Environmental, Hazards, and Resiliency Planning Flashcards
Environmental planning
activities necessary for protecting, managing and improving natural resources. Work on processes necessary for complying with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Air quality is frequent issue.
Environmental impact analysis (EIA)
how a proposed development could impact the surrounding environment. Examines both natural and social resources.
Environmental justice
the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Synonymous with Title VI of Civil Rights Act which governs discrimination with transportation projects
Climate change
change to global temperatures, weather patterns, and other aspects associated with climate over a period of time. Manifest through more extreme weather events. GHG emissions are leading cause because they trap heat in atmosphere.
Mitigation planning
works to minimize the contributing factors of climate change. Include reducing vehicle miles traveled, incentivizing sustainable buildings, and maintaining existing tree canopies
Adaptation
Refers to improving a community’s ability to adjust to a future with a different climate. Includes strategies for identifying areas that will flood in the future, changing what’s allowed for development in flood prone areas, and expanding economic development opportunities that consider the changing climate.
Planning for agriculture
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the soil to produce crops and raise livestock. Planning involves conserving or protection land for food productions, monitoring water resources, allowing land use, and planing for a freight network
planning for forests
National Forest Management Act directed US Forest Service to create land management plans for all properties within National Forest System. Three phases: assess conditions of forest, develop a Forest Management Plan, monitor plan implementation
Planning for coastlines
40% of US population lives in a county bordering the coastline. Coastal planners work to identify how to conserve while balancing the needs of the population and economic activities. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is main agency responsible for monitoring coastlines. States prepare coastal zone management programs.
Watersheds
a drainage outlet for a body of water. Majority of watersheds in US supply drinking water.
Impervious surface
solid, like asphalt and concrete, and prohibits the ground from absorbing stormwater. Force water elsewhere, increasing chance for flooding.
Pervious surface
allow water to slowly penetrate back into the ground. Reduce stormwater runoff, while still allowing for cars and people to move.
Point source pollution
a pollutant that can be traced to a single source. Easy to identify and contain. Industrial uses like factories.
Non-point source pollution
Comes from several different places, making it hard to identify and contain. Stormwater runoff. Airborne pollutants from factories. Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act govern both point and non-point
Superfund site
a piece of land contaminated through the disposal of hazardous waste. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) established the procedures for cleaning up identified superfund sites.
