Transcript HIGGINS HALL

Environmental Impacts of
the construction and
operation of Higgins Hall.
BENEATH THE GRASS
Similar to most property in the area, this section of
land is “Glacial Till.” This poorly sorted mix of
boulders, gravel, soil, and sand acts as a means of
natural filtration and absorption of surface waters.
Transportation of Materials
According to Mr. Tom Rathbone, most of the materials
(including: Block, decorative stone, windows, and
roofing materials) are all coming from local sources,
reducing the amount of hauling necessary with large
diesel trucks.
The furnace and a few odds and ends are going to be
built and transported in separately.
Fill will need to be taken from the site, and hauled
away by several willing buyers.
Vegetation / Animals
Only 5 or 10 large trees are going to be removed.
Once the structure is complete, at least that many
are going to be replanted. There are several trees
of various diameters left untouched for erosion
and visual purposes as well.
The area was previously a parking lot, which
was inhabitable by animals anyway. This would
not change that aspect of the property.
RUN-OFF
This is a huge area of concern for developers as well as
citizens of the area. During construction, a special
engineer comes to the site to inspect the run-off control
to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken.
As pointed out on the blueprints, “silt fences” and hay
bails are going to be used to control any runoff that the
construction may create. After every rain storm, the
engineer comes to the site for additional inspection.
What about parking lots?
There will be approximately 60 parking spots
created, and students will be allowed to use the
existing parking lot across the street from the new
building.
Garbage Pickups
As with any other building on campus, all
garbage is picked up by 11:00am, and all
recyclables by Noon.
This will mean no trucks coming through
residential areas at unreasonable times.
Traffic in the area.
As with any edifice that houses people, cars are also
expected to be part of the system. Although not all
students who live in the building will have cars,
many will. There will be adequate parking in the
immediate area for all residents, which will reduce
driving around for long periods of time, looking for
a spot to park. 200 more people driving around
Oneonta is an extremely small percentage of the
population, and can only benefit local businesses,
and the economy of the area.
Demographic Impact
Building this dormitory will not necessarily mean that the
college will be accepting more students. There are not more
classrooms being built currently. The students that are
currently living downtown will have an incentive to return
to campus, which can be beneficial as it will reduce
commuter traffic. This will also alleviate crowding in the
present dorm halls (including those that are currently
tripled in double occupancy rooms.
Fire Safety
Although this is not directly tied to environmental
issues, if the building were to burn down, a large
amount of pollutants would escape into the air.
The building will be fully equipped with the
newest and best in sprinkler system and smoke
detection technology. This will allow the students
to have microwaves and stoves in select rooms,
making the building a much more attractive and
desirable place to live. Fire exits are also located
generously throughout the building, as code
permits there to be certain numbers of exits.
Police
As determined by the EAF, there are police and fire
facilities that are sufficient, and capable of handling the
project demand.
Hours of construction?
All construction will take place between the hours of
7:00 am and 5:00 pm. This will be within the hours
of daylight and have the least noise impact on
surrounding areas.
Air pollution from construction
Minimal air pollution will be created during the construction
of Higgins Hall. Heavy machinery will be the main source in
the process, and dust can be controlled.
Visual Impact
As stated earlier, trees and bushes (for the most part) will not
be removed, since this is currently a parking lot. The few trees
that need to be moved will be replaced by new, more
decorative trees and bushes.
NO residential properties can see the residence hall. Since it is
a state zone, most of the zoning laws do not apply. The
building will be brick and decorative stone, blending in nicely
with the other buildings on campus.
Staff
New jobs will be created during construction and after
construction. The building will employ a staff of 5
people to keep it clean. The surrounding areas will also
be kept manicured and litter free by this staff.
There is a capable maintenance facility on the campus
that is going to mow lawns and plow snow at the new
building.
Heating
Higgins Hall will feature natural gas heat. It will not depend
on the current heating plant. The natural gas system,
combined with other items (discussed later) make the building
the most efficient.
Windows/Insulation
Combined with an efficient heating system, the windows will be
new and insulated, and of course, the walls are also insulated.
Lighting
Like any other building on campus, the
new dorm will feature efficient
fluorescent lighting. Reminder stickers
can also be placed on outlet covers to
remind students to conserve.
LEED’S
CERTIFIED BUILDING
What is LEEDS?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Higgins Hall IS a LEEDs certified building!
This is a process that was instigated by the United States Green
Building Council (USGBC). As taken form their website, the
USGBC is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the
building industry working to promote buildings that are
environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and
work. Council members work together to develop LEED products
and resources, policy guidance, and educational and marketing tools
that support the adoption of sustainable building. USGBC continues
to evolve the LEEDS program.
Sewage and Water
The sewage produced by the new structure will be tied into
the current city system, and treated successfully with all
other sewage.
The structure will also use city water, which will also be
piped in.
The natural gas will be piped in from an existing line on
Ravine Parkway.
WHY BUILD
HIGGINS HALL?
As with any other University in the world, state or private,
The State University of New York, College at Oneonta must
continue to update and maintain it’s facilities and campus.
As the population of the world increases, and the continuing
demand for at least a 4 year degree becomes virtually
mandatory to get a decent paying job, Oneonta (and
colleges around the world) need to continue to meet those
needs. Of the ten thousand students that apply to the college
each year, only about 2 thousand can be accepted. Our
education system needs to be able to expand, and as long as
it is done in an environmentally friendly way, the buildings
must be able to be constructed.
Appealing to students
-Full kitchens with ranges on most floors.
-Exercise room
-Recreation room
-Laundry facilities on all floors (except 1st)