

We now have: Net Zero Energy and Water Homes that are completely self sufficient.  That old fool did know what he was talking about!  Maybe the real reason that my funky and modern designs didn’t grade well, was because they were wasteful or bad drawings.  Now that I’m in the actual building part of the design build community I realize: sure they’re cool to look at; but, expensive and wasteful to build.
I’ve also learned while renovating the buildings around the St. Louis area that the Old Builders who built the area up for the World’s Fair also knew a little about sustainability.
Hundreds and thousands of those old buildings are still standing and in use today. Recently while building an addition for a property, I discovered an: in ground water tank connected to a brick patio, with a sand and gravel filtering system as the water collection point.  Exactly the way a modern day ground filtration system works for a home built in 2015.  In other words: those old builders did have a clue.
It was also the early American settlers who built the first sod or earth homes in the great plains.  They may not have had running water, but they did have a true green home, that was built from Natural resources.  From my research the sod homes were: warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Even as early as 1985 while working on Dads cattle ranch where I helped install my first solar panel with battery backup- that powered the electric fence which kept the cattle out of the road.  I remember it still today because it was one of the first of many “electric jolts” I’d receive before learning to always test electric fences before grabbing the wire. 
(electric fence hint: blade of grass test) We also learned about electric fences. We worked on proving the idea that a short blade of grass laid on the electric fence will give you a shock.




 




So in all actuality today’s sustainable home builders are just relearning what the older generations already knew:
  • Build from local resources.  
  • Recycle your water.  
  • Make and Store your own power.  
Luckily we now have ways to save that power and reuse that water safely.  
Just as sustainability was a way of survival for the early settlers; it is fast becoming a key for the survival for the humans today.  The ability to sustain a life in an ever changing climatic planet fraught with:
  • out of control sea level rise that is forcing island inhabitants to seek higher ground,

  • severe storms and tornadoes wreaking havoc in the Midwest,


  • heat indexes of plus 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C) in India,


  • uncontrollable forest fires in the Western USA,


  • drought conditions forcing entire populations to abandon areas in Africa.

Never before has the need for sustainable lifestyle ever been more important.  And just like those early sod home builders of the great plains.  Our generations too will meet the challenge and overcome.  Thankfully we now have cool gadgets to help us.
Today’s electric inventors are figuring out ways to make supercapacitors used in electronics out of natural resources from Hemp Lignin. 
 




Tesla’s energy devices are being re-created and found to be functional.  
Battery and Energy storage engineers are creating: chemical, natural, and rare earth energy storage devices.  
Solar panel output power efficiency are being improved by studying Butterfly Wings.
 



Natural forms of insulation like Hempcrete are being rediscovered and used to block out severe weather while protecting the inhabitants.

Mankind is rediscovering and
                  remembering the lessons of our Elders
                                                                 
                                        sustainability is key to survival.


by Scotty






The International Businesses Standards Organization is a non-profit independent organization which was established under the initiative of entrepreneurs in order to support an international trade and a business development.

At IBSO, we strongly believe that the increasing involvement of enterprises in international markets will help to promote a sustainable future and aids in the solution of many other serious global problems.

We are convinced that cross-border commercial activity provides a great number of benefits. It creates jobs, raises incomes and standards of living, increases the innovative capabilities of market-based national economies, and as a consequence of all this, it boosts local, regional, national, and global economic growth. And finally, global commercial exchange plays an important role in maintaining of worldwide peace and stability.

This reality motivates us to continue to build a robust structure that supports not just a modern, but a progressive and ethically oriented organization around the world. Maintaining and encouraging such an international business activity, there is where we invest our resources.

As a group, the IBSO strongly believes that our organization is a lot more than just a group of people coming together for a common cause. Ever since its creation in 2011, we have gone to great lengths to implement new initiatives and develop new tools that keep us focused on the ever changing interests of international market players all around the globe.

I am sure that now, in today's kind of economical world we are in, it is just the right time to present to the business-society our new project,

This is a global, voluntary initiative designed for entrepreneurs and a wide range of organizations. The Worldwide Charter encourages its signatories to contribute to sustainable global progress by incorporating into their business practices nine specific principles in the areas of environmental protection, and economic and social development.

Coupled with our carefully selected experts, we have developed this initiative as all-encompassing code of conduct that reflects the universal principles of fair dealing and the best international practices in ethics and corporate responsibility.

It is aimed at empowering businesses and organizations around the world to be more strategic in promoting its commitment to sustainable and positive business practices in clear, simple and easily understandable terms for their partners, customers and the public at large.

We have determined that there should be no charge for signatories to participate in the Worldwide Charter. The rationale is that we are thinking it will be illogical to require the fees from the enterprises whose leaders are committed to implement fair dealing practices and to conform to the standards of modern society.

I urge you to consider joining this Worldwide Charter. I hope it will increase your worldwide performance and your ability to compete globally.

In conclusion, I just wanted you to know that we are continuing to work very assiduously to maintain IBSO’s world-class status that is responsive to the 21st Century challenges of our global village. We intend to develop and maintain efficient and flexible standardization solutions to meet the needs of international business society.

We look forward to working with you on growing your involvement in the global marketplace through a collaborative and efficient partnership with the International Businesses Standards Organization.

Sincerely,
Konstantin Krinski,
Chairman of the International Businesses Standards Organization

SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY TO SURVIVAL




Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
-->

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