Table 2 - Growth-Related Environmental Issues and Impacts
Monday, September 10, 2012
Table 2 - Growth-Related Environmental Issues and Impacts
| Growth issue | Environmental issue | Potential impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Haphazard expansion of suburban communities | Water runoff | Increased pollution of streams, rivers, and marine environments Increased flooding Loss of biodiversity in streams Soil erosion Decreased recharge of aquifers Lower drinking water quality |
| Poor land-use planning | Consumption of open spaces | Loss of contiguous green spacesLoss of natural habitats for native species Loss of wetlands Fragmentation and loss of forestland Increased flooding Increased mountain mudslides and slope collapses Increased prevalence of non-native, invasive species Health impacts from proximity to wild animals and confined-animal feeding operations Loss of green infrastructure for metropolitan areas Less access to recreation areas Higher temperatures or heat islands in metropolitan areas Reduced plant photosynthesis |
| Traffic congestion | Air pollution | Increased smog and other pollutants Increased health impacts, such as asthma Noncompliance with federal standards and limits on new road construction |
| Public safety | Increased response times for fires and medical emergencies Road rage |
|
| Energy use | Wasted petroleum | |
| Urban depopulation and decay | Contaminated land and buildings | Increased human exposure to toxic substances |
| Public infrastructure | Decreased maintenance and greater service interruptions for water, sewer, road repair, and waste disposal |
SOURCE: Adapted from National Governors Association, Growing Pains: Quality of Life in the New Economy, 2000, available at http://www.nga.org/center/divisions/1,1188,C_ISSUE_BRIEF^D_609,00.html, as of May 2001.