14 Life Below Water – �鶹��Ƶ

Paradise Creek Public Restrooms and Coffee Shop

Ada Inman — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:17:06 +0000

We designed a project that combines a large bathroom space with a coffee shop and a community events area upstairs. The multiple-stall area is designed to provide easy access, safety, and a non-claustrophobic environment for people of all ages and genders. Families can visit the public restroom and coffee shop after visiting the nearby Paradise Creek Park. We wanted to emphasize connection in our design concept, as the park is located in a busy area with many visitors. To achieve this, we created a unique bench that can seat a large number of people and is adorned with educational signs. The bench is intended to evoke curiosity and playfulness and serves as a gathering area, meeting spot, and safe haven for anyone in need of a place to sit, relax, and clean their head.

National City Comprehensive Brownfields Reuse Plan

Ada Inman — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:29:44 +0000

The project reported here represents community partnership work between the city of National City and San Diego State University (SDSU) students. Operating under the university’s Center for Regional Sustainability with grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), the SDSU Brownfields Project intends to identify and prioritize brownfield sites in National City. As part of this work, students produced a comprehensive brownfields reuse plan for National City that combined a strong vision, creative policies for brownfield redevelopment, a summary of existing and projected conditions across several dimensions, and a plan for community engagement into a cohesive whole. The project brought together Masters program students from the School of Public Affairs in Dr. Valerie Stahl’s course, Seminar in Land Use Planning Principles and Techniques (CP 690), during the Spring 2024 semester. Throughout the class, students used a combination of existing publicly-accessible data and site visits to create both regular progress reports and a final report, which was presented to various leaders from National City and the Sage Project at the end of the semester. Section II of this report provides an introduction to the report. It describes the community partner’s goals, how students and faculty collaborated with the partner to explore the subject of brownfields in National City, and the process by which students created their draft reports. Section III provides readers with the background information and context necessary to understand the report. It describes the plan’s overall vision for brownfields in National City and the framework and principles that led to that vision. It also features a discussion of consistency between this and other National City planning documents. Section IV describes the existing and projected conditions of National City. This includes where brownfields are currently located, existing land uses, projected socioeconomic, demographic, and population trends, forecasted housing growth, parks and open space needs, and future land uses in the city. Section V introduces the history and purpose of community engagement in brownfields reuse planning and highlights stakeholders in an Actors Analysis. This section contains six overarching goals, each with its own recommended objectives and policies. Section VI describes how brownfields could be redeveloped to assist with the production of housing in National City. Its recommendations include identifying corridors capable of withstanding increases in density, setting a minimum affordability period for new affordable units, and redeveloping a brownfield under a Community Land Trust framework. Section VII describes how brownfields could be redeveloped to assist with the creation of parks and open space in National City. Its recommendations include redeveloping brownfield sites into community gardens and including recreational infrastructure and native plants in brownfield parks. Section VIII describes how land use policy could enable a better National City, with the assistance of brownfield redevelopment. Its recommendations include restoring wetland habitat through brownfield redevelopment, developing educational facilities on brownfields, and prioritizing certain brownfields for mixed-use complexes. Section IX contains three proposals for redeveloping specific brownfield sites in National City. Section X concludes the report and summarizes key themes and recommendations.

Climate Change Awareness and Biodiversity Conservation: Strengthening Community Engagement in the Lapus-Lapus Integrated Marine Protected Area

Ada Inman — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:38:26 +0000

Dumangas, a coastal town in Iloilo Province, is facing increasing challenges due to climate change. The town’s 45 barangays are vulnerable to rising sea levels and biodiversity loss, which are not just environmental issues, but also existential threats to the livelihoods of its residents, many of whom rely on fishing and aquaculture. Unsustainable practices, including illegal fishing, have further degraded marine ecosystems, notably in the Lapus-Lapus Integrated Marine Protected Area (LLIMPA). This area, rich in biodiversity, is threatened by a lack of community awareness and involvement.

The local community has experienced diminishing fish stocks, reduced income, and deteriorating natural resources. These challenges, coupled with the pressing issue of climate change, have exacerbated the community’s vulnerability. It is crucial to recognize the need for enhanced environmental awareness and effective sustainable resource management. As community members fight to adapt to these hardships, they must also find ways to preserve their environment, which is essential for their livelihoods and future well-being.

The opportunity arose with the partnership between the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the local government of Dumangas. Recognizing that raising awareness and equipping the community with knowledge about climate change and biodiversity conservation could turn the tide, the project sought to empower local stakeholders. By implementing an Environmental Awareness Program, the project aimed to educate residents on sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and improve their livelihoods.

This initiative was also aligned with broader goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 on climate action, SDG 14 on marine conservation, and SDG 15 on biodiversity conservation. By addressing the root of environmental degradation through education and community involvement, the project saw the potential for long-term sustainability and greater protection of marine resources.

The partnership between ISAT U and the Municipality of Dumangas was central to this initiative. Ms. Flosel P. Almirante, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, led the project in Dumangas, working closely with Mr. Eric D. De la Vega, the academic liaison from ISAT U. Together, they integrated practical environmental challenges into the university’s curriculum, engaging students across various disciplines such as Environmental Science, Research, IT/Multimedia Systems, and Architectural Drafting.

Collaboration extended beyond the university and local government to include national and international organizations like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). These partners provided technical expertise, funding, and resources, creating a robust framework for the project’s success.

“The partnership between ISAT U and our community has been transformative,” said Ms. Almirante. “The knowledge and resources provided by the university and our international partners have not only raised awareness but also empowered the people to take ownership of their environment.”

The collaboration has led to notable successes. Through a series of community workshops, social marketing efforts, and awareness campaigns, residents became more informed about climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fishing practices. Students played a crucial role in designing digital platforms, creating communication materials, and participating in community awareness drives. This hands-on involvement enriched both the students’ education and the program’s effectiveness.

As a result, LLIMPA has seen increased community engagement, with residents becoming more involved in conservation efforts. Illegal fishing activities have decreased, and there is growing support for the rehabilitation of mangrove forests and the enforcement of sustainable practices. “This project has not only brought knowledge to our people but has fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in protecting our marine resources,” noted Mr. De la Vega.
Looking forward, the partnership between ISAT U and Dumangas will continue to evolve. Plans are in place to expand the �鶹��Ƶ model to other barangays and to further integrate sustainability into the university’s academic programs. The municipality also intends to seek additional funding to maintain the momentum of the program and explore ways to scale it for neighboring communities. This collaboration is just the beginning of a larger movement toward environmental stewardship and climate resilience in the region.

Partnership Contact Information

Eric D. De la Vega
Iloilo Science and Technology University
edumilevega1970@gmail.com

Flosel P. Almirante
Municipality of Dumangas
flosel.almirante@gmail.com

Written by: Alice Murphy
Edited by: Kay Phanthuwongpakdee

Kearny Lake Algae Revitalization

Ada Inman — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 20:48:16 +0000

The Town of Kearny is facing unprecedented algae contamination in Kearny Lake Park, a key recreation area in the local community. Residents and visitors rely on Kearny Lake for walking, fishing, birding, boating, and more. However, due to aging infrastructure and land use change, Kearny Lake is experiencing rapid algal growth that is negatively impacting wildlife in and around the lake. Therefore, the Town seeks the development of an environmental plan to revitalize the lake and guide sustainable use for the future. Students from ERM 494/598 Algal Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering developed strategies and propose a revitalization plan to improve the environmental health of Kearny Lake.

Development of an Environmental Awareness Program on Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation for Lapus-Lapus Integrated Marine Protected Area, Municipality of Dumangas, Iloilo Province, Western Visayas Philippines

Victor Manzanilla — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:40:50 +0000

The coastal town of Dumangas is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change resulting to biodiversity loss. Coupled with unsustainable coastal resource utilization they greatly affected the fishing-based livelihood of the community. The local government in partnership with an academic institution -ISAT U and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other NGOs such as ZSL and GIZ had recently embarked on the enhancement and institutionalization of the Lapus Lapus Integrated Marine Protected Area (LLIMPA). The LLIMPA covers a rich coastal marine resources, mangrove forest and rehabilitated abandoned fishponds to mangrove forest by the DENR. However, there are still a lot of issues such as low awareness on the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, unsustainable utilization and community cooperation, as well as illegal fishing and poaching in the area. The LGU and ISAT University through their environmental science course can develop an environmental awareness program to heighten the people’s consciousness and at the same time increase the support and participation of the community to the LGU inititiave on LLIMPA.
In order to increase the awareness of the locals, the proposed action is to develop an environmental program using social marketing techniques and communication strategies. With the pandemic restrictions – both digital and printed platforms will be utilized. Currently, Dumangas is in partnership with the DENR, ZSL and GIZ in the implementation of the ProCoast project. The project supported the enhancement of the LLIMPA and capacity development of local stakeholders. The funds can further support the expansion of the environmental program and fund the social marketing and communication strategies. This can be achieved through the development of information materials (web ready/digital platforms/printed), and other effective communications strategies with the partnership of ISAT U to expand their environmental science course involving students and faculty members. The university can provide manpower and expertise to work on the program. ZSL and GIZ including government agencies will further provide technical inputs in the design of the program and materials. While Dumangas direct investments will support the LLIMPA establishment and operations.

Identification of High-Risk Dry Cleaning Sites in San Diego County: Spatial Analysis

Victor Manzanilla — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:40:45 +0000

Hazardous chemicals used in traditional dry-cleaning methods pose a serious threat to population health when spilled or discharged illegally into the environment. Children, the elderly, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those living in disadvantaged communities are at even greater risk. San Diego State University students collaborated with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board to identify current and historic dry-cleaning sites and assess each site’s risk to human health using spatial analysis techniques. A database containing the project findings will help prioritize dry-cleaning site investigations and cleanup efforts. Dry-cleaning site records underwent an extensive validation process to ensure the highest possible positional accuracy for the spatial analysis. The two-fold analysis first found active and historic dry-cleaning sites located within disadvantaged communities, as defined by Senate Bill 535. Next, dry-cleaning sites were assessed for proximity to sensitive receptor sites. These sensitive areas have land uses where susceptible individuals are likely to spend their time, such as schools, hospitals, and residential communities. Several distance zones were used to increase the overall functionality of this assessment. Results of the spatial analysis were interpreted in the context of San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency regions, to better understand the specific challenges faced by these unique communities. Of 522 dry cleaning sites, 7.1% (n=37) are in disadvantaged communities, with highest risk to the county’s south and central regions. At the largest distance, 1,000 feet, 67.8% (n=354) of dry-cleaning sites have the potential to impact one or more sensitive receptor sites and 95.8% (n=500) pose a risk to residential communities. At the shortest distance, 300 feet, 15.9% (n=83) of dry-cleaning sites pose a risk to one or more sensitive receptor sites and 74.9% (n=391) threaten residential communities. Residential sites are the most threatened type of sensitive receptor site, followed by childcare facilities and schools. All information for individual dry-cleaning sites is available in the delivered geographic information system (GIS) layer. Based upon the analysis, several high-risk dry-cleaning sites were identified. Langley Cleaners, a historic site in National City, has the potential to significantly impact human health, should evidence of perchloroethylene pollution be found. The site is in a disadvantaged community with three sensitive receptor sites and multiple residential communities within 300 feet. Continental Cleaners & Laundry in National City and Super Wash’N’Dry in Chula Vista are each less than 1,000 feet from a municipal well and pose risks to the county’s drinking water. Additional high-risk sites can be easily determined by querying the comprehensive attribute data available for each dry-cleaning site.county’s south and central regions. At the largest distance, 1,000 feet, 67.8% (n=354) of dry-cleaning sites have the potential to impact one or more sensitive receptor sites and 95.8% (n=500) pose a risk to residential communities. At the shortest distance, 300 feet, 15.9% (n=83) of dry-cleaning sites pose a risk to one or more sensitive receptor sites and 74.9% (n=391) threaten residential communities. Residential sites are the most threatened type of sensitive receptor site, followed by childcare facilities and schools. All information for individual dry-cleaning sites is available in the delivered geographic information system (GIS) layer. Based upon the analysis, several high-risk dry-cleaning sites were identified. Langley Cleaners, a historic site in National City, has the potential to significantly impact human health, should evidence of perchloroethylene pollution be found. The site is in a disadvantaged community with three sensitive receptor sites and multiple residential communities within 300 feet. Continental Cleaners & Laundry in National City and Super Wash’N’Dry in Chula Vista are each less than 1,000 feet from a municipal well and pose risks to the county’s drinking water. Additional high-risk sites can be easily determined by querying the comprehensive attribute data available for each dry-cleaning site.

Desarrollo de un programa de monitoreo y de control preventivo de la intrusión salina en los acuiferos subterráneos y superficiales de la Ciudad de Manzanillo

Victor Manzanilla — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:40:43 +0000

La importancia que reviste el estudio de los agentes contaminantes de los recursos hidricos, avalado por el necesario consumo de este elemento, en estos momentos no representa una amenaza considerable a las reservas acuífera, pero desde una perspectiva del problema a futuro se visualiza un riesgo potencial, es por ello la necesidad de impulsar el [...]

Consultancy Services for preparation of Detailed Project Report for Rehabilitation and Upgradation to two lane with paved shoulder configuration of Araku (Bhalluguda) to Bowdara Section of NH – 516 E in state of Andhra Pradesh.

Victor Manzanilla — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:40:41 +0000

B. Description of the Subprojects

The objective of the MORTH’s Project Financing Facility is to support the projects for improving Andhra Pradesh State’s connectivity of the current rural interior and achieving a larger coverage of the National Highway and State Highway. The loan from the MORTH will be on – lent to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for upgrading the State’s Major District Roads, with construction of associated bridges and railway-overhead – bridges. Not less than 2,000 Km of Major District Roads in Andhra Pradesh will be upgraded to intermediate lane width, with 5.5 m wide carriageway. These roads will have the well – functioning conditions for all – weather access. Standard signage, pedestrian crossings and other safety features will be designed. Travel time is estimated to be reduced by 25%.

The government of India has embarked/ boarded upon the “Ministry of Road Transport and Highways” (MORTH)’s to develop several National Highways in India. MORTH has been entrusted with the assignment of Preparation of Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report for Araku (Bhalluguda) to Bowdara Section (NH – 516 E).

M/ s. L. N. Malviya Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd., Bhopal was awarded the Consultancy Services of the above assignment through competitive bidding. The Consultancy Contract Agreement has been signed on 31.03.2021, with Letter No.: RO/ VJA/ Annual Plan/ 2020 – 2021/ 1 Dated 31.03.2021. Two Lane with Paved Shoulder Configuration of Araku (Bhalluguda) to Bowdara Section of NH – 516 E in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The Projected Road Araku to Bowdara Junction (NH – 516 E) Starts near Araku Town (@ Chainage 51.772 of NH – 516 E) with Coordinates (705027.84 m E, 2022824.31 m N) and Ends near Kasipatnam (@ Chainage 92.739 of NH – 516 E) with Coordinates (724508.43 m E, 2013359.67 m N). The Existing Length of the Project Road is 42.015 Km and Design Length of Road is 40.967 Km. The proposed road sections are part of the Major District Road, Other District Road and State Highway Network on Andhra Pradesh. The existing road sections are mostly single lane district roads with carriageway width vary from 3.0 m to 7.0 m with earthen shoulders. Formation width varies from 5.0 m to 9.0 m. The sub project roads run through plain, rolling and hilly terrain and passing across several agricultural land, villages, and towns. The existing pavement is bituminous in most of the road section, but CC pavement can also be found in few sections. The overall riding quality is poor. The condition of shoulders is also poor which are now covered with vegetation in many sections. There is no formal drainage system along the roads.

In this report the IEE is reported for the subproject roads falling under Araku (Bhalluguda) to Bowdara Section (NH – 516 E) District. It is proposed to improve these MDRs, ODRs and SH to minimum intermediate lane and two – lane configuration (5.5 m to 7.0 m wide flexible pavement and 2.25 m earthen shoulders). In built – up area/ habitation or in forest sections the improvement will be restricted to the existing ROW. Adequate cross drainage structures have been proposed in all the subprojects (Table 1).

Table 1: Project Road Details
Works Proposed under MORTH Project (Araku (Bhalluguda) to Bowdara Section (NH – 516 E)
Sr. No. Name of the Road Road Code Length in Km
From To Total Length (Km)
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Two – Lane with Paved Shoulder Configuration of Araku (Bhalluguda) to Bowdara Section of (NH – 516 E). The Existing Total Length 42.015 Km and Design Length of Road is 40.967 Km. Starts near Araku Town (@ Chainage 51.772) and Ends near Kasipatnam (@ Chainage 92.739) in the State of Andhra Pradesh. ——- 51.772 92.739 40.967
Total (Roads under MORTH) = 40.967 Km

Environmental Screening and Preliminary Assessment Report

Victor Manzanilla — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:40:41 +0000

3. PROJECT ALIGNMENT DESCRIPTION The Projected Corridor STARTS from Chainage @ 00.000 Km (NH – 74) with coordinates (28°57’19.26” N and 79°25’47.66” E) and traverses through mostly government land and paddy fields and circles the City. Rudrapur Bypass Road Crosses NH – 87 (New NH – 09) and NH – 74 (New NH – 309) [...]

Impacto del cambio climático: percepción de riesgo en la población vulnerable

Victor Manzanilla — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:40:35 +0000

La investigación a desarrollar es descriptiva – prospectiva y tendrá lugar en el contexto de la región costera de Manzanillo, con un período de ejecución desde enero del 2020 a enero del 2025. Teniendo en cuenta que el municipio constituye una alerta pues está identificada por el CITMA nacional como ciudad costera amenazada por la subida paulatina del mar. Es necesario tomar medidas de adaptación y mitigación en aras de enfrentar sus efectos negativos para la salud humana y ambiental. La evidencia científica del cambio climático es indiscutible según expertos y la organización internacional líder sobre el tema. Ante esta realidad no existe un antecedente sobre la percepción de los pobladores costeros en el área del Golfo sobre el cambio climático y su repercusión. Partiendo de estas consideraciones, se plantea el siguiente objetivo: Describir el impacto del cambio climático en la salud humana-ambiental de la población costera de Manzanillo. En la obtención de la información se emplearán técnicas y métodos del nivel Teórico, Empírico y Estadísticos. El análisis, resumen y presentación de la información se realizará a través de tablas y gráficos. La información a obtener se procesará mediante los paquetes estadísticos contenidos en el programa STADISTICS (versión 6.0), se ejecutará en el mismo a través de la importación de bases de datos desde el EXCEL ejecutable en WINDOWS VISTA y se utilizará la estadística descriptiva.