M.K. Gorman, Bennett & Williams, Inc., has been asked to speak at the Greater Staffordshire Civic Association Annual Meeting in January, 2011. Ms. Gorman recently completed work on a research design to assist citizens in Richmond’s Fourth District who rely on life-saving medical equipment for at-home use. The research design can be used to identify vulnerable residents and coordinate resources in the event of power outages. As the population ages in the Richmond area, this type of information can benefit emergency responders, Dominion Virginia Power, neighborhood associations and residents to better ensure lives are protected and priorities identified in the event of a disaster. Ms. Gorman will also speak to the Association about citizen involvement in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery through CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams).
Patient First in the Brownfields redevelopment
Bennett & Williams, Inc. is assisting Patient First in the redevelopment of the Roslyn Farms Corporation Brownfields Redevelopment in Colonial Heights In 2007, the Roslyn Farm Corporation completed a Brownfields Initiative on the 3-acre parcel at the corner of Charles Dimmock Parkway and Temple Avenue in Colonial Heights. Bennett & Williams, Inc. was responsible for overseeing the project, and has since continued to consult with the Roslyn Farm Corporation and prospective purchasers during the redevelopment phase. This has included design considerations with respect to ensuring the integrity of the clay cap, environmental assessment, and health and safety concerns associated with methane gas. Construction began last month on the western part of the site for a new Patient First medical facility, and additional businesses are actively engaged in planning with the Roslyn Farm Corporation for developing the remainder of the property.
R&D for regulatory policy for offshore drilling in Virginia
Bennett & Williams, Inc. is performing research related to environmental and disaster science regulatory policy for offshore drilling in Virginia. After the explosion of BP’s Deepwater Horizon this spring, a moratorium on offshore drilling was implemented in the Gulf Region, set to expire November 30, 2010. The Obama administration lifted this moratorium on October 12, 2010, and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar proposed establishing an “Ocean Energy Safety Institute” for research and development aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future. Bennett & Williams, Inc.’s ongoing research combining environmental and disaster science disciplines is reflective of the Institute’s collaborative efforts and objectives.