Palm | Kelapa Sawit

For years scientists and engineers have been studying "natures materials" and trying to replicate them. An example of this is the silk web created by a spider. When comparing gram to gram, a spiders web is 5 times stronger than steel! Can you imagine a building made up from a spider web? Other than you sticking to the floor and waiting a LONG time for the elevator, that would be amazing. The only problem so far with replicating natures building tools is that scientists haven't found a way to do it.

One of the key questions which need answered when you hear about a building being demolished is, "what are they going to do with the land?"

Hopefully in the case of the GE plant in Bridgeport, Connecticut...it won't hurt the nearby wetland.

GE is currently seeking approval from the Inland Wetlands Commision (IWC) to tear down the building which according to GE, "had no practical use." The IWC needs to give it's approval to the demolition because of how close it is to the Stillman Pond which feeds into another pond, which eventually ends in the Long Island Sound. Accroding to Thomas P. Cody, the attorney representing GE, "there should be no adverse environmental impact." However, when has anyone trusted what a lawyer said?!? GE needs to provide proof that the demolition will have no impact on the wetland area.

What do you think GE should do with this building? Should more studies be conducted about the environmental impact that tearing it down will have? Sound off by taking the survey below.



http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/thebridgeportnews/news/localnews/59627-massive-ge-plant-may-be-demolished-company-seeks-wetlands-approval.html

What is infiltration?

The process of water soaking into the soil is infiltration. “Infiltration rate” is simply how fast water enters the soil and is usually measured in inches or millimeters per hour. This rate depends on soil texture (amount of sand, silt, and clay) and on soil structure. Soils in good condition have well developed structure and continuous pores to the surface. As a result, water from rainfall or snowmelt readily enters these soils.

Why is infiltration important?

Soil is a reservoir that stores water for plant growth. The water in soil is replenished by infiltration. The infiltration rate can be restricted by poor management. Under these conditions, the water does not readily enter the soil and it moves downslope as runoff or ponds on the surface, where it evaporates. Thus, less water is stored in the soil for plant growth, and plant production decreases, resulting in less organic matter in the soil and weakened soil structure that can further decrease the infiltration rate.

Runoff can cause soil erosion and the formation of gullies. It also carries nutrients and organic matter, which, together with sediment, reduce water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. The sediment reduces the capacity of reservoirs to store water. Excessive runoff can cause flooding, erode streambanks, and damage roads. Runoff from adjacent slopes can saturate soils in low areas or can create ponded areas, thus killing upland plants. Evaporation in the ponded areas reduces the amount of water available to plants.

Please manage your soil properly in order to prevent the restriction of infiltration. Attempt to deter runoff that may cause gullies and other types of damage.


Source

Wind erosion is the physical wearing of the earth’s surface by wind. Wind erosion removes and redistributes soil. Small blowout areas may be associated with adjacent areas of deposition at the base of plants or behind obstacles, such as rocks, shrubs, fence rows, and roadbanks. In many cases the fine soil particles and organic matter are blown offsite or into the atmosphere as dust. Reducing the amount of bare ground by increasing the extent of vegetation, litter, and biological crusts reduces the risk of wind erosion.


Source: soils.usda.gov/sqi/management/files/RSQIS10.pdf

Ecojobs.com compiles a list of environmental career opportunities. The site is very easy to navigate; jobs can be browsed by category or by state. Job titles range from Outdoor Science Instructor to Environmental Sampling Technician. Each state's page further provides links to other state-respective organizations or sites that may assist you in finding that environmental job you've always dreamed of.

Ecojobs also includes a newsletter and lets employers post ads (albeit for a fee). Job-seekers, however, may view the listings free of charge.

-aL