Förbättringsförslag till Kanalen i Sandviken : SWOT-analys av förbättringsförslagen

Abstract: The urban area of Sandviken is founded on industries, which also is the driving force of growth throughout the years. The industry were in need of a nearby and easily accessed water source, and therefore a channel was excavated. The name of that channel today is Kanalen and it has three uses: stormwater recipient, natural element and cultural heritage.The environmental load on Sanvikens urban areas are increasing along with Sandvikens population. This lead to issues regarding the possibility to maintain Kanalen and all its three functions in the future. The purpose of this paper is to present suitable improvements that can be made based on the present situation, limited to traffic and solid waste disposal. The physical boundary of Sandvikens community is Sandvikens’ northern urban part. The goal is to obtain knowledge of both the present situation as well as suitable improvements. To understand the so-called Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats(SWOT) analysis is also an interest. The target group is foremost the public servants in the community, however it could also be local residents. The method and method implementation are presented in chronological order in the paper. The literature study is based on several annual reports and secondary literature, as well as database research. Visits to Kanalen were performed in order to take relevant photos and make realistic observations on the physical conditions in and around Kanalen. Interviews took place with people who could contribute to the comprehension of the complexity of Kanalen. Both regarding its significance and additional information. SWOT is the analysis used on the suggested improvements eligibility for Sandviken. The tool was consistent throughout each of the improvements suggested. The results section of the paper is meant to function as an informative foundation and a foundation up for discussion. The description of the current situation consists of figures, pictures and substance levels. The description has two main parts. The first includes the physical aspects of Kanalen and surrounding territory. Points of emission from storm drains to Kanalen and aspects of each function as presented. Further information in that chapter of the paper include an earlier event of landslip and Sandvikens green area. Focus then move to traffic and waste pollution. Specific points of pollution from traffic are roundabouts, traffic lights, and paved roads going directly across Kanalen using bridges. Leaked substances from traffic were found mainly to be nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and heavy metals. The solid waste studied in this paper was concentrated on paths in very close proximity to Kanalen, which is used for walking and biking. The outcome of mapping these paths showed that all waste containers were suitable for the intended task. The environmental impact of nutrients and heavy metals retrieved from the annual report were described in general terms. The reason is to show the risks involved with unsupervised and increasing substance levels. Four improvements on traffic pollution and three on waste are presented in the result section. The improvements to traffic pollution to Kanalen in Sandvikens urban area were degreasers, bio-indicators, permeable pavement coatings and plant beds. These improvements could lead to the following positive effects, less downstream work, enhanced esthetical value despite change, and a lasting heritage. The improvements on waste pollution to Kanalen in Sandvikens urban area were to rectify unsuitable waste containers, implement new and improve illumination along Kanalen. These improvements could lead to following positive effects, preferable biological conditions, less visible waste, and the use of modern solutions that are future friendly. Possible errors associated with this study can be choice of method, use of figures and tables and content that maybe should have been included. However, the following conclusions canebe made from this study. The environmental strain could be reduced if suggested improvements are carried out. The advantages concern all three functions of Kanalen. The proportions of each improvement have an effect on the feasibility. Budget and possibility to coordinate are also decisive elements. This work is meant to lead to environmental advantageous change, both in the aquatic setting in Kanalen as well as in its physical surroundings.