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Title: Mitigating the impacts of coal/energy development in the western states: training manual

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5400557

A hypothetical case study is presented at the workshop involving a western county called Bittersweet County, a typical town - Hassig Junction - and an unincorporated area in the county - Fred's Corner. The county will shortly be affected by the construction of a coal-fired generating plant and the opening of a strip mine. Working in small groups participants examined the growth implications of these developments, assessed potential problems and developed a strategy for solving them. They worked first on a range of likely impacts as a member of a County/Community Impact Task Force. Later they focused on specific problems associated with water supply, wastewater treatment, roads, schools, solid waste disposal and public safety. A range of alternatives and their associated costs and environmental impacts were considered. Priorities and a plan for implementing them were worked out, looking at local as well as state and federal sources of assistance. Finally, in a role playing simulation participants moved through twelve years of growth and development. Land development and public investment decisions were made. Opportunities for negotiation with energy companies were available. Local and state referendums also guide Bittersweet County's progress through this period.

Research Organization:
Missouri River Basin Commission, Omaha, NE (USA); Geological Survey, Reston, VA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5400557
Report Number(s):
NP-2902303; ON: DE82902303
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English