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2011 Oral Presentation Problem
Topic - Salt and Fresh Water Estuaries Delaware is uniquely positioned in between two nationally recognized estuaries: the Delaware Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. Water drains over land and through underground channels from north to south and east to west over the entire state into either of these estuaries. Land use activities greatly influence both these large estuaries, along with impacting smaller estuaries contained within the state’s boundaries. Recently, your team was hired as the consultant firm for a ‘proposed’ housing development that will encompass 60 acres of current annual crop agriculture land, including 12 acres of riparian forests. Your job is to provide an environmental assessment of this land use change as it impacts natural resources contained within the site. The eastern boundary is the Delaware Inland Bays – a significant site for oyster beds. From the atmosphere, air pollution in the form of acid rain (atmospheric deposition) contributes nearly 35% - 50% of the nitrogen loading into the bays and estuaries significantly impacting quality of water. Considerations are to be given to minimizing negative impacts to existing shallow wetlands/vernal pools and wildlife habitats in and throughout the property boundary. Determination must first be established as to if the adjacent estuary is ‘healthy’. Cultural importance of the area should be noted, along with prospective economical, social and ecological significance. Provide examples of wetland, surface drainage and aquatic habitat activities that could compliment the land use change and provide guidance on developing positive attributes of this ‘proposed’ housing development on the adjacent estuary. Give references to local, state and federal agencies and organizations that have assisted with your findings.
Training Presentation
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©2004 Delaware ENVIROTHON
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