Browsing by Author "Budic, Zorica D."

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    A circular model of urban hydrology
    Ganesan, Maya (Virginia Tech, 1996-03-05)
    Fresh water, particularly potable water, is a critically important, albeit scarce, resource to human beings. Increasing evidence of polluted fresh water bodies indicate water usage patterns that are detrimental to the scarce reserves of fresh water on a regional and global level. It may be said however, that, that the current problems of water wastage and abuse are not merely the results of the technology used but more so of the erroneous perceptions that have guided its development. Therefore it is crucial to not only adopt different technology to solve current water management problems but more important to create a new holistic paradigm of water management that provides the framework for ecologically sustainable technology. The thesis on a circular model of urban hydrology is an attempt in this direction. The thesis is based on the need to develop a sustainable model of urban hydrology. It is a descriptive model that combines existing technologies in a manner that would make them relevant to present and future cities and is applied on a conceptual level to study the implications that this new model could have on the urban landscape. By exploring the concepts of waste water reclamation and re-use, and storm water management that is connected to the city's water supplies, the circular model attempts to attempts to reduce the affects of urbanization and urban water usage on external natural systems while establishing ecologically benign links with the regional and global environments. The use of biological systems for wastewater reclamation has different implications to the urban physical environment in terms of its landuse patterns, open space systems, human activities and aesthetics, than a conventional centralized system of water supply and disposal. The thesis discusses those implications that are particularly relevant to those involved in the planning and design of cities and speculates on an urban environment that might be different from an existing modern city.
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    Extra high voltage transmission corridor siting: technical, public, institutional and regulatory considerations
    Crnojacki, Zorica (Virginia Tech, 1994-08-05)
    Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission corridor siting studies are complex and costly procedures, which are often prolonged by technical, public, institutional, and state regulatory factors. The primary goal of this research is to contribute to a more predictable and expedient siting study. The following objectives are accomplished: - Exploration and description of technical and methodological aspects of siting in terms of the general approach to the siting study, impact assessment techniques, data collection and mapping considerations. - Exploration and description of the following public and institutional considerations in the siting study: public participation, active opposition, media coverage, attitudes of affected agencies, and communication among involved organizations. Determination of the effects of these considerations on the siting process. - Review and evaluation of the state siting regulations in terms of: clarity of requirements, technical siting requirements, coordination of actions in the study, coordination with other relevant regulations, and public and agency participation in the study. Identification of the effects of the state regulations on the siting study process. - Development of guidelines for improved EHV transmission corridor siting studies. The principal methodology of the research is the single case study of Wyoming-Cloverdale 765 kV siting project, which represents a model of a contemporary, interstate, EHV siting study. The results of the case study are complemented by the review of state siting regulations and the literature. The major outcome of the research are the guidelines for improved corridor siting studies. The guidelines are developed for corridor siting study consultants, electric utility companies, and state regulatory commissions. Findings of the research indicate that technical, public, institutional, and state regulatory factors interactively affect the process of the corridor siting study. Furthermore, the siting study has dominant political overtones, and as such cannot be treated as a merely technical project. Public opposition to new EHV transmission lines can significantly increase the effects of technical, public, institutional, and regulatory deficiencies, reducing the probability of line approval. The testing of the guidelines in siting study practice, and a multiple case study research dealing with the same considerations and their interactions, are suggested for future research.
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    A General Evolutionary Methodology for Sustainable Development
    Hwang, Sang Won (Virginia Tech, 1998-05-27)
    In order to determine the dynamic factors inducing the evolution of environmental management strategies in the context of sustainable development, I draw upon theory from the field of general evolutionary sciences (including chaos theory, complexity science, and nonlinear thermodynamics). I translate this emerging theoretical worldview to a general evolutionary methodology for the analysis of sustainable development strategies. Application of the methodology to selected case studies indicates that sustainable development strategies co-evolve in response to organizational values, technology, and organizational structure inside the firm, and to the environmental management field outside the firm. Competing notions of sustainable development influence the politicization process that limits the types of sustainable development strategies chosen and implemented. The evidence also indicates that new pathways of efficiency are emerging in sustainable development based on market driven strategies, institutional partnerships, and the formation of new industries. The dissertation is based on case study analysis of three sustainable development projects of three different environmental organizations, the International Institute for Energy Conservation, the Environmental Law Institute, and Sanders International. The results have implications for sustainable development theory and practical implications for policy analysts and sustainable development advocates, as well as for a subtler and deeper personal understanding of our place in the world.
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    A qualitative analysis of open space planning using Montgomery County, MD
    Grumbine, Randall C. (Virginia Tech, 1995-10-05)
    This thesis investigates the role of open space planning within the context of a growth management planning philosophy. For contextual framing, the principles of growth management are presented followed by tools and techniques used in preserving open space. The literature review chapter concludes with a look at the development of an open space plan. To bound the scope of this paper, the focus is on open space preserved for passive and active recreation and natural conservation. Montgomery County, Maryland is used as a case example. The qualitative data comes from interviews with planning personnel from the community and park planning departments. As part of the process, the relationship and roles between these two departments regarding open space preservation are explored. This case study helps us to understand what Montgomery County has learned from the past that is influencing the open space preservation for tomorrow.