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Abstract
Environmental Vulnerability Assessments Utilizing GIS
Track: Business, Banking, and Insurance
Author(s): Joseph Giacinto, Daniel Shaffer, Robert Nickols
As a demonstration project, an environmental vulnerability Web site was developed to qualitatively assess the risk of siting an environmentally sensitive facility. ArcIMS applications were used to develop the Web site for accessing and evaluating publicly available information. Databases utilized included streets, tax parcels, soils, wetlands, aquifer vulnerability, U.S. EPA Envirofacts Warehouse, and municipal water supply locations. Through map overlays and buffering techniques, this information was developed into a comprehensive report format in addition to being made available on an ArcIMS Web site for customized analyses. The customized report included five general sections: (1) a summary of surficial soil cover and geology, (2) water bodies and reservoirs, (3) wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas, (4) water supply areas and environmental sites of concern, and (5) aquifer vulnerability and sites of concern. Using the diverse databases available, an evaluation of contaminant infiltration through surficial soil cover types, aquifer vulnerability to surface contamination, and proximity of existing toxic release inventory sites were assessed. The customized reports provided a concise summary of the susceptibility of a specific site or area to becoming a potential environmental liability.
Joseph Giacinto
ES&T - A Division of GES
3708 South Main Street
Suite D
Blacksburg , VA 24060
USA
Phone: 540 552 0685
Fax: 540 951 5307
E-mail: jgiacinto@esnt.com
Daniel Shaffer
ES&T
3708 South Main Street
Suite D
24060
USA
Phone: 540 552 0685 x265
Fax: 540 951 5307
E-mail: dshaffer@esnt.com
Robert Nickols
ES&T - A Division of GES
3708 South Main Street
Blacksburg 24060
USA
Phone: 540 552 0685
Fax: 540 951 5307
E-mail: rnickols@esnt.com