This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Environmental Assessment of Constructing a Scenic Parkway

Field studies were conducted to determine what environmental resources were at risk in completing a segment of the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee.

What are the environmental resources at risk in constructing and operating a scenic parkway?

Field studies of geology, soils, ecological resources, socio-economics, aesthetics, air and water quality, and traffic were conducted along a 1000-ft corridor to determine the environmental consequences of completing a 10-mile segment of the Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.

The assessment found that potentially significant impacts result from slope instability and habitat loss for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. Mitigation measures were recommended to minimize such impacts. The National Park Service used this environmental report as a basis for its environmental impact statement on the proposed project.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 1992. Environmental report, proposed construction and operation of segment 8D of the Foothills Parkway. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Where To?

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.