Fairbanks: A Study of Environmental Quality

Fairbanks, Alaska is used as a case study for assessing problems of environmental quality that may intensify or develop in rapidly expanding northern settlements. Constraints imposed by site and situations are severe, although they have been partially overcome by high-cost technological measures. Additionally, flood damage, inadequate community action, and high costs have led to poor housing conditions and a housing shortage. Disposal of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes, inadequately controlled in the past, has become a serious problem. Enforcement of new health standards and the development of community-wide planning represent recent measures to improve environmental quality.