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HONR 297 Environmental Models

HONR 297 Environmental Models. Chapter 1: Introduction. Objectives. This course has three objectives. Provide an in-depth introduction to several very important environmental issues. Show how mathematical models are used routinely to help analyze these issues.

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HONR 297 Environmental Models

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  1. HONR 297Environmental Models Chapter 1: Introduction

  2. Objectives • This course has three objectives. • Provide an in-depth introduction to several very important environmental issues. • Show how mathematical models are used routinely to help analyze these issues. • Interpret these issues (to the extent possible) in the context of our own lives!

  3. Key Idea (Theme) in the Course • Every environmental issue has quantitative aspects. • By trying to make precise quantitative statements about environmental problems, we are led to a more precise and refined understanding of the underlying problems themselves!

  4. Environmental Practices • Here are some examples of practices that until “recently” (1980’s – present) were routinely accepted and widely practiced. • Disposal of garbage and other wastes in landfills. • Use of buried underground storage tanks (often made of steel) for fuel oil and other chemicals. • Allowing untreated sewage to enter lakes, rivers, etc. • Disposal of byproducts from power plants (nuclear, coal, etc.) via tall smoke stacks, cooling towers, etc. • Natural resource consumption – food, water, fuel, etc. • Use of chemicals – industrial, personal, etc. • Are they still practiced? …

  5. Questions! • What are examples of each of the above environmental practices? • Are they still relevant today?

  6. My answers – ones I thought of! • Coke plant demolition – south side of Indianapolis • Pleasant Run Creek – raw sewage runoff – Indianapolis • Pittsburgh sewage in water • I-69 extension • IN coal plants – air near worst in nation

  7. My answers – ones I thought of! • Chinese cities air quality • Northwest IN steel mills • Muncie – battery plants, abandoned factories • BSU power plant • BP oil leak – Gulf of Mexico • CA refinery fire • Maple syrup spill – KY in June • WI oil spill

  8. My answers – ones I thought of! • Fish kills in White River • VX nerve gas disposal – Newport IN • Japan – earthquake, tsunami, and resulting Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster • Volcanic eruptions, disruption of air travel • Tornados, resulting devastation and cleanup • Exhaust from cars, trucks, planes, trains, homes, factories, etc. • Erin Brockovich – PG&E California case

  9. Contributing Factors • In the 1950’s – 1970’s, when many or most of the above practices were standard and unchecked, what were some of the contributing factors? • Industrial development • International competitiveness • Living standard increases • Rebuilding (especially after WW II and the Korean war) • Cold war – arms race between US and Soviet Union • Vietnam War • Others? …

  10. Increased Awareness • What caused people to become more concerned with environmental issues? • Major disasters, including: • Amoco Caditz (Oil Spill) (1978) • Exxon Valdez (Oil Spill) (1989) • Love Canal (Chemicals) (1978) Part 1Part 2 • Three Mile Island (Nuclear) (1979) • Bhopal India (Chemicals) (1984) • Chernobyl (Nuclear) (1986) • Rhine River (Chemicals) (1986) • More recent disasters …

  11. What has happened as a Result? • Heightened public awareness and concern • Changes in how individuals and business interact with the environment • Government regulatory agencies have improved their systems of regulations to protect the environment • Businesses have changed their practices significantly, due to • New regulations • Potential liability and cleanup costs • Financial impacts, both direct and indirect, which concern boards and CEO’s • Makes good business sense – people view environmentally friendly companies and products in a more positive light – more recent development

  12. Dealing with Environmental Problems • Today, we are more aware of environmental issues caused by both past and present practice. • However, we still need to find ways to “fix” those problems that exist or prevent future problems from occurring. • This is not an easy task – what do we do with the byproducts of fixing an environmental problem?

  13. Some Examples

  14. Bottom Line • Environmental issues are • Very complex • Hard to solve • Solutions involve tradeoffs • Involve many people • Engineers • Consultants • Scientists • Civic leaders • Citizens • Lawyers • Journalists • Etc. …

  15. Examples of Environmental Issues

  16. Course Focus • In this course we will focus on “everyday” environmental issues that are likely to arise where we live (city, town, nearby urban center, etc.). • In particular, we will look at issues related to ground water, air quality, and hazardous materials management!

  17. Homework • Read Hadlock – Chapter 1

  18. References • News, YouTube, and Animal Planet Videos, • http://www.wthr.com/story/19208780/neighbors-concerned-about-air-pollution-during-coke-plant-demolition • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKIM9sE0t6I • http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=MXSE9kcBQCI&NR • http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/monsters-inside-me/videos/cryptosporidium-outbreak.htm

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