In
studying natural systems, you have learned that all plants, animals
and other living things are made of materials that are recycled
through the environment again and again. You also have learned that
natural waste products can overburden the balance within an ecosystem.
One waste product that is overburdening the balance in our local
ecosystem is human organic waste or sewage.
How
does your community deal with human organic waste treatment? How
does your community compare to other communities in Canada? Once
you have looked deeper into the treatment of sewage in your areas
you will need to decide if there are any problems or alternative
treatments that might better suit your community’s needs. The
following task will help you to better understand the treatment
systems used by your community and other communities in Canada.
As
you might have already guessed the issues surrounding sewage treatment
are complex and involve a number of different people. Municipal
planners, sewage treatment specials, biologists, environmentalists,
ecologists, concerned citizens, politicians, real estate salespersons,
store owners, home owners all have definite views on what should
be done about organic waste treatment and how any problems should
be addressed. Often these views are competing and debates ensue
as people attempt to find the best solution for their community.
Therefore to help you with your task you will be working with a
project team. Your team will consist of a municipal planner, a sewage
treatment specialist, a biologist, and an environmentalist. You
will have to decide which role each of you will play on this team.
As you go about researching sewage treatment and alternatives you
will bring the special knowledge about the treatment of sewage and
its effects on the ecosystem from your specialist's position. In
presenting your findings, you must work as a team and come up with
a presentation on sewage treatment and alternatives that ALL members
of your team can agree upon.
You
will be responsible for a presentation to the appropriate town or
community groups responsible for sewage treatment in your area.
You
will be using technology to:
*Access current studies
*Find alternative sewage solutions
*Analyze water samples
*Create maps
*Take digital pictures
*Take videos
*Create presentations
*Manage your project
*Create brochures and documents
*Email experts
