LAND USE SUITABILITY ANALYSIS: AN ASSESSMENT FOR THE RHODE ISLAND CENTRAL LANDFILL

The purpose of this research project was to develop an alternative methodology for the Land Use Suitability Study for the Rhode Island Central Landfill in Johnston, Rhode Island. The alternative methodology involved developing a means to analyze the Central Landfill property that is more in depth than the initial basic overlay analysis used in the 1996 Central Landfill Land Use Suitability Study. The means to accomplish this began with a comparison of this study with other land use studies, and literature related to land use suitability studies. Particular attention was paid to methods of analysis. The intent was to identify topics of analysis omitted in the existing study, and weaknesses with the original methodology used to assign suitability for development values. A major intention of this research project was to improve the Central Landfill Land Use Suitability Study that was conducted by the author in the summer of 1996. Any improvements would enhance its value as an integral element of a comprehensive land use plan for the Rhode Island Central Landfill. The establishment of such a master plan would in tum function as a tool to guiding future land use decisions at the Central Landfill