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Show muMstindiTli'af Task Forces In Action Photos by Roger Taylor Included in this task force study are portions of the Condition Statement on the Physical Environment that will be presented to the task force this week. The statement serves as a general guideline for consideration by the task force when engaging in the development of programs to eradicate the unwanted environmental conditions noted by the statement. Involved in more than the projects developed by the task force, this body of residents has hundreds of names on a petition; the task force endorsed the construction ofthe North Temple viaduct, the 400 South viaduct and the pedestrian walkway constructed over Redwood Road at 2600 South. Certain members of the task force, not withstanding the combined and effective efforts of the entire body of citizens, highlight the task force; Lorna Lee, Chairwoman, member of the Westside Community Council, advocate of Glendale Park development and the Jordan River Parkway development; George Kinney, member ofthe Redwood Council, advocate of the Jordan River Parkway, member of the Coordinating Council; Afton Kinney, member of the Redwood Council, advocate of the Jordan River Parkway; Ardus Ith, Man's existence on earth accounts for only an infinitesimal smattering of time. Most scientific data today indicates our planet to be of the young age of four billion years, mankind's age at several thousand. Yet, within the last 100 years man's influence on the environment has had, in some disgraceful circumstances, an irreversable and dangerous impact on the organized order nature imposes on the earth. Man is responsible for the total annihilation of many species of animals, including acts of genocide. The International Redbook of Endangered Species is full of life that faces extinction and the number recorded is growing. Perhaps in the near future, unless the required steps are taken, man will find himself an endangered species. The natural order found in our environment is made up of a very delicate balance of forces. Even the highest mountain or the mightiest river is controlled by existence of animal and plant life is even more so affected. Taking the scales of nature, and in an ignorant or unskilled way, introducing man's influence changing the balance of nature's controls, we can only promote the destruction of nature's work; we have already accomplished that kind of destruction in the last 100 years, that which took nature billions of years to create. Altering the course of the rivers, digging away watersheds, indeed mountains themselves, polluting the air, and poisoning the waterways, are the result of man's incredible, but bad influence on nature. The Physical Environment Task Force is engaged in preserving, beautifying and of the generally policing segments of the environment tarnished or undeveloped by man in this community. Task Force activities have developed four major projects to deal with the problems and conditions found within the local environment. increasing. The population of Salt Lake County is over 43 of the total state population and has grown 19.7 over the last decade. This population increase has caused a growth in consumption of electrical power, increased use of petroleum products and solid waste production, all factors which increase air pollution. Over 51 of the states industry is located within Salt Lake County. increase, not only in number, but in the average daily vehicle miles Jordan River by obtaining the County have been steadily several activities directed toward against the channelization of the nature's delicate, work; produce air pollution in Salt Lake Automobiles continue to the environment. They fought by Ki;k Terry Factors which tend to in endorsed and participated Urban blight is major concern of Physical Environment Task Force. Air pollution. member of Redwood Council, supporter of the Derby Street extension project. The following are portions of the Condition Statement on the Physical Environment: A very broad consideration, relating directly or indirectly with other program areas, physical environment can best be discussed in a topical format. Particularly, those topics to be discussed are: Environmental health considerations a. Air pollution b. Water pollution c. Noise pollution d. Abandoned vehicles and rubbish accumulations 2. Parks and recreation facilities 3. Zoning and land-us- 4. Streest, etc. a. Paved streets Curb and gutter c. Street lighting b. e V-'- i' Jr s w ' J8Z X X'ft'iSf traveled. Increased construction also brings about an increased need for space heating. As to industrial sources of air pollution, Salt Lake County contains a majority of the industries in Utah that emit contaminants into the River cleanup was air and based on the present Jordan growth rate, new sources of endorsed by task force. pollution will continue to come into this county. Consider these factors together with the geographical area. Salt Lake County is a basin surrounded by mountains on all sides. Coupled with meterological conditions which favor inversions (especially during winter months) the problem becomes more complex and severe. Water pollution. The Jordan River flows through the entire length of the Model Neighborhood. For decades the river has been an eyesore, a hazard to health, and generally one of the county's greatest liabilities. The river has been and is still the receptical for and waste; both human and industrial. The banks have been the breeding place for rodents and disease. Samller streams flowing to the Jordan River also show a high degree of refuse pollution. Noise pollution. It is the feeling of the residents of the Model Neighborhood and the Salt Lake 1. ifc City and County Health Departments, that a noise pollution problem does not exist locally. To what extent the problem actually does exist, it is impossible at this time to say. While no surveys have been taken to this time, readings will be taken within the very near future. Abandoned Vehicles and Rubbish Accumulation. Throughout the Model Neighborhood, accumulations of trash and rubbish create an unsightly environment, and contribute to the danger of health hazards. The survey for the Neighborhood Environmental Evaluation and Decision System (NEEDS) program reveals that throughout most of the Model Neighborhood, between21 to 50 of all premises surveyed had rubbish accumulations which detracted from the premise only, the adjacent property, or the entire block. The rubbish problem is compounded by the presence of abandoned car and truck bodies throughout the area. The NEEDS survey, again, reveals that an approxi mate average of 20 of all premises surveyed had either 1,2, 3, or more than 3 abandoned motor vehicles present. Parks and Recreational Facilities. There are, at the present time, no golf courses within the Model Neighborhood and only 4 public swimming pools; three of which are outdoor pools. All of these pools located well within the northern portion of are the Model Neighborhood, leaving the south end (Redwood) with virtually no opportunity for swimming, other than in the polluted waters of the Jordan River. The City Parks Department has declared as its priorities the expansion of the Jordan River Park, construction of Glendale Park, and the construction ofthe Glendale Golf Course, all within the confines ofthe City portion of the Model Cities neighborhood. In the County portion of the model neighborhood, the Decker Lake Park is being developed on a |