Suchergebnisse

Abstract Background This paper aims to identify specific local roadway infrastructure design guidelines associated with the construction and operation of sustainable energy source facilities, such as ethanol plants, biomass plants, and wind farm facilities. Methods Data associated with sustainable energy facility traffic in Indiana were collected to develop Excel-based tools (worksheets) and assist local agencies in the design of pavements in the proximity of ethanol plants, biomass plants, and wind farms. Results To that end, a simple procedure is presented, which provides a design capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads, while, at the same time, quantifies the effects that new sustainable energy source facilities may have on local road networks. The procedure is accompanied by two MS Excel-based software tools that can be used in the design of local roads adjacent to such sustainable energy facilities. Conclusions The developed worksheets can serve as a hands-on tool to assist local government engineers in evaluating and in quantifying the probable effects of the construction and operation of a sustainable energy facility in their jurisdiction.

The construction of energy facilities, particularly wind farms and biofuel plants, can be of great benefit to local communities. They can generate jobs and provide considerable revenue to local land owners, while at the same time they can contribute to the sustainability of the community's (and the nation's) energy resources. In the US, local communities are beginning to develop both types of sustainable energy sources in an attempt to realize these benefits. However, wind farms and biofuel plants may also have adverse impacts on the existing infrastructure, the environment, the aesthetics, and the safety of neighboring residents in the communities. While a few communities have completed the process of constructing wind farms and biofuel plants, many more are expected to follow. However, there is currently limited comprehensive information on the appropriate policy considerations for local agencies. To that end, the objective of this paper is to provide local agencies with specific financial, community, site, environmental, safety, and infrastructure considerations and concerns, in order to make informed community decisions about the construction and location of these types of sustainable energy facilities.

The construction of energy facilities, particularly wind farms and biofuel plants, can be of great benefit to local communities. They can generate jobs and provide considerable revenue to local land owners, while at the same time they can contribute to the sustainability of the community's (and the nation's) energy resources. In the US, local communities are beginning to develop both types of sustainable energy sources in an attempt to realize these benefits. However, wind farms and biofuel plants may also have adverse impacts on the existing infrastructure, the environment, the aesthetics, and the safety of neighboring residents in the communities. While a few communities have completed the process of constructing wind farms and biofuel plants, many more are expected to follow. However, there is currently limited comprehensive information on the appropriate policy considerations for local agencies. To that end, the objective of this paper is to provide local agencies with specific financial, community, site, environmental, safety, and infrastructure considerations and concerns, in order to make informed community decisions about the construction and location of these types of sustainable energy facilities. Adapted from the source document.