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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Application of Modular Integrated Utility Systems (MIUS) concept as a strategy for urban rehabilitation and redevelopment

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5137141

The potential role of the Modular Integrated Utility System (MIUS) as a strategy for implementing urban redevelopment and rehabilitation objectives is assessed. Major environmental, utility infrastructure, and national policy constraints to urban redevelopment efforts are examined. The emphasis is on high-density urban areas of major cities where planned redevelopment and rehabilitation efforts could be seriously impeded by lack of existing utility infrastructures, inadequate service, and restrictive environmental legislation. The current status of air quality, potable water quality, regional solid waste disposal capacity, and capabilities of liquid waste treatment systems is described for the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas. The MIUS concept is evaluated as a community development strategy capable of complying with environmental regulations, upgrading utility services, and supporting high-density urban development. Examples are developed which indicate that the MIUS concept could be used in high-density residential and commercial areas to permit development without major disruptions to surrounding areas. A case study of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was undertaken to characterize the role of MIUS in an existing urban environment. Housing patterns, planned redevelopment efforts, concerns for community ethnic integrity, high utility costs, and a proposed metropolitan district heating system make the MIUS concept attractive for Philadelphia's urban strategy.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5137141
Report Number(s):
ORNL/HUD/MIUS-53
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English