Abstract
The paper considers how communities in general and northwest Florida in particular can clean up debris following a hurricane. The paper also touches on the issues of health hazards and flooding, and communications problems.

From the Paper
"Hurricanes and tornadoes have made headlines in recent years as the devastation left in their wakes is broadcast around the nation and even around the world. Hurricanes in particular make for spectacular news programs because of the large area covered by these natural disasters and the surrealist nature of the damage that is caused. Boats and ships come loose from their moorings for example, and can end up miles inland. The images of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina remain fresh in people's minds with..."

Tags:hurricane, Katrina, disasters, disaster planning, Hugo, Andrew, debris, cleanup

Abstract
This paper discusses the nature, causes and effects and the technological and legal solutions to the increasing problem of the presence of space debris and junk in space. By relating the problem of space debris to a memorable current event, it informs the readers about the possible dangers that future space explorations might face if this problem will be left unsolved. It also looks how technological and legal solutions provide an implication that the problem of space debris are taken seriously by government and astronomical agencies because of the prevalence of mishaps and accidents that have been happening/occurring in space.

Outline
Introduction
What are Space Debris and Junk?
Effects and Threats of Space Debris and Junk
Technological Aspects of Resolving the Space Debris and Junk Problem
Legal Aspects of Solving the Space Debris and Junk Problem
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Space debris and junk can pose a tremendous danger to satellites and spacecrafts, whether these spacecrafts are manned or not. In a book entitled, "Orbital Debris," authored by the Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, spacecrafts traveling in the lower Earth orbit, or LEO, are more susceptible to collide with smaller particles, with a one-millimeter diameter (CETS 1995 4). However, there is also a big chance that big-sized particles will collide with spacecrafts and satellites traveling along the LEO region. Collisions between spacecrafts and space junk usually happen in the LEO region because this particular region is highly-populated with space debris and junk. This is logical since most of the space programs and explorations that were conducted by nations on Earth are usually located in the nearest region away from the Earth, which is on the lower Earth orbit."

Tags:satellites, spacecrafts, earth, columbia, programs

Abstract
This paper discusses how, because of the interconnectedness of the global environment, marine debris is not only a national problem and how it is indiscriminate in its harm to marine wildlife, the degradation of ocean habitats, interference with navigation and water safety, fishing, coastal communities, human health and disease vectors, and the global economy. The paper discusses how although there are certainly a variety of national laws and regulations designed to protect individual waterways and to limit the disposal of garbage in the oceans there are no comprehensive, international programs designed to assess and limit marine debris, or to remove what waste is already in the system.

From the Paper
"Fortunately, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency that is tasked with the conditions of the world's oceans and atmosphere, understands that issues that effect the oceans are global in span and must be treated as global in diplomacy, policy, and education. NOAA has a Marine Debris Program that serves as a centralized information and action/development center with NOAA and several global agencies, including the United Nations. It is tasked with the coordination, strengthening, and education to the public and private sector regarding the effects of marine debris. In the last decade, NOAA-MDP has focused its efforts on the international community - helping to identify, reduce, prevent, and where possible, clean up, marine debris pollution. "

Tags:ocean, habitats, marine, wildlife, pollution

Abstract
This paper reports that one way that builders are finding available land is by using places previously thought unsafe or unsuitable to build on, such as landfill sites. This paper explains that landfill sites can safely be used to build high-rise buildings, provided the density of the landfill, the size of the foundation pieces and the deepness of the foundation pilings are taken into consideration. The author points out that there have been no reported problems from the settling of the landfill site on which Battery Park City was built.

From the Paper
"First, it is important to understand what landfills are and why they are here. Landfills are areas where the city or other municipality has dumped discarded items such as debris and garbage. The city often dumps large items there, as well, and eventually the landfill reaches its capacity. Landfills are important because debris and garbage has to go somewhere, but many people remain concerned that landfills are dangerous, and that hazardous materials are being dumped into landfills, which could harm people in the future. When someone decides to build on a landfill site, as the one in Battery Park City, the question of stability comes up. After all, they are essentially building on garbage and debris, which seems likely to shift and move as it settles."

Tags:density, safe, foundation, pilings, stability

Abstract
The paper describes how many search and rescue dogs with their handlers selflessly tried to save the many humans trapped in the debris and rubble of the September 11th terrorist attack on New York. The paper paints a picture of how these dogs climbed, crawled, jumped and sniffed for a full month, without a thought for their own safety. The paper relates several stories of these canines' heroism.

From the Paper
"September 11th, 2001 will go down in history as one of America's greatest tragedies. Yet, from the death and destruction, out of the rubble and debris, came the true spirit of humankind, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. There are so many stories of heroism on that fateful day that it fills the heart with hope. Those trained to respond, those found thrust into the situation with no preparation, and all of the support from millions of people around the globe showed that tragedy could bring out the hero in everyone. And this was not limited to just those of the human persuasion, but canines as well."

Tags:canines, handlers, debris, rubble

Abstract
This paper focuses on key elements of ocean pollution: Oil pollution, toxic materials, dangerous debris and deposits and withdrawals. The author gives an overview of the efforts underway to prevent further pollution of the world's oceans.

Abstract
The paper discusses the options that are available to companies to manage and prevent disasters whenever possible. The paper explains that developing advance-warning systems can prevent extensive loss to life and in some cases, precautionary measures can be undertaken to prevent damages to property. The paper also shows how the best defense humans have against natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes and storm is public awareness and offering the public sufficient time for evacuation. Some aerial photos are included with the paper.

Outline:
Introduction
Tornado Trend Analysis
Confirmation of Fatalities and Injuries
Estimation of Damage to Homes, Business & Infrastructure
Debris Removal for the Purpose of Regaining
Taking Care of the People Impacted by the Tornado
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) makes provisions for federal funds to be provided on a high priority basis to help mitigate hazards at local levels. In addition, the act also calls for identification and assessment of natural disasters that can disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity. The act defines an "Emergency" as any occasion or instant for which, in the determination of the President, federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States. (FEMA.gov, 2003)"

Tags:tornadoes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, storm, earthquake

Abstract
This paper examines how city recycling programs are a growing trend in the United States, especially in cities with progressive-minded mayors. It looks at how many cities are taking legal steps to control the pile-up of construction and demolition debris.

From the Paper
"Chicago's decision was part of a growing interest in green building and in making the city environmentally friendly. Every new building has to conform to standards of environmental quality as set forth by the U. S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The standards include recycling C & D debris. The Chicago Center for Green Technology got an award for its building (Grzeskowiak, 2006). Our city could do the same. Tallahassee, Florida recently renovated their Solid Waste Administration building to conform to green standards (Grzeskowiak, 2006). "

Tags:energy, green, standards

Abstract
This paper explains how and why hazard mitigation is our best defense against the power of tropical storms. The paper also describes and explains the technology and design used for hazard mitigation and that the use of technology and engineering are the best ways to integrate mitigation into buildings.

From the Paper
"On August 24th, 1992, Hurricane Andrew appeared on the horizon, off of Florida's south eastern coastline. Winds of over 170 miles per hour blasted through Florida's peninsula while a seventeen foot storm surge caused severe coastal flooding to many of the major roadways and utilities (Provenzo, 2002). Figure 1 shows the pressure that can be created, per foot, by blowing winds. Florida would bear the brunt of the storm as it moved due west bisecting much of southern Florida, on August 25th, the storm finished movement over the peninsula, and turned north to Louisiana, a low lying area (Provenzo, 2002). The hurricane then would move north, and slowly dissipate as it reached the interior of the United States of America. When the storm was over, many families were in shock to see most of their houses destroyed, and many of the roadways inundated with standing water. The cost of the Hurricane in the United States was $26.5 billion in damage in the United States, of which $1 billion occurred in Louisiana and the rest in south Florida (Provenzo, 2002). The cost in human lives would also be high for the United States, twenty three people would die the day the hurricane first hit land, and thirty one people would die in the days after the hurricane initially made landfall. Eighteen of the 54 direct deaths attributed to Hurricane Andrew occurred during the recovery phase (Cook, 1995). Of those identified, eight were stress-induced heart attacks, three were either people falling in damaged buildings or hit by debris while cleaning up, and two were children who died in fires in damaged homes. This large number is placed into perspective when also confronted with the fact that nationwide, hurricanes annually account for an average of 17 deaths. The vast majority of the damage in Florida was due to the winds. Many of the house designs at the time overlooked the additional costs of adapted the most up to date techniques of home construction, which have a chance to mitigate the threat of a hurricane (Cook,1995). Those that did utilize construction techniques capable of coping with high winds returned to find many of their homes destroyed. Debris that reached over 85 miles an hour crashed into the house, puncturing the sides and allowing high pressures of wind to enter destroying the main structure by applying pressure from the inside out. Many people believed there seemed to be no way to cope with the power of the hurricane after hurricane Andrew. The aftermath of Hurricane Andrew jumpstarted the industry of engineering a home to survive the high powered winds, devastating storm surge, and heavy weighted debris that can accompany a hurricane. Many of the newest home designs would be tested, not in a computer, or in a wind tunnel, but in the middle of four hurricanes. One of the worst hurricane seasons ever recorded would occur twelve years after Hurricane Andrew, in September of 2004. Mitigation represents our best defense against the power of tropical storms, and the use of technology and engineering are the best ways to integrate mitigation into buildings."

Tags:human, lives, andrew, falling, debris, damaged, florida, winds, house, home, construction

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed examination of the arrest and charge of Constable Robert Hagan regarding the stolen pieces of the Space Shuttle Columbia. The writer explores several aspects of the case, including what Hagan is charged with doing and what his possible punishments might be.

From the Paper
"For society to function properly it must be able to place the utmost trust in those it chooses to protect and to serve its members. The ability to trust police officers and others who are charged with leading the moral path is essential to the continued growth and development of the nation. When a trusted official breaks the law it sends shock waves through society. Constable Robert Hagan II has been charged with stealing from the United States government. His case has made national news because he is a trusted elected official and as such expected to hold himself to a higher standard than the average resident. His case is being watched closely by media and laymen alike as he goes through the process he was supposed to help implement and uphold."

Tags:united, states, property, landing, scene, debris, texas, law, enforcement, disaster, pieces, judicial, system, theft