Moving beyond location: Using GIS to assess risk.

Contaminated land, resulting from the improper use, handling, storage and disposal of materials containing hazardous substances, is one of the legacies of past and present industrialization and waste disposal activity. Recently, heightened environmental awareness and concerns about contamination have resulted in increased identification and regulation of these sites. This case study presents possible uses of data commonly available in most communities for assessing the potential impacts of contaminated sites on the environment and public health. After locating contaminated sites, this case study then examines their physical characteristics and the demographic data of the surrounding community. This enables investigators to answer basic questions regarding the level of risk, in addition to identifying potential stakeholders. 

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Classroom time can be supplemented with field trips.

In this case study, a field trip to assess sites of suspected contamination has been included. Water quality analyses, including pH and dissolved oxygen, act as indicators of impact.

This case study requires a basic understanding of geographic information systems and ArcView 3.x.If you are unfamiliar with either of these,we recommend you read our Training Manual and complete the accompanying exercises before proceeding with this case study.

• Document (ContSites.PDF - 4.16Mb) of this case study in Adobe Acrobat Reader format.

• Data used in  this case study (ConSites.zip - 4.68 Mb)

• Geoprocessing, ArcView Projection Utility ,  an extension for ArcView that contains useful spatial operation tools. It is developed, collected, or modified by Mike DeLaune, Oregon Department of Forestry.

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for the Case Studies.

This case study developed by W/SA with contributions by the following;

• Dr.Yichun Xie, Director, IGRE at Eastern Michigan University.
• Beverly Hunter, Consultant to W/SA IGRE staff
• Cindy Pogue,Biology Teacher,Pioneer High School.