Cycle A- Team Assignment
Due Sunday October 10, 2010
C.Sargent
T. Jerolaman
P.West
Section 1: Group Questions
1. Is the underlying soil/bedrock stable enough for construction, if not it would
require fill dirt and become very destructive?
2. What is the risk of erosion associated with clearing the area near the river,
especially the river bank erosion from the lack of tree roots to stabilize the bank?
3. If the retailer is built on top of the wetlands, can the river water be re-routed and
how? Will flooding occur if the wetlands/catchment is removed?
4. Are there building practices that could limit the impact of the mall on the
wetland?
5. Is the wild grain and fruits a major economic contributor to the communities?
6. How would the pavement effect the water table in the area and the area
surrounding the wetland?
7. What will be the risk of flooding in the area that may be developed, such as a 100
year flood?
8. What is the river water used for? Will the removal of a catchment, and filtration,
render the water unsafe?
9. What is the prevalence of wetlands in KY? Are they rare or abundant?
10. What are the protected species that may inhabit the area that may be developed?
11. What other recreational options are there if the wetlands are removed?
12. How will microclimates outside the development area be affected?
Section 2: Initial responses to questions.
Chris's response to Tammi's questions:
1. What is the prevalence of wetlands in KY? Are they rare or abundant?
We have wetlands abound here in Kentucky. We have hundreds of miles of running
rivers here that offer habitat for wetlands. We also have abundant wetlands in western
Kentucky, in the Paducah area where the elevation is lower in the Mississippi River
valley.
2. What is the economy like in the area? Are there many retail businesses already?
I think we should select an area and then base our answers to it that way. We could
choose a place like West Liberty, which has the Licking River running through it. West
Liberty has 2-dollar stores, a Family dollar, Rite Aid, IGA, and Sav-A-Lot. We can all
say the economy is not too good here in Eastern KY, so that should be consistent
anywhere we chose.
3. What types of fruits/grains do wetlands provide? Can they only be grown in wetlands?
How much do people depend on these?
Wetlands provide food for people, animals and birds. Some wetlands may have chestnut
and or walnut trees, which people can collect the nuts for food. There are also some wild
greens and blackberries that people can pick for food.
4. What is the river water used for? Will the removal of a catchment, and filtration,
render the water unsafe?
Most rivers in this area supply people with water for drinking, but the water is pumped
into a water treatment plant first straight from the river. The removal of the foilage in the
wetland will allow for more erosion and higher suspended particulate matter in the river,
but I think most treatment plants can deal with that as we often have floods. The river
health will definitely be affected in a negative way as people are closer to the river and
garbage, leaking oil from autos, and dust will pollute the river to an extent.
5. If the retailer is built on top of the wetlands, can the river water be re-routed and how?
Will flooding occur if the wetlands/catchment is removed?
Rivers can be rerouted, but it is extremely expensive and destructive to the existing
environment. Trees cannot grow fast enough to fortify the banks and erosion of the new
banks will occur unless tons of heavy rock and concrete are installed. Flooding will
almost always be a potential issue in a wetland near a river. A flood wall would probably
have to be built.
6. What other recreational options are there if the wetlands are removed?
If the wetlands are removed it may be a possibility that the area has areas nearby for
fishing, hunting, and hiking, but it depends where the location is. We know our region is
loaded with recreational alternatives, however if the wetland is built maybe they would
have to pay for a park nearby.
Chris's responses to Brad's questions:
1. How much of the wetland is proposed for development?
The scenario says a large retailer wants to build on the wetland, so maybe we can assume
they will need a majority of the wetland space for development. Most wetlands are not
too large around here.
2. What other means of socio-economic sources can be created in the community should
the plan for the major retailer take place and the current sources be lost?
The major retailer could very well drive small businesses out of the area. Many small
business owners in this area would struggle to invent a new business.
3. What kind of timber is being harvested from the wetlands area? How much?
Most river valleys here in northeastern Kentucky have tulip poplar, pine, sycamore and
many other varieties of timber.
4. What is the current population of the neighborhoods surrounding the wetlands?
We could just assume a certain population, but more specifically we could go with a
community like Rodburn in Rowan County or West Liberty in Morgan county.
5. What are the environmental stewardship policies of the major retailer?
Many companies have green initiatives, but unfortunately many companies do not. This
is an important point that we should look into. Let's select a company and then research
their environmental policies. Maybe we could pick from: Target, Meijer, Wal-Mart, JC
Penny or any other company.
6. Is it possible that through the retailer’s stewardship policies that they could actually
enhance portions of the wetlands not affected by the development?
The retailer could be required to build a park nearby, which will enhance the community.
7. What type of hunting and fishing takes place in the community? Will the development
actually alter/affect these sports?
Hunting in eastern Kentucky is a big sport. People hunt for deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit,
quail, ducks and many more game species. I think the removal of the wetland would
affect both hinting and fishing to a great extent. Hunting would be eliminated, but fishing
could possibly still remain.
8. What is the status of the permitting process (ie water quality certifications, 404
permits, zoning ordinances, etc.)?
Permits are required to build new developments and environmental impact should be
assessed.
9. Is the wild grain and fruits a major economic contributor to the communities?
I think the wild fruit and grains would be more of a traditional harvest than a major
source of income. People from this area have hunting and gathering running through their
veins and do so just as habit. It is also a thing to do as you are enjoying nature. I would
think the fruits and grains are more important for wildlife than for people.
Tammi’s Responses to Chris’ Questions:
1. What are the protected species that could be inhabiting the area that may be
developed?
I should know, but I'm not sure what types of endangered species live in this area of the
country or in wetlands. There could be plants, insects, birds, mammals, etc.
2. How would the pavement affect the water table in the area and the area surrounding
the wetland?
Due to the loss of a substantial area of land that already holds water, the water table in the
area would probably rise due to saturation in other places. The surrounding area to the
destroyed wetland would probably rise also due to flooding from the river and runoff
from the pavement.
3. Are there building practices that could limit the impact of the mall on the wetland?
I am assuming the building is occurring in the exact location of the wetland, so I don't
think there is a way to limit its affect on the wetland because it is going to be completely
destroyed.
4. Are there alternatives for leisure in the area if the mal is built in the wetland?
Eastern KY seems to be filled with several national parks and lots of nature areas. For
this type of outdoorsy recreation, I'm sure there are alternatives... At least for people.
5. How will microclimates around the mall be affected by the mall?
Heat generated from the running and maintenance of a large building, in addition to heat
radiating from more auto traffic, will probably raise the local temperature a bit.
6. What is the erosional risk associated with clearing the area near the river, especially
the river bank erosion from the lack of tree roots to stabilize the bank?
I think there would be a high risk of erosion, which would widen the river. I don't think
the building would be right on top of the river bank though, so these trees probably would
not be removed, unless for aesthetic reasons?
7. What will be the risk of flooding in the area that may be developed, such as a 100 year
flood?
Flooding is a definite possibility since the wetland served as a holding place for a lot of
water. The water has to go somewhere. It's not going to stop coming just because the
wetland is no longer there. It could possibly take a long time (100 years) in order for the
surrounding environment to adjust to the change and develop a new way to manage the
water.
8. Will a flood wall have to be built to protect the mall from flooding?
Probably. The river water is used to flowing to that area, so over time, a path in the
ground has probably been created. I think the water will keep being directed that way, so
some type of blockage needs to be built.
9. Would flood insurance be too costly for the area?
It depends on the chances of flooding in that community (before the wetland would be
destroyed). Insurance rates are based on the likelihood of the event in the particular area.
Plus, insurance companies are tricky... they may not insure against flooding if they know
the building would be built on top of a wetland next to a river.
10. Is the underlying soil/bedrock stable enough for construction, if not it would require
fill dirt and become very destructive?
I would guess the immediate soil, and soil a ways down, would be like mud due to the
water saturation. I don't think mud is stable enough to hold up a building, so I think a lot
of soil manipulation, and fill dirt, would be necessary.
Tammi’s Responses to Brad’s Questions:
1. How much of the wetlands is proposed for development?
The scenario did not state, but I would assume at least the majority, if not the entire,
wetland.
2. What other means of socio-economic sources can be created in the community should
the plan for the major retailer take place and the current sources be lost?
I am a bit confused on the question...maybe it's too late at night... If the question is asking
about other alternative areas that could be created to make up for the loss of the wetland
habitat, then maybe a public recreational park could be built. Or, if the question is
referring mainly to the local businesses, perhaps a shift in the TYPES of business would
occur- one that includes businesses that would profit from the increased traffic flow
through the town due to the retailer (restaurants, gas stations, etc).
3. What kind of timber is being harvested from the wetlands area? How much?
I'm not sure what types of trees grow in that type of environment. I wouldn't think very
many trees are being cut down. I didn't know people could cut down trees on public land
for their own use.
4. What is the current population of the neighborhoods surrounding the wetlands?
We will have to decide on a town/community in order to research the population.
5. What are the environmental stewardship policies of the major retailer?
We will either have to decide on a specific retailer or base our analysis on the normal or
most common environmental stewardship policies.
6. Is it possible that through the retailer’s stewardship policies that they could actually
enhance portions of the wetlands not affected by the development?
I am assuming most of the wetlands will be destroyed, and I think their policies would
tend to be more towards decreasing negative impacts rather than increasing positive
impacts- but I'm not sure. We would have to know what the policies are to decide.
7. What type of hunting and fishing takes place in the community? Will the development
actually alter/affect these sports?
In the short amount of time that I've lived in KY, I have learned that hunting and fishing
takes place just about EVERYWHERE, and I am sure any type of hunting or fishing
takes place. If the retail store sells equipment/supplies for these "sports" (I don't really
understand how they are sports...) it may actually increase involvement.
8. What is the status of the permitting process (ie water quality certifications, 404
permits, zoning ordinances, etc.)?
We will have to decide on an area to research this.
9. Is the wild grain and fruits a major economic contributor to the communities?
I think they would be in any community in Eastern KY. As we researched last time,
farmers' markets are very popular and are the source of income for many residents.
Brad's responses to Tammi's Questions
What is the prevalence of wetlands in KY? Are they rare or abundant? I would say that
wetlands in KY are neither rare or abundant. Wetlands in KY are or varied types
(perennial, intermittent, large and small).
What is the economy like in the area? Are there many retail businesses already? We
would have to know the population of the area and the retail businesses related to
the community. I would image we could assume any eastern/north eastern KY
community. (Grayson, Flemingsburg, West Liberty, Salyersville, etc.) as these
communities have wetlands and no major retailer.
What types of fruits/grains do wetlands provide? Can they only be grown in wetlands?
How much do people depend on these? I'm not real sure of the fruits and grains
grown in wetlands. In wetlands in the scenario is in a river valley and is inundated
during flooding of the river. I would assume that fruits would be such things as
berries, apples, peaches. The grains could be wheat, oats, millet, and maybe even
wild rice.
What is the river water used for? Will the removal of a catchment, and filtration, render
the water unsafe? The water in the wetlands/river will most likely be used for
drinking water by the local community as rivers are the primary source of drinking
water for communities in KY. A wetlands does in fact act as a filter and to some
degree I'm sure it would affect the water quality of the body of water/aquifer if
removed from the system.
If the retailer is built on top of the wetlands, can the river water be re-routed and how?
Will flooding occur if the wetlands/catchment is removed? This would literally take an
act of Congress to move a body of water such as a river in 2010. However, it was
done in Pikeville in the 80's. The Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River was
completely rerouted, the old river system filled and a businesses established.
Flooding can occur in areas both upstream and down if considerations aren't given
to the design.
What other recreational options are there if the wetlands are removed? By transferring
to the highlands - possibly walking, hiking, bicycling.
Brad's responses to Chris’ Questions
1. What are the protected species that could be inhabiting the area that may be
developed? This would take research on my part - but I would assume that some
wild flowers and other plants, as well as, maybe the Indiana Brown Bat my inhabit
the proposed development area.
2. How would the pavement effect the water table in the area and the area surrounding
the wetland? The pavement would effect the water table as the impervious surface
increases the rate of surface/stormwater runoff. This increased rate will not permit
infiltration to the ground water system over a broad area.
3. Are there building practices that could limit the impact of the mall on the wetland?
Some building practices could limit the impact of the wetland, such as many of the
developments around coastal towns that consider wetlands in all of their
developments, but I'm not sure that it would be cost effective to do so in KY.
4. Are there alternatives for leisure in the area if the mall is built in the wetland? The
recreation would have to move to the highlands areas (walking, bicycling, hiking).
If suppose it is possible to do all of these things on the mall property after it is
complete as well.
5. How will microclimates around the mall be affected by the mall? I'm sure that
microclimates would be affected to some degree - I'm just not sure how much. Most
obvious, would be that less evaporation of water from the wetlands to the
atmosphere - could result in less precipitation in the areas surrounding the
wetlands.
6. What is the risk of erosion associated with clearing the area near the river, especially
the river bank erosion from the lack of tree roots to stabilize the bank? Removing the
trees on the river bank would increase the "cutting" effect of the river. Most likely,
bank stabilization would have to occur (a very costly process) if the trees were
removed.
7. What will be the risk of flooding in the area that may be developed, such as a 100 year
flood? If the development is permitted to occur in the 100 year floodplain - the
potential for flooding to occur increases upstream of the site due to the water not
being able to spread across the floodplain during flooding. I once worked on a
project where two people drowned in a flash flood because a development was built
in the floodplain. The rains fell and the water rose and there was no place for the
water to go (but into places that it had never been). Really sad situation.
Downstream flooding could also be impacted it storm retention ponds aren't
considered in the design. During periods of heavy rains, if the runoff from parking
lots is not collected, areas downstream from the development can experience "flash
flooding".
8. Will a flood wall have to be built to protect the mall from flooding? This would be a
possibility if the development could be raised to an elevation that would prevent
flooding. This is not likely, as flood walls are extremely expensive and difficult to
permit.
9. Would flood insurance be too costly for the area? Flood insurance is extremely
costly. The price of flood insurance is based on the relationship to the floodplains
(Zone A - 100 yr. and Zone B - 500 yr.). There are hybrids of these zones as well. I
know from experience that developers stay away from these flood prone areas for
many reasons and the cost of flood insurance is one of them.
10. Is the underlying soil/bedrock stable enough for construction, if not it would require
fill dirt and become very destructive? Most likely, the geologic conditions that occur
in the alluvial materials in the wetlands and river valleys is not immediately suitable
for construction. More than likely, the unsuitable soils would have to be removed
and engineered fill would have to be brought in to fill the site to the specifications of
the structural engineer who is responsible for the project. Another option would be
to drill piles to the underlying bedrock to support the development. Both of these
options are common construction practices in KY.
Section 3: Research Plan:
During the week of October 10, 2010 our team will use the original or revised problem
statement to build an ESS model by researching, reading teammate analyses based upon
the following research plan:
Tammi Jerolaman – will research and complete questions 9 thru 12.
Christopher Sargent –
will research and complete questions 5 thru 8.
Brad West – will research and complete questions 1 thru 4
Section 4: Problem Statement
A major retailer is proposing the development of a building site in the community of
West Liberty, Kentucky. The preferred building location resides on a large wetland area
that is a source of commerce, food, and recreation for the community. Our team will
investigate and analyze the positive and negative effects of the proposed development
and the elimination of the natural wetland on the local environment.