When petro-capitalism comes knocking: community interpretations and responses to the Gros Morne fracking controversy

With the depletion of conventional oil and gas sources, the world is turning to what Urry terms “tough oil,” such as oil from the Alberta oil sands and Arctic. Fracking is a prominent example of this. Situated within an environmental justice framework, I analyze community interpretations and responses to proposed fracking development near Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, Canada. Based on data generated from interviews, field observations and content analysis of texts, my findings suggest that how residents view rural place is highly significant in influencing supportive or oppositional positions on fracking. Proponents picture place as a resource extraction landscape, whereas opponents understand place as a restorative landscape for leisure/tourism activities. Through debates about fracking, place is contested and re-imagined. In many ways, fracking is a struggle over who has the power to define the meanings and characteristics of rural community in an era of tough oil and significant rural change.

Development of a high-frequency surface-wave radar cross section model for icebergs

In this thesis, the first-order radar cross section (RCS) of an iceberg is derived and simulated. This analysis takes place in the context of a monostatic high frequency surface wave radar with a vertical dipole source that is driven by a pulsed waveform. The starting point of this work is a general electric field equation derived previ- ously for an arbitrarily shaped iceberg region surrounded by an ocean surface. The condition of monostatic backscatter is applied to this general field equation and the resulting expression is inverse Fourier transformed. In the time domain the excitation current of the transmit antenna is specified to be a pulsed sinusoid signal. The result- ing electric field equation is simplified and its physical significance is assessed. The field equation is then further simplified by restricting the iceberg's size to fit within a single radar patch width. The power received by the radar is calculated using this electric field equation. Comparing the received power with the radar range equation gives a general expression for the iceberg RCS. The iceberg RCS equation is found to depend on several parameters including the geometry of the iceberg, the radar frequency, and the electrical parameters of both the iceberg and the ocean surface. The RCS is rewritten in a form suitable for simulations and simulations are carried out for rectangularly shaped icebergs. Simulation results are discussed and are found to be consistent with existing research.

Organic carbon sources and their transfer in a gulf of Mexico coral reef ecosystem

Coral reefs face unprecedented threats throughout most of their range. Poorly planned coastal development has contributed increased nutrients and sewage contamination to coastal waters, smothering some corals and contributing to overgrowth by macroalgae. My approach to assessing the degree to which coral reef ecosystems have been influenced by terrestrial and anthropogenic organic carbon inputs is through the use of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes and lipid biomarkers in a marine protected area, the Coral Reef System of Veracruz: Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. Firstly, I used a C and N stable isotope mixing model and a calculated fatty acid (FA) retention factor to reveal the primary producer sources that fuel the coral reef food web. Secondly, I used lipid classes, FA and sterol biomarkers to determine production of terrestrial and marine biogenic material of nutritional quality to pelagic and benthic organisms. Finally, I used coprostanol to determine pollutant loading from sewage in the suspended particulate matter. Results indicate that phytoplankton is the major source of essential metabolite FA for marine fish and that dietary energy from terrestrial sources such as mangroves are transferred to juvenile fish, while seagrass non-essential FA are transferred to the entire food web mainly in the rainy season. Sea urchins may be the main consumers of brown macroalgae, especially in the dry season, while surgeon fish prefer red algae in both dry and rainy seasons. C and N isotopic values and the ratio C:N suggest that fertilizer is the principal source of nitrogen to macroalgae. Thus nitrogen supply also favored phytoplankton and seagrass growth leading to a better nutritional condition and high retention of organic carbon in the food web members during the rainy season when river influence increases. However, the great star coral Montastrea cavernosa nutritional condition decreased significantly in the rainy season. The nearest river to the PNSAV was polluted in the dry season; however, a dilution effect was detected in the rainy season, when some coral reefs were contaminated. In 2013, a new treatment plant started working in the area. I would suggest monitoring δ¹⁵N and the C: N ratio in macroalgae as indicators of the nitrogen input and coprostanol as an indicator of human feces pollution in order to verify the efficiency of the new treatment plant as part of the management program of the PNSAV.

Environmental Studies Independent Project 2009: Dimensions of Corner Brook Transit (CBT): Understanding the Attitudes of Corner Brook Residents toward CBT

Low ridership of Corner Brook Transit, particularly among seniors and students, deserves intervention by the City of Corner Brook and Murphy Brothers Limited. The input of residents is required in examination of the transit system, and for the identification of action items with respect to a transit improvement strategy. This project contributes to research pertaining to transit in small cities and focuses on CBT as a case study. Findings can be used to mitigate both social inequalities and harmful emissions with the transportation systems of small cities.

Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2010: From Climate Change Laggard to Leader: Policy recommedations for Newfoundland and Labrador

Dyer, along with many others reflecting international consensus in the scientific community, argues that countries must be carbon neutral by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change (Dyer, 2008, p. xii). to accomplish this by 2050, we need to act now: governments need to cooperate with the scientific community to ensure our society makes the changes to combat climate change. How is Canada reacting to this situation? As describes by the Sierra Club of Canada, "federal government continues to drag its feet, and delay any action to reduce emissions" (2008, p. 18). Given this federal reluctance, individual provinces must act to reduce emissions. While some provinces take a required action, primarily Quebec and British Columbia, others, like Newfoundland and Labrador, contribute little in terms of emissions reductions. Newfoundland and Labrador is ranked as "poor"-among the worst performers regarding climate change policy in the country-by the David Suzuki Foundation in a cross Canada evaluation of various provincial climate change policies (David Suzuki Foundation, 2008, p. 9). The Province of Newfoundland is not doing enough to address climate change. In this paper I argue that to improve this situation, the province could follow the example of the two leading jurisdictions, Quebec and British Columbia, to refine and introduce its own hybrid policy that directly affects decision making processes. But, this can be complicated when convincing the government that it is important to accept stronger policy. The government must consider what climate change impacts Newfoundland and Labrador experiences and willconinue to experience and what Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing to the problem of climate change. To evaluate these issues of climate change, I first survey the positive policies Newfoundland and Labrador is currently implementing/ discussing and then outline action taken by the provincial environment leaders, Quebec and British Columbia.Then I describe the strong pieces in the Quebec and British Columbia climate change action plan that Newfoundland and Labrador can emulate. Finally, I consider if thes polices are politically feasible for the government of Newfoundland and labrador. Hence, this paper aims to give a blueprint of what Newfoundland and Labrador has to act on to make itself an environmental leader.

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2011: Creating Federal Policies to Support Environmental Education in Canada.

Environmental Education is an essential component of childhood education and can play a vital role in the development of positive environmental attitudes, community involvement and environmental awareness. One of the main challenges faced by Canadian educators is the lack of support and funding to fully engage and participate in Environmental Education programs that are locally available. To better understand the viewpoint and challenges of educators and Environmental Education programs, this paper includes an interview series with three Environmental Education leaders, followed by a discussion section on significant commonalities. Through the research of peer-reviewed literature, federal documents, and environmental networks, this research paper aims to interpret the development and challenges of K-12 environmental education in North America as well as to review the established programs, networks, and resources availble to Canadian educators.

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2011: A Values Profile for a Healthy, Sustainable Corner Brook Community

We now live in a world where urbanization has become the norm. Approximately half the world now lives in cities(O'brien, 2008). In recent years for a province like Newfoundland and Labrador which has relied heavily on one industry, the fishery, this statistic holds a lot of meaning. For well over a century there has been a continuing movement from Newfoundland to other parts of Canada and the US. Between 1971 and 1998 alone, net out-migration amounted 20% of the provinces population. This exodus has become a significant part of Newfoundland culture (Bowering Delisle, 2008). Communities have declining populations because families can no longer afford to live in their communities. For places like Corner Brook though citizens do not feel the urge to move to bigger urban centers like St. John's or places on the mainland. The purpose of this paper is to outline values which maybe keeping Corner Brook residents from uprooting their families to move to bigger urban centers such as St. John's, in order to be able to support ther families, get experience in their fields or to just acquire a job like many other people around the province.

Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2011: The Humber River Basin Human Values Project: Designing a Sampling Strategy for a Pilot Survey in the Corner Brook Area

Sustainability can be indicated by a number of factors. Populations need to be aged evenly, ensuring a healthy equilibrium. Job opportunities must be numerous and of wide varieties to balance incomes from different employment sectors. Regions must also sustain vital natural resources in the area which are directly related to a place being self-sustaining. These indicators prove to be true, especially in Newfoundland, where people have struggled to remain in the small traditional communities that they consider being there 'home.' The population of Corner Brook and the surrounding areas can be stratified according to the values people hold to their special place. Even though people in western Newfoundland hold strong ties to their home, some parts of the region even though people in western Newfoundland hold strong ties to their home, some parts of the region struggle with employment, low incomes, out-migration, and dependency on declining natural resources. The aim of this paper is to present the process of designing a sample strategy for a human values pilot survey conducted in the city of Corner Brook. It will present a theoretical background over the period 2002-2006 to be used for sampling strategy.

Transformational learning-environments in the post-secondary classroom: through the experience of indigenous women

This study investigated the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of transformational learning, including the elements, attributes, factors, and catalysis of the transformational learning environment, as Indigenous women experienced them in the Indigenous Studies 3040H: The Meaning of Work in the Contemporary World (INDG 3040H) course at Trent University. Using a holistic model developed in connection with the Medicine Wheel an Indigenous epistemology is integrated into the study. Qualitative interviews were conducted with eight Indigenous women. The data collected from the interviews indicated that for Indigenous women, the transformational learning environment of the post-secondary classroom is heavily connected to the relationship students develop with themselves, their peers, and the faculty member alongside the content of the course.

Student Independent Projects 2012: Sustainable Resource Management

Everyday Millions of disposable plates, cups and utensils are used in fast food establishments, cafeterias, restaurants and homes worldwide. These single-use disable plates, cup and utensils, when of polystyrene or plastic, do not biodegrade and decompose like fruit, vegetables or meat; they only breakdown into smaller pieces on a physical level. This lack of decomposition means that these products persist and accumulate in landfills consuming the available space and contaminate the surrounding area. With an ever growing global population, the disposable waste generated annually is increasing and landfills worldwide are rapidly filling. Therefore, more landfills are needed sooner but they are expensive to create, they consume a large amount of usable space and can harm the environment. In order to reduce the dependence on landfills, the waste can be diverted through recycling programs, reducing human consumption and purchasing reusable and/or compostable materials. These methods of waste reduction would be implemented at the municipal level but it would be possible to change provincial and state legislation so that municipalities would be required to do so rather than of their own volition. If initiated worldwide than the amount of waste produced by humans would be greatly reduced and the dependence on landfills would decrease.

Implementation of Marine Protected Areas as a governability challenge in Southern Brazil

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been endorsed internationally as a tool promoting marine conservation. MPAs implementation can however be challenging, with many not achieving conservation objectives while creating conflicts with small-scale fishers, often overlooked. This study aims at exploring how MPA implementation can be improved, taking as a case study the Marine National Park of Currais Islands in Southern Brazil. Specifically, this thesis offers a theoretical contribution by applying the interactive governance framework to analyze both the natural and the social systems, focusing on small-scale fishers, governed by the MPA as an institution. The thesis also presents a methodological contribution, as it develops and applies an exploratory mapping approach. We surveyed 65 small-scale fishers from eight communities at Pontal do Paraná municipality, and conducted an exploratory mapping approach in small groups. Main findings point to challenges and opportunities to MPA implementation, and offer a way to involve small-scale fishers in the discussion about MPAs.

Supporting inclusiveness through concepts of gender

Some dads wear nail polish! Is the tooth fairy a boy or a girl? My Grade Two students’ voices were integral in developing each of the action research cycles as students became co-creators of knowledge. I gathered data through a personal journal, observations, reflections, work samples, interviews and classroom artifacts. The research question was focused on creating a safe and caring classroom environment by selecting appropriate instructional strategies based on developing my students’ concept of gender. Findings included students’ acceptance of differences, emulation of gender stereotypes, the significance of role models and student empowerment. Conclusions examined the influence that behaviour has on instructional strategies, creating allies among primary students, the importance of teacher training and the influence that students have in their classroom. Thoughts towards future research include the need for further parent engagement and more exploration of the impact that the school environment has in the classroom.

Dynamic safety analysis of managed pressure drilling operations

The exploration and development of oil and gas reserves located in harsh offshore environments are characterized with high risk. Some of these reserves would be uneconomical if produced using conventional drilling technology due to increased drilling problems and prolonged non-productive time. Seeking new ways to reduce drilling cost and minimize risks has led to the development of Managed Pressure Drilling techniques. Managed pressure drilling methods address the drawbacks of conventional overbalanced and underbalanced drilling techniques. As managed pressure drilling techniques are evolving, there are many unanswered questions related to safety and operating pressure regimes. Quantitative risk assessment techniques are often used to answer these questions. Quantitative risk assessment is conducted for the various stages of drilling operations – drilling ahead, tripping operation, casing and cementing. A diagnostic model for analyzing the rotating control device, the main component of managed pressure drilling techniques, is also studied. The logic concept of Noisy-OR is explored to capture the unique relationship between casing and cementing operations in leading to well integrity failure as well as its usage to model the critical components of constant bottom-hole pressure drilling technique of managed pressure drilling during tripping operation. Relevant safety functions and inherent safety principles are utilized to improve well integrity operations. Loss function modelling approach to enable dynamic consequence analysis is adopted to study blowout risk for real-time decision making. The aggregation of the blowout loss categories, comprising: production, asset, human health, environmental response and reputation losses leads to risk estimation using dynamically determined probability of occurrence. Lastly, various sub-models developed for the stages/sub-operations of drilling operations and the consequence modelling approach are integrated for a holistic risk analysis of drilling operations.