"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
Environmental Impact Assessments
11/04/24
“How can we evaluate the environmental impacts of projects?”
Governments and institutions carry out construction projects. These are bound to have environmental impacts. The scale of these impacts can be measured through Environmental Impact Assessments, where professionals review the impacts of all possible projects compared to doing nothing at all.
Why Rainstorms Exacerbate the Public Health Hazard of Polluted Waterways
11/03/24
“Why do rainstorms exacerbate the public health hazard of polluted waterways?”
Polluted waterways are a nuisance. They produce vile odors, look bad, and can be dangerous to enter. When rainstorms occur, they cause the waterway to expand and flood the surrounding area, exacerbating danger. This is Why Rainstorms Exacerbate the Public Health Hazard of Polluted Waterways.
How to Daylight a Stream
10/28/24
“How do we restore a buried stream?”
People bury streams for a variety of reasons. This can cause flooding issues and habitat destruction. Later, people may want to restore the stream. Restoring, or daylighting a stream can be accomplished by removing artificial impediments like pavements and culverts, recreating the former ecosystem, and applying maintenance techniques. This is How to Daylight a Stream.
Ecosystem Improvement Compensation
10/27/24
“How can we compensate people for improving ecosystems?”
Ecosystem services monetarily quantify the value an ecosystem provides. If someone improves an ecosystem, then under this framework they theoretically raise the ecosystem value. Some governments may want to implement Ecosystem Improvement Compensation by paying people who make ecosystems better.
Ecosystem Services
10/26/24
“How can we categorize the benefits that ecosystems have to humans?”
Ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to people. It ranges from trees providing oxygen to beaches providing enjoyment. These supports can be categorized as Ecosystem Services. Thinking about ecosystems as providing services can elucidate how people need them for their lives.
Why Cities Bury Streams
10/24/24
“Why do cities bury streams?”
Cities often develop by streams. But sometimes they see these streams as a nuisance since they flood and block “developable” space. This is Why Cities Bury Streams.
Sewage Lagoons
10/17/24
“How can lagoons be used for sewage treatment?”
Lagoons can be found all over the world. Many contain bacteria that can feed on toxic waste. This makes it possible to use as a wastewater treatment by dumping sewage into the lagoon and letting the bacteria break down the waste. These Sewage Lagoons are typically aided by wind and sunlight.
Image credit: https://nanogasenvironmental.com/
Why Venice is Built on Stilts
10/13/24
“Why is the city of Venice built on stilts?”
Venice is a top-rated destination for countless people all over the world. There is so much to love from its beautiful canals to its deep history. However, one of the most interesting aspects is that the city itself is built on stilts. Why did the Venetians do this? Well, the islands that serve as Venice’s base are made of weak, soft mud and silt. This makes building very dangerous and arduous. Building a foundation of wooden stilts makes development stronger. This is Why Venice is Built on Stilts.
Utility Easements
09/24/24
“Why do no utilities need easements?”
Utilities provide critical services to residents, whether it be water for your shower or electricity for your devices. These utilities will break down from time to time and need repairs. Property owners will have to provide Utility Easements so repairs can be made by the utility owners. These are usually determined in easement agreements that outline which specific areas utilities are eligible to work on.
