Data and Thesis Projects on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in Washington State

Map public health and environmental consequences of dairy Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Washington state.

A handful of public datasets exist that both quantify and visualize the various impacts that CAFOs have on environmental quality. Datasets vary in what they portray, therefore, it is important to consolidate these sets in order to tell a more complete picture on the environmental impacts, health related impacts, and other detrimental costs of CAFOs in WA state. Public datasets are available.

Helpful skills for this task: familiarity with database technologies, such as ARCGIS, dataset visualization, importing datasets into new platform, research. Task Responsibilities:
Extract datasets and input into platform.
Upload consolidated data to website.
Research existing datasets that may be included in the consolidated map.
Possible chance to formulate policy recommendations, dependent on student interest.