Hi,
I would try to get in touch with the departament of Geography in the site of the University (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - Brasil)www.cfh.ufsc.br/~LabGeop/labframe.htm

lupa,

It's not exactly what I had in mind but thanks for the reply anyway! ( I don't speak Spanish)

Well, I would look into beautifying the area to draw consumers and improve worker morale. Most highways I've seen are scoured of life on both sides or an expensive and ugly wall it erected to counter traffic noise.

Instead, plant a variety of trees and shrubs, some fast growing and others long lasting. All should be selected for low maintainance and must be proven compatible with the local ecology (look at native varieties first). Put plenty of shrubs between cars and trees for safety.

Start with roundtable discussions of local businesses and residents that may help keep expenses down and extend the idea with a few well placed benches for workers or pedestrians.

The basis of this type of study is a NEPA assessment. That details the potential issues as well as mitigation requirements. Each of your development options could be tested against the NEPA baseline. Continue to process your options, and if you still get a FONSI, you're good to go.

Call Dr's. Dan Reinke or Dorothy Gibb at 703-641-1100. They are experts in NEPA and ecosystem impacts respectively.

I believe there is a one-day conference in Illinois on Feb 28, 2000 on Restoring Native Ecosystems for more info contact prrcd@ocslink.com

steveo@ix.netcom.com