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Environmental Studies Department |
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Campus Environmental Issues CommitteeApril 26, 2002
The meeting began at 3:45 p.m. Luce Foundation Grant proposal: Peter Vaughan discussed the Luce foundation grant opportunity; as in 2001, the Luce Foundation has solicited proposals from the College. Peter recently put together a draft grant proposal, on behalf of the CEIC, addressing implementation of the Talloires Declaration. At this meeting, he reviewed the feedback he received in the preceding week, meeting with both Dan Hornbach, Provost, and Elizabeth Cogswell in the Development office. In general, comments were positive. A major concern brought forward by the Provost related to any implicit requirements for future additional staffing to be funded by the College, as associated with the grant proposal. This does not appear to be a major constraint; the draft proposal envisioned 3-4 years of grant-dependent staff funding for a Director of College Environmental Affairs, with a stipulation that this person would attract future soft money funding in order to continue the position. Several alternatives were discussed by the committee—one related to the possibility that cost savings associated with environmental audits would be sufficient to justify the position. Alternately, it could be that a current staff member would be sufficiently brought up to speed in the intervening, grant-funded time, and could then be in a position to take over these responsibilities. Elizabeth’s comments primarily related to focus; she felt the proposal needed to strongly center on increased community-based service learning opportunities for Macalester students. There are several current initiatives that could play into this concept, including the Peracles and Hewlett Junior Fellowship programs. Peter will be looking into these matters further in the short term. Elizabeth also suggested a full four years for the grant proposal, and the inclusion of an administrative assistant staff person. Additional committee discussion centered on the Talloires framework for implementation, the clear need for the College to begin to address sustainability issues, and the cross-cutting aspects of the Director position, encompassing both academic and institutional responsibilities. The deadline for proposal submission is May 17; with administrative clearing by the College, the proposal should be ready to submit in final form by May 13. Xcel Energy Wind Turbine proposal from Physical Plant: Mark Dickinson next brought forward and discussed the Xcel-funded wind turbine opportunity. Physical Plant has been working with Xcel on this matter for several years. The wind turbine opportunity came about as related to the good relations Macalester has maintained with Xcel—this given Physical Plant has been able to save substantial funds, by rebate, for improved efficiency. Xcel has for some time been willing to provide a small wind turbine to the college, free of cost; the college must pay for installation. Initially, the concept was to place the wind turbine on campus, but over the last year and more there have been too many issues brought forward in terms of unsuitability for an on-campus wind turbine. Instead, Physical Plant is now looking to place the wind turbine at the college’s Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area. Mark recently met with Craig Aase, Dan Hornbach and David Bergstrom on this matter. He told the committee that they are looking to move ahead on the Ordway option in the short term, and are working to get permits and variances in place. Mark thought that this process could be completed later this summer. The committee was unaware of this opportunity, and will further discuss these matters at future meetings. Battery Recycling: Ana Murteira discussed her research on this topic. In the past, the college supported battery recycling, through Physical Plant. Mark Dickinson said this program was stopped because there were no options for recycling. Ana has found several places that will handle recycling; there are various other metals associated with batteries that would best be recycled, rather than incinerated, as all Macalester trash is handled. Mark agreed to have staff look into these options, and will report back to the committee. Rainwater Garden: There was a brief discussion of this small garden, which will be placed adjacent to the library; it will use rainwater for improved soil moisture. Students met with Physical Plant on the proposal, and have full support on the concept, which should be implemented prior to commencement. Jerry Nelson of Physical Plant will work with the students to prepare the ground and arrange for the planting. The committee meeting ended at 5pm. |
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