Joe Burns
Environmental Studies
PHS 100A
Warner Pacific College
June 21, 2011
Society’s Vulnerability to Natural Hazards
I was watching a program the other day that showed news footage of the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco. A rescue worker was yelling on a megaphone “fill your bathtubs full of water” in anticipation that water systems could be impacted and that there may be limited access to water. I immediately thought I need to keep my shower very clean at all times, in case of an emergency!
I have lived in the Pacific Northwest all of my life, and always thought this was one of the safer locations to live in the United States. I have never felt that our region was very vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather conditions. Other than a couple minor earthquakes, and the volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens, I cannot remember being even mildly impacted or threatened by a natural disaster. In 2005, following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Forbes magazine ranked the safest and least safe places to living in the United States. My assumption was confirmed. Of the top ten safest places to live in the U.S., seven were cities or areas within the Pacific Northwest. Ironically Honolulu, Hawaii ranked as the number one safest place to live in the United States. I believe if these rankings came out today that Hawaii’s threat of being impacted by tsunami would result in Honolulu not being ranked as high. (Forbes, 2005)
Some people are more cautious and take the needed steps to prepare their family and home should they be hit by a natural disaster. They keep numerous plastic jugs of water, a stockpile food, packets of batteries, emergency medical kits, and they may even have an evacuation plan along with some sort of safety shelter. For me, my emergency preparedness plan consists of not much more than a clean bathtub.
Our world appears to be more vulnerable to natural hazards than ever before in my lifetime. The earth’s physical systems are changing, resulting in global warning and other extreme meteorological events, and with more people tightly packed in metropolitan areas rather than spaciously distributed in rural areas, the larger cities are more vulnerable to sever devastation should a natural disaster hit those cities. (Mileti, 1999)
It’s difficult to really contemplate the vulnerabilities of societies in regions beyond the United States. I cannot imagine how people in less technologically advanced countries prepare for natural hazards, especially in those places where they are highly vulnerable. Therefore, my world-view of natural disaster preparedness does not extend outside of the U.S., and in reality, not much further from my bathtub.
There really is not much a person can do to “plan” for a natural disaster, but there are a number of things that can be done to lessen the impact these disasters have on society. The United States could improve land-use planning and limit expansion in areas that are perceived as highly vulnerable. We need to ensure that our buildings are constructed with strong enough infrastructures to withstand the destructive impact of natural hazards like earthquakes and tornadoes. We can also provide extensive training to citizens on what to do should a natural hazard hit their area. This should be done on the local level so it is specific to the individual areas, and the threats that may impact those communities. These communities need to also organize rescue teams that are prepared to respond and assist during a natural disaster. (Mileti, 1999)
Many times countries, states, cities, and communities do not take the necessary steps to carefully prepare for these disasters and mitigate the overwhelming affects. As a result they are left with a significant death toll, billions of dollars in damages, and maybe one or two clean bathtubs.
References
Clemens, S. (2005, August, 30). Forbes Magazine. “Safest And Least Safe Places In The U.S.”.
Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/2005/08/30/safestplaces-insurance-realestate-cx_sc_0830home_ls.html
Mileti, D. (1999). Disasters by Design: A Reassessment of Natural Hazards in the United States.
Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press and the Joseph Henry Press.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A Pizza Saved His Life by Stefan McCabe
Earthquakes
Stefan McCabe
PHS 100
Warner Pacific College
June,20 2011
Earthquakes
I like to brag about the fact that a pizza saved my life. In October of 1989, I was living in the Santa Cruz mountains. It was near dinner time, and I had been riding my tricycle up and down a pathway next to my house. I remembered that my mother was baking a pizza in the oven, so I left my tricycle to look at the oven inside. As I was standing in front of the oven in anticipation, I was knocked off my feet by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. I (a 3 year old at the time) freaked out for a moment and then ran outside to our open lawn. Thankfully nobody in our family was hurt. I was left, though, with a small scar on my upper right arm. As the wreckage was removed, my father found my tricycle. The wall that was next to the pathway had fallen directly on to the tricycle. My dad called it a "red pancake". As I said before, a pizza saved my life.
Earthquakes can be caused by several things. I have personally experienced 2 of these causes. They can be caused by dislocations of the earth's crust, volcanic eruptions, fallen trees (huge ones), and even manmade explosions. Most are caused, though, by movement of the earth's crust. " The crust may first bend and then, when the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, break and "snap" to a new position. In the process of breaking, vibrations called "seismic waves" are generated. These waves travel outward from the source of the earthquake along the surface and through the Earth at varying speeds depending on the material through which they move. Some of the vibrations are of high enough frequency to be audible, while others are of very low frequency. These vibrations cause the entire planet to quiver or ring like a bell or tuning fork" (Watson & Watson).
There are some basic, critical, steps to take in preparation for earthquakes. The first is to check through your house or business for possible hazards. Heavy or valuable items should remain secured if they are stored in a high location; furniture, such as bookshelves, should be fastened to the wall; kitchen cabinets should be latched or magnetically closed; heavy items in the garage should be secured, if they are left up high, to prevent auto damage. The second is to create a plan of action. Learn the safe places to take cover; create a meeting place, put together a medical and supply kit, know where your electrical and gas shutoffs are. The third step is to survey the structural integrity of the house or office, and make the necessary repairs or supports (Putting Down Roots In Earthquake Country).
Since the earthquake/tsunami incident in Japan, many geologist have predicted either a large earthquake in either the Cascadia Subduction Zone or along the San Andreas fault line. Some of their evidence is compelling, but it is impossible to prepare for these kinds of disasters. The focus, I believe, should be on preparedness and awareness of what earthquakes are and how they should reacted upon.
References
Putting Down Roots In Earthquake Country. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2011, from Earthquake Country: http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/contents.html#contents
Watson, J., & Watson, K. (n.d.). How Earthquakes Happen. Retrieved June 20, 2011, from U.S. Geological Survey: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq1/how.html
Stefan McCabe
PHS 100
Warner Pacific College
June,20 2011
Earthquakes
I like to brag about the fact that a pizza saved my life. In October of 1989, I was living in the Santa Cruz mountains. It was near dinner time, and I had been riding my tricycle up and down a pathway next to my house. I remembered that my mother was baking a pizza in the oven, so I left my tricycle to look at the oven inside. As I was standing in front of the oven in anticipation, I was knocked off my feet by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake. I (a 3 year old at the time) freaked out for a moment and then ran outside to our open lawn. Thankfully nobody in our family was hurt. I was left, though, with a small scar on my upper right arm. As the wreckage was removed, my father found my tricycle. The wall that was next to the pathway had fallen directly on to the tricycle. My dad called it a "red pancake". As I said before, a pizza saved my life.
Earthquakes can be caused by several things. I have personally experienced 2 of these causes. They can be caused by dislocations of the earth's crust, volcanic eruptions, fallen trees (huge ones), and even manmade explosions. Most are caused, though, by movement of the earth's crust. " The crust may first bend and then, when the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, break and "snap" to a new position. In the process of breaking, vibrations called "seismic waves" are generated. These waves travel outward from the source of the earthquake along the surface and through the Earth at varying speeds depending on the material through which they move. Some of the vibrations are of high enough frequency to be audible, while others are of very low frequency. These vibrations cause the entire planet to quiver or ring like a bell or tuning fork" (Watson & Watson).
There are some basic, critical, steps to take in preparation for earthquakes. The first is to check through your house or business for possible hazards. Heavy or valuable items should remain secured if they are stored in a high location; furniture, such as bookshelves, should be fastened to the wall; kitchen cabinets should be latched or magnetically closed; heavy items in the garage should be secured, if they are left up high, to prevent auto damage. The second is to create a plan of action. Learn the safe places to take cover; create a meeting place, put together a medical and supply kit, know where your electrical and gas shutoffs are. The third step is to survey the structural integrity of the house or office, and make the necessary repairs or supports (Putting Down Roots In Earthquake Country).
Since the earthquake/tsunami incident in Japan, many geologist have predicted either a large earthquake in either the Cascadia Subduction Zone or along the San Andreas fault line. Some of their evidence is compelling, but it is impossible to prepare for these kinds of disasters. The focus, I believe, should be on preparedness and awareness of what earthquakes are and how they should reacted upon.
References
Putting Down Roots In Earthquake Country. (n.d.). Retrieved June 20, 2011, from Earthquake Country: http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/contents.html#contents
Watson, J., & Watson, K. (n.d.). How Earthquakes Happen. Retrieved June 20, 2011, from U.S. Geological Survey: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq1/how.html
Floods by Pat Holzbach
Impact of Water on Shockoe Bottom
Pat Holzbach
Environmental Studies, PHS 100A
Warner Pacific College
June 21, 2011
Impact of Water on Shockoe Bottom
In the early 1600s, Shockoe Bottom, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Richmond, Virginia, was a trading post. Appropriately named, Shockoe Bottom is the lowest point on the north side of the river, with hills on three sides of it. The Shockoe Bottom watershed, a 65-acre sub-basin, is located within the Shockoe Creek watershed, Richmond’s largest at 8,000 acres. (Steindel, Stone, Liang, Cronin, Maisch, 2006) Located on the James River, with Shockoe Creek running through it, it was a prime location for the ship trade. While the James River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of Earth’s oldest mountain range), and flows to the Chesapeake Bay, Richmond marks the furthest inland point that ships can travel because of the river falls. It was an ideal location for water commerce.
In 1785, George Washington surveyed the area for canals to be built, which further enhanced the area’s importance as a trade center. Warehouses and industrial buildings sprang up along the river banks. As the city grew, in 1850s Shockoe Creek was directed underground, through a series of arches, draining into the James River. (Harris, 2009)
It remained an important trade center until 1865, when, at the end of the Civil War, the area was burned. Buildings crumbled, and business was non-existent, marking the end of an era. In 1880, the canals were sold to the railroads, and the age of railroads and automobiles changed the trajectory of this river-side Shockoe Bottom. (A brief history, 2011)
Then, in the 1960s, the Clean Water Act spurred the clean up of the James River, bringing new life to the neighborhood. Old factories and refurbished warehouses became stylish restaurants, galleries and shops. (A brief history, 2011) Visitors enjoyed walking along the cobblestone streets, with little thought of the antiquated drainage system just below.
The flood of August 2004 brought to light the deterioration of the 150 year-old system.
On Monday, August 30, remnants of Hurricane Gaston, now classified as a tropical storm, dropped 14 inches of water over Shockoe Bottom in just a few hours. (Weber, no date) FEMA reported that water rose from 6 inches to 5 feet in only 20 minutes. (FEMA, 2004)
Receiving the run-off from surrounding hills, flooding in Shockoe Bottom reached 12 feet, causing $20 million in damage, and killing eight people. Everyone, including weather forecasters, was caught by surprise.
Compounding the problem was the existence of the flood wall, completed in 1994 and ranging up to 30 feet in height. (City of Richmond, 2011)
This wall runs along the James River to protect businesses and homes from the overflooding river. This flood wall served as a bowl-like barrier to keep the rainfall from flowing into the river.
In 2009, businesses in Shockoe Bottom sued the City of Richmond for damages and loss of profit, based on their findings below: (Harris, 2009)
• The creek bed of Shockoe Creek, directed underground in the 1850s, had filled with material, and the series of arches had become clogged, and were no longer able to handle heavy rains and disperse them to the James River. In 1926, an underground concrete viaduct replaced the creek bed. At the end of the viaduct was built a large concrete holding area, with a control gate to prevent overloading the sewer system. When the storm came, the gate was shut, and in fact, had rusted shut.
• Water that should have flowed through the viaduct was forced out of the sewers and into the streets, bringing with it much of the litter and debris that had accumulated since it was completed in 1927. The system had not been inspected since it was built.
• The flood wall has several pumping stations designed to pump water back into the James River should a flood occur. One of the pumping stations, the one closest to Shockoe Bottom, was never activated, as it had no electrical service connected to it.
• The Shockoe Retention Basin, a man-made basin with a 50-million-gallon capacity, was full at the time of the downpour. While the full extent of the storm could not have been predicted, knowing that a tropical storm was eminent should have been enough indicator to the City of Richmond to empty the basin.
Between 2004 and 2008, the City of Richmond spent $3.7 million on projects to improve the system: (Petriello, 2010)
• Approximately 100 curb inlets were added or modified (enlarged or re-located), and additional pipes were added.
• Three new gate structures were added to the sewer system, and the key areas of the system at the lowest points were redesigned.
• The Shockoe Retention Basin was restored as a flow equalizer, able to hold millions of gallons of water from Shockoe Bottom. During the restoration, 25,000 cubic yards of sediment and overgrowth from years of neglect were removed.
• An early warning system was installed. (Jones, 2010)
While these improvements are too late for some businesses that never recovered from the flood of 2004, they are a step in right direction to securing the future of one of Richmond’s most historic areas, and helping to assure that the future impact of water on this area is a positive one.
References
A brief history and present description of the historic district of Shockoe Slip and Bottom in Richmond Virginia. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.essortment.com/historical-shockoe-slip-bottom-richmond-virginia-32315.html
City of Richmond (2011). Flood wall park. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.myinrich.com/discoverrichmond/dis/sports/recreation/james_river/article/flood_wall_park/1457/
FEMA (November 4, 2004). Raising the floor keeps Richmond, Virginia business dry during tropical storm Gaston flood. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=15072
Harris, Al (August 28, 2009). Shockoe businesses sue city for $31 million. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/08/28/shockoe-businesses-sue-city-for-31-million/
Jones, S. (August 31, 2010) Remembering Gaston. Retrieved June 19, 2011, from http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-gaston-anniversary20100830,0,785309.story
Petriello, G. (2010). Improvements to Shockoe Bottom for this hurricane season. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.ksla.com/story/12574549/improvements-to-shockoe-bottom-for-this-hurricane-season?clienttype=printable
Steidel, R., Stone, Rb., Liang, L., Cronin, E., Maisch, F., 2006) Downtown shall not flood again. Retrieved June 19, 2011, from http://www.environmental-expert.com/articles/downtown-shall-not-flood-again-11733
Weber, Ken (no date). “Historic” flood of 2004. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://homepage.mac.com/ken.weber/Historic_Flood_2004/Personal22.html
Pat Holzbach
Environmental Studies, PHS 100A
Warner Pacific College
June 21, 2011
Impact of Water on Shockoe Bottom
In the early 1600s, Shockoe Bottom, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Richmond, Virginia, was a trading post. Appropriately named, Shockoe Bottom is the lowest point on the north side of the river, with hills on three sides of it. The Shockoe Bottom watershed, a 65-acre sub-basin, is located within the Shockoe Creek watershed, Richmond’s largest at 8,000 acres. (Steindel, Stone, Liang, Cronin, Maisch, 2006) Located on the James River, with Shockoe Creek running through it, it was a prime location for the ship trade. While the James River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains (part of Earth’s oldest mountain range), and flows to the Chesapeake Bay, Richmond marks the furthest inland point that ships can travel because of the river falls. It was an ideal location for water commerce.
In 1785, George Washington surveyed the area for canals to be built, which further enhanced the area’s importance as a trade center. Warehouses and industrial buildings sprang up along the river banks. As the city grew, in 1850s Shockoe Creek was directed underground, through a series of arches, draining into the James River. (Harris, 2009)
It remained an important trade center until 1865, when, at the end of the Civil War, the area was burned. Buildings crumbled, and business was non-existent, marking the end of an era. In 1880, the canals were sold to the railroads, and the age of railroads and automobiles changed the trajectory of this river-side Shockoe Bottom. (A brief history, 2011)
Then, in the 1960s, the Clean Water Act spurred the clean up of the James River, bringing new life to the neighborhood. Old factories and refurbished warehouses became stylish restaurants, galleries and shops. (A brief history, 2011) Visitors enjoyed walking along the cobblestone streets, with little thought of the antiquated drainage system just below.
The flood of August 2004 brought to light the deterioration of the 150 year-old system.
On Monday, August 30, remnants of Hurricane Gaston, now classified as a tropical storm, dropped 14 inches of water over Shockoe Bottom in just a few hours. (Weber, no date) FEMA reported that water rose from 6 inches to 5 feet in only 20 minutes. (FEMA, 2004)
Receiving the run-off from surrounding hills, flooding in Shockoe Bottom reached 12 feet, causing $20 million in damage, and killing eight people. Everyone, including weather forecasters, was caught by surprise.
Compounding the problem was the existence of the flood wall, completed in 1994 and ranging up to 30 feet in height. (City of Richmond, 2011)
This wall runs along the James River to protect businesses and homes from the overflooding river. This flood wall served as a bowl-like barrier to keep the rainfall from flowing into the river.
In 2009, businesses in Shockoe Bottom sued the City of Richmond for damages and loss of profit, based on their findings below: (Harris, 2009)
• The creek bed of Shockoe Creek, directed underground in the 1850s, had filled with material, and the series of arches had become clogged, and were no longer able to handle heavy rains and disperse them to the James River. In 1926, an underground concrete viaduct replaced the creek bed. At the end of the viaduct was built a large concrete holding area, with a control gate to prevent overloading the sewer system. When the storm came, the gate was shut, and in fact, had rusted shut.
• Water that should have flowed through the viaduct was forced out of the sewers and into the streets, bringing with it much of the litter and debris that had accumulated since it was completed in 1927. The system had not been inspected since it was built.
• The flood wall has several pumping stations designed to pump water back into the James River should a flood occur. One of the pumping stations, the one closest to Shockoe Bottom, was never activated, as it had no electrical service connected to it.
• The Shockoe Retention Basin, a man-made basin with a 50-million-gallon capacity, was full at the time of the downpour. While the full extent of the storm could not have been predicted, knowing that a tropical storm was eminent should have been enough indicator to the City of Richmond to empty the basin.
Between 2004 and 2008, the City of Richmond spent $3.7 million on projects to improve the system: (Petriello, 2010)
• Approximately 100 curb inlets were added or modified (enlarged or re-located), and additional pipes were added.
• Three new gate structures were added to the sewer system, and the key areas of the system at the lowest points were redesigned.
• The Shockoe Retention Basin was restored as a flow equalizer, able to hold millions of gallons of water from Shockoe Bottom. During the restoration, 25,000 cubic yards of sediment and overgrowth from years of neglect were removed.
• An early warning system was installed. (Jones, 2010)
While these improvements are too late for some businesses that never recovered from the flood of 2004, they are a step in right direction to securing the future of one of Richmond’s most historic areas, and helping to assure that the future impact of water on this area is a positive one.
References
A brief history and present description of the historic district of Shockoe Slip and Bottom in Richmond Virginia. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.essortment.com/historical-shockoe-slip-bottom-richmond-virginia-32315.html
City of Richmond (2011). Flood wall park. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.myinrich.com/discoverrichmond/dis/sports/recreation/james_river/article/flood_wall_park/1457/
FEMA (November 4, 2004). Raising the floor keeps Richmond, Virginia business dry during tropical storm Gaston flood. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=15072
Harris, Al (August 28, 2009). Shockoe businesses sue city for $31 million. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/08/28/shockoe-businesses-sue-city-for-31-million/
Jones, S. (August 31, 2010) Remembering Gaston. Retrieved June 19, 2011, from http://www.wtvr.com/news/wtvr-gaston-anniversary20100830,0,785309.story
Petriello, G. (2010). Improvements to Shockoe Bottom for this hurricane season. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://www.ksla.com/story/12574549/improvements-to-shockoe-bottom-for-this-hurricane-season?clienttype=printable
Steidel, R., Stone, Rb., Liang, L., Cronin, E., Maisch, F., 2006) Downtown shall not flood again. Retrieved June 19, 2011, from http://www.environmental-expert.com/articles/downtown-shall-not-flood-again-11733
Weber, Ken (no date). “Historic” flood of 2004. Retrieved June 18, 2011, from http://homepage.mac.com/ken.weber/Historic_Flood_2004/Personal22.html
Monday, June 20, 2011
Pacific Garbage Patch
I am watching this video: http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/tv/Wired-Science/95583/770405238/Earth%3A-Flotsam-Found/videos?skipTo=209&cmpid=FCST_hero_tv
Have a look it is really interesting!
Have a look it is really interesting!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Oregons Wildlife and Endangered Species Act by Brandi Rubio
Environmental Studies PHS 100A
Warner Pacific College
June 15, 2011
Oregon has many different regulations that are designed to protect the environment. These regulations range from air quality regulations, to agriculture quality management. One of the most controversial and widely known regulations is that State Wildlife Protection law.
Oregon State wildlife laws are administered by the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Wildlife can be anything from fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles, to wild mammals. Different threatened species are classified as any native wildlife that the Fish and Wildlife Commission deems is likely to become an endangered species in the future, or any wildlife species that is listed as a threatened species pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act. An endangered species is defined as any native wildlife determined by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to be in danger of extinction or listed as endangered un the Federal Endangered Species Act.
In Oregon, the law states that no person can hunt or trap wildlife without a valid license, tag or permit. Endangered species that are defined as wildlife cannot be hunted trapped or killed without a license. Some animals that are classified as endangered species in Oregon are; the Northern Spotted Owl, the Gray Wolf, Columbian White Tailed Deer, the Bald Eagle, Pygmy Rabbit, and the Roosevelt Elk.
For many years, our environmental regulations have been updated and amended to affect the decline of certain wildlife in Oregon. Oregon's diverse and beautiful landscape provides a home for a diversity of fish and wildlife, from the forests to the lakes and wetland, thousands of different and amazing species depend on our land, they need water for rest, food for their young and ultimately the neccesities to survive.
In the state of Oregon, which has played an active role in Environmental Protection for many years, the goal is to protect and restore Oregons natural heritage and to ensure that our future generations will have the chance to fish, see bald eagles, and hear the animals of the wild calling to their mates.
So what can we do to help contribute to the masses? According to the Oregon Wildlife Division, their strategy is to believe in the growing recognition among Oregonians that the work of conserving our native habitats and species belongs to each and every one of us. There are a few groups out there that refuse to do so, because they believe that the lands purpose it to be consumed and used by us. In order to achieve long-term fish and wildlife conservation, we must all work together across Oregon.
One way that congress is helping to contribute is by passing bills worth millions that contribute to sustaining our environment and protecting our wildlife. In 2008, Congress passed a bill that included $73.8 million for State Wildlife Grants. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife received about $1 million dollars to put to work in the state of Oregon.
To quote a very intelligent man, Wallace Stegner, "How much wilderness do the wilderness lovers want? asked those who would mine and dig and cut and dam in such sanctuary spots as these. The answer is easy: Enough so that there will be in the years ahead a little relief, a little quiet, a little relaxation, for any of our increasing millions who need and want it". (1995, This is Dinosaur)
References
www.nasda,org "Environmental Laws Affecting Agricultures.
www.dfw.state.or.us
www.oregon.gov/odfw
Warner Pacific College
June 15, 2011
Oregon has many different regulations that are designed to protect the environment. These regulations range from air quality regulations, to agriculture quality management. One of the most controversial and widely known regulations is that State Wildlife Protection law.
Oregon State wildlife laws are administered by the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Wildlife can be anything from fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles, to wild mammals. Different threatened species are classified as any native wildlife that the Fish and Wildlife Commission deems is likely to become an endangered species in the future, or any wildlife species that is listed as a threatened species pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act. An endangered species is defined as any native wildlife determined by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to be in danger of extinction or listed as endangered un the Federal Endangered Species Act.
In Oregon, the law states that no person can hunt or trap wildlife without a valid license, tag or permit. Endangered species that are defined as wildlife cannot be hunted trapped or killed without a license. Some animals that are classified as endangered species in Oregon are; the Northern Spotted Owl, the Gray Wolf, Columbian White Tailed Deer, the Bald Eagle, Pygmy Rabbit, and the Roosevelt Elk.
For many years, our environmental regulations have been updated and amended to affect the decline of certain wildlife in Oregon. Oregon's diverse and beautiful landscape provides a home for a diversity of fish and wildlife, from the forests to the lakes and wetland, thousands of different and amazing species depend on our land, they need water for rest, food for their young and ultimately the neccesities to survive.
In the state of Oregon, which has played an active role in Environmental Protection for many years, the goal is to protect and restore Oregons natural heritage and to ensure that our future generations will have the chance to fish, see bald eagles, and hear the animals of the wild calling to their mates.
So what can we do to help contribute to the masses? According to the Oregon Wildlife Division, their strategy is to believe in the growing recognition among Oregonians that the work of conserving our native habitats and species belongs to each and every one of us. There are a few groups out there that refuse to do so, because they believe that the lands purpose it to be consumed and used by us. In order to achieve long-term fish and wildlife conservation, we must all work together across Oregon.
One way that congress is helping to contribute is by passing bills worth millions that contribute to sustaining our environment and protecting our wildlife. In 2008, Congress passed a bill that included $73.8 million for State Wildlife Grants. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife received about $1 million dollars to put to work in the state of Oregon.
To quote a very intelligent man, Wallace Stegner, "How much wilderness do the wilderness lovers want? asked those who would mine and dig and cut and dam in such sanctuary spots as these. The answer is easy: Enough so that there will be in the years ahead a little relief, a little quiet, a little relaxation, for any of our increasing millions who need and want it". (1995, This is Dinosaur)
References
www.nasda,org "Environmental Laws Affecting Agricultures.
www.dfw.state.or.us
www.oregon.gov/odfw
Environmental Regulations and Safety by Judy Kiepke
Workplace Safety
Environmental Studies
PHS 100A
Judy Kiepke
Professor David Terrell Ph. D.
Warner Pacific College
June, 14th. 2011
Safety does not just happen, it comes with a cost. I work for manufacturing industry that believes and teaches safety if number one. Today we have safety meetings, safety training and regulations in every area of our job. WAC 296-800-11005 states employers are responsible to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards (Industries, 210). Sometimes you wonder at what point did they recognized a safety hazard. We all can think of areas where we were exposed to chemical and toxins without being aware of potential dangers in times past. The lead in solder and the cleaners used to clean the circuit boards. I so remember not even being concerned as I stuck my hands in the solvent. This was maybe 20 years ago. Now I am sure today they use gloves. .
We have many long time employees who lost some of their hearing from being exposed to loud noises over the years of working alongside of noisy machinery before regulations were set or followed. Now our company brings the hearing van yearly testing our hearing to record any hearing loss. We have several different ear plug stations and any area that requires earplugs is clearly marked. Who’s responsibility for that in-between time that a hazard is being recognized? Employers are responsible but as employees we need to always be aware of safety and this is what my employer trains employees to do.
I am very thankful to have all the regulations in place to protect me and looking at my responsibility WAC 296-800-1205 states as an employee I am to study and follow all safe practices that apply to their work. Help to eliminate on the job injuries and illness and apply the principles of accident protective equipment as required by my employer (Industries, 210). It is quite interesting to see the many employer and employee responsibilities as recorded with 11 digit numbers. You virtually could spend days looking through the regulations as they are broke down into many different areas of safety (Industries, 210).
Part of safety is awareness, and training. We are now being trained on how to recognize safety and that as we work we need to be aware of hazards. It is being taught to us to think safety. We are to STOP for each other in the DuPont training classes. We are to work safely, watch others work safely and learn how to prevent injuries to ourselves and other. We are to look for conditions and actions that cause or prevent injuries (Pont, 2008). We are given time to learn about safety and prevent incidents and injuries. We are expected to remain committed to working safely. Our STOP training principles are teaching us to take positive actions to develop safety awareness (Pont, 2008).
STOP for each other created by DuPont is a good step between the hazards of today and tomorrow. It is not the only step but is does help to bring about safety awareness. This does come with a cost. The cost of workplace injuries is expensive and increases the cost of doing business. $50,000.00 is the average cost of a back injury, $62,000.00 for slip and fall injuries and $40,000.00 for a Carpal Tunnel or Repetitive Motion Injury. The indirect cost are higher including loss of productivity, re-training, hiring new employees, administrative time, repair and replacement of equipment, etc (CA/OSHA, 2011).
Type of Injury Average Medical Cost Average Indemnity Cost Total Average Cost
Back Injuries $22,324 $26,959 $49,283
Slip & Fall Injuries $24,035 $37,969 $62,004
Carpal Tunnel / Repetitive Motion Injuries $17,696 $22,013 $39,709
The cost for an unsafe workplace can involve many other costs but not limited to higher insurance cost, workman compensation costs and even including legal issues when regulations are not followed and an accident is blamed on this.
I will also tell you that having a safe environment in a manufacturer company also has many cost too. I am not involved with budgets but just looking at what I know to be costs would include but not be limited to the following. The cost of training is not cheap. We have ongoing training all the time. The cost of the STOP training alone would be expensive. Every member of our company of over 500 people was put through this training. Not only are the cost of books and supplies quite expensive but we have the time spent doing this. We spent four hours in class and are expected to take fifteen minutes to a half an hour observing a job or process and filling out STOP cards from what we observe. We are all trained in this procedure. It takes time and then it is keyed into a computer and analyzed.
We are always looking for that new hazard. We are feeling out the accident near miss paperwork. In our company if you want something done you put a safety twist on it and it will be done. It does not get lost on a desk. We have a production manger that believes with everything he says is that “all accidents can be prevented”. If it means slowing down or thinking safely or taking time to do what we have learned we do it. It is not a suggestion but way of working that is supported on our company which includes a cost. They pay for safety equipment. They pay for ergonomic technology. Every job is studied for ergonomic correctness. I remember getting saddle like chairs that took some getting used to. That was a while ago and new technology has come along later. They rotate often and stretch before work and in the middle of the day.
Talking to employees that have problems hearing or injuries to limbs I’m happy to say that though a dedication to safety these types of injuries are very rare unlike 30 years ago. We work in a clean and well regulated safe workplace. Our costs for unsafe actions are minimal. As an employee I am more aware of safety. Knowledge about chemicals, air pollution and what hurts our bodies is always being examined thought science. Regulations help us be aware of safety. Sometimes we may feel over regulated but when being responsible for a large group of people you have to have some rules that make us safe. Sometimes it get time consuming in a busy environment to STOP and do what we are asked but when you think of the benefits to working in a safe environment I am happy to do it. I do not want to come to the end of my working career and not be able to hear my grandkids say simple words or see the sunset that goes over the mountain because I damaged my eyesight in some way. Safety first will help me achieve this.
OSHA. (2011, 06 06). public safety. Retrieved 06 14, 2011, from CA.Gov: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh1.html
Industries, W. D. (210, 07 01). Safety and Health Core Rules. Retrieved 06 14, 2011, from Labor and Indusries (L&I) Washington State: http://www.lni.wa.gov/WISHA/Rules/corerules/PDFs/CoreRuleBookComplete.pdf
Pont, E. D. (2008). Stop For Each Other. Dupont Safety Resources (p. 22). Virginia Beach, VA: Vendor Developed Single - Topic - Classroom Training.
Environmental Studies
PHS 100A
Judy Kiepke
Professor David Terrell Ph. D.
Warner Pacific College
June, 14th. 2011
Safety does not just happen, it comes with a cost. I work for manufacturing industry that believes and teaches safety if number one. Today we have safety meetings, safety training and regulations in every area of our job. WAC 296-800-11005 states employers are responsible to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards (Industries, 210). Sometimes you wonder at what point did they recognized a safety hazard. We all can think of areas where we were exposed to chemical and toxins without being aware of potential dangers in times past. The lead in solder and the cleaners used to clean the circuit boards. I so remember not even being concerned as I stuck my hands in the solvent. This was maybe 20 years ago. Now I am sure today they use gloves. .
We have many long time employees who lost some of their hearing from being exposed to loud noises over the years of working alongside of noisy machinery before regulations were set or followed. Now our company brings the hearing van yearly testing our hearing to record any hearing loss. We have several different ear plug stations and any area that requires earplugs is clearly marked. Who’s responsibility for that in-between time that a hazard is being recognized? Employers are responsible but as employees we need to always be aware of safety and this is what my employer trains employees to do.
I am very thankful to have all the regulations in place to protect me and looking at my responsibility WAC 296-800-1205 states as an employee I am to study and follow all safe practices that apply to their work. Help to eliminate on the job injuries and illness and apply the principles of accident protective equipment as required by my employer (Industries, 210). It is quite interesting to see the many employer and employee responsibilities as recorded with 11 digit numbers. You virtually could spend days looking through the regulations as they are broke down into many different areas of safety (Industries, 210).
Part of safety is awareness, and training. We are now being trained on how to recognize safety and that as we work we need to be aware of hazards. It is being taught to us to think safety. We are to STOP for each other in the DuPont training classes. We are to work safely, watch others work safely and learn how to prevent injuries to ourselves and other. We are to look for conditions and actions that cause or prevent injuries (Pont, 2008). We are given time to learn about safety and prevent incidents and injuries. We are expected to remain committed to working safely. Our STOP training principles are teaching us to take positive actions to develop safety awareness (Pont, 2008).
STOP for each other created by DuPont is a good step between the hazards of today and tomorrow. It is not the only step but is does help to bring about safety awareness. This does come with a cost. The cost of workplace injuries is expensive and increases the cost of doing business. $50,000.00 is the average cost of a back injury, $62,000.00 for slip and fall injuries and $40,000.00 for a Carpal Tunnel or Repetitive Motion Injury. The indirect cost are higher including loss of productivity, re-training, hiring new employees, administrative time, repair and replacement of equipment, etc (CA/OSHA, 2011).
Type of Injury Average Medical Cost Average Indemnity Cost Total Average Cost
Back Injuries $22,324 $26,959 $49,283
Slip & Fall Injuries $24,035 $37,969 $62,004
Carpal Tunnel / Repetitive Motion Injuries $17,696 $22,013 $39,709
The cost for an unsafe workplace can involve many other costs but not limited to higher insurance cost, workman compensation costs and even including legal issues when regulations are not followed and an accident is blamed on this.
I will also tell you that having a safe environment in a manufacturer company also has many cost too. I am not involved with budgets but just looking at what I know to be costs would include but not be limited to the following. The cost of training is not cheap. We have ongoing training all the time. The cost of the STOP training alone would be expensive. Every member of our company of over 500 people was put through this training. Not only are the cost of books and supplies quite expensive but we have the time spent doing this. We spent four hours in class and are expected to take fifteen minutes to a half an hour observing a job or process and filling out STOP cards from what we observe. We are all trained in this procedure. It takes time and then it is keyed into a computer and analyzed.
We are always looking for that new hazard. We are feeling out the accident near miss paperwork. In our company if you want something done you put a safety twist on it and it will be done. It does not get lost on a desk. We have a production manger that believes with everything he says is that “all accidents can be prevented”. If it means slowing down or thinking safely or taking time to do what we have learned we do it. It is not a suggestion but way of working that is supported on our company which includes a cost. They pay for safety equipment. They pay for ergonomic technology. Every job is studied for ergonomic correctness. I remember getting saddle like chairs that took some getting used to. That was a while ago and new technology has come along later. They rotate often and stretch before work and in the middle of the day.
Talking to employees that have problems hearing or injuries to limbs I’m happy to say that though a dedication to safety these types of injuries are very rare unlike 30 years ago. We work in a clean and well regulated safe workplace. Our costs for unsafe actions are minimal. As an employee I am more aware of safety. Knowledge about chemicals, air pollution and what hurts our bodies is always being examined thought science. Regulations help us be aware of safety. Sometimes we may feel over regulated but when being responsible for a large group of people you have to have some rules that make us safe. Sometimes it get time consuming in a busy environment to STOP and do what we are asked but when you think of the benefits to working in a safe environment I am happy to do it. I do not want to come to the end of my working career and not be able to hear my grandkids say simple words or see the sunset that goes over the mountain because I damaged my eyesight in some way. Safety first will help me achieve this.
OSHA. (2011, 06 06). public safety. Retrieved 06 14, 2011, from CA.Gov: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh1.html
Industries, W. D. (210, 07 01). Safety and Health Core Rules. Retrieved 06 14, 2011, from Labor and Indusries (L&I) Washington State: http://www.lni.wa.gov/WISHA/Rules/corerules/PDFs/CoreRuleBookComplete.pdf
Pont, E. D. (2008). Stop For Each Other. Dupont Safety Resources (p. 22). Virginia Beach, VA: Vendor Developed Single - Topic - Classroom Training.
The Homestead Act by Lisa Griggs
Environmental Studies
PHS 100A
Lisa L. Griggs
Warner Pacific College
June 16, 2011
“We (Blackfeet) have always sought these powers, believing the life of the land and our own lives were irrevocably bound and intertwined.” (blackfeetnation.com) One of North American’s largest ecosystems is the grasslands that once stretched from the Rocky Mountains and as far East to the Mississippi River with over 250 different types of grass, small game animals like the black footed ferret, foxes, and prairie dogs could be found. Large game animal roam in larger number from mule tailed deer, elk and buffalo. Buffalo before the 1800’s ranged in the millions were an indicator of prairie health the sheer size and weight helped cultivate the prairie grounds.
The fate of the grasslands would be reshaped considerably in the 1860’s with the passage of Homestead Act. This Act brought settlers in droves from the East at a chance to own acres of land. Soon the native grasses and plants were replaced for acres of corn, wheat fields: water ways were divertive and irrigation systems were installed. Once, where the buffalo roamed freely settlers were placed by miles of fences keep large herds of cattle and other non-native livestock enclosed.
Soon buffalo were being replaced by cattle; the cattle would overgraze the native grasses, break legs when the feel into prairie dogs holes, and ranchers would loss thousands more to the harsh winters. Cattle were not bread to live on the open grasslands as the buffalo that face the winter storms head on.
Not only where the American Indians competing with the settlers but the trappers, traders and commercial hunters who’s only interest was the hide of the buffalo and left the meat to rot. The movement west included the expansion of the railroads who offered “killing” contest shooting as many buffalo possible from the windows of the train. This was a slaughter of thousands of buffalo where the buffalo where left to rot.
The Great Plains is the homelands of hundreds of American Indian tribes, and buffalo were also the staple of life for many of the Plains Indian, was a main source of food, culture and tradition. The Indians felt the encroachment of the settlers, the wastefulness of commercial hunters, soon the tension and conflict between the settlers and Indians grew.
Congressional members saw the American Indians as nuisances one Congressman James Throckmorton of Texas has been quoted as saying “it would be a great step forward in the civilization of the Indians and the preservation of peace on the border if there was not a buffalo in existence.” (www.pbs.org) Soon the military was asked to step in to help “easy” the tension between the resisting American Indians. The military personnel were ordered to kill the buffalo; the buffalo were slaughter by the millions not as food but as a way to eliminate American Indians.
Buffalo herds that once ranged in the millions soon were on the brink of extinct with a few thousand remaining after the slaughter. The few thousand buffalo that did survive the slaughter found refuge in the valleys of what is now known as Yellowstone National Park.
Today, Yellowstone is a model of health of what the grasslands of the Plains once were. Federal, State and Tribal governments are working together to restore the grasslands and buffalo to a natural state. Several Tribes belong to cooperative and are working at breeding and restoring buffalo to the Plains. Buffalo need large amounts of land to roam and graze, using lands on reservations, wildlife refuges, and national parks. “In his book Ecology and Economics of the Great Plains, Daniel Licht proposes creating "ecoreserves" by buying out struggling farmers, noting that reserves make better economic and environmental sense than costly farm subsidies. All told, Licht's proposed refuges would cover more than 27,000 square miles; an area he says could support 25,000 buffalo, 300 wolves, 10,000 elk, 15,000 mule deer, and over a million prairie dogs.” (LaDuke, Winonna)
“In Montana, Club volunteers are working with tribes and federal land managers to dedicate a quarter-million-acre tract of public land, adjacent to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, to bison and other prairie species. Special protection, such as national monument status, could provide what national board member Jennifer Ferenstein calls "a connector between ecologically intact areas" that would give buffalo room to run--and Americans a living link to their country's natural history.” (LaDuke, Winonna) Restoring the grasslands helps create a healthy prairie a place that people will want to visit like Yellowstone and build, teach and learn about cultural heritage.
References
Licht, Daniel S., Ecology and Economics of the Great Plains (Our Sustainable Future), 1997,
University of Nebraska Press
LaDuke Winona "Buffalo nation - environmental benefits of American bison and efforts to
restore them to the Great Plains". Sierra. FindArticles.com. 14 Jun, 2011. Retrieved from
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1525/is_3_85/ai_62828708/
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). American Buffalo: Spirit of a Nation, 2009, Retrieved, June
13, 2011 from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/american-buffalo-spirit-of-a
nation/introduction/2183/
http://www.blackfeetnation.com/about-the-blackfeet.html, Blackfeet Nation, A Proud Past, A
Bright Future website, Retrieved June 16, 2011
PHS 100A
Lisa L. Griggs
Warner Pacific College
June 16, 2011
“We (Blackfeet) have always sought these powers, believing the life of the land and our own lives were irrevocably bound and intertwined.” (blackfeetnation.com) One of North American’s largest ecosystems is the grasslands that once stretched from the Rocky Mountains and as far East to the Mississippi River with over 250 different types of grass, small game animals like the black footed ferret, foxes, and prairie dogs could be found. Large game animal roam in larger number from mule tailed deer, elk and buffalo. Buffalo before the 1800’s ranged in the millions were an indicator of prairie health the sheer size and weight helped cultivate the prairie grounds.
The fate of the grasslands would be reshaped considerably in the 1860’s with the passage of Homestead Act. This Act brought settlers in droves from the East at a chance to own acres of land. Soon the native grasses and plants were replaced for acres of corn, wheat fields: water ways were divertive and irrigation systems were installed. Once, where the buffalo roamed freely settlers were placed by miles of fences keep large herds of cattle and other non-native livestock enclosed.
Soon buffalo were being replaced by cattle; the cattle would overgraze the native grasses, break legs when the feel into prairie dogs holes, and ranchers would loss thousands more to the harsh winters. Cattle were not bread to live on the open grasslands as the buffalo that face the winter storms head on.
Not only where the American Indians competing with the settlers but the trappers, traders and commercial hunters who’s only interest was the hide of the buffalo and left the meat to rot. The movement west included the expansion of the railroads who offered “killing” contest shooting as many buffalo possible from the windows of the train. This was a slaughter of thousands of buffalo where the buffalo where left to rot.
The Great Plains is the homelands of hundreds of American Indian tribes, and buffalo were also the staple of life for many of the Plains Indian, was a main source of food, culture and tradition. The Indians felt the encroachment of the settlers, the wastefulness of commercial hunters, soon the tension and conflict between the settlers and Indians grew.
Congressional members saw the American Indians as nuisances one Congressman James Throckmorton of Texas has been quoted as saying “it would be a great step forward in the civilization of the Indians and the preservation of peace on the border if there was not a buffalo in existence.” (www.pbs.org) Soon the military was asked to step in to help “easy” the tension between the resisting American Indians. The military personnel were ordered to kill the buffalo; the buffalo were slaughter by the millions not as food but as a way to eliminate American Indians.
Buffalo herds that once ranged in the millions soon were on the brink of extinct with a few thousand remaining after the slaughter. The few thousand buffalo that did survive the slaughter found refuge in the valleys of what is now known as Yellowstone National Park.
Today, Yellowstone is a model of health of what the grasslands of the Plains once were. Federal, State and Tribal governments are working together to restore the grasslands and buffalo to a natural state. Several Tribes belong to cooperative and are working at breeding and restoring buffalo to the Plains. Buffalo need large amounts of land to roam and graze, using lands on reservations, wildlife refuges, and national parks. “In his book Ecology and Economics of the Great Plains, Daniel Licht proposes creating "ecoreserves" by buying out struggling farmers, noting that reserves make better economic and environmental sense than costly farm subsidies. All told, Licht's proposed refuges would cover more than 27,000 square miles; an area he says could support 25,000 buffalo, 300 wolves, 10,000 elk, 15,000 mule deer, and over a million prairie dogs.” (LaDuke, Winonna)
“In Montana, Club volunteers are working with tribes and federal land managers to dedicate a quarter-million-acre tract of public land, adjacent to the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, to bison and other prairie species. Special protection, such as national monument status, could provide what national board member Jennifer Ferenstein calls "a connector between ecologically intact areas" that would give buffalo room to run--and Americans a living link to their country's natural history.” (LaDuke, Winonna) Restoring the grasslands helps create a healthy prairie a place that people will want to visit like Yellowstone and build, teach and learn about cultural heritage.
References
Licht, Daniel S., Ecology and Economics of the Great Plains (Our Sustainable Future), 1997,
University of Nebraska Press
LaDuke Winona "Buffalo nation - environmental benefits of American bison and efforts to
restore them to the Great Plains". Sierra. FindArticles.com. 14 Jun, 2011. Retrieved from
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1525/is_3_85/ai_62828708/
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). American Buffalo: Spirit of a Nation, 2009, Retrieved, June
13, 2011 from http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/american-buffalo-spirit-of-a
nation/introduction/2183/
http://www.blackfeetnation.com/about-the-blackfeet.html, Blackfeet Nation, A Proud Past, A
Bright Future website, Retrieved June 16, 2011
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