Browsing by Subject "Environmental aspects"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Bioassessment of sediment quality near storm water outfalls and other sites of concern in Corpus Christi Bay, Texas
(1999) Burgess, Robert Stockton, 1965-; Montagna, Paul A.
The goal of this project was to determine if the ecological integrity of meiofaunal communities was being affected by storm water outfall sediment chemistry, hydrographic parameters, or physical disturbance. Fifteen of 36 study sites were near storm water outfalls. The other 21 sites were reference or highly polluted sites to contrast the outfall sites with background levels and known chemically stressed sites. Because Corpus Christi Bay is a shallow open bay system, physical disturbance due to sediment re-suspension was also estimated. Contamination from non-point sources at storm water sites produced the highest concentrations of both trace metals and cyclic organic pollutants found in this study. Trace metal contaminants were tightly bound to the sediments, and their effects on the biotic communities can only be distinguished from background at one outfall site. Cyclic organic pollutants concentrations were elevated at 66% of the outfall sites, and effects on biotic communities can be distinguished from background at 88% of these sites. The four most contaminated storm water sites exhibited extreme reductions in measures of both macrofaunal and meiofaunal community integrity. Re-suspension was a confounding factor with organic pollutants at five relatively clean outfall sites, where it eliminated the harpacticoid copepod community, and negatively affected the macrofaunal community. In general, of the 36 sites, the 4 most degraded sites were storm water outfalls
Exploring the application of the green movement to the theatre with a focus on the costume shop
(2011-05) Maynard, Natalie Lynn; Glavan, James; Martel, Denise
Theatre is an art form that combines the art of storytelling with the visual arts. Every production begins with a blank canvas, and it is up to the director and a team of designers to discuss concepts and decide on an artistic vision for the piece. Skilled artisans work quickly as a team to produce the vision of the designer and director. During the production process waste is generated in the scene shop, props shop, costume shop, and rehearsal space. The products that are used to create the design can often contain harmful ingredients for both the artisan and the environment. No longer willing to ignore the responsibility that theatres have as stewards to the environment many artisans are leading the way by exploring safer practices and products. The research for this thesis is focused on the theatrical costume shop and examines dry cleaning, fabric painting and dyeing, and waste disposal. Alternatives to regular dry cleaning practices and commonly used and otherwise toxic products are available for a variety of processes we use in the theatre. For this study I conducted one hundred and sixty five surveys, ten interviews and a quality test amongst the dry cleaning alternatives in Austin, Texas. Three sets of seven different fabric samples were cleaned using the standard solvent and the alternative methods for dry cleaning. Four professional dyers and painters were interviewed about their dyeing process, disposal practices, and the impact that “green” products have on their work. I spoke with two experts working in wastewater about the impact dyes and paints have on wastewater treatment plants. Finally, I conducted an anonymous survey in 2010 to find out what new products or methods are in use amongst costume shop managers, dyers and painters, and production managers.
The metallic elephant in the room : short range flights, high-speed rail, and the environment
(2011-05) Johnson, Donovan Theodore; Zhang, Ming, 1963 Apr. 22-; Loftus-Otway, Lisa D.
It is of nearly universal acceptance that one of the pillars of American economic success over the course of the 20th century was the rapid development of infrastructure. Transportation infrastructure has been of particular importance in the rise of the United States and attributed to the spread of an increasingly mobile culture. Americans undoubtedly enjoy traveling, and the ability to do so with relative ease is of immense value to many. In Texas, the majority of economic activity takes place within what is colloquially known as the “Texas Triangle”, an area bounded by the large metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and San Antonio. Intensive population growth in Texas, anchored by the triangle, has led to increasing road congestion on many routes, especially along Interstates 35 and 10. This congestion, and the wasted time and money that comes with it, are of increasing concern to the future economic vitality of the state. The Texas Triangle is also served by extensive aviation links via major airports in the major metropolitan areas, as well as smaller airports in other parts of the region. These flights, operated by American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are frequent, but emit large amounts of greenhouse gases that contribute to ground level pollution and possibly climate change. High-speed rail has been considered by many to be a superior environmental option for intercity routes with lengths inherent to the Texas Triangle. However, given the fact that Texas is the top emitter of carbon dioxide in the U.S. and relies on an energy mix that is primarily fossil fuel powered; would a potential high-speed rail in Texas outperform the current air system environmentally, given similar passenger miles traveled? This report examines the environmental emissions of high-speed rail and compares it to the environmental emissions of our current aviation system, taking into account a life-cycle perspective.
Recovery of contaminated urban land through municipal setting designations in Texas
(2011-05) Webb, Jenilee; Butler, Kent S.; Paterson, Robert
Bound by environmental regulations, many potential developers shy away from brownfield projects because of the high cleanup costs associated with remediating contaminated groundwater. These circumstances create tension between economic and environmental interests, and sometimes between equity interests as well. In Texas, one piece of legislation called the Municipal Setting Designation (2003) aims to reduce liability associated with the redevelopment of contaminated properties. It uses an institutional control to eliminate the ingestion exposure pathway for contaminated groundwater when property owners develop a response action to the contamination. By eliminating risk associated with human consumption, the MSD is designed to reduce costs and accelerate the process for environmental remediation. Some parties praise Texas for taking such steps to quicken the redevelopment of contaminated properties, while others have reservations. This report will explore Texas’ MSD program using case study analysis and GIS analysis. It will examine risks associated with proximity to other water resources, and the principle of “polluter pays.” What are the effects on the environment? What are the implications of extending MSD practices to cover large metropolitan areas over the long-term? Answers to these questions may identify successes and shortfalls that have emerged over the last eight years as municipalities and professionals have put this law into practice. As we continue to learn from experience, these insights may aid in refining Texas’ environmental stewardship policies for future generations.