Monday, March 9, 2020

Brownfields Essays

Brownfields Essays Brownfields Essay Brownfields Essay Brownfields are abandoned, idled or under-used and industrial commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by environmental contamination. These areas are scattered all through out the nation and are more numerous in areas that are industrial centers. The redevelopment of brownfields are supported by all agencies of the government, the Department of Transportation made a policy that would enable the availability of funds for the redevelopment of brownfields, the DOT believed that brownfield redevelopment with transportation programs can bring new jobs, services and amenities to a neighborhood, reduce vehicle miles of travel, reduce time spent in congestion and increase the viability of transit, walking and biking. Brownfields and transportation are connected in ways that create opportunities to accomplish transportation, economic, community and environmental goals. Transportation facilities play a major role in commerce and industry, in the past industrial plants were always located near transportation facilities. However, transportation and economic changes have shifted number industrial operations away from centers of transportation. As the case maybe, transportation is key to brownfield redevelopment, as it gives access to people and goods, this would include fixing existing highways, waterways and public transportation and the other transportation related use of the land like intermodal terminals and bus barns. The local government together with the community are interested in the redevelopment of brownfields as an existing brownfield would lower property values, stifles local investment and be an environmental threat, in the same way the local government see redevelopment as bringing in jobs, increase in taxes and make use of taxpayer’s investment in infrastructure. Thus, the federal, state and local government coordinates to achieve these goals through the Transportation Improvement Program. To the communities, re-using brownfields through transportation investments would later on bring transportation benefits. The redevelopment of brownfields would also improve the environment by lessening or eradicating contamination in these sites. As well as reviving measures to control the quality of water and air and the conservation of open spaces. The protection of open spaces reduces conversion of land to impervious surfaces which is very critical in the maintenance of watershed health. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) has a projected budget of $198 billion for transportation spending for 1998 to 2003. The act supports brownfield redevelopment through a number of funding programs. For new highways, roads or bridge construction on brownfields, there’s the National Highway System, Surface Transportation Program, Bridges, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and the Transportation Enhancements. For the construction of new transit lines or station, there’s the Transit Capital Investment Grants and Loans, the Urbanized and Non-urbanized Area Formula Grant Program. The improvement of railroads in brownfields can be funded through the Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program. In improving pedestrian and/or bicycle access can be channeled through the National Highway System and the Transportation Enhancements. For recreational trails a funding from Recreational Trails is available and innovative sust ainability projects can be pursued through grants from the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program. In order to receive TEA-21 funds to redevelop a brownfield site, a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) state must have a transportation clause in the project and should be included in the Long-Range Transportation Plan and its Transportation Improvement Program. In general almost all funds allocated under the TEA-21 are disbursed through the standard planning and TIP process. The MPO has the obligation to coordinate with air quality planning and encourage public involvement as required by federal law. The Long-Range Transportation plans are created to project a 20 year transportation development program. The project however needs to satisfy the following criteria to be included in the LRT, the project must help advance state or regional transportation objectives, it should be able to provide information about the financial resources of the project and the impact on air quality of the project should not violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Evaluating a brownfield redev elopment project proposal requires reviewing financial, environmental, social and legal considerations of the project. Another means of acquiring federal funding is for the organization or state to apply directly to the DOT for grants and loans provided under the TEA-21, wherein Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot grants and the Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loans are the most relevant to brownfield projects. The TCSP grants were given to innovative transportation projects which must meet the goals of TCSP which includes reducing the impacts of transportation on the environment, reducing the need for costly future public infrastructure investments, to ensure efficient access to jobs, services and centers of trade and lastly examining private sector development patterns and investments that support TCSP goals. In the TCSP program, public entities are eligible to get finds form the federal government without a state or regional MPO intermediary. Municipal governments, MPO’s, states agencies, school boards, air and park districts and public transit agencies are eligible to apply for the TCSP loan. The Rail Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program give out loans and loan guarantees for acquiring, improving, developing or rehabilitating intermodal or rail equipment facilities, this is available to local governments, and government sponsored authorities, corporations, railroads and joint ventures with at least one railroad. In conclusion it was reported that transportations funds can be used to clean up environmental contamination on brownfields if it is a part of the transportation project. It can also be sued to stimulate private sector revitalization of brownfields, as well as provide an opportunity for the collaboration of stakeholders and meeting public goals. Funding is available for such projects but the application process takes a lengthy route and that limited funding is available directly form federal government. There have been a number of projects that involved redeveloping brownfields which ranged from the construction of roads, a new bridge, a parkway and an intermodal terminal. In Portland, Oregon a new road was built to improve access to deepwater port and cleaned up a 2,800-acre Rivergate Industrial District, it also increased the value of land in the industrial area and initiated the expansion of manufacturing and shipping operations. Portland encapsulated the contaminated soils at a former pesticide-formulating plant with new road surface. In Lawrence, Massachusetts a new bridge was constructed to improve transportation access and infrastructure, it supported economic development, it improved pedestrian traffic as well as remediation of environmental contamination.   The project not only will clean a downtown brownfield but also create a new park and pedestrian walkway. A parkway in Buffalo, New York linked the industrial areas of Buffalo and the regional road network which then im proved transportation and develop under-used areas which are also brownfields. The construction of the parkway also satisfied American Axle’s needs for access and re-engineering obsolete infrastructure. Since the project was privately funded it had significant support form federal and state governments. An intermodal terminal in Salt Lake City, Utah was funded by congress with a $40 million budget as part of the brownfield redevelopment. When the Interstate 15 was redesigned it opened an opportunity to develop an old rail yard to an intermodal hub. The city will also be participating in the Utah Voluntary Cleanup Program to serves as a protection form environmental contamination. These examples reiterate that developing brownfields are beneficial to the community although it entails a complex weaving of government and community efforts as well as the liability to ascertain that contamination can be eradicated or managed.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Communication and Personality Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Communication and Personality Paper - Essay Example Till this day, I have not been able to understand the psyche of the two of them. It happened when I advertised my house for sale. Mr. X approached me with Mr. Y. I welcomed the two and offered them to come into my drawing room. I was wearing a grin on my face and was treating them with utmost respect. I pulled chairs for them, turned on the AC as they had been in the sweltering heat of the sun for quite some time and needed refreshment. Both of my guests were in very pleasant mood. They had dressed up a bit too formally for the level of formality the occasion required. I was in casual dress in my home, wearing a T shirt over the pajamas. It was Sunday and people in general would normally be in bed that early in the morning. I had just been out of the bed. The two of them had approached me too early in the morning, though I did not mind at all. I asked them what would they take – tea or coffee. They asked for coffee. I went inside and asked my wife, Martha to make three cups of coffee. I needed to give them company both in person and in coffee, so I went back towards the drawing room. As I approached them and we were settled. Mr. X began the conversation. Mr. X: So Mr. A, we are interested in purchasing your home that you have recently advertised. Me: Sure. (Mr. Y remained silent all this while and for most part of the communication till the end). Mr. X: Your home is good but its price is too high. We need to bargain. Me: Maybe. What do you want to pay? (Meanwhile the coffee with muffins appeared on the table. I helped them to the coffee and muffins.) Mr. X: I want to buy this house for $50,000. Me: Sorry, that is not even half the demanded price. (Mr. X and Mr. Y exchanged looks. By the time, they had finished their cups of coffee and muffins). Mr. X: But look at your house! It is the cheapest in the whole town. (I was shocked by this sudden change of attitude. My house was certainly not the cheapest one around, and that guy was trying to disdain me and my property unnecessarily.) Me: I am extremely sorry but unfortunately, the price can not be bargained upon. This is the amount I require, and will keep the property with me unless this amount has been paid by a party. I respect your concerns for this house but I have no option to think otherwise. (That was the first time Mr. Y spoke). Mr. Y: If you do not agree to sell your house to us at our desired price, we shall spread the rumor that your house’s foundations are shaken and that it can fall into pieces anytime. (My suspicion was confirmed. They were two blackmailers. Otherwise, there was no point dressing up like that or coming over to my house that early in the morning, or saying things they did regarding my house if they were sincere and really wanting to buy it.). I told the two to leave before immediately and do whatever they think they can. In any communication, visual appearance of the participants casts an important impression upon others. â€Å"Reduced to its ess ence, negotiation is a form of interpersonal communication. Communication processes, both verbal and nonverbal, are critical to achieving negotiation goals and to resolving conflicts† (Barry, Lewicki, Saunders, 2006). Mr. X and Mr. Y were wearing dress pant and coat in the sweltering heat of May and that too very early in the morning. Perhaps, with the sober expression and formal dressing, they wanted to convey that they were to be taken seriously. However, â€Å"It’

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Wk 11(61) project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Wk 11(61) project - Essay Example This is an activity that is pretty much governed by the state in which you live he said, because there are certain "clinical standards" that you must adhere to if you are going to work in the state. He also is very careful to make notes that are informative about the case and not judgmental. This sometimes is difficult because some of the offenders act as thought they have done nothing wrong. He must use his patience and communication skills in order to get through to some of the men he deals with on an average day. In terms of activities, he said that he is in counseling sessions throughout the day and the only thing he really gets to do is take a lunch. He does answer phone calls and emails between sessions so that he does not get behind. He often reviews his cases and sometimes he will have to provide reports to a probation officer or to the courts as to the progress that his clients have made. Another thing he pointed out was that a lot of the people who come to his office have been referred there by an agency. Because of this they may appear to be angry and hostile at the beginning of the process but most will settle down and get into it once they know they are not being judged. Office help is expensive and since he is in private practice he attempts to cut his costs as necessary. He is in business with his wife and they have a receptionist for scheduling appointments and taking referrals. He said that they do this so that they will have more time to work with clients and so they do not have to worry about scheduling. Sometimes they have case report conferences in the office especially when they have a particularly difficult case. In the event that the client is violent they want to know exactly what they are dealing with in the process. The regulations that govern counseling in Ohio include a Code of Ethics for counselors in the state and there are strict Medicaid guidelines. He

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

The House of Mirth Essay Example for Free

The House of Mirth Essay Lily Bart is simultaneously a product and a victim of the society she was born into. She cannot choose between two possible ways of living: to hunt for wealth or long for love and understanding. She was taught that her goal of life was to find a wealthy man and become his wife. She can choose only among those who either have no social status (Rosedale), are married (Trenor), are boring and not interesting for her (Gryce), or have no money (Selden). 2. As the story progresses we understand that money is not everything in this upper class of society the main character belongs to. One must behave a certain way, be friends with certain people and have a free admission to certain houses. Everybody watches each other and then discusses the details with the rest of elite. This is the society where everybody will struggle to death, step over others, use and abuse others but to get what one wants. We see how Lily’s friends treat her and this is not the way how friends treat each other. It is not allowed to meet with a man unless you have a chaperone. If a women is married, she has to be discreet, besides women must be more precise in their appearance than men. 3. One social group I know (my parents belong to it) has ist â€Å"unwritten rules†, too. Among these are: not to stare people and not to point to people; not to ask for favor; to drive an expensive car; not to be late. There are also rules about dressing up like: not to wear jeans if its not casual day to work and not to ask womans age. 4. While reading the book I felt really sorry for people who lived at that time when they could not be free but had to live the way the society has determined for them. I felt quite happy for the present and for myself that modern rules are not that terrible, although some of them are worse that in the past. I also felt sorry for the girl herself: being all alone among people who just use and abuse you, knowing that your only fate is to try to please a wealthy man whom you do not necessarily like but whom you need in order to live a normal life. Bibliography: 1. Wharton, Edith. The House of Mirth. New American Library; Reprint edition (February 1, 2000).

Monday, January 20, 2020

The Nature of Time and Change in William Faulkners A Rose for Emily Es

The Nature of Time and Change in William Faulkner's A Rose for Emily In "A Rose for Emily," William Faulkner's use of language foreshadows and builds up to the climax of the story. His choice of words is descriptive, tying resoundingly into the theme through which Miss Emily Grierson threads, herself emblematic of the effects of time and the nature of the old and the new. Appropriately, the story begins with death, flashes back to the near distant past and leads on to the demise of a woman and the traditions of the past she personifies. Faulkner has carefully crafted a multi-layered masterpiece, and he uses language, characterization, and chronology to move it along, a sober commentary flowing beneath on the nature of time, change, and chance-as well as a psychological narrative on the static nature of memory. Faulker begins his tale at the end: after learning of Miss Emily's death, we catch a glimpse of her dwelling, itself a reflection of its late owner. The house lifts "its stubborn and coquettish decay" above new traditions just as its spinster is seen to do, "an eyesore among eyesores" (Faulkner, 666). The narrative voice suggests the gossipy nature of a Southern town where everyone knows everyone else, and nosy neighbors speculate about the affairs of Miss Emily, noting her often antiquated ways and her early retirement. In fact, it appears as if the town itself is describing the events of Miss Emily's life, the first-person plural "we" a telling indication. The first explicit example of this occurrence takes place during the flashback in the second section, when, in speaking of her sweetheart, the narrator parenthetically adds "the one we believed would marry her" (667). In the opening characterization, many de... ...hich no winter ever quite touches, divided from them now by the narrow bottle-neck of the most recent decade of years" (672). This description would seem to explain the static nature of an unchanging Miss Emily-"the carven torso of the idol in a niche" (671)-the tableau vivant framed by the "back-flung front door" (668) through which the secret might be unlocked-and the unchanging nature of the manservant. It would seem Faulkner has woven a multifaceted tapestry with its warp and woof firmly anchored to universal-and therefore timeless-truth, while his historical particulars form the aesthetic shag bedecking its surface: the changeless world of being beneath, the straining world of becoming above. Works Cited: Faulkner, William. "A Rose for Emily." Literature: The Human Experience. 8th ed. Ed. Richard Abcarian and Marvin Klotz. Boston: Bedford, 2002. 666-672.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Most Memorable Event

Tyler Graves Most Memorable Event My most memorable event took place on October 6, 2012 in a packed and rowdy Williams-Brice Stadium. It is a memory that I will hold onto for the rest of my life and one that I will be sure to tell people about for the rest of my life. It was a great evening to be a Gamecock fan from the start of the game. We jumped out front from the first possession and it was complete domination for the entire game.The game started out with two passing touchdowns from Connor Shaw that really got the fans going. Everyone in the stadium was in such a good mood and you could feel the vibe in the air. The best part of the game for me was what came after those two touchdown passes. Georgia made the mistake of punting to Ace Sanders who was able to return the punt for a 70 yard touchdown. The stadium erupted. It was the loudest I have ever heard the fans at Williams-Brice get and it was amazing.This game was great to see, feel, and hear. The event was very memorable beca use South Carolina finally broke through and put themselves on the map. We have always struggled on the big stage but it finally was our turn to crush a legitimate top team. The other key factor to why this game was so memorable was that I was able to enjoy the victory with both my friends and my little brother. I will never forget the night of October 6, 2012 for as long as I live.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Should Downloading Copyrighted Material Be Justified

In recent years, the file sharing of copyrighted material has come under fire. It is a topic that is becoming increasingly morally debatable, as people question whether downloading copyrighted material is to be considered stealing or not. The government and legal action has taken what is mostly harmless file sharing of pop culture and turned it into a very serious crime due to industry pressures. However, there are still supporters of file sharing like myself whom believe the act can be justified and is still ethically sound. In this essay I will explain how copyright, fair use, and public domain play a role in file sharing and also describe why it is not unreasonable for society to commit the crime of copyright infringement. File sharing is the process of making available and distributing files using the internet. Applications have been made available online which provide any possible digital file to be searched for and downloaded easily. These files may include software, movies, music, games, photos, and documents. These files all more than likely being copyrighted material illegal to download. What is a copyright? A copyright is basically a protection against stealing what does not belong to you. While I do understand a person’s want to own a copyright, I think in this day and age it is just an unattainable entity. For example, as a photographer I know my photo’s are protected due to the fact that I am the one who took them and I own them. However, I would neverShow MoreRelatedThe Pirate Bay Case Study1586 Words   |  7 PagesPeer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing of copyrighted material on websites. Advocates claim companies are not libel for the acts of its customers and argue that litigati on against file sharing will stifle technology innovation. 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