The Aero Tech Park as a model for industrial development from an environmental perspective

Abstract

The history of industrial development in the Maritimes rarely acknowledged environmental perturbations during construction and operational phases. The Aero Tech Park at the Halifax International Airport is the first major project in the region to employ sound environmental procedure regarding development and operation. This paper outlines how the unique chain of events precipitated that occurrence, and speculates on the probability of similar practices influencing future projects. The Aero Tech Park which serves as the model for this thesis is situated at the site of the International Airport and a history of the airport is examined. Construction activities during the development of the airport created major environmental perturbations and is outlined in a sequential expose. Development methods at the airport typified existing attitudes of disregard for environmental sensitivities and stressed primarily economic survival regardless of ecological injury. The airport development serves as a graphic example contrasting the careful environmental procedures employed by the Aero Tech Park’s development. The introduction of the thesis explores the various schools of environmental theory and rationalizes a Maritime context. The importance of an accurate “Environmental Impact Assessment” (EIA) at the conceptual stage of a major project is articulated. The conclusion weaves the theory with the practical and formulates a comprehensive and comprehendable model for industrial development. A major deficiency during the conceptual phase of the Aero Tech Park is revealed and the necessity of including a “Social Impact Assessment” (SIA) with an EIA is vital with any major project involving significant numbers of people. Finally, the thesis focuses its paradigm of ecological preservation on a tangible basis that can be utilized by County planners and development officers. A revised application form, utilized by the County of Halifax for project development approval, is produced which addresses the various complexities of environmental assessment and serves as a basis for a model of industrial development from an environmental perspective.