Greetings, My name is Matthew Coughlin, and I am a Citizen Science Fellow working with Thriving Earth Exchange, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to promote citizen science projects. The follow message advertises an opening for a volunteer opportunity for those looking to gain experience in citizen science and community outreach:
*Project* In order to assess current conditions and prioritize needed repairs to water infrastructure, the community of Camp Hill requires a means of effectively documenting both its drinking water system and sewer water systems along with other co-located infrastructure such as natural gas distribution. While several problem areas within the current systems have been identified, a full scope analysis of the systems is necessary for determining a proper course of action. *Scope**:* 1. Data Collection: Gather data on the drinking water and sewer systems, including infrastructure locations, pipe networks, water sources, treatment facilities, sewer lines, pumping stations, and any relevant information about their condition and capacity. 2. Spatial Analysis: Use GIS to analyze spatial patterns and relationships within the drinking water and sewer systems. This could involve identifying areas with high rates of water supply contamination, areas prone to sewer overflows, or areas with outdated infrastructure. 3. Data Integration: Integrate various datasets into a GIS platform, such as demographic data, land use data, environmental data, and historical data on water quality and system maintenance. This integrated approach can provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the water and sewer systems. *Outputs:* 1. Mapping of Infrastructure: Using GIS along with historical maps and local knowledge to produce an up-to-date and publicly available map of Camp Hill’s sewage and drinking water systems. 2. Scenario Planning: Use GIS to model the implications of climate change (intensification of storm events) on these systems. 3. Public Outreach: Utilize GIS-generated maps and visualizations that effectively communicate the issues with the drinking water and sewer systems to stakeholders and the public. This can help raise awareness and build support for necessary improvements and investment. 4. Recommendations for Best Practices: Obtain recommendations for a basis (e.g.: annual, semi-annual) for surveying the system(s) among other matters. *Future Goals:* 1. Infrastructure Improvement: Continuously monitor and assess the condition of the water and sewer infrastructure using GIS technology, with the goal of identifying areas in need of repair or replacement and prioritizing infrastructure investments accordingly. 2. Community Engagement: Enhance community engagement efforts by leveraging GIS technology to create interactive maps and online platforms where local government staff and ratepayers can access information about the water and sewer systems, report problems, and provide feedback. Foster a culture of transparency and collaboration between the local government and the community. 3. Capacity Building: Build capacity within the local government and community to effectively utilize GIS technology for managing and improving the water and sewer systems. Provide training and technical assistance to staff members, elected officials, and community stakeholders to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge. 4. Autonomy Over Water Resources: Camp Hill community leaders would like to be equipped to manage their sewer and drinking water systems independently along with the help of its recently formed Water Board. 5. Synthesis: Overlay the town’s zoning map as a layer in GIS for community planning. Compare zoning with areas where development is possible and where it would be helpful. 6. Identifying Vulnerability: Map the brownfield locations as we know them, based on historic use of land and structures, to identify potential fresh water contamination sources and also to assist in the development of required physical security plans. 7. Basis for Recapitalization / Equipment Replacement Plan: Create a plan for the maintenance and replacement of pipes and equipment within the water systems in Camp Hill. Candidates with experience in the follow areas are encouraged to apply: - geospatial mapping (preferably ESRI products) - water infrastructure / utilities mapping - environmental justice - climate change adaptation - stakeholder engagement - water resources engineering For more information, please see the following project page: https://thrivingearthexchange.org/project/utilizing-gis-to-restore-water-infrastructure-in-a-rural-community/ Please direct all questions to Matthew Coughlin at matt.coughli...@gmail.com or Britt Forsberg at bforsb...@agu.org To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
