By Theme:Arts and Literature | Campus Sustainability | Community Perspectives | Development | Economic Analysis | Ecosystem Analysis | Education | Energy | Environmental Justice | Food Systems | Geology of the Watershed | Green Architecture | Green Business | History of the Watershed | Invasive Species | Land Use Patterns | Public Policy | Recreation | Transportation | Water Quality

Public Policy

Whalen v. the Union Bag & Paper Company: Early Environmental Law on the Kayaderosseras Creek and Its Influence on Contemporary Law

Ben Schweers (2007)

This project is a historical analysis of the Whalen v. The Union Bag & Paper Company case. The lawsuit offers insight into environmental concerns of early 19th century Ballston Spa and signifies the beginning of environmental law and environmentalism in New York State. The lawsuit's outcome is still relevant for environmental law today.

Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.

Assessing Stormwater Runoff and Policy in the Kayaderosseras Watershed, New York

Meghan Lena, Jessica Morten, and Angela Polletta (2008)

Our study examines the impact of land-use on stormwater runoff in the Kayaderosseras watershed using the Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA) model. We also examine local management goals aimed at fulfilling federal and state stormwater policy and assessed implementation success based on town annual reports. We interviewed local officials and site inspectors regarding the challenges of implementing local stormwater management policies, and in particular, sediment and erosion control at construction sites.

What to do about a Drought in a Bout of Drought: Understanding Drought in a Water-Rich Region

Andy Hart and Kate Stevens (2008)

This study explores the causes of drought in Saratoga and how the city responds to instances of drought. Our results reveal that drought in Saratoga can be affected by precipitation, population growth, water consumption, and Loughberry Lake’s storage capacity. Drawing from interviews with Public Works officials, we learn that the city manages small drought periods with mainly reactive responses. In order for the city to have a genuine proactive drought management policy, a larger water source with more storage capacity is needed to both store water and provide guaranteed water for the citizens of Saratoga in a time of severe drought.

Full report is not available. Please contact Bob Turner for more information.

Politics and Planning in Saratoga County

Ryan Bailey '09 and Bob Turner, Department of Government (2007)

The continuing economic growth of Saratoga County raises the important question of whether the region is condemned to end up as yet another case of unchecked suburban sprawl. To assess the prospects for the region to successfully balance growth with preserving open space and enhancing the quality of life, we analyzed the political, economic, and institutional factors affecting planning in Malta, Stillwater, and Saratoga County.

Full report is not available. Please contact Bob Turner for more information.

 

The Uneven Implementation of the Saratoga Lake Watershed Management Plan:  Priorities and Perceptions of Municipalities within the Watershed

Ryan Bailey and Lyndsay Strange (2009)

In 2002, a group of stakeholders created a Saratoga Lake Watershed Management Plan to protect and improve the watershed's resources. Despite this, implementation of the plan's recommendations has been very uneven throughout the watershed's municipalities. Through interviews with local town officials, we identify and explain the factors that affect the implementation of these programs.

Full report is not available. Please contact Bob Turner for more information.

Current Stormwater Management in Saratoga Springs and the Challenges of Implementing Low Impact Alternatives

Allison Ruschp, Caitlin Frame, and Dani Rueter (2009)  

We explored the feasibility of incorporating low impact design into Saratoga Springs stormwater management program.  We interviewed developers, public works officials, planning board staff, city engineers, and state stormwater engineers to discover the challenges facing the implementation of low impact stormwater management. Saratoga Springs is close to meeting current federal standards but has no funding mechanisms for stormwater management; low impact design is being encouraged for new developments.

Full report is not available. Please contact Cathy Gibson for more information.

A Watershed Approach to Land Conservation in the City of Saratoga Springs, New York

Dan Haro and Carolyn Raider (2010)

Saratoga is New York’s fastest growing county.  Population increase leads to residential and commercial development, resulting in habitat degradation and fragmentation.  Saratoga Springs provides conservation through its zoning ordinance, "the Green Belt." Our study identifies high priority sites to protect within Saratoga’s “Green Belt” conservation zone.  We identify the least developed watersheds as well as watersheds with the highest percentage of forest, wetland, open water, and grassland/shrub habitats.  We recommend replacing the current parcel-based approach to conservation with a more relevant and environmentally successful watershed approach.  We  also recommend additional protection for watersheds with a low percentage of development.

Full report is not available. Please contact Josh Ness for more information.

The "Greens" are Checking In: Assessing the New York State Green Hotel Partnership

Dana Leonard and Derek Stork (2010)

New York has identified a national shift in the hospitality and tourism industry to more environmentally friendly business practices, saving both operating costs and natural resources.  To influence this change, New York has established the Green Hospitality and Tourism Partnership and Certification Program. To achieve a comprehensive understanding and assessment of the Green Hotel Certification Program and Partnership, open-ended interviews were conducted to address every level of involvement with the program.  Through the interviews and extensive media coverage we have found that select hotels across New York are becoming ambassadors and are essential to the eco-tourism movement in New York.

Critical Instability: Why We Need to Revolutionize Domestic Agriculture Before It's Too Late

Dash Hammerstein and Andrew Pfeifer (2010)

This study looks at issues concerning agricultural and farmland protection easements and farm viability in Saratoga County. Through in-depth interviews with 10 farmers, we have found that the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program is not an adequate tool to combat the recent and ongoing loss of local farms. Policies aimed at increasing farm viability, especially through the stabilization of milk prices and public education, are necessary to insure a future for Saratoga County agriculture.

Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.

"We Are Closer to You": Stewart's Shops and Corporate Social Responsibility

Harrison Shulman and Jim Turley (2010)

We studied the workings of Stewart's Shops to determine the practices that have enabled them to be successful in business while maintaining a positive relationship with the communities in which they operate stores as well as a low environmental impact.  We have discovered that Corporate Social Responsibility does not have to be driven by a desire to strictly avoid risk, develop a marketing strategy or target a niche market.  In the case of Stewart's Shops, Corporate Social Responsibility has been the result of their desire to make money and stay in business one hundred years from now. 

Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.

Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental and Social Concerns: Evaluating SEQRA Through a Case Study of Global Foundries

Korena Burgio and Evan Caster (2011)

New York State sought to revitalize its economy by attracting semiconductor manufacturing to the Upstate region by competing globally for Global Foundries' newest microchip fabrication facility, Fab 8. Our analysis explores the role New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) in evaluating the comprehensive economic, environmental, and social impacts associated with Fab 8’s construction and operations in Malta, NY.

Creating Safe Routes to Maple Avenue Middle School: Not as Easy as it Seems

Martel Catalano and Jesse Watson (2011)

We participated in the Saratoga Safe Routes to School group to expand the ability of students to walk or bike to Maple Avenue Middle School. By conducting applied research and meeting with key stakeholders, we analyzed the environmental, economic, political, legal, and cultural obstacles of changing school transportation policies.

Back to Top