“The Rochester Engineer” (November 1971)

Despite delays in reaching consensus within several of its sub- committees, the “Operation RESOURCE” Task Force presented its Interim Plan, in this issue. The key recommendation was the immediate procurement of industrial grade shredders, to be placed at the current solid waste transfer stations, or at strategically located points, so that only shredded trash would be transported to landfills. “Although the ultimate disposal plan adopted by the City and the County may make use of more sophisticated processes (incineration, pyrolosis, or composting, for example) the time that would be required to place any of these processes in operation precludes recommending any of them for a near-term solution”, the subcommittee said. The report continued, “Principle reasons for recommending shredding of solid waste include reduced objectionable odors, vermin & insects, fires, blowing of paper, volume reductions due to greater density of waste product, enhanced settling of landfill volume, and reduced requirement for landfill covering during off-hours.” On their way to making these recommendations, members of the subcommittee visited sites, and interviewed operating personnel, toward improving their understanding of the options for successfully dealing with municipal solid waste. Upcoming RES Luncheon programs were announced, including; “Who Voted How – And Maybe Why”, by Howard Hosmer, WHEC Channel 10 News, “Electro-Mechanical Shutters”, by Andrew W. Vincent, Vincent Associates, “Engineering and Engineering Education – Programs and Prospect for the Seventies”, by Dr. Richard A. Kenyon, Dean, RIT’s College of Engineering and Applied Science, and “The Impossible We Do Today”, by Dr. Erwin G. Lowen, Bausch & Lomb Corporation. This issue also reported that a 188 page report, “A Metric America – A Decision Whose Time Has Come”, by the US National Bureau of Standards, has recommended the creation of one Federal Agency to oversee this conversion, a project estimated to take approximately ten years to complete.

December 1, 1971 (Board Meeting, Bausch & Lomb)

The Board heard a report from RES Director, John Schickler, Chair of the RES 75th Anniversary Committee. It included plans for a professionally-developed, three-day exhibition at Midtown Plaza, “Technology Trip”, showing how the goals of our society can be achieved through the successful application of engineering and technology. Normally held in February of each year, the annual RES Engineers Joint Dinner would instead be delayed and become the lead-off event in this April 27 – 29, celebration of the Society’s 75th Anniversary. The Board approved a budget of $20,000 for this event, to be recovered by donations from Rochester industries that employ engineers. Following a presentation to a group of Monroe County Legislators, Edwin Anthony reported that the final report on this operation would be delayed to early 1972. Mr. Anthony also reported that some 65 boys and their parents had attended a “special interest” meeting for this year’s RES Explorer Post, implying another successful year for this program. Reporting on the RES Luncheon Committee, Roger Kober announced that Eastman Kodak President, Jerry Zornow had tentatively agreed to speak at the January 1972 RES Luncheon, provided that he would be seen by an audience of at least 400 people. Roger Kober also remarked that several special measures, including advanced ticket sales, would have to be taken to ensure this level of attendance. Edwin Anthony reported that the City of Rochester was seeking candidates for Commissioner of Public Works, and that he wanted to form an ad hoc RES committee to interview City Manager Kermit Hill, and to review this appointment with him. By common consent, the Board approved the formation of such a committee.

“The Rochester Engineer” (December 1971)

“Delays in the presentation of the final report of 'Operation RESOURCE' should not occasion any dismay”, instead, the community has gained a feeling of satisfaction that a body of unbiased, competent professionals is now involved in the solution of the solid waste problem.” These are the words that accompanied the announcement that it would take a “few more weeks” to reach a solid waste disposal plan for the City and County that will be ecologically sound and economically feasible. An interim plan has been presented. The final, long-term plan will require even greater study, including built-in flexibility, to take advantage of new developments in the field of solid waste management. Meanwhile, it makes sense to continue to recycle all the materials for which recovery channels now exist, and are operating (paper, bottles & cans). New RES Luncheon presentations were announced; “Historic Waterways of New York State”, by Arnold Barben, President of the Canal Society of New York State, and, “Pure Waters for Monroe County”, by G. Richard Sutherland, Director, Monroe County Division of Pure Waters. The RES’ newest Affiliate, the Rochester Chapter of the American Institute of Plant Engineers was featured in this issue. Founded in 1915, in Boston, this organization has grown to 121 Chapters, with over 5,000 members. They have been instrumental in the nationwide development and adoption of municipal codes, the licensing of stationary engineers, air conditioning operation and sewer codes.

Subsequent articles in this series will describe the RES' continuing outreach to other technical societies as it considered its role in this and the larger community, along with more of the activities of the RES as it moved to be of greater service to its membership, especially those suffering from current economic crises, and adopted a greater role in shaping the future of the City and its environs. Noted also, will be the contributions made by RES members in the struggle to meet the challenges coming out of World War II and the Korean Conflict, as well as a hoped-for period of post- war growth and prosperity. These articles will also feature an impressive array of RES activities in support of post-war re-emergence of Rochester area industry.

We welcome your questions and comments on this series.