Human services in energy boom towns

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Mines Mag.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5697810

Olson, J K ^[1]; Uhlmann, J M

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1. Human Services Consulting Associates, Laramie, WY

Large-scale energy projects are accompanied by the conversion of rural, agrarian communities to energy boom towns which strain local facilities and services. Some impacts have been adequately mitigated except in the areas of human and social consequences. Because systematic data were unavailable to provide an understanding of the human service needs, the authors began a 16 month research project to develop data that could help communities prepare for rapid growth. The profile that emerges from their findings is that of initial small size and the breakdown of services and interpersonal networks with the rapid growth involved. Focusing on housing, schools, shopping, etc. does not address the negative social changes and ignores the positive changes in a rural-to-urban transition which should be included in a sociological analysis. 2 tables. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 5697810
• Journal Information: Mines Mag.; (United States), Journal Name: Mines Mag.; (United States) Vol. 71:1; ISSN MMCOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
530100 -- Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies-- Social & Economic Studies-- (-1989)
550100 -- Behavioral Biology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BOOM TOWNS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
SOCIAL IMPACT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SOCIOLOGY