Lab 5- Corey Rovzar

Suitability Analysis



























Essay

When evaluating landuse and possible locations for structures, it is important to analyze different areas and determine which areas will be most suitable. Suitability analysis is a useful tool in determining areas that are most suitable for specific uses. In particular, suitability analysis provides a visual display of areas most suitable for certain landuses based on a variety of factors. When running a landfill suitability analysis, the factors considered might include slope of elevation, distance of areas to landfills, soil drainage, proximity to streams (stream buffers), land cover, and an overall final analysis of the most suitable areas for landfills. Depending on the region being observed, other factors may also be analyzed such as population densities, protected areas, etc.

In this particular exercise, the aforementioned factors were classified with calculated ranges and then visually displayed on separate maps of the county in order to allow for individual analysis. Although most of the classifications and calculations were objective, the land cover classification was based upon my own perception of where a landfill would be most suitable based upon the overall extent and type of vegetation. Therefore, some degree of bias was introduced into the analysis. Additionally, a final analysis map was created which displayed the overall most suitable areas for landfills based upon weighted values for each of the factors.

Suitability analysis is especially useful when issues and concerns arise surrounding the location of damaging and toxic structures or facilities. In Los Angeles, there is currently a debate regarding the expansion of the Central Valley toxic waste landfill which is the largest in the state. High levels of arsenic have been found in the drinking water of nearby Kettlemen City and residents are concerned that high concentrations of toxins in the water and soil have contributed to birth defects. However, it is unclear whether the birth defects in Kettlemen City are attributable to the proximity to the landfill. Health officials have not observed higher than expected birth defects in relation to neighboring cities. Whether or not the birth defects are attributable to the landfill, it is important that residents are not exposed to any of the runoff from the landfill. The presence of high levels of arsenic in drinking water is cause for concern and should lead health officials to evaluate whether the landfill might already be too close to Kettlemen City and that the landfill’s expansion would magnify pollution levels that could then affect more cities. However, it is also important to understand the potential sites for other landfills and if it is feasible to implement new landfills in areas further away from cities.

In order to address these issues, it would be beneficial for health officials to run a suitability analysis for the region surrounding the landfill as well as statewide regions for potential landfills. Evaluating factors such as elevation, soil drainage, proximity to streams, vegetation type, and distance of nearby places to landfills, would allow for greater understanding as to the overall area that the Central Valley landfill affects as well as elements that may increase the range of pollution. By analyzing each factor individually, the cause for runoff from the landfill can be more clearly defined. For example, the Kettlemen City might be located relatively far from the landfill, however if it is at the bottom of a slope with the landfill at the top then there would be greater runoff entering the city. Suitability analysis could also be useful in this situation in determining other sites for potential landfills. If it was determined that indeed the Central Valley landfill was contributing to higher birth defects in Kettlemen City and therefore, it could not be expanded, then there would be a need for more landfills in other areas. Running a suitability analysis for California could provide a spatial overview of areas most suitable for landfills that would have the least amount of damage to people, the environment, and financially.

Overall, suitability analysis can provide visual evidence of the possible effects that the location of various places and structures may have on nearby areas. However, it is important to realize that suitability analysis is a model and not a perfect replication of reality. While it may be beneficial to use suitability analysis as a guide, in the end it is important to evaluate other aspects of an area when determining its suitability for a specific landuse. Additionally, the area should continue to be monitored to make sure that there is minimal damage to people and the environment, with minimal costs. Ultimately, suitability analysis is beneficial economically, environmentally, and socially.