Review of socio-economic impacts of oil-shale development
This review of impacts associated with the development of a commercial oil shale industry by 1990 focuses on northwest Colorado. Topics include population impacts, impacts on the public infrastructure, housing and social impacts, and planning. Conceptual problems and assessment methodologies of previous socioeconomic studies of oil shale development are examined. A regional distribution method projects the greatest population impacts in Battlement Mesa, Rifle, and Meeker and an overall population increase exceeding 40,000 for a 280,000-bbl/day industry. The development of Battlement Mesa, a new community, will be necessary to avoid severe strains on the local community infrastructure and housing market, although housing availability and local government fiscal problems are likely to be significant. Alleviation of negative social impacts from stress and disruption of social patterns will require the early implementation of programs designed to prevent these impacts as well as the expansion of existing human services to meet new needs and increased demand. However, uncertainty surrounding the schedule and magnitude of oil shale development defies timely implementation of growth management plans. 56 references.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 6090386
- Report Number(s):
- LA-8791-MS; ON: DE82002995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
040800* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- Economics
Industrial
& Business Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294004 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Oil Shales & Tar Sands
BUILDINGS
COLORADO
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECONOMIC IMPACT
HOUSES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDUSTRY
NORTH AMERICA
OIL SHALE INDUSTRY
PLANNING
POPULATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
REVIEWS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
SOCIAL IMPACT
USA