Bringing Great Lakes communities "back to the river" by linking ecosystem services and health

Session: Linking Human Well-being, Quality of Life, and Ecosystem Services to Conservation Efforts (2)

Joel Hoffman, US EPA Office of Research and Development, [email protected]
Kathleen Williams, US EPA Office of Research and Development, [email protected]
Rosita Clarke, USEPA - Land Revitalization/Brownfields, [email protected]
Florence Fulk, US EPA Office of Research and Development, [email protected]
Justicia Rhodus, Pegasus Technical Services, Inc., [email protected]

Abstract

Undertaking large-scale remediation and restoration projects in prominent waterfront locations such as city parks provides an opportunity both to improve ecosystem services and to enhance community well-being. However, to consider both opportunities simultaneously, a community-based decision support process is required, particularly to incorporate the knowledge and values of the community into decision-making. Our objective was to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) with state, city, and community stakeholders to provide information to decision-makers regarding the health consequences of a large-scale, urban aquatic habitat restoration project in a Great Lakes coastal community. The HIA was used to integrate local values and knowledge, as well as cooperative ecosystem services research, with agency and community decision-making through the lens of community health benefits. Potential health impacts from construction including short-term concerns with respect to noise, light pollution, and air quality. Long-term health benefits from the project include increased recreational, cultural, and spiritual value, which can increase social cohesion, reduce stress and chronic disease, and improve quality of life. As a result, the project enhanced the ecosystem services provided by the project, and community members and stakeholders praised the process, recognizing it added substantial community value to the project.