A number of papers authored by Environmental Studies students are now available online. When an abstract was included in the original paper, it is printed here after the title of the paper. It was not always possible to include original photos, drawings, graphs, charts or other images. References to images that are not available on-line have been deleted from the on-line text to avoid confusion to the web page reader. Further information about any paper can be obtained by e-mailing Norman.J.Parker@Williams.edu. This page should be considered a work in progress, as it is continually updated.

Papers are listed according to date, but categorized by course.

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Berkshire County CO2 Report

Great Barrington, Lanesborough, Lenox, and Stockbridge, Massachusetts have ratified, or expressed interest in ratifying the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)’s Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) initiative and/or the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement1. Both voluntary, non-binding protocols lay out actions which towns can follow to achieve CO2 emissions reductions, but as the four towns can attest to, ratifying an agreement and following through on it are two very different things. Momentum tends to die out unless steps are taken to form a widely representative, permanent committee that works exclusively on achieving CO2 emissions reductions.

The purpose of this report is, first and foremost, to help the four towns begin to reduce their CO2 emissions by providing data in a concise and meaningful form, useful analysis, and preliminary recommendations that focus attention where it is most urgently needed and can do the most good. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Envi 302 Environmental Planning

Fall 2008

Beyond the Turbine: Initiatives for a Sustainable Jiminy Peak Introduction: “Jiminy Peak strongly believes in preserving the Earth for future generations. We are showing our commitment by being the first Mountain Resort in North America to install a wind turbine in order to generate clean, natural energy. Together we can shape a sustainable community for the future.” Jiminy Peak has become a recognized pioneer among green ski resorts. Their installation of Zephyr, a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine, combined with their implementation of a wide variety of energy conservation efforts and new green initiatives have decreased Jiminy’s dependence on the grid by 49.4%. Our task was to push Jiminy’s commitment to sustainability even further by researching and evaluating new and innovative environmental initiatives to further reduce energy and resource consumption at the resort. We hope that our study will help Jim Van Dyke, Jiminy Peak’s Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, and Jiminy’s Green Team propel the resort forward into a more sustainable future. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Bringing Nature to the Community A Sheep Hill Barn Restoration Feasibility Study In 2000, the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF) moved their headquarters to the former Rosenburg Farm at Sheep Hill in Williamstown, MA. Since then, the Foundation and its executive director, Leslie Reed-Evans, have been trying to bring nature to the community, and turn Sheep Hill into a site where children and families can go to interact with the natural environment. It was with this goal in mind that Leslie approached the Environmental Planning class at Williams with the hope that a team of students could assess the feasibility of restoring one of the historic Sheep Hill barns into a nature education center. She wants to provide additional space and expand educational activities that will compliment the WRLF mission to “address the loss of open space and public access, the disappearance of family farms in the Williamstown area and to encourage responsible development.”1 The focus of this study is to address Leslie’s request, and determine which barn restoration and educational expansion plan would be most cost-effective and draw the greatest interest from the surrounding community. We attempt to incorporate the history and original uses of the Sheep Hill site, as well as the values of the WRLF, into this plan. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

High on a Mountaintop: Recommendations for the Future of Bascom Lodge Bascom Lodge, situated at the summit of Mt. Greylock, is currently in need of a curator. The Lodge is part of the statewide historic curatorship program that allows a curator to take over responsibility of operating the lodge in exchange for credit on a lease. The curator is responsible for all lodge renovation and upkeep costs in addition to every day operational costs. In the past, Bascom Lodge has been operated by a number of individuals and more recently by the Appalachian Mountain Club, and Nature’s Classroom. However, the Lodge has been closed for the past two years while the state renovates the road. In the fall of 2008, the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) requested proposals for the management of Bascom Lodge. The DCR is currently in the process of reviewing several curatorship proposals. At the end of December, the DCR will announce the next curator, or will reject the current bids and continue searching for a new curator to manage the lodge. This project project will focus on creating innovative possibilities for future management of Bascom Lodge. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Fall 2007

Breaking Ground: A Feasibility Study for Target:Hunger’s Community Supported Agriculture Farm Bringing together a diverse range of interests, from farmers to food banks, this study aims to assess the feasibility of a Community-Supported Agriculture farm that would serve low income residents of Northern Berkshire County. The authors have prepared this report for Target:Hunger as a project for the ENVI 302 Environmental Planning class at Williams College. Target:Hunger is an initiative of the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, which works to reduce hunger and increase food security within this area. Through a community survey, site analysis, and comparative research, this project proposes and assesses farm models for three potential sites in Northern Berkshire County, concluding with recommendations for the potential farm. Ultimately, the authors strive to address Target:Hunger’s goals and fulfill the needs of the community as this project moves from vision to reality. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Composting Food Waste at Williams College: Advancing Toward A Local Solution
Executive Summary: Director of Dining Services Robert Volpi believes that the composting program at
Williams College is in need of upgrade and improvement. While it is great that Williams
already composts its food waste at both Holiday Farm in Dalton, MA and Caretaker Farm
in Williamstown, MA, the operation is full of inefficiencies because of a lack of
communication and a lack of long term commitment from both the farmers and the
college. Mr. Volpi desires not only a more local solution, but also to establish a
relationship with a local farmer that is mutually beneficial and long lasting. To find a best
fit, our group researched local farms through farmer interviews, site visits, and
conversations with others on campus who are involved in the composting operation. This
report summarizes the status of the current operation as well as poses recommendations.
Our finalists were quantitatively ranked based on the environmental benefits, operational
feasibility and waste input criteria. We also created cost-benefit scenarios of the current
operation and the costs of with expanding a composting operation at a local farm.
Whatever solution Williams decides to go with, there will be an upfront investment of
some sort: all farmers that we talked with need an upgrade of their operation if this is to
be a long-term solution. Farmers also worried about taking all of our compost all year.
Therefore we suggest the best way forward is to work out a multi-farm solution.
Finally, we recommend several additional solutions to other problems that were
unearthed during our research that should be addressed. The first drawback of our current
operation is that the line of communication is complicated and unclear. Farmers have no
way of reporting concerns about compost. While there are a number of people on
campus who care about the composting operation, there is no one person who oversees
the operation. Another issue that came up was the sorting of the compost and the issue of
animal products as well as silverware. We recommend that Dining Services find a way to
better educate its staff and diners about compost and upgrade and design their food waste
disposal stations so that it is less confusing for diners.
We hope that this report provides a stepping stone for our client and the College
in establishing a long-term and environmentally friendly relationship with a farmer to
manage our compost waste. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Greening the Pittsfield Municipal Vehicle Fleet
This paper focuses on the carbon reduction possibilities for Pittsfield’s municipal vehicle fleet. The vehicle fleet is just one contributor to carbon emissions. Carbon emissions come from three different sectors; residential, commercial, and municipal. Each sector can be further broken down into heating, electricity, and transportation . This paper represents only one section of the solution to global climate meltdown. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Mohawk Bicycle and Pedestrian Path: A Roadway Feasibility Study
This project was undertaken within the context of the larger plan of connecting Williamstown and North Adams with a recreational bicycle and pedestrian path. This bike path will be designed to be accessible to people of all abilities and largely serve as a safe and scenic transit route between the two towns. Within this larger goal, the project specifically focuses on evaluating the road routes between the two towns to determine the levels of feasibility and desirability for constructing a bike path adjacent to different sections. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Cars on Campus: Reducing Unnecessary Car Use on Williams College Campus
The problem this project addresses is the unnecessary overuse of cars on Williams College campus. The amount of driving by students, faculty, and staff in the process of getting to and from campus, as well as between points on campus, is not in line with the College’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging sustainable lifestyles among its constituents. Driving also has many other negative impacts on the campus such as congestion, noise, safety concerns for pedestrians and bicyclists, infrastructure, and maintenance costs, which would decrease if overall driving rates are reduced. The way we move to, from, and around campus also influences town/college relations, the amount of money spent on security patrols, and the aesthetic and environmental quality of college grounds, most notably the percent of campus that is covered by parking lots. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Recycling in Williamstown
The authors were asked by the Williamstown Department of Public Works (DPW) and by the Williamstown Recycling Committee (WRC) to work on a project involving the town’s current recycling program. Specifically, their clients were Scott Park from the DPW and Hank Art from the WRC.
The aim of the project was to investigate the current town recycling program and make recommendations both on how the recycling experience in Williamstown could be enhanced and how rates of recycling in Williamstown could be increased. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Fall 2006

Moving Up: A Plan for the Relocation and Renovation of Kellogg House, the Center for Environmental Studies The Problem: This project presents us not with a planning problem, but with a planning opportunity: the impending expansion of academic facilities encompassed by the Stetson/Sawyer project, set to begin in June 2007, will encroach on Kellogg House and require its relocation. This necessity fortuitously provides the opportunity to revitalize the Center for Environmental Studies and to create a space that embodies the program’s character and its values of environmental stewardship and sustainability. Ideally, to be truly sustainable, Kellogg would be a stand-alone building in the sense that it could produce its own energy, heat its own water, and do the like without the use of fossil fuels.

Our clients in Facilities – Bruce Decouteau, Senior Project Manager, Stephanie Boyd, Interim Director of Facility Operations, and Irene Addison, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Auxiliary Services – have given us an extremely flexible mandate. When we met with Bruce and Ken Jensen, Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor in Facilities, on November 2nd, we asked them to explain their goals for this project. Ken hoped we would take the opportunity to create a space that reflected the goals and character of our program. When pressed for more specific instructions, they requested that the end result of our project be a list of environmental features that we recommend installing in the renovated Kellogg House. Specifically, they mentioned solar hot water, solar electricity, geothermal heating, and making the building as stand-alone as possible, to serve as an educational tool exemplifying independence from fossil fuels – goals that seem to dovetail very nicely with our team’s own hopes for the new Kellogg! To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

COOL Businesses: Cutting Costs and CO 2 on Spring Street Abstract: The objectives of our project are two-fold. First, we provide the COOL (CO 2 Lowering) Committee with research on the current energy-use practices of Williamstown businesses, including an assessment of their efficiency and the potential to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. Second, we use this information to develop a set of strategies for businesses and the COOL committee to reduce the commercial sector’s carbon dioxide emissions and aid them in reaching Williamstown’s 10% emissions reduction goal. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

 

Spring 2006

Hoosick Falls Greenway Feasibility Study Hoosick Falls, NY Project Objective: Shelly Stiles and Michael Batcher, as representatives of the Village of Hoosick Falls River Access Group, requested that a group from Environmental Studies 302 conduct a feasibility study for a greenway along the Hoosic River in the Village of Hoosick Falls, NY, with possible extensions into the Town of Hoosick. Our main objective is to collect information that will allow the River Access Group to determine what sort of pathway will best satisfy the needs of the community. We conducted interviews with influential community leaders to ascertain community opinions and desires regarding a greenway. We also researched alternative pathway designs and features in order to find an appropriate fit for the community. Our report provides both suggestions for the final pathway as well as resources for future greenway development undertaken by the River Access Group. Ultimately, the greenway will provide both recreational and aesthetic access to the Hoosic River. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Management Recommendations for Onota Lake Pittsfield, MAIntroduction: In February 2006 our group began working with the Pittsfield Director of Parks and Recreation, Jim McGrath, as well as Dick Laureyns, the President of Berkshire Rowing and Sculling, on a project that would study use of Lake Onota in Pittsfield. Our goal was to identify problems within the management and recreational aspects of community lake use, and then recommend ways to alleviate these problems. Our team developed an online survey to get feedback from residents about the frequency and enjoyment of their Onota Lake use, as well as perceived problems. The survey served not only as a basis for data analysis but also as the origin of many of our recommendations to our clients. Our recommendations focus on improving use, increasing safety, and heightening appreciation of Lake Onota, so that it can be more enjoyable for all users, and a more pleasant experience for all. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Moving Towards a Williamstown Winter Commons: A Skating Rink Feasibility Study The objective for this project was to complete a feasibility study for the creation of an outdoor skating rink in Williamstown. This task required three major areas of study: assessment of community support, site selection, and a detailed analysis of the costs associated with such a project. As environmental planners, the authors also wanted to pay close attention to any environmental costs or benefits associated with an outdoor skating rink. In the end they hoped to produce a report that demonstrated a desire from residents for a rink, find and recommend several appropriate sites, and provide their clients with estimates of the required and optional costs for a skating rink, as well as potential sources of funding and economic benefits. In addition, the authors aimed to provide appropriate recommendations so that this project may potentially culminate with a successful application for Community Preservation Act funding in January 2007. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Spring 2005

A Cost of Community Services Study for Williamstown, MA This project conducts a Cost of Community Services Study (COCS) for the town of Williamstown. It uses a case study approach to determine the public costs incurred and the revenues generated by different types of land-use. This involves analyzing budgets and land-use conditions with assessors’ maps, tax data and financial reports. By distributing revenues and expenditures according to land-use, the study provides a ratio that shows how much the community spends on public services for every dollar raised by each type of land-use. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Delftree Mill Re-Use Plan The building at the Delftree Mill Site has fulfilled several uses. However, there was and is no long-term plan for use of the mill or site. New England, however, has seen the conversion of many old mill buildings toward more creative uses. The current owner of the Delftree Mill is also interested in alternative uses for the short and long term that may be more economically stable than the current mix of uses. He is looking for a practical but creative solution. This project examines some possible solutions. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

The Future of Wire Bridge Farm In 2004, the Center for Environmental Studies (CES) at Williams College acquired the Wire Bridge Farm parcel from John Tietgens as an addition to the Hopkins Memorial Forest (HMF). The parcel is located at the northeastern edge of HMF, near the Williamstown/Pownal border, and is bounded by the Hoosic River on its eastern edge. It is a total of 73 acres, with approximately half taken up by a steep wooded slope and the other half by open field. The CES also has the option to purchase 37 more acres to the north by September of 2009, which would give Williams College ownership of the property up to the Vermont border.
This project explores possible uses for the site and assesses which use or uses would best align with the goals of the many people interviewed within the Williams College community. The proposed alternative uses for the site include the status quo, long-term ecological research, short-term ecological research, agriculture and composting, and multiple use. While all of these alternatives incorporate multiple use to some capacity, the last alternative is that which has the widest range of options for use of the site. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Hoosic River Recreational Assessment This project was done for the Hoosic River Watershed Association for the purposes of looking at options for improving recreation on and awareness of the Hoosic River. The project focuses specifically on the section of the river stretching between the Ashton Avenue boat launch in North Adams, MA to the Strobridge Complex and old Tannery Dam in Pownal, VT. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Interpretive Trail Design, Greylock Glen, Adams, MA The main focus of this project is to design a universally accessible interpretive trail as part of a larger proposal, the Greylock Glen Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Education Center. The goal of the trail design is to attempt to interpret not only biological features of the area with an emphasis on wetlands protection and environmental stewardship, but also the human aspects of the landscape. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Mount Greylock Regional High School: Planning For Renovation or Relocation Final Report This project evaluates the renovation or reconstruction alternatives for Mt. Greylock Regional High School. After examining the site, the authors decided to focus on the use of spaces both inside and outdoors. The MGRHS Building Committee steered them in the direction of figuring out the costs and benefits to the school for a variety of renovation options, from a simple ‘no construction’ to different size renovations or total reconstruction of a new school. The authors surveyed the faculty, staff and students in order to gather opinions from the people who use the space the most. They asked about the current condition and importance of indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as questions regarding potential future uses and needs of the school. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

Fall 2003

Redevelopment Plan for the Photech (Station Mill) Site The authors propose a redevelopment plan for the Photech Site. The proposal itself includes a site plan and a set of recommendations that were developed from their research, which included a community survey. The study indicated that recreation on the site with river access is the highest prioritized use for the site. Housing, especially affordable, was a second major priority, while commercial activity and historic preservation were third and fourth, respectively. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

A Vision for an Inter-State Recreational Path: Williamstown, MA to Pownal, VT The authors of this paper create a feasibility study for a recreational path between Williamstown, MA and North Pownal VT. Considerations while performing the study were to pave the way for a further extention of the trail, that it connect specific places and that it serve a definite purpose. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

West of Eden: Planning Community Gardens for Pittsfields West Side In the spring of 2003, the Department of Community Development (DCD) of the city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, launched an initiative to revitalize its West Side neighborhood. With a high proportion of renters and 20% of its residents below the poverty line, this section of town is the city's poorest and most transient neighborhood. The DCD's West Side Initiative aims to address issues of economic and social depression in the West Side through beautification projects, the encouragement of home ownership and investment in neighborhood properties, and the cultivation of community pride and citizen participation.The authors of this document worked with the DCD to research the feasibility of garden development in Pittsfield's West Side. In collaboration with Robert Cornwell, Neighborhood Development Administrator of the DCD, they define two major objectives: (1) to create a template for community garden development in Pittsfield; and (2) to evaluate each of the vacant lots in the First Project Area for their suitability as garden sites. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Fall 2002

Over the river and through the woods: Recommendations for walking paths to link Williamstown's center with outdoor recreation areas The 2002 Williamstown Master Plan envisions Williamstown as a future "Town of Trails." This plan recommends creating links between existing trails and between the town center and the outlying trails, as well as establishing a number of trail kiosks around town to provide information about the town's trail system. Some of these new paths could be short and relatively flat, providing the opportunity to see some of the area's natural beauty for both local residents and tourists who are currently unable to: for example, children or the elderly, who may be unable to hike existing strenuous trails. This paper discusses five possibilities for these paths.To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

An Analysis of Redevelopment Options for the Former North Adams Sewage Treatment Plant Site The former North Adams Sewage Treatment Plant was in use from 1935 through 1976, at which time the town's sewage was redirected to a newer plant in Williamstown. Since that time, two of the plant's buildings and all of the sedimentation tanks have been removed and the site has been declared free of contamination. The site has been identified as excess city land, and the Mayor's Office of North Adams would like to sell the site for development purposes. Development possibilities have arisen in the past, but these all fell through, leaving the site bare and unused. Our clients wished for us to identify several development options for the site, as well as the varying costs and benefits of each of these options. In addition, another major focus of our project was to be the consideration of various access options for the site, given that the lack of legalized access to the site is one of the primary factors inhibiting development. Because the site has lain dormant for over 25 years, it is hoped that our involvement and our findings can help lead to the development of this prime piece of land. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

The Future of Sustainable Composting at Williams College This report examines the possibility of an on-site composting facility at Williams College. It discusses the pro's and cons of several local sites with respect to cost, educational value, environmental impact, legal restictions, and feasibility. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Report on the Feasibility of a Wind Power Project on the Berlin Pass This report is the result of a feasibility study on a potential wind development project on Berlin Pass. This project has a long history, but unfortunately has never received serious attention by the Williams College community. We investigated whether legal, logistical, and public opinion issues would be obstacles to the feasibility of this project. This report shows that this wind project is indeed feasible, and desired by the communities it would affect. There is strong support for this project in Berlin, New York; Petersburg, New York; and Williamstown, Massachusetts; and other surrounding communities. In addition, the legal, ecological, and siting issues are not impediments to this project, allowing Williams College to proceed without being liable for dangerous situations, or conflicts with surrounding communities. This project also presents the college with an ideal opportunity to be an environmental leader, and make a positive impact in surrounding communities. The College must now consider whether this project is worth their time and money. As demonstrated not only by our group, but by previous students, a wind farm development on Berlin Pass is feasible To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring 2002

Green River Rec Trail The Green River is a site of remarkable natural beauty in the heart of Williamstown. Unfortunately, public access to the river and its surrounding areas is limited primarily to Route 43 (Water Street and Green River Road). This has led many members of the community to endanger themselves by walking, running, and bicycling on this heavily traveled road. Thus, the town clearly does not yet provide adequate facilities for the community to fully benefit form this tremendous resource. Recognizing this critical need, we endorse the Williamston Draft Master Plan's recommendation "to accept town ownership of Route 43 and work to create a pedestrian and bicycle trail along it," and we propose this study to encourage timely implementation of this objective. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Mahican-Mohawk Bike Trail Feasibility Study. The Mahican-Mohawk hiking trail, which recreates the historic trail used by Native Americans in the area, currently runs from the Connecticut River in Deerfield, MA to the eastern side of North Adams, MA. When completed, it will run all the way to Stillwater, NY, connecting the Connecticut and Hudson Rivers. A Mahican-Mohawk Bike Trail would add to the Mahican-Mohawk trail by extending a multi-use trail from downtown North Adams into Williamstown.
This report focuses its analysis on the section of the trail from Cole Ave. in Williamstown to Ashton Ave. in North Adams. The authors chose this section because a smaller focus allows a more thorough analysis and the North Adams Bikeways Committee has analyzed building a trail from the center of North Adams to the canoe launch on Ashton Ave. in their study of extending the Ashuwillticook trail from Adams to North Adams. Christine Fletcher '02, Jordan Goldwarg '03, Michele Ruby '02, Joanna Touger '04, authors. To view the .pdf version (printable) , click here.

Fall 2000

Recreation on Hoosac Lake. The authors explore many of the issues that will shape the future of recreation on the lake and lay out a number of possible scenarios for the future of recreation and regulation on the lake and its shores. Alan Brelsford '01,
Irena Hollowell '02, Zachary Lamb '02, authors. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Stetson and Sawyer: Visions for the Future. This project researches the needs of Sawyer Library and Stetson Hall (located on thr Williams College campus) as well as possible options for their renovations. Sarah Barger, Heather Brutz, Garry Sanders, authors. To view the .pdf version (printable) , click here.

Two Town Cites: The Redevelopment of a Town Center. The effects development of two sites - the old town garage and what has become known as B & L Corner - will have on the town of Williamstown and on Williams College are researched. Julianna Connolly, Mark Robertson, Jon Wiener, authors. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Taconic Crest Trail. This project explores the many possibilities for the Taconic Crest Trail with the focus on the best way(s) to preserve it for the future while allowing recreational use of it in the present. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring 2000

The Dynamics of Temperate Forest Fragmentation: an Examination of Susceptibility to Woody Invasive Species Abstract: Forest fragmentation and the invasion of non-native species are two current threats to global biodiversity. We investigate whether fragmentation increases the susceptibility to woody invasive species in ten remnants (2 to 126 ha) of Eastern deciduous forest. We counted all woody individuals in plots located in belt transects at the edge and center of each fragment and midway between. While 40% of edge individuals are invasive, interior regions have fewer invasives (14%). Species richness, abundance of individuals, and the percentage of invasive species decline significantly from both the edges to the centers of the fragments and with increasing fragment area. These patterns result from increased susceptibility to invasive species in edge regions and in smaller fragments. The increase in non-native species with decreasing fragment area does not correspond to an equivalent decline in the native species community, suggesting that non-native species may colonize an empty habitat niche associated with the fragment edge. However, the interiors of larger fragments had a richer community of native species. Overall community diversity and evenness indices do not vary with fragment size, which suggests their ineffectiveness in assessing the integrity of fragmented forests. The diversity and evenness indices do, however, reflect the expansion of the non-native species community with decreasing fragment area. Our results provide support for conservation efforts dedicated to preserving large tracts of eastern deciduous forests in order to minimize the invasion and dominance by non-native woody plants. Lauren B. Buckley '00, author. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Fall 1999

Cars on Campus This paper discusses the issues of parking options and availability for people directly associated with the Williams College, in Williamstown MA: students, faculty and staff. Becca Parkinson ‘00, Tanu Kumar ‘01, Olivia Imoberdorf ‘00, Aya Reiss’00 .To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here. NOTE: photos and other images from web version are not available in the .pdf version

Subdivision Plans for the Northwest Hill Summit, Williamstown, MA A brief history of the ownership of Northwest Hill summit, located in Williamstown, MA, and a description of the plot are discussed in the opening of the paper. This leads to an evaluation of different options for development of the parcel. Aesthetics, cost and zoning issues are taken into consideration as well as the relative length of time to complete each development option .Meg Cooley, Emily Earle, David Joyce and Jay Slowik. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Fall 1998

Management Plans for Conservation Lands This project involves nine of parcels of land located in Williamstown, MA; the properties overseen and managed by the town's Conservation Commission. Proposals for better use of these parcels as well as a brief history of them are presented.Ellen Cook '00,Kathleen Reardon '00,Kara Roggenkamp '99, Emily Simpson '00. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Evaluation of Williams College Theater and Dance Center Siting The goal of this project was to evaluate a number of possible sites for the building of a theater and dance center on the campus of Williams College in Williamstown, MA, determine an optimal location, and suggest feasible alternatives. This evaluation process included gathering physical data from each site in addition to addressing legal issues, integration with town development, the long-term impacts of such a facility, and the concerns of the Williams College and Williamstown communities.Mary Brevdo ‘00, Lisa Crooks ‘00, Cordelia Ransom ‘00, Taylor Schildgen ‘00, Courtney Stokes ‘99. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Fall 1997

Considerations on the Pittsfield Stadium Issue This paper examines the questions that arose when the city of Pittsfield, MA was faced with the possibility of losing the Pittsfield Mets, a minor league baseball team, to another location. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Sunnybrook Farm: Future Possibilities for a Restricted Property Introduction: Berkshire County was once covered with vast tracts of open land, most of which were dairy farms. As the commonwealth moved through this century, small dairying operations became unprofitable in the market of subsidized milk prices and large corporate farms. Much of the open land gradually reverted to forest, and in many places this forest is unrecognizable as old farm land. In the last few months alone, three of Williamstown's six remaining dairy herds were sold, which means that even more of the county's remaining agricultural land will disappear.

Art Rosenburg, a lifetime resident of Williamstown, is determined that his farm, once a dairying operation, will never travel this path. With this goal in mind, Art and the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF) are in the process of drafting a conservation restriction for Sunnybrook Farm, Art's property, that will remove the development rights from land and keep it legally open forever. This restriction will make the land easier to purchase, but also more difficult to manage in terms of keeping the land financially self-sustaining. Our project was to find uses for the farm that are in keeping with the guidlines of the restriction as well as the WRLF's wish that the land remain agriculturally productive... To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring 1987

An Assessment of the Corcoran , Mullins , and Jennison , Inc. Proposal for the development of Greylock Glen Plans submitted by Corcoran, Mullins, and Jennison, Inc. (CMJ) to develop Greylock Glen are discussed and evaluated. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

An Analysis of the Recent Proposal by Williams College to Subdivide and Develop a 25-Acre Parcel within Hopkins Memorial Forest The purpose of this paper is to analyze a subdivision proposal made in the Spring of 1987 by Williams College for a 25 acre tract of land located on the western side of Northwest Hill Road immediately south of the Bulkley Street intersection . The parcel is currently owned by Williams as a contiguous section of the 2000-acre Hopkins Memorial Forest. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring 1986

Planning for Sea-Level Rise in a Coastal Community Introduction: Environmental impact analyses strive to analyze the effects of some man-made project on the surrounding enivironment. There are two major types of analyses: those dealing with terrestrial ecosystems and those dealing with aquatic ecosystems. A third type of analysis, dealing with coastal ecosystems is particularly interesting to environmental planners because the impact statements must account for interactions between the aquatic and terrestrial environments. Also, a majority of the American population lives in coastal counties (52%); thus these coastal areas are also very popular areas for new developments.... To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Boston Harbor Cleanup Project: Human Activities and Residuals Boston Harbor has been an environmental hazard for many years. It receives the outfall of two antiquated Sewage treatment plants on the sites of Deer and Nut Islands that are insufficient to process the volume of sewage from the 45 cities and communities that they service . It also receives point source discharge from 110 combined storm water runoff pipes which release raw sewage into the inner harbor on a regular basis. Although the problem has existed for a long period of time with nothing being done about it, it has now come under federal jurisdiction under the revised Clean Water Act of 1972. An ongoing court case between the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Boston Metropolitan District Comission has found the Commonwealth of Massachusetts legally responsible for cleaning up the harbor. A federal judge has designated a new advisory council, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, to proceed with the cleanup. Faced with this task, the WRA has several courses of action open to them. The WRA has recently been given a court order to go ahead with secondary treatment, a move that the MDC had hoped to avoid. The project , requiring construction of a new treatment plant, is expected to cost $1 billion to be split between the state and federal governments.... To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring 1985

Central Arizona Project Tucson Aqueduct Phase B Costs, Benefits, and Limits to the Flow History: As populations and irrigated acreage increased in the Southwest in the early 1900's, interstate political manuevering to obtain Colorado River water began. The river moves an average virgin flow of 15 million acre-feet annually, through a river basin that includes California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado New Mexico, Mexico, and most of Arizona. In 1922 all basin states , except Arizona, ratified the Colorado River Compact which allotted 7.5 million acre feet to the lower river basin, divided between Calfornia, 4.4 MAF, Arizona, 2.8 MAF, and Nevada .3 MAF. 22 years later Arizona agreed to ratify the treaty, promising California its 4 .4 PlAF even in shortage years, in exchange for a political move i n Congress which guaranteed development of a delivery system. The Central Arizona Project was proposed, and ratified in 1968 by president Johnson, as an aqueduct plan to move water from the Western border of the state , east through Phoenix, to the southeast and city of Tucson. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

The Western Gateway Urban Heritage Park Revitalization Project: A Planning Critique...The Western Gateway Urban Heritage Park (WGUHP) is North Adams' most ambitious public/private urban redevelopment project to date.

In this paper I shall analyze the project's economic rationale, its environmental impact and its landscape aesthetics in order to make a critique of the project's validity and viability. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring 1984

Solid Waste Management Alternatives for Newton MA This paper examines the alternatives for waste disposal in Newton, MA and neighboring communities. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here

An Evaluation of the Poudre River Projects Introduction: Water, considered a more or less unlimited resource twenty years ago, has become a very important consideration in planning issues . The problem of water resource allocation and management is becoming an issue full of conflicts , and nowhere are these conflicts felt more than in the West, where an extremely limited water supply must provide not only for dramatically increasing populations , but also for increasing irrigation requirements for the extensive agriculture of the Midwest. One area where these conflicts have surfaced , and are being resolved , is in the Cache La Poudre River basin of Colorado.

In this paper the author attempts to address some of the issues involved in the proposals to dam the Poudre, as well as to look at the costs and benefits of such projects. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Food Production vs. Wildlife Protection in Kenya: A Case for Preserving Tsavo National Park Introduction:...In Africa , European colonial governments began to be concerned about the state of indigenous wildlife as early as the turn of the century. The first African effort at conservation was the Sabie Game Reserve, established i n 1838 in the Transvaal. Unlike parks in the United States , African parks tended to be se up in rather isolated areas where tse - tse fly infestation and lack of rainfall made pastoralism and agriculture difficult . There was a minimum of management and the protected species were allowed to fend for themselves within park boundries. Because its animals tended to be larger and more spectacular, and its ecosystems less well-defined, there was correspondingly greater emphasis in Africa on protecting certain species, usually mammals and birds, than on protecting ecosystems or geologic features .... To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Dump the Pump?: An Analysis of the Point Pleasant Water Diversion Project, Poiint Plesant, Pennsulvania Introduction: The Point Pleasant Pump Station was proposed by the Neshaminy Water Resources Authority (NWRA) nearly two decades ago as a solution to the water supply problems of Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The Pump was to withdraw water from the Delaware River at Point Pleasant primarily to provide public water supply to the two counties. Secondarily, a small portion of the diverted water would be used to augment flows in the Neshaminy Creek....

Between 1966 and the start of construction in 1982, plans for the project were revised to include an additional diversion of water as a back-up coolant for the proposed Limerick Nuclear Generating Station on the Schuylkill River. In addition, the quantity of water required for consumption was reestimated due to lower projections of development and population growth.

Citizens opposition to the project throughout its history has been vehement and effective. Dela-AWARE, the group most active in opposing the project, convinced the Bucks County Board of Elections to grant the right to a non-binding referendum on the Pump issue. Voters voted against the project, and the County Commissioners withdrew Bucks County as a sponsor of the project probably due to election-year pressures. Far the same reason, new NWRA members appointed that year were sympathetic to Del-AWARE'S cause, and they succeded in getting a court order to delay work due to faulty construction of the Pump's concrete foundations.

This paper will discuss the need for and the environmental impacts of the project. Section I will provide a description of the entire water diversion project. Section II will discuss the environmental effects of the project.... To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

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ENVI 102 Environmental Science

Spring 2007

A Legacy of Metal Contamination in Hoosic River Floodplain Soils   Abstract:
We tested soil samples taken at five sites in the Hoosic River floodplain between North
Adams and Williamstown for various metals--lead, copper, cadmium, zinc, chromium,
and nickel in attempts to determine whether we could trace a legacy of metals left 'in the
soil by industries operating along- the river in the past hundred years. We found that the
Notch site, closest do&stream of the industrial center of North Adams, contained the
most metal contamination. In addition, metal contamination at the Airport and Cole sites
could have originated at the Aluminum Plant and Williamstown Manufacturing
Company, respectively. To view the .pdf (printable) version, click here.

Spring Shocks in Birch Brook  Abstract: This experiment was performed to determine whether or not acidic snowmelt was
a significant factor in nitrate leaching from soil during "spring shocks." We took streamwater and snowmelt samples, and analyzed these samples for pH and ion content. We then compared this data to stseam discharge and temperature for Birch Brook. While there were no statistically significant correlations, our data suggested both that spring shocks do occur. It also suggested that these acidic spring shocks cause shocks in the brook pH and ion content. It is likely that snowmelt flows into the brook bofh above and below ground; it is also likely that acidic snowmelt flowing through the soil leaches out ions and nutrients. lt is uncertain whether or not this phenomenon is detrimental to aquatic or forest health. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 2006

Christmas Brook: Naughty or Nice? An Evaluation of Local Water Quality Abstract: Since the extension of the Williamstown sewer system in the mid 1990's, Christmas Brook has experiemed improved health from reduced fecal contamination. However, the stream exhibits the effects of large moux1ts of road salt, and runoff from fertilizer at recreational facilities. Increases in chloride and calcium concentrations point to additional input sources. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

The Vernal Pools: Analyses of Weather and Water Chemistry in the Migration of Spotted Salamanders Abstract: In this project we analyzed the effects of weather on the inward and outward migration of the spotted salamanders in two vernal pools in Williamstown. We also analyzed the effect of the salamanders on the chemistry of the water in the pools. We found that weather, especially precipitation and temperature had effects on the migration of the salamanders. There was little evidence that the salamanders had particular effects on the chemistry of the water. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Water Chemistry of Eph's Pond Abstract: From April 17th to May 15th, 2006 we sampled water from Eph's Pond and tested its chemistry with regards to cations, anions, coliform, pH, ANC and conductivity. After comparing data to historical Eph's Pond data and Williamstown precipitation archives, we determined the effects that humans and weather have on Eph's Pond. For instance, road salt run-off contributes greatly to the high average conductivity of 335 pdcm. Additionally, rainfall and snowfall both bear strong positivQ correlations with conductivity, and minor negative correlations with pH. In conclusion, while Eph's Pond is currently doing a sufficient job maintaining a stable pH (it only differs by only .5 between 1996-2006), its capacity is not limitless, so humans must be aware of their impact on the water. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

Possible Relocation Sites for the Center for Environmental Studies's Forest Garden:
Gardening Suitability of Eastern Dodd Lawn with Special Concerns for Lead Abstract: Consumption of plants gown in lead contaminated soil has various heath hazards for people. Especially children, infants, and fetuses are highly vulnerable. High lead blood levels affect the neutulogicd development in children causing behavioral and learning disorders while in adults it might cause high blood pressuree. Therefore, before planning on using any plot of land as a garden, it is necessary to check the concentration of lead in soil, extent of contamination, and location of high-risk areas within the plot so that one can mitigate the health hazards related to it. The analysis of the soil samples of the Dodd garden showed maximum contamination of lead right below the house, with Pb level of 1,546 ppm. Its major source has been found to be the house paint that contained a very high lead concentration of 180,000 ppm. Other areas within the plot had Pb concentrations well within the level proposed to be safe by the EPA (400ppm) and MA DEP (3OOppm) except for the coal field sites with Pb concentration level as high as 659 ppm. Therefore, these areas must be avoided for safe gardening practice. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

The Water Quality of Moore's Pond: 1991 to Today A study ofthe overall health of Moore's Pond located in Williamstown, MA. The proportional aquafic invertebrate populations, pH,Loss-on-ignition, Lead concentration, and Chromium concentration were measured, and showed that the pond has gotten cleaner over the past 15 years, and is now in a generaly healthy state. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

Spring 1995

The Effects of Elevation Gain on Soil Does soil change as altitude increases? If so, in what ways? How do the soil horizons differ from one another? Are the changes primarily in soil chemistry, or are organic content and soil texture affected as well? What might cause these changes? In an attempt to find the answer to these questions, the author collected soil samples fiom the east-facing slope of Rocky Mountain, a solid granite monolith at the foot of Pike's Peak, just west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Aquifer Analysis: A Comparative Study of Five Springs The author paper quantitatively collected and analyzed water samples at five springs near Williamstown to qualitatively interpret the geologic contexts of their sources. The interpretation of laboratory chemical analyses is made with respect to field observations of the springs and surrounding surficial geology as well as with respect to topographic and bedrock maps of the area. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Moosylvania: Survey of a Micro-Environment The effects that a spring in an area within the Rocky and Bullwinkle plot of Hopkins Forest are discussed in this paper. The author conducted observations into its geology, biology, and chemistry. Many factors that are affected by the presence of springs on the site, especially vegetation type and quantity are discussed. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Peep at Seeps Seeps in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Plot, located in the eastern section of Hopkins Memorial Forest, in Williamstown, MA. are discussed in this paper. The area is heavily wooded and is divided by Birch Brook, whose north and middle branches join in the western half of the Plot.To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

The Effects of Human Activity on Pine Cobble Trail Introduction: Many forms of human activity alter the natural environment. However, one form of activity that we would probably not think of as having an impact upon the environment is hiking. While we consider hiking an opportunity to enjoy nature in a somewhat undisturbed form, this form of recreation does have its consequences. Anna Groskin and I decided to investigate the environmental effects of hiking by looking at Pine Cobble Trail. We wondered how much the trail might cause erosion or fragmentation of ecosystems. Pine Cobble is the site of a rather recent housing development that includes access roads and a proposed 72 building lots, and as a result, the lower portion of the trail has been relocated so that it will avoid the new roads and development sites. This new section of the trail has been in use for approximately five years. We chose to examine the area where the new trail meets the abandoned trail so that we could compare trail segments impacted by differing degrees of human activity. By examining vegetation and properties of soil including texture, density, moisture, and organic matter at locations on and off each trail, we found that the amount of trail use definitely does alter the composition and properties of soil and vegetation. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 1994

Water Chemistry of an Atlantic Coastal Marsh This paper presents the results of a water chemistry study of a small Atlantic coastal marsh. The goal of the study was to find patterns in the water chemistry and to identify human influences on the marsh. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Broad Brook as a Source of Aquifer RechargeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether Broad Brook was losing water to the subsurface, and if so, why. The author also analyzed certain mineral concentrations of Broad Brook to better understand the local rock types and to look for human effects on cation concentration in the Broad Brook area. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

An Analysis of Slide Areas at Pine Cobble Development...Initially, the Pine Cobble development area was roughly surveyed to locate sites that showed the effects of mass movements. Specifically, smaller slides, which may not have caused any serious damage, were identified. From these identified slide regions, several were chosen as sites to be analyzed in this experiment. At these slides pits were dug in the soil at various locations within the individual slide. Samples were collected from every horizon and the depths of each horizon were measured. At most sites these pits were dug straight through the scarp-like region of the slide. However, at one location, pits were dug above the head scarp, through the scarp region, and at the base of the slide. This was sufficient to determine a viable model for the cross-section of the slide. Similar pits were dug at a non-slide location. Again, soil horizons were sampled and depth measurements taken.

The collected samples were analyzed primarily for particle size. Each layer was sieved to determine the percentage of various sizes of soil particles. This was done for the samples from both the slide and inactive areas. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

I Wouldn't Drink It: Eph's Pond Recovers from the 1994 Sewage Spill Introduction: Eph's Pond is located near the northeast corner of the Williams College campus. The pond's formation is believed to be a result of the construction of Stetson Road in 1912, which blocked drainage from surrounding marshes. In February of 1989, an ES 102 class sampled Eph's Pond for various ions and for total and fecal coliform bacteria. Very rarely did fecal coliform show up in these tests. Greg Balco, an individual student testing the pond for his independent research project, found no fecal coliform until his fourth week of testing; he attributed this to repair work pipe beneath Stetson Road the week before.

This year's sewage spill into Eph's Pond was first reported to Buildings and Grounds on Monday 14 March, 1994. By 7:30 p.m. that day the sewage line was temporarily repaired and 40 square yards of sewage were removed from the spillage site. By Tuesday 15 March, 15 feet of clay tile pipe was installed to patch the leak. Straw was laid down in the spill areas as well. Another 8 square yards of sewage was removed from just past the boundary of the straw area on 11 April.

The purpose of this investigation is to chart the recovery (or worsening!) of the contamination, with respect to fecal coliform bacteria and selected anion and sodium concentrations, of Eph's Pond throughout the month of April. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Succession in the Coastal Forests of Washington: Logging, Soils, and Vegetation Introduction: .... The forest, I saw, was divided into three distinct successionary regimes. At the western edge, climax Douglas Fir forest covered the land .... Further to the east I could distinguish a belt of mature second growth forest, similar to the old growth, but lacking the huge trees and showing evidence of logging (notched stumps, iron cable, etc.). Finally, at the eastern edge of the land I found a still younger forest of Bigleaf Maple, Alder, and Western Red Cedar

I set about quantifying some of the apparent differences between the three forest types. I dug soil pits, and gathered samples from each layer of soil, and gathered more samples between zones. I conducted surveys of the vegetation. My goal was to understand how the history of the forests relate to the different biotic and abiotic variables I analyzed. For each variable I ask has this been affected by land use history in a way I can measure? If so, how and why? To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 1993

Bioindicators and Air Pollution: They just aren't Lichen it Introduction: Biologists often use populations of bioindicator species monitor trends in environmental quality. Lichens and brycphytts,for example, are commonly used indicators for air quality. Large areas of Europe and America were observed to have become "lichen deserts" as the industrial revolution progressed, mainly in urban and industrial centers. Since then gradual declines in populations have been observed even in rural areas. Is this trend occuring in the rural Berkshires? The purpose of this study was to characterize and identify the lichen populations present in the Williamstown area, in order to see if this decline has reached our area.... To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Geology of Ford Glen and Beinecke Tract Introduction: This project started with the goal of mapping the surficial deposits of the Hopkins Memorial Forest and assessing their influence on the above ground environment. Field work revealed that there is little variation of parent material, mostly till, and consequently changes in vegetation would probably be related more strongly to other factors. However, on my walks in the Beinecke Tract and along Ford Glen Brook I encountered many interesting geologic features which interested me. Consequently, my aim became to survey the geology and ongoing geologic processes along the lower part of Ford Glen (below about 260m) and within the Beinecke Tract and look at any relationships to the environment.... To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Land Use and Vegetation Analysis of the Moon Lot Based on Aerial Photographs 1935 - 1993 My first experience with the Moon Lot (ML) in Hopkins Memorial Forest was in the earlv morning on a bitter February day. Passing through the stone wall that marks the north-eastern boundary, my eyes first fell upon the huge sugar maple that guards the entrance. I was irresistibly drawn to the old relic and climbed up a broken limb that had fallen to form a ramp, and came to rest comfortably in the nook of another branch. Even then I think that I was beginning to wonder what the old tree had seen pass beneath its boughs. I sat in that world for well over an hour before I had to continue along in my first exploration of the ML.

....This is a topic that holds great interest to me, namely looking at how events in the past shape the present, so I thought that it would be a worthwhile subject to attempt as an individual project. Since several aerial photographs and/ or slides of the area were available, starting in 1935, this seemed like a useful medium through which to work.

Consequently, I have constructed a paper that will attempt to link land use to reforestation and the structure of the forest as it stands today. My predictions are that there is a direct correlation - that the present vegetation in the ML corresponds strongly to its past land use. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 1992

Vegetational Analysis of Harmon Pond Introduction: The 1989 Wetlands Protection Act restricts the development or alteration of wetlands in an effort to control the huge losses of wetlands in the continental U.S., estimated at over 53% since the 1780's. (Berkshire Eagle, "Report maps region's shrinking wetlands. Dec. 12, 1990.) Although worded differently from the federal act, the Massachussetts state Wetlands Protection Act contains some of the same language, and illustrates the areas falling under protection by the act: "No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, freshwater wetland, . . . marsh, meadow or swamp bordering on ... any estuary, creek, river, stream, pond, or lake, or any land under said waters or any land subject to ... flooding ... without filing written notice ...." (Chapter 130, 105) Some of the reasons cited for supporting wetland preservation include their natural buffer against water supply and ground water pollution and their habitats for wildlife. While in legal language it is easy enough to reel off terms like "bank, freshwater wetland, ... marsh, meadow or swamp", actual field determinations of what constitutes each of these types of wetlands is not a clear-cut task. One of the more recent aids, although already outdated, is the 1989 Wetland Manual, whose guidelines we will follow in a field analysis of Williamstown's Harmon Pond. To determine what if any wetlands will be protected there, we look for the manual's criteria of: hydrology (inundation or saturation), hydrophyte vegetation (>50% = Obligate + Facultative Wetland + Facultative species), and hydric soils. Our analysis focuses on the vegetation, which we identified by the line-intercept method. Land protected includes, in addition to that covered by 50% indicator vegetation: banks, land under water bodies and waterways, and a 100 foot buffer zone extending from the outer limits of the 50% cover area. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Flora Glen: A Second (and third, and fourth) Look Over the course of this semester, the class has learned many sampling techniques, testing procedures, and observational skills, and performed them for several different locations. The purpose of this investigation was to utilize as many of the skills learned during this course as possible on one site. Through pH and ANC analysis, measuring the levels of conductivity, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, lead, fecal coliform bacteria, and total coliform bacteria, water and sediment depth and area calculations, and observation of the surroundings of Flora Glen Pond, a more in-depth profile of this one site has been formed. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

An Algal and Chemical Analysis of Eph's Pond Introduction: The goal of this experiment was to investigate the growth of algal populations in Eph's Pond in relation to the water chemistry over aperiod of several weeks. The hypothesis of the experiment was that, as time progressed, algal populations would flourish and correlations between algal growth and water chemistry could be drawn from experimental data obtained in the lab. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Levels of Chromium and Lead in the Taconic Golf Course Williamstown, Massachusetts Introduction: In this investigation, levels of chromium and lead in the soils of the Taconic Golf Course were measured. Golf courses are carefully maintained environments- to insure its natural beauty. Many golf courses in more metropolitan areas practice pest prevention- which is applying large amounts of pesticides to prevent any possibilities of destruction by insects, weeds, or fungi. However, in Williamstown, a small and quaint New England town, there is less pressure from the community to maintain a flawless golf course. Peter Lund, the owner of the Taconic Golf Course, practices pest elimination by applying pesticides only when there is actual evidence of damage. In this research, it was thought that the source of chromium and lead was from the pesticides. In the past, many metal based pesticides and fertilizers were used. However, the use of these metal based compounds have become less common due to strict governmental regulations. In the Taconic Golf Course, the majority of pesticides used were organic compounds; the pesticides which were metal based had metals which were not analyzed in this research. To account for the presence of lead and chromium, literary research was done on possible sources of these two heavy metals. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 1991

Study of Water Quality of North Branch, Birch Brook Introduction: As a hiker , I freq uently find myself debating about whether I should drink from anatural body of water - without purifying it first. Although iodine is relatively quick and effective as a water purifier , it does not taste good, and is probably not too healthy.... One day I found myself wondering if I could drink from the upper part of Birch Brook, from the North Branch , where the Birch Brook trail is locate d . By studying the headwater s of Birch Brook, where no human impact other than that caused by hikers is allowed , I would be able to learn about natural sources and indirect sources, (such as precipitation ) of: pollution ( if it existed ) , the sources that are not obvious to the eye . Perhaps some of my conclusion s would provide me with guidelines that could be applied to other natural bodies of water at higher elevations , especially those that receive low levels of human impact. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Water Quality at Camping Area on Mt. Greylock The purpose of the research presented in this report is to determine the quality of water which will be available at the Sperry Campground, the Deer Hill Shelter, and Stony Ledge this summer. The information set forth could be a guide for campers who want to know where to take water and how it might be dangerous. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Saw Mill River: the effects of urbanization on water qualityThe Saw Mill River rises in a small pond northwest of Chappaqua, in the town of New Castle, New York at an elevation of 500 feet above sea level. It flows in a southward direction, entering the Hudson River at sea level.

Samples from the river were collected at eight locations along the length of the river at intervals of between two and five miles. Water samples were collected on March 24, 1991, March 25, 1991, and on March 28, 1991. Sediment was collected from sampling points on April 14 and April 18, 1991. These samples were analyzed in an attempt to determine the effects on water quality. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Water Quality of the Three Rivers of Pittsburgh: A Final Report Introduction: I chose to do my research on a topic that directly affects all of the residents of the Pittsburgh area. The research deals with the current water quality of the three rivers of Pittsburgh: the Allegheny, the Monongahela and the Ohio. Our drinking water is drawn from these rivers. I am interested in learning about the quality of the water before it is treated; I hope to reassure my family and friends that there is nothing in the river water that could pass through treatment plants and cause harm. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

Ice Storm Damage to Trees Near Lake Ontario Introduction: ..... I found myself in Webster, New York, a suburb of Rochester, designing a method for assessing the extent and forms of damage to different species of trees in Webster Park, realizing in the process how fortunate I was to conduct my study with a heated house to return to after hours in the cold, wet forest, a lamp to read by at night, and a functioning telephone to pursue my aggressive search for complete and accurate information relavent to my project.

During the course of this report, I will analyze how various tree species in Webster Park reacted to the climatic stress of the ice storm. At the same time, I would like to convey a feeling for the broad-reaching impact of the storm. As a result of the incredible number of casualties among all tree species living in the rural, urban, and suburban areas of Monroe County, the entire infrastructure of the greater Rochester metropolitan area was dislocated. Trees took -with them telephone and electrical wires debilitating the city for more than a week, leaving some people without electricity, heat, or telephone for an entire fortnight. The face of downtown Rochester, famous for the summer shade of its tree-lined avenues, is irrevocably altered...To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

Return to Eph's Pond Purpose: There were several purposes for which this project was performed. The first and foremost was to find out whether the sewage pipe that was leaking into Moore's Pond had in fact been repaired. The second, assuming the pipe was fixed, was to find how the condition of the pond has changed. The third purpose was to check whether the pond is becoming eutrophied. This is of concern because of the massive amount of nutrients flowing into the pond on a daily basis. The final purpose was to compare nutrient inflows between sunny and rainy days. However, this was not able to be tested do to lack of coordination between equipment, time, and weather. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

Napthelene Contamination at the One Alewife Center Wetlands, Cambridge, MA The site of this study is the property of One Alewife Center, in Cambridge, MA. The building is mostly office space, developed around 1986 by W.R. Grace Co. and Hines Industrial. It is located opposite the MBTA Alewife parking garage. The entire area is extant wetlands, hydrated by the Alewife Brook parkway and surrounding ponds.

Construction of the parking garage has brought heavy traffic into this area of Arlington/Cambridge, causing smog and other air/soil pollution. Contamination of the area did not begin with the extension of the subway and bus lines, however. This particular region has long been a strong center for industry . One of the most powerful employers and environmental polluters of East Arlington / North Cambridge is W.R. Grace, a chemical manufacturer. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here

Why can't we swim in the Pequabuck? Abstract: The Pequabuck River in the Farmington Valley has been off limits to swimmers for a number of years now, and this project investigated why. Samples were taken from a number of sites along the river and analyzed in lab for a number of contaminants that would make swimming unhealthy to bathers. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

The Cole Field Landfill: Revitalized Riverside Community or Hopeless Wasteland? Introduction: North of Cole Field on the Williams College campus in Williamstown, Massachusetts lies the Cole Field Landfill. The landfill was used by the town and the College from 1960 to 1973.1 Due to a lack of .governmental and state regulations, no record exists of what was dumped there. Since the closing, the parts of the landfill have been covered with .either clay, sand gravel, or (in some places) nothing. Plants have began to grow again and, except for garbage still present, the landfill shows little obvious evidence of its past.

Up until now, no detailed vegetation map of the Cole Field Landfill has existed. This paper provides such a map. One might expect the landfill to be home to many plant species characteristic of a floodplain region since it lies adjacent to the Hoosic River. This map may determine if the landfill's past use has permanently altered the region to the point of making it incapable of supporting the plant life that is once had. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Trends of Coliform Bacteria in Hemlock Brook Upstream of Margaret Lindley Park Introduction: For the last three years, high levels of coliform bacteria have been a problem in the pond in Williamstown's Margaret Lindley Park. Counts of total coliform in the pond have reached 150,000 organisms per 100 ml, and counts in lower Hemlock Brook which feeds the pond have been as high as 25,003 organisms per 100 ml. (Muzyka, 1990) These levels by far exceed the Massachusetts criteria for bathing waters - no more than 1000 oranisms per 100 ml.

.... This study sought to identify locational trends in coliform levels, to investigate the relationships between coliform and nitrate and chloride ions which are generally associated with human-generated pollution, and to determine if reiationships existed between coliform and rainfall and temperature. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 1990

Water Quality of the Buffalo River: There is Hope for Remediation Introduction: ...Although a distinct need for improvement was recognized in the 1960's, it has taken twenty years for a comprehensive remedial plan to be designed and executed. This has taken form in the Buffalo River Remedial Action Plan (RAP), which was finalized in November, 1989. Since the 1960's, water quality of the Buffalo River has improved dramatically for a number of reasons which include remedial measures(f3RIC flow augmentation), the abandonment of many of the industries, and settling of the most priority pollutants into the sediment. To the naked eye, the river still looks vaguely like a "septic tank" and it was the purpose of my project to determine whether the river water truly has improved to a substantial degree. I was also skeptical of the RAP committee's goal to upgrade the water of the Buffalo River from a "D" classification to a "C". To view the .pdf version (printable), click here..

A Water Chemistry Study of Limed Ponds The author examines the effect of acid rain on local ponds and compares the water chemical composition of them. The author also makes recommendations for future study of these ponds. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Vegetation and Geology of Lake Pontchartain Bayous Introduction: This project aims to compare the geology and aquatic vegetation at the mouths of two bayous in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, Louisiana. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin has been in a state of constant change since its beginnings 3000 - 5000 years ago. However, the alarming rate of ecological change occuring todai has come to be of great concern. Human impacts on the basin's ecosystems are damaging the basin's ecology. One of the symptoms of this decline is the loss of underwater vegetation.

Bayous Labranche and St. John were chosen for comparison in this study because of their similar geologic beginnings and their very different human histories. Of all the waterways along'the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, they can best serve to illustrate the effects of different human activities.... To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

An Environmental Evaluation of the Ecosystem of Joe's Rock Wrentham, Massachusetts

Said to be named from an Indian legend dating back to the days of King Philip Sachem's encounters with the English settlers in the 167O9s, Joe's Rock is about four miles west of the center of Wrentham, Massachusetts. The actual rock overlooks a region locally referred to as Joe's Rock which includes an unnamed bog pond (henceforth named Joe's Pond), a much smaller pond bordering upon a road (henceforth named Road Pond), and a mixture of wetlands, forests, and meadows. The land (60.25 acres) was purchased by the town in 1970 for the price of $25,000.

The objective of this report is not so much to study the actual rock itself but rather to evaluate the health of the entire ecosystem through an interdisciplinary approach of biological, chemical, and geological perspectives. Particular focus is placed upon vegetational zones, the function of the wetlands, the health of the two ponds, and the human impact on the ecosystem. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

An Observational Analysis and Recommendations Concerning Streamflow and Water Table Encounters Along the South-east Corner of the Hopkins Forest Loop Trail Abstract: For my independent project I undertook to analyze a trail. More specifically, I investigated the erosion and appearances of water in the SW corner of the Hopkins Forest loop trail, between where it twice I crosses the middle branch of Birch Brook (see map). The loop trail has moderate use by hikers, runners, and cross-country skiers. In my investigation, I mapped out the trail, noting where the water was located, speculated from looking at the water patterns and surrounding hillside as to from where the water came--whether it was an outcropping of the water table or part of a stream basin-- and measured water flow if possible. Using my field research data, inlormation I had gathered from outside sources, and previous knowledge about trail construction, I made recommendations as to how the eroding trail could be reconstructed so as both to satisfy trail users and to minimdize disturbance of the trail and surrounding areas. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

The Seige of the Simazine at the Parker House ...Suddenly I thought of the fact that my family, as part of the farming process, puts an herbicide, commercially called Princep, on our young Christmas-trees. As I thought, I remembered that a lot of these trees live on a slope that leads down to a pond we spend most of our summer in. A warning light came on. What if some of this, possibly quite toxic herbicide, was leaching through the soil dowu the hill and into the pond? I also remembered how we have always made a practice of inviting people to come over to swim and 1 realized we might in fact be endangering their livelihood, to say nothing of our own. Presented with the wonderful opportunity to use high-tech instruments, I decided to test both soil and water samples taken from the field and pond area to see if my fears were founded. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Untreated Contaminated Drinking Water VS. Treated Contaminated Drinking Water: The Catch 22 in Hz0 Introduction: ...It would probably surprise most people to find out just how contaminated their local water source is, and the diseases that they could potentially contract from the ritual eight glasses of water they drink daily to stay healthy are alarming, if not frightening. The techniques that are employed today to purify our water systems for domestic use are effective, yet not fool proof; it is not a rare occurrence in a hospital to receive a patient who has developed a disease resulting from contaminated tap water that has been properly treated, poorly treated, or not treated at all. In addition, recent research indicates that the actual treatment processes themselves have negative effects on the chemical composition of the water, making water treated by the most modern and meticulous purifying techniques potentially hazardous to one's health. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Study of the Incidence of Polychlorinated Biphenals (PCB's) in Macroinvertibrates of the Hoosic River PCBs are extremely stable compounds, an attribute which makes them both extremely safe and useful in one sense, but extremely dangerous and impractical in another. On the one hand, their inert qualities make them excellent cooling lubricants for electrical transformers and capacitors, which was their primary function from the 1940's into the 70's. On the other hand, once PCBs are released into the environment, their chemical stability makes them extremely resistant to biodegradation, so their effects are felt for years after their release. This paper examines the the levels of PCB's in insect larvae found in the Hossic River. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Chemical Analysis of Two Sites on the Ipswich River The Ipswich River is an extremely important river in the area that I live in. It is a mature river with many wetlands bordering along its path. It is also home to a lot of wildlife, and it flows through at least two wildlife sanctuaries: one is the Topsfield Audobon Society Wildlife Sanctuary, and the other is located near the mouth of the river at Crane's Beach in Ipswich. The latter is a vast saltwater marsh that is home to a great many deer (often too many-- overpopulation is a serious problem, as well as Lyme disease associated with the deer tick) and a thriving insect population (mostly greenhead flies). However, the river has a reputation for being dirty. There is some industry along the river, many roads that cross over it and a dairy farm on its banks. In fact, it was not uncommon a few years ago to find cow manure in the river downstream from the dairy. This experiment focuses on two possible threats to the river's health: the highly controversial Rubchinuk landfill and the less widely known Bostik plant..... To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Study of Wetlands and Development in Acton, MA Introduction: The Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) seems especially suited for application in the town of Acton, Massachusetts. Acton is located in eastern Massachusetts and much of the town falls into the resource area defined in WPA as "bodering vegetated wetland"....

My research concentrated mainly on an area of southwest Acton that is drainied by the Fort Pond Brook drainage system. In addition to field work, various resources were collected from the town Conservation Commisiion offices. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Study of the Impact of the Hoosac Water Quality District Wastewater Treatment Plant on the Hoosic River Introduction: This study focuses on the Impact of the treated sewage effluent released Hoosac Water Quality District's (HWQD) facility into the Hoosic River. The HWQD facility was constructed in two phases, reaching completion in 1977. It is a secondary treatment facility whlch removes over 90% of the major pollutants found in sewage. This plant replaced the old primary treatment plants in Wllliamstown and North Adams which only removed 50% of the pollutants. This plant was constructed In an effort to improve water quality in the Hoosic River.....To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

The Sediment of Bridges Pond:An Analysis Introduction: The purpose of this project is to provide a thorough examination of the sediment in Bridges Pond. No tests had previously been performed on this sediment on record. The lab will give data representing 8 different samples and tested for percent water, percent loss on ignition, concentration of anions, and concentration of chromium. The data for water samples in Bridges Pond done in an earlier lab this year show rather high concentrations of anions, possibly indicating a reason for the degradation of the pond. This lab will relate the pond water anion concentrations to the sediment anion concentrations. The lab will also examine the chromium concentrations in the sediment. Chromium, a trace metal, is often toxic unless kept to small quantities. An examination of the chromium levels will provide excellent insight for the health of the pond. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Report on Nitrates in Taconic Streams.... something strange is afoot in Birch Brook. In 1988 nitrate levels jumped to 3 times their normal levels. In the following paper I will try to account for this jump in concentration. I will also argue that there is cause for concern, because all the other streams along the Taconic Crest are subject to the same forces. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Bioaccumulation of Chromium in a Food Chain of Bridges Pond Introduction: We have all seen the warning signs around Bridges Pond which say that the fish in the pond have levels of chromium which surpass safe levels for food, and should not be eaten.

I want to see if this claim is true and if the chromium is bioaccumulating up the food chain. If it is, then it represents a greater threat to people eating the fish, because it becomes very concentrated in the tissues of organisms high on the food chain such as fish, especially game fish, which are predatory. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Spring 1989

The Biological and Geological Zonation of Seaview Reef, Grand Cayman, British West Indies The author made six scuba dives during late March, 1989 in an attempt to create a zonation of Marine life and underlying sediment. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Study of Water Quality in Eph's Pond This project is basically a study monitoring, over a four-week period, the water quality of Eph's Pond with respect to the following quantities: temperature, dissolved oxygen, bacterial content, algal growth, and the filtering capacity of the pond and wetland system, that is, the concentrations of specific ions at inlets and outlets to the pond. The author looks at these quantities both with respect to their changes over the sampling period and in comparison to the values established during the study of pond chemistry and microbiology that was performed in February, 1989, with the primary focus on the levels of bacterial contamination of the pond over the sampling period. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

The Chemistry of Long Island Drinking Water This study looked at groundwater in Suffolk County, eastern Long Island, New York. In the context of the ongoing history of Long Island groundwater, the study includes laboratory data on ten privatewells in Suffolk County. These data consist of temperature, conductivity , pH, Acid Neutral zing Capacity, and various anion and cation concentrations, as well as data collected from the well-owners and Suffolk County on well-depth, distance of the well from the nearest saltwater body, population o f the town and zoning of the immediate area where the well s are situated. These data are applied to possible. point and nonpoint sources of any observed pollution, medical and environmental implications of the pollution , and policy suggestions to avoid future, and remove present, contamination. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Mt. Hood's Eliot Glacier: The Study of a Receding Ice Mass and its Surrounding Environment .... Eliot Glacier is located on the north face of Mt. Hood. Mt. Hood tallest and most northern member of the Oregon Cascades, has sixteen glaciers. Of these sixteen glaciers, Eliot is the largest in terms of overall size and volume. Since the glacier was first studied, more than one hundred years ago, a great deal of recession has taken place. In this measured time period, the elevation of the lowest exposed part of the glacier, the terminal area, has risen from the 6200 foot level to the present day 7100 feet. The rate of melting has been recorded as horizontal sixteen feet a year on the average. This change, on the recorded time scale and a geologic time scale, has had profound impacts upon the geology and the biology of the region. The important questions which need to be answered are: what has happened to this environment in the past, what is the situation today, and what can be predicted in the future? To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Examining Sources and Results of Pollution in Christmas Brook: An Independent Research Project Introduction: From its origin near Stone Hill to its outflow at the Green River, Christmas Brook provides a fascinating and challenging micro-example of how a stream runs its course, and especially how an become polluted along the way. My independent research project attempts to study water quality in this brook in order to determine how, when, and why it gets polluted. As well, I would like to use this data to assess what effects this pollution might have on vegetation and wildlife; both along Christmas Brook and in the Green River. In doing all this, I hope to be able to paint an accurate picture of Christmas Brook's evolving water quality and related ecosystem--from its relatively pure beginning between Stone Hill and Cluett Hill, down along Gale Road, across the Taconic Golf Course, under Williams College buildings and parking lots, and ultimately into the Green River (see Map 2). 1 ultimately want to find out why the water entering the brook is not chemically the same as,the water leaving the brook. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Chemical Contamination in the Green River Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the chemical contamination of the Green River. specifically, I have looked at the levels of nitrate and sulfate contamination at different points along the river. In order to isolate the different sources of the contamination level, I have researched natural and chemical sources of nitrate and sulfate contamination, obtained data about acid precipitation, and tested the river for bacterial levels and ion concentration. The water samples were collected from the part of the Green River where Route 43 and Route 7 meet. This data, obtained from seven different locations, helps isolate how different factors, including human waste, animal husbandry, storm run-off, precipitation, and automobile traffic, contribute to chemical contamination. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

An Assessment of the Hoosic Water Quality District Wastewater Treatment Plant Introduction: The Hoosac Water Quality District wastewater treatment plant is located on the north/east side of the Hoosic River, north and west of the Williams College campus. The original plant at that site was built in 1963 and worked in conjunction with the plant in North Adams, which began operation i n 1935. These were primary plant, meaning the water was cleared once in an aeration tank and solids allowed to settle out, chlorinated and then discharged into the river . The North Adams site was closed in 1977 and in the sam year the Williamstown site was replaced by the plant now functioning. The existing plant handles the wastewater from North Adams and Williamstown, as well as the town of Clarksburg. It is a secondary treatment plant , meaning that the plant contains a second aeration tank, and therefore discharges cleaner water. (personal interview, George Heisler; Hoosac Water Quality District wastewater treatment facility brochure) ...... The plant does its own quality control tests , according to standards set by the state and by the Environmental Protection Agency, The purpose of this study was to duplicate some of those tests to assess the success of the treatment processes and get a general idea of water conditions around the plant . We were also aware, at the start, of the chlorination and warming of the water within the plant, and were interested in finding out just how much chlorine was discharged into the river and what the impacts are of the chlorination and increased temperature. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

A Comparative Study of Logged and Unlogged Forests Introduction: .... The purpose of this project is to compare logged areas with similar areas in Williamstown which are not logged . My initial hypothesis was that logged areas will have fewer trees and that the trees will tend to be of lower quality - as those trees of greatest economic value will already have been harvested. In order to locate areas which are logged , I examined the records which the DEM keeps on timber operations in Williamstown . Bob Lear , the forester at the DEM responsible for Northern Berkshire County, was especially helpfull this regard. To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.

Effects of the Hoosic Water Quality District Wastewater Treatment Facility on the Hoosic River Methods: Water samples for testing in the Williams College lab were collected In nine plastic sample bottles from five different sites. The general testing area revolved around the outlet from which the treatment plant discharges its final effluent into the Hoosic. The outlet itself is only a few hundred feet from the treatment building and can be reached by walking down a slight incline of manicured lawn. Three samples (U-1, U-2, U-3) were taken from a designated site 34 feet upstream from the effluent inflow. The higher sample numbers correspond to samples taken respectively further from shore. Sample U-3 was collected with the aid of a sampling can on a broom handle length pole. At this site the natural hardwood forest of sugar maple, Beech, American Elm, and White Ash had not been physically altered by construction of the plant. An increase in elevation created a steeper bank. Two samples of the final effluent (I(s)- 1, l(s)-2) were collected from the chlorination tanks at the point right before the water is discharged to the river. A sample was also taken at the inflow into the river described above (Ilr)) where the water was visibly being agitated from its underground downhill journey from the chlorination tanks. The first downstream sample site was 30 feet from the inflow and still at a relative1y grassy area. Two samples were taken here, (0- 1) close to the bank and (D-2) a broom handle's length into the current. The furthest downstream site, approximately another 5O feet down, was in a very low and muddy although forested area. The Elms here were apparently dying from Dutch Elm disease. One sample (F-D) was taken at this site.... To view the .pdf version (printable), click here.