Onsite Wastewater Model Performance Code Implementation Plan

As the population of Colorado continues to grow, the impacts from individual sewage disposal systems, or onsite wastewater systems (OWS), are becoming more apparent. Increased use of OWS impacts not only water quality but land use and development as well. These impacts have led to the need for a new generation of wastewater regulations in the state, a transition from the historic prescriptive requirements to a more progressive, performance-based system. A performance-based system will allow smarter growth, improved water quality, and cost savings for both the regulatory agencies and the OWS industry in Colorado. This project outlines the challenges and essential elements required to make this transition, and provides guidance on how to meet the challenges and overcome barriers to implementing a performance code in Colorado.

The Creation of a Legal Ordinance and Program Manual for the Purpose of Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Illegal dumping and improper disposal of pollutants in urban areas can contribute significant pollutant loads to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and natural environments. Illicit discharges to the MS4 can pose a significant risk to human and environmental health. The Clean Water Act requires that municipalities implement a legal mechanism and plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the MS4. The methodology for program creation included the analysis of other municipal illicit discharge programs, review of state and federal guidance publications, and the review of illicit discharge case-studies. This paper describes a systematic approach applied to the creation and implementation of a legal ordinance and program manual designed for the purpose of illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE).

Sustainable Energy Plan for a Small Island Economy: St. Vincent & the Grenadines

This paper defines a sustainable energy plan to provide the basis for renewable energy initiatives that will increase energy security, reduce negative economic impacts and provide a cleaner environment. The hotel, agriculture, transportation, construction, utility, government and private sectors will play pivotal roles in achieving targets and will see significant gains. Government policies, educational campaigns and financial incentives will be required to facilitate and encourage renewable energy development and entrepreneurship. Utilization of solar energy, energy conservation measures and the use of efficient and alternative fuel vehicles by the commercial/industrial and private sectors will be crucial in meeting targets. The utility company will be charged with developing large scale renewable energy applications and with improving efficiency of the electrical system.

Consumer Driven Health Care: An Examination of the Disadvantages to Low Income Employees

As health care costs for companies continue to rise, more organizations are considering a consumer driven health plan option with the goal to engage employees so that they make better health care decisions. Although consumer driven health plan options present advantages to the employer and some employee groups, low income employees are negatively impacted by this option. Two major disadvantages include missed care and out of pocket obligations. This capstone reviews the current literature on consumer driven health care and discusses the disadvantages to low income employees. It also provides strategies and recommendations to employers who are considering a consumer driven health option plan to minimize the disadvantages to low income employees.

A Case Study: Recycling in the Residence Halls at Howard University

Howard University was recently identified as a school that lacks recycling initiatives and policies. In response, Howard University drafted a plan to become the greenest college in the United States. This study was conducted to identify if there were existing recycling practices on the campus, compare the practices, if applicable, to the local recycling regulations, and present potential obstacles and recommendations to be used by Howard University while designing their recycling program. This study was performed by visiting the campus to identify recycling practices and interviewing campus occupants, and comparing the findings to the local recycling regulations. The key finding of this study is that Howard University does not have a recycling program and does not comply with local recycling regulations.

The Impacts of National Culture on Safety Culture in the Global Oil and Gas Industry

Safety culture is one of the most-studied subjects in the safety literature today, although no agreement exists on exactly what it means. Most safety culture research has been conducted in high-hazard industries such as nuclear power, aviation, and offshore oil and gas production. Only limited research has investigated links between safety culture and the prevailing national culture. This paper proposes that efforts to build safety culture and improve safety performance in the global oil and gas industry will be enhanced if the safety culture maturity and the prevailing national culture are assessed and a location-specific plan is developed based on these factors. A model plan to improve safety performance for one multinational oil and gas company is presented.

Planning for the Future: Gray Water Supply as a Conservation Measure for a Key Water Provider in Douglas County, Colorado

Diminishing water in the Denver Basin aquifers requires Parker Water and Sanitation District plan for the future to ensure availability of supply. Water conservation is one approach to prolonging the life of the aquifers. Homeowner installed gray water systems will help conserve 25 percent of the water needed and reduce the need to pump ground water for irrigation. Non-potable water through gray water systems will reduce the demand on the supplier. Gray water use will prolong a potable supply to Parker for years ahead. For this plan to be effective, Colorado regulations must change to allow gray water use. This goal will be achieved as the mind-set about water conservation shifts and water suppliers and consumers demand modification to policies.

Solid Waste Management And Regulations in the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands, a small island developing nation, has a significant solid waste problem. The atoll environment of the Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, is one of scarce land and overpopulation. Increasing Western influences has been a major factor in this solid waste problem. This problem has created health issues and is an impediment to the development of a tourism industry, which is essential to the development of economic opportunities. Responsibility for solid waste management in Majuro is divided between several governmental and non-governmental agencies. This system is dysfunctional as there is little or no cooperation between the agencies. Although many consultants have developed recommendations, no action has been taken. Developing an action plan to consolidate solid waste management under one authority is important to solving of this solid waste problem. This project proposes legislation creating a solid waste management authority that will have the power to regulate all aspects of solid waste and help implement education and awareness to the people of the Marshall Islands.

Managing Layoff Survivors

‰Û÷Survivor syndrome' or negative consequences of a layoff on survivors is the key reason why layoffs fail. This Capstone Project draws on downsizing-related research and proposes a customizable plan to revitalize the surviving workforce after a downsizing initiative. The plan divides downsizing-related interventions into three phases: pre-downsizing, day of the announcement, and post-downsizing. Key elements of this plan include linking the plan to a revised vision, detailed planning of the process, open, two-way communication systems, employee involvement in all stages of the process, respectable treatment of departing employees, plans to support survivors, training frontline managers, and implementing a top talent retention strategy. The Capstone also addresses roles and responsibilities of leaders, HR professionals, and managers in the survivor management process.