Environmental Impacts of the construction and operation of Higgins Hall.

1. Environmental Impacts of the construction and operation of Higgins Hall.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Police As determined by the EAF, there are police and fire facilities that are sufficient, and capable of handling the project demand.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Windows/Insulation Combined with an efficient heating system, the windows will be new and insulated, and of course, the walls are also insulated.

18. 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.

19. LEED’SCERTIFIED 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Appealing to students -Full kitchens with ranges on most floors. -Exercise room -Recreation room -Laundry facilities on all floors (except 1st)