Imagine you have been given the
responsibility of conducting an analysis for a planned project.
Read through the following projects (listed below) and pick one that interests you. Do
some research reading. Look through the links on Eco-Pros, conduct
web searches, and look for information on the
environmental news websites. Here are some suggestions for your report:
| 1. |
What
might be affected in some way by the project? |
| 2. |
What information and
statistics should be gathered? |
| 3. |
What type of experts
should be consulted for advice? |
| 4. |
What are
some good points and
some negative points about the project? |
| 5. |
Do you
feel there would be negative effects from such a project which would
be too harmful and could not be mitigated (made relatively harmless by
corrective measures)? |
| 6. |
Would you
recommend approval or rejection of the project? |
| 7. |
List your reasons why,
and any books, articles, test data, professional opinions, or other
information which you relied upon to form your conclusion. |
| 8. |
Is your
conclusion based on good scientific principle? |
| 9. |
Discuss
with your fellow students and teacher. |
| 1. |
DIVERSION
CANAL and FARMING OPERATION
A large industrial farming operation is planned on undeveloped land
which would need a larger supply of water for irrigation than
what is available on the acreage. The land is flat and a
nearby river meanders lazily along on its last journey
to the ocean. Since the river is almost adjacent to the
farmland, a request has been made to build a canal to take
water out of the
river over to the farmland for irrigation. The project is planned at a point approximately 5 miles
upriver from town and 40 miles upriver from a coastal delta
which the river flows into on its way to the ocean. |
| 2. |
LOGGING
OPERATION
A major timber company wants to buy and harvest trees from federal forests in the Pacific Northwest.
These forests are part of a very old and established ecosystem,
and home to many creatures, including the Spotted Owl. Plans are
to clearcut large areas of trees here and there, and then replant
those areas. The timber company will pay the costs of
putting logging roads into the remote areas, and build bridges over
rivers where necessary. Jobs will become available for
loggers and construction workers. Local stores and
various businesses will benefit financially while the
operations are underway. |
| 3. |
COASTAL
AQUACULTURE PROJECT
A permit to build an aquaculture shrimp farm operation is
under consideration. The location is on a quiet coast
near a small tropical village which is protected from ocean
waves by a barrier reef. Products will be exported and
contracts are ready for signature. The corporation has
promised some jobs will become available for local
inhabitants, who live mainly off the land and by fishing their
local waters in small boats. |
| 4. |
DRAINAGE
PROJECT
A developer has purchased a large amount of acreage adjacent
to a city, and has applied to drain and fill approximately 10
of the acres which is marshy most of the year. Plans are
to build a large shopping mall to be named Creekside Crossing. As the growth of this city has expanded out
into the countryside, other areas have been drained to allow
for urban development. |
| 5. |
HOTEL
AND RESORT
An international hotel and resort is planned for a remote
tropical area where local residents will have the opportunity
for employment when the project is complete. The area is
known as one of the world's best locations to see migratory
birds and sea turtles. Guests will be able to dive
in and among the shallow waters of the reefs to view tropical
fish. The resort will be a major destination point for
vacationers. |
We didn't say it was going to be easy!
Look in your local
newspapers to find articles on proposed projects.
Be involved in the environmental issues of the community in which you
live. |
|
