Environmental Science Senior Projects -1993
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Name: Jane Ann Belovarac
Major: Environmental Science
Committee: Scott Wissinger, Milton Ostrofsky, and James Palmer
Title: Is Aluminum Transferred in the Food Chain? A Study lnvolving the Water Flea, Daphnia magna, as the Prey and the Broken Striped Newt, Notophthalmus viridescens dorsalis, as the Predator
One of the side-effects acid rain has on ecosystems is aluminum mobilization. If the pH of a water source is low enough, it is possible for aluminum complexes to dissociate and for aluminum to be freed. In the water, AP+3 may interfere with some organisms' processes. The purpose of this project was to explore another manner that aluminum might affect organisms: through the food chain. By using Daphnia magna as a food source for Notophthalmus virisdescens dorsalis, I hoped to determine the degree to which aluminum is passed along the food chain from prey to predator.
The experiment consisted of four treatments: 1) newts housed in ambient water fed ambient Daphnia, 2) newts housed in ambient water and fed aluminum laden Daphnia, 3) newts housed in aluminum water and fed ambient Daphnia, and 4) newts housed in aluminum water and fed aluminum laden Daphnia. The amount of aluminum in the newts from each treatment was compared to analyze the amount of aluminum capable of coming from the environment or from food.
According to the results, there was no significant difference in aluminum content between treatments. The reasons were attributed to problems experienced during the experiment and the newts' physiology.
Name: Beth Ann Buchanic
Major: Biology and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Ron Mumme, Milt Ostrofsky and Scott Wissinger
Title: Microspatial niche dynamics: the result of anti-predator behavior among Tramea lacerata and Erythemis simplicicollis larvae
This study explored the effects of predator avoidance on the microhabitat selection of two species of dragonfly larvae, the migratory Tramea lacerata and the smaller, resident Erythemis simplicollis. Larval vertical positioning responses during laboratory treatments were monitored in order to determine if anti-predator behavior, as a shift in microhabitat, could have been contributing toward a change in the feeding strategy of Erythemis which is believed to result in a non-additive effect on shared prey mortality when Tramea and Erythemis are combined.
In single species treatments with no predators or food, both species positioned at about 4.0 cm in the vegetation. Few significant changes in vertical position were induced in either species during experimental treatments. The addition of prey (Daphnia magna) had no effect on these results. Actual variations in mean vertical position among Tramea and Erythemis were, nevertheless, identified when species were combined in the absence of fish juice and when combined in fish juice in the presence of Daphnia. Differences among Tramea and Erythemis vertical position were also identified when larvae were exposed to chemical fish signals independently, when either in the presence and absence of Daphnia.
Nonsignificant vertical position changes, along with insufficient feeding rate data of Erythemis in the presence of Tramea did not allow for an adequate assessment of anti- predator behavior effects on Erythemis foraging activity. Therefore, it could not be determined if the Erythemis microhabitat shift was actually inhibiting foraging success and reducing consumption rates could not be determined.
Name: Stephen C. Burke
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Pallant, Goliber
Title: A Comparative Study of Grasses and Legumes Grown on Acidic Mine Land Spoil Treated With Municipal Sewage Sludge, Dolomitic Lime and Water
Mining in this country has degraded the land and left behind scarred, infertile soil that is waiting to be reclaimed or improved. This study is an attempt to conduct a comparison between eight different commonly used reclamation species planted on mine soil treated with municipal sewage sludge and lime. Five variables were analyzed, which included: Above Ground Biomass Weights, Below Ground Biomass Weights, Cumulative Root Length, Percent Nitrogen and Root to Shoot Ratios.
Eight replications of each plant used in the experiment were placed under a laboratory lighting system in a randomized complete block design and grown for two months under identical conditions. The study focuses on which plant does best in each of the five categories determined by statistical analysis.
The results of this study are the fact that the grasses out competed the legumes in almost every variable analyzed. The only exception to this is in root to shoot ratios where legumes out ranked the grasses. In conclusion, the application of sewage sludge and lime is a proven source of enhancing soil properties and allows for disturbed environments to start fixing themselves. Planting legumes and grasses in a lab setting on highly acidic mine spoil treated with sludge and lime allows for investigation of the difficulties of growing vegetation on some of the poorest soils in the world. Manipulation of the above mentioned variables sheds light on those difficulties but also calls for further study to begin to answer some of the questions this experiment just started to raise.
Name: Kody Xavier Carlo
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Eric Pallant
Title: Contributions of Aboveground Litter Decomposition, Belowground Root Decomposition, and Root Respiration to Total Carbon Dioxide Flux at Bousson Experimental Forest, Meadville, PA.
Soil respiration represents a large flux of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and is an important process in the global carbon cycle, as increased soil respiration rates could lead to increased global temperature. Total soil respiration is a measure of both root respiration and the decomposition of above- and belowground litter inputs. While total soil respiration is relatively easy to measure, the identification of individual components is considerably more difficult. This study, through the removal and addition of yearly litter inputs and by; 1. initiating root decomposition and 2. ending root respiration by trenching through the rooting zone, seeks to identify the individual components of total soil respiration.
The study site is located in northwestern PA, is a mixed deciduous forest dominated by black cherry and sugar maple. Experimental plots consist of 3x3 m2 plots, free of trees or samplings, established in October 1991. Treatments (n=3) are as follows: Control (normal aboveground litter inputs), No litter (annual aboveground litter inputs removed), 2X-litter (twice annual aboveground litter, No Root (plots trenched and regrowth prevented), and No Roots + No-litter (plots trenched and annual aboveground litter inputs excluded). Litter inputs were intercepted and carbon content calculated. Soil respiration was measured biweekly, for one year, using the soda-lime technique. Total yearly carbon inputs were calculated to be 182.2 gC/m2/yr. Based on the control plots, yearly carbon efflux was measured at 618.9 gC/m2/yr. The contribution from aboveground litter was calculated assuming forest equilibrium at 182.2 gC/m2/yr and accounted for 30% of total soil respiration. The contribution from root respiration was calculated as the difference between the Control and No Roots treatments and was 88 gC/m2/yr which represented 14% of total soil respiration. The remainder of the soil carbon flux, 348 gC/m2/yr, can be attributed to belowground litter decomposition which was 56% of total flux.
The results of this study show consistencies and inconsistencies with other studies of similar nature for reasons including: site productivity, within region differences (nutrient cycling, regional climate), and methods used. This suggests that the further understanding the differences between temperate forests is necessary before accurate predictions can be made regarding their role in the global carbon cycle.
Name: William Chappell
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Scott Wissinger
Title: The effectiveness of constructed wetlands in remediation of acid mine drainage.
154 constructed wetlands have been built in Pennsylvania to remediate acid drainage from coal and strip mines. These wetlands must be studied to see if they can be considered a viable alternative to conventional treatment. Problems generally associated with acid mine drainage are low pH's and high concentrations of iron, manganese and aluminum. Seven wetlands in southwest Pennsylvania were sampled for a period of ten months to determine the effectiveness of wetlands in purifying the acid mine drainage. Factors affecting the wetlands; such as flow rates, surface area. pH, and seasonality were examined to determine their relationship to effective remediation of acid mine drainage.
The influent waters pH is an important because it controls the solubility of metals. Flow rate and area are important because they determine how much time the contaminated water remains in the wetland, and therefore, reaction and sedimentation time.
Iron had the best percent removal by wetlands removing as much as 99 percent in certain cases. Aluminum and manganese removal was not as effective as that of iron, often times by having higher effluents than influents. On average the wetlands brought Fe to Pennsylvania legal limits of less than 4mg/L per month. Effluents for average manganese complied with legal limits of less than 2 mg/L per month in less than half the systems. Aluminum which has the same limits as manganese met legal limits in 3 out of 5 systems. Constructed wetlands can be used to treat for iron but conventional treatments would probably be more effective for Mn and Al. Further research must be done to try to make wetlands more effective if wetlands are going to be continued to be used to treat acid mine drainage.
Name: Renee Davis
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Ron Mumme, Jim Palmer
Title: Giving the Eastern Cougar a Second Chance: A Feasibility Study of Reintroducing the Cougar (Fells concolo,) Into Allegheny National Forest
The cougar, Fells concolor, also known as mountain lion, panther, and puma, is the most largely distributed mammal in the western world. Yet, due to habitat destruction and control programs, the cougar has become increasingly rare in some parts of the Americas, especially in the eastern U.S. This has allowed the populations of white-tailed deer, a cougar prey species, to explode in and around the Allegheny National Forest because of the absence of natural predators. Cougar reintroduction into Allegheny National Forest would help to decrease the negative effects which overbrowsing by deer has had on the Forest.
This study assesses Allegheny National Forest's ability to support a viable reintroduced population of cougars. Biological considerations such as home range, food sources, and source of reintroduced individuals (captive breeding versus translocatlon) must be addressed prior to reintroduction, as well as human-related obstacles such as opposition of reintroduction from hunting, livestock and timber industries and from individuals living in or near the Forest. Case studies of various locations across the United States which support cougar populations provide actual documentation concerning these concerns.
According to the findings of this study, I conclude that cougar reintroduction in Allegheny National Forest is ecologically feasible. Yet, the undertaking of reintroduction in the Forest is contingent on public support for the procedure. Although no surveys have been performed to assess public opinion concerning such a procedure, I speculate that the hunting and livestock factions and humans associated with the Forest (inhabitants and visitors) would discourage reintroduction because of concerns for human and livestock safety and incorrect ideas concerning the effect of cougars on deer populations. Education programs to increase support for such a procedure by generating public pride is suggested, along with the creation of a Regional Biodiversity Preserve composed of Allegheny National Forest, the conglomeration of Pennsylvania State Forests to the southeast of the National Forest, and Allegany State Park in New York. Other suggestions include reintroducing the gray wolf instead of the cougar, utilizing alternate reintroduction sites in the eastern U.S., and creating the possibility for maximum sustained yield hunting of cougar should carrying capacity for the species be reached. If cougar reintroduction in Allegheny National Forest is deemed feasible, it should initially release approximately 20 translocated individuals from various locations within the range of the F. C. hippolestes subspecies. These cougars and their dispersing offspring will ideally compose a viable subpopulatlon of 50 or more individuals, but minimum viable population will not be reached for at least 10 years subsequent to release since time lapses must be allowed for three generations to complete the following: acclimation to new habitat prior to reintroduction, maternal instruction period and dispersal and home range establishment of youth prior to reproduction.
Name: Lisa J. Florina
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Robert K. Schwartz, Mark L. Lord
Title: Bioturbation Across a Modern Shoreface In Relationship to Geomorphology, Hydrodynamics, and Substrate Stability, Duck, North Carolina
Trends in bioturbation across shore-normal profiles provide useful information about energetics at the bed and sediment mobility (sediment entrainment, transport, and deposition). This manuscript presents: (1) quantitative assessments of relative amounts and types of biogenic and physical structures across shore-normal barred and non-barred profiles, (2) established trends in amount and type of bioturbation in shoreface sediments, and (3) interpretations of the physical and biological properties of the bed. The study was conducted using boxcore data collected near Duck, North Carolina from a single-barred profile and a non-barred profile in the nearshore zone during fairweather wave conditions. Sedimentary structures (biogenic and physical) and textural properties were studied in x-ray radiographs and epoxy peels of two sets of 21 boxcores from beach shoreface, shore-normal transects. Each core was evaluated for: (1) type of physical and biogenic structures, (2) extent of areal coverage in the core of the physical and biogenic structures, and (3) relative amount or intensity of bioturbation.
Zones of dominant bioturbation types were determined across the shoreface, with each zone containing shoreward or seaward trends of bioturbation intensity. The barred profile showed: (1) shoreward trends of disruptive cryptobioturbation (dilation and diffusion of the fabric caused by the activities of melofauna on a sand-grain scale) related to the morphological features of the zone (the seaward bar slope, bar crest, trough, and beach face); (2) a seaward decreasing transitional zone; and (3) a seaward increasing microbioturbation zone (wispy, arcuate structures formed by the activities of deposit-feeding macrofauna). The non-barred profile contained: (1) a shoreward decreasing cryptobioturbation zone; (2) a seaward decreasing and increasing transitional zone; (3) a seaward increasing microbioturbatlon zone; and (4) a seaward decreasing ctyptobloturbation zone. On both the barred and non-barred profiles, discrete bioturbation structures (isolated, well-defined structures, such as dwelling structures, with walled or discrete margins) were locally abundant in high energy zones.
Comparison of the trends within each zone for the barred and the non-barred profile suggests that water depth, bed energetics, and grain size are main physical factors and that trophic group amensalism and predation are the main biological factors that influence the distribution of biological populations across the shoreface. This information regarding bed conditions can be applied in coastal management techniques when determining placement of dredge sediments for beach nourishment projects.
Name: Tricia Gizienski
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Ann Sheffield
Title: A Study of Schoolchildrens' Exposure to Toxins Contained In Cleaning Supplies
The first chapter of this thesis is a review of indoor air quality (IAQ) as it relates to 1) children as a risk-sensitive group; 2) increasing awareness and concerns about IAQ; 3) present legislation and the problems associated with this. Based on this review, I recommend that children must be considered when new legislation is being created, since all standards are based on adult exposure in an industrial setting, and children are also more susceptible to most chemicals. Recently built buildings have decreased ventilation, due to energy conservation measures, thereby increasing the concentration of indoor pollutants. Ventilation rates must also be researched to develop the safest minimum rates. Considering the fact that humans spend over 80 percent of their time indoors, we need to protect every human being from this route of exposure, paying special attention to children.
The second part of this thesis reports on the results of an experimental study on the IAQ of two Crawford County School Districts. Air samples were collected at four schools using air pumps in classrooms to measure the presence of benzene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene, which were believed to be released from commercial cleaning supplies used on the premises. A Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer was employed to determine the levels of toxin collected. The results were negative for all compounds at both Linesville High School, as well as in Cochranton High School. Traces of toluene were found in both Schafer and West End Elementary, both with amounts proving to be unsubstantial. Therefore, I concluded that the cleaning supplies have done one of three things: 1) the products do not leave a substantial amount of harmful chemicals in the environment; 2) They do, but the methods used to detect their presence were not accurately employed or 3) the fumes are adequately dispersed by the present ventilation system.
Name: Eve R. Heyman
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger and Jim Palmer
Title: The Effects of Acidity on Breeding Habitat Choice of Ambystoma maculatum and Notopothalmus viridescens
Amphibian populations have been significantly declining in the past few years, so much so, that it has drawn considerable scientific study. There is much disagreement about the cause of the decline, but one probable cause is the increase in acidity of precipitation due to anthropogenic inputs. Amphibians breed in temporal ponds, which are more effected by acid rain than permanent surface waters. Much study has been conducted about the negative effects of increased acidity on egg mortality and larvae growth. There is a growing concern that the threshold (pH? 4.0) level is not far from being crossed in the northeastern United States. This would cause a major decline in the amphibian populations that would, in turn, effect the entire forest ecosystem.
One would hypothesize that the adult amphibians would be able to choose a breeding habitat capable of supporting the growth of their offspring. Two experiments were setup to test this hypothesis; a field habitat choosing experiment with Ambystoma maculatum, and a lab habitat leaving experiment with Notopothalmus viridescens. In field habitat choosing experiment, the female salamanders did not show a significant preference for any pH treatment. The males in this experiment showed a preference for low pH levels. In the lab habitat leaving experiment, the newts did not display a significant preference in their habitat choice. These results may be due to the experimental designs, handling time, or other characteristics. For example, aluminum becomes more toxic at lower pH levels. The concentration of aluminum in the water was not taken Into consideration, and may have had an effect.
Further study in this area is needed to make any conclusive ideas. This study could include altering the experimental design, adding other factors such as Aluminum, and spending more time observing the choices made and the behavior of the animals.
Name: Brian F. Kartovich
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Jim Palmer
Title: The Environmental Impact of Road Salting on an Urban, Sewered Stream as Compared to a Rural, Unsewered Stream
The impact of road salting on an urban, sewered stream (Mill Run) was compared to a rural, unsewered stream (Van Home Creek) by collecting stream water samples from January through September, 1992. Storage areas for road salt, including snow, soils, and groundwater were analyzed in an attempt to explain differences in response between the streams. Maximum daily air temperature, precipitation, discharge, and tonnes of salt applied per unit area were compared with in-stream chloride concentrations to determine which variables were significantly correlated with in-stream chloride concentration (p<0.05). Peak in-stream chloride concentrations, as well as frequency and duration of chloride levels, were used to assess potential toxicity to Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows). The impact of road salting on the larger drainage network was assessed by sampling French Creek.
Road salting had a larger impact on Mill Run because its paved environment allows little storage of salt to occur and because its storm sewer system concentrates runoff from many areas of the city and quickly discharges it into the stream. The snow, soil, and groundwater along Van Home Creek protected it from the road salt applied in that area, storing the road salt and slowly releasing it year-round into the stream via groundwater.
The significant correlates of in-stream chloride concentration In Mill Run during the salting period were tonnes salt applied per unit area (positive correlation) and maximum daily air temperature (negative correlation). For Van Home Creek, the significant correlate of in-stream chloride concentration was discharge (negative correlation).
Because the magnitude, frequency, and duration of chloride spikes in both streams were small, Pimephales promelas probably were not adversely affected by road salting. Inadequate toxicity data prevent the determination of road salting's impact on the entire ecosystems of these two streams.
French Creek experienced only a small chloride concentration increase due to its confluence with Mill Run. In general, where large bodies of water are involved, road salting is probably not a problem. By contrast, small, urban streams such as Mill Run are especially vulnerable to contamination from road salting. From a management perspective, a contamination problem might be alleviated by reducing the amount of road salt applied or by diverting storm sewer runoff to a wastewater treatment plant.
Name: Amy M. Kemp
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, James Palmer
Title: The Effects of Herbicide Concentration on Root and Shoot Growth In Field Corn (Zea mays L)
The effects of herbicide concentration and treatment on root growth and shoot growth was quantified through measurements of total root length, total root area, primary root length, primary root area, secondary root length, secondary root area, total shoot weight, and the root length:shoot weight ration for 0x, lx, 2x, and 4x concentrations of Aatrex-treated, Bicep-treated, and untreated control corn plants.
After 4 weeks of growth, shoots were harvested and weighed;
and roots were washed with pneumatic root separator and analyzed
for the root length and area using DIAS II computer image analysis
(Decagon Device, Pullman, WA). Logarithm of the means for each
variable was calculated and subsequently analyzed by analysis
of variance.
Root length and root are were not significantly influenced by
concentration of Bicep or Aatrex (p>0.05). Due to the negative
trend detected and an incongruence between root length and area,
it was suggested that the roots may have been affected, but
that these effects: thinner roots and abnormal development of
the root system were not quantified. Also, it was possible that
root growth was not affected by concentration due to crop tolerance
or that the effects were masked by the highly variable nature
of the root systems.
Every variable except secondary root length and area was significantly affected by herbicide type (Aatrex/Bicep). Bicep consistently had lower means than Aatrex. Bicep enacted more detrimental effects than Aatrex, which was attributed to the differences in solubility, absorption, and mode of action.
Shoot weight and root length:shoot weight were significantly affected by concentration, herbicide type and the interaction of concentration/herbicide type. Shoot weight was negatively affected in Bicep, but positively affected for Aatrex. It seemed that shoot growth was slightly stimulated by the presence of Aatrex. These effects on shoot weight were reflected in the rootshoot ratio: Bicep had more roots than shoots and Aatrex had more shoot than root at the 4x treatment. Based on evidence from previous studIes and the results of this study, it was determined that an interdependence exists between root growth and shoot growth. Stress on the roots, induced an effect on the shoots and vice versa. The rootshoot ratio reflected a balance that seemed to be critical to plant survival and functioning. Even though Aatrex-treated plants seemed tolerant it was suggested that a low rootshoot ratio indicates a potential for future effects, especially under field conditions.
Further study is necessary to solidify these correlations and effects on corn root and shoot growth due to herbicide type and concentration.
Name: Kedar Lele
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: James Palmer, Eric Pallant
Title: The Effects of Preconditioning Using Food Treatments on Reducing Migratory Tendency In the Lady Beetle Hippodamia convergens
A population of convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens, studied in the laboratory to determine: 1) if different food pretreatments increased residency on a bean host plant, 2) an association existed between increased residency and absence of migratory potential as measured by a tethered flight assay, and 3) if increased residency was associated with increased reproductive development as measured by gonad size. Females had significantly increased residency on bean plants when treated with Triboleum castaneum larvae or Aphid powder for ten days. Males had significantly increased residency when pretreated with Triboleum castaneum, Aphid powder and Honey. Females had significantly increased residency through decreased migratory potential when treated with Aphid powder for ten days. Males also had significantly increased residency through decreased migratory potential when treated with Triboleum larvae, Aphid Powder, and Honey food pretreatments. No association between residency and reproductive development was detected.
Name: Kim Lowther
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Mark Lord
Title: The Negative Environmental Impact Uranium Mining and Milling had on the Navajo Nation
The Navajo reservation occupies land rich in nonrenewable resources, particularly uranium. The vast amount of uranium pushed the Navajo Nation into the hands of uranium development by various uranium companies when the demand for uranium escalated with the onslaught of the nuclear weapons industry and later it increased again with the demand for nuclear power. The uranium industry at first was considered a benefit because it would bring in needed funds to the financially depressed Navajo people. Many Navajo men worked in the mines and the mills and numerous mines and mills were established on Navajo land. The uranium industry turned into a disasterous endeaver for the Navajo Nation when numerous uranium miners contracted lung cancer and mothers living near the uncovered Shiprock mill tailings ponds felt an increased rate in birth defects. The ultimate disruption for a healthy environment for the Navajo people came when the uranium industry at the southern boundary of the reservation released millions of gallons of milling waste in a pulse spill on July 16, 1979 to the Puerco River. This led to the public discovery that three mines upstream at Church Rock, New Mexico had been releasing contaminated mine water from their mines located in the groundwater table. The mine water was tainted with low-level radiation and heavy metals that exceeded EPA standards set in 1975. It was also determined that natural runoff was releasing to the Puerco River low-level radiation attached to suspended sediment that was contributed by the naturally uranium ore bearing rocks that were eroding and being picked up by overland flow to be deposited into the Puerco River. Nonetheless, a negative environmental impact was contributed to the Navajo people and their land mainly from negligent mining companies upstream that did not adhere to set federal standards for mine dewatering practices and the careless accidental release of mill waste from a tailings pond located next to the mines upstream. Since then, Navajo people who live in the Puerco Valley have had no safe water supply in their communities, which already had little water given to them from the ephemeral Puerco River. It is quite apparent that the Navajo Nation has been assaulted with numerous negative impacts from the uranium industry present on their land. Lives have been destroyed, disrupted and impaired by the uranium mining and milling that has gone on. Those particularly disrupted were the Navajo lives that were subjected to mine dewatering discharges and the tailings spill loaded into the Puerco River. Both of which were due to the careless and delinquent Church Rock mining companies.
Name: Paul Lynch
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Eric Pallant
Title: The Effects of Slope Position on the Growth of Red Pines, Pinus Resinosa, at Bousson Experimental Forest
The growth response of 50 year old red pines to slope position was evaluated at Bousson Experimental Forest. The total biomass of the trees in the study site was determined by a logarithmic equation using dbh measurements and was compared to soil information such as depth of the A-horizon, and nutrient concentrations. The biomass data collected ranged from 310 mt/ha to 380 mt/ha. The soils showed no signs of either nitrogen or potassium deficiencies with ranges within normal limits. Total nitrogen concentrations ranged from .23 to .27 %. Extractable potassium concentrations ranged from 5.2 to 7.4 ppm. These factors showed no relationship to slope position however, the depth of the A-horizon did increase steadily down the hill. The depth of the A-horizon increased from 9 cm at the top to 35 cm at the bottom of the study area. It has been concluded from this data, however, that slope position shows no significant relationship to the growth of red pines.
Name: Laura Molisee
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Scott Wissinger, Attorney Charles Swick
Title: Wetlands and the Takings Issue
A taking of property can be defined as a government appropriation of private land, either directly pursuant to a statute, or indirectly, through restrictive effect of its regulationV (Blaesser, 1989). The purpose of this project is to determine whether a taking will occur if the property owned by the Meadvllle Mall and Wesbury United Methodist Community are not permitted to be developed because of the wetlands located on these properties. In the first part of this thesis, I review the process that courts have used in the past to determine takings cases. Because a standard procedure doesn't exist, most courts proceed on a case by case basis and try to balance all of the factors. Some of the major factors are whether the regulation represents a valid public purpose, whether all economic uses are eliminated, whether all of the property is affected and whether a particular individual has been singled out by the regulation. The valuation of wetlands, and of public goods and services in general, is critically related to the takings issue. There are many important values associated with wetlands. These values include such things as wildlife habitat, flood and erosion control, fishing, furtrapping, and water quality improvement. However, the nature of these benefits are such that their owners cannot usually capture them for use or sale. Thus, it is hard to assess whether the wetland is worth more before or after development. The second part of this thesis considers the takings issue in the context of two local wetlands case studies. The wetlands at Wesbury are not of significant value, but they do provide some benefits. If the court making the decision adheres to previous takings decisions, a taking should not be found for this case. The wetlands regulation does not affect all of the property or eliminate all of its economic uses, and it was also enacted before the property was purchased. The wetlands at the Meadville Mall perform functions which will benefit the surrounding area. The outcome of this case is debatable, and will depend on the court making the decision. I conclude this thesis by examining a recently proposed wetlands legislation, H.R. 1330. If this act is passed, it will have a negative effect on wetlands due to its reclassification of wetlands. Thus, in order to resolve the takings issue, a more comprehensive policy needs to be formulated which will take the landowners into consideration while still protecting wetlands.
Name: Erien Morgan
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Jim Palmer
Title: The Economic and Social Implications of Wolf Recovery in Yellowstone National Park
Man has reduced the geographic range of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) by nearly 99% In the United States. The gray wolf currently is listed as an "endangered species" in all the lower 48 states, except in Minnesota, where it is classified as "threatened." Attempts to recovery the wolf in Yellowstone National Park has been debated for years. Three possible wolf management techniques suggested for YNP include- The Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery Plan of 1986, natural recovery, or no recovery. The 1987 Wolf Recovery Plan would be the most economical and socially acceptable method of wolf recovery. The economy of the Greater Yellowstone Area is no longer based on its traditional industries. Rather, the GYA is a service-related economy which would receive increased economic benefit with increased tourism and retail trade. Because of the wolf's presence, the economic benefits to the area are predicted to be over $25 million. Polls show that the majority of both the U.S. and Wyoming residents wish to see the wolf recovered. Although the immediate area is not in support of recovery, their rational for opposition is based on inaccurate information and fears. The cost of The 1987 Wolf Recovery Plan would be minimal compared to the benefits the GYA would receive. Biologically, economically, and socially the 1987 Wolf recovery plan meets the needs of both the GYA residents and the wolf. Therefore, the 1987 Wolf Recovery Plan is the best method of wolf recovery in YNP.
Name: John Nichols
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Ron Mumme
Title: A Study of the Practicality of Various Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Management Techniques on Presque Isle St Park, Erie, Pa.
A major deer overpopulation problem exists on Presque Isle threatening the ecological diversity of the park. Several methods of managing the population have been implemented by the Pennsylvania Game Commission; none have successfully eradicated the problem. This study provides an indepth analysis of the various management techniques available to the Game Commission, and their applicability to the deer herd on Presque Isle. The sharpshooting method of removing deer is the best technique available from an ecological, economic, and political/social perspective.
Name: Rick Ofsanko
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Bob Schwartz
Title: Modern Rift Lake Malawi as an Indicator of Cyclic Sedimentation Patterns Resultant of Periodic Climate
The East Africa rift basin is an ideal site for high resolution profiling of climatic change as represented by patterns in sedimentation. Lake Malawi, the southernmost of the rift lakes, is a basin in delicate balance with the regional effects of climate. Core sediment samples recovered from the northwestern tier of the basin tend to be well laminated due to the relatively stratified water column and the absence of mixing below 250 meters in the anoxic hypolimnion. The laminated sequences are deposited annually as approximately 1 mm couplets of light colored pure diatom ooze, and dark colored organic rich diatomaceous clay. Quantifying the relative lightness and darkness of these laminae through video analysis has provided a viable time series record of deposition as a function of core depth, and consequently a record of lamination thicknesses. These time series records were examined using spectral analysis to identify cycles on an interannual scale which are persistent through the entire core sample. The annual cycle shown by the spectral record (also established by 14C and 2l0Pb dating) is ostensibly superimposed upon the other sedImentary trends resulting from the biannual switching of the intertropical convergence zone and overall climatic patterns. The strongest periodicities of 2.3,3.6, and 6.4 years compare well to established cycles identified in previous climatic and sedimentological research.
Name: Kenneth A. Ross
Major: Physics and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Daniel R. Willey, Mark L. Lord
Title: Molecular Microwave Air Pollution Spectroscopy
Molecular Microwave Air Pollution Spectroscopy (MMAPS) has been developed to measure, spectroscopically, concentrations of Carbonyl sulphide (OCS) and Ammonia (NH,) in air samples. OCS and NH, are important molecules; they are defined as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) by the Clean Air Act (CM) of 1990. MMAPS produces high resolution spectra which are used to measure small quantifies of OCS or NH, in a background gas of nitrogen (N2). The ratio of the pollutant in N, is the fractional abundance. The fractional abundance is used to make a calibration curve for each molecule. These calibration curves can be used to determine the fractional abundance of OCS or NH, in samples of unknown concentration with an accuracy of 11% and 10%. respectively. A lower detection lImit of 9000 ppm for OCS and 5200 ppm for NH, was measured in the MMAP spectrometer. These detection limits are three orders of magnitude too high for MMAP spectroscopy to be practical for industrial emissions monitoring. However, previous investigation with similar microwave spectrometers has suggested that MMAP spectroscopy should be able to determine concentrations as low as 1 ppm. In the MMAP spectrometer, the signal to noise ratio has limited the detection of very low concentrations of OCS or NH, in nitrogen samples. By improving the signal to noise ratio, significant improvements in the detection limits, hence MMAP spectroscopy can be used in microchemical analysis.
Name: Grace B. Sparks
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: S. A. Wissinger. R. L Mumme
Title: Competition and intraguild predation between two species of caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera) in permanent and semi-permanent high elevation ponds
Comparative field data on caddisfly larvae abundance in 20 subalpine ponds in Colorado revealed that Asynarchus nigriculus and Limnephilus extemus dominate in semi-permanent and permanent ponds, respectively, though both species occur in both pond types. Manipulative field experiments were conducted to determine the degree to which this species distribution is controlled by 1) differences in pond habitat independent of species interaction and 2) interspecific competition. Laboratory experiments were designed to examine larval microhabitat use, foraging patterns, and mechanisms of competition. Field experiments were conducted in 0.25 m2 littoral cages in both pond types to compare survival, weight gain, and diet composition in single and mixed species treatments. Laboratory experiments in artificial observational arenas were used to compare time spent crawling and foraging, distance crawled, time spent on different substrates, and patterns of aggressive interaction, again in single and mixed species treatments. In the field experiment both species grew faster in permanent than in semi-permanent ponds, but pond type affected neither survival nor the outcome of competitive interactions. In both pond types the main competitive effects were a reduction in Limnephilus survival and an increase in Asynarchus weights in the mixed species treatments. Guts of both species contained primarily vascular plant detritus. Percent animal material in gut contents did not differ by species or treatment. Asynarchus guts were heavily infested with a gregarine protozoan. Laboratory behavioral observations revealed that Asynarchus behaved aggressively toward both conspecifics and Limnephilus, and it appeared that Limnephilus actively avoided contact with Asynarchus. Most of these results appear to be due to intraguild predation by Asynarchus upon Limnephilus. Gut analysis results indicate that caution should be taken, however, when attempting to relate aggression with predatory behavior, because apparently passive Limnephilus larvae also consumed other invertebrates. That Asynarchus does not outcompete Limnephilus in both pond types appears to be related to differences in vulnerability to salamander predation in permanent ponds.
10/2004 ls