Ministery of Environment and Social Affairs (MESA)

[Cecasander]

(SEMI-PUBLIC) Ministry of Environment and Social Affairs (MESA)

The Ministry of Environment and Social Affairs​

MESA's new building, the Realm Building, from Wolfington Park​

When the new term started, the MESA moved to the Realm Building in Wolfington, Eutopia City, as the former office had became to small and didn't sulfice the needs of the ministry. The white Realm Tower was originaly build for a software company, but it moved out of the country just before the building was finished. The MESA bought the building, and finished it in record time. Inside, everything smells new, especialy the century old furniture that was drawn from the old office. Although it would take some time for people to find their place, the common feeling towards the new accomodation was a good one.

The new minister of the MESA, dr. Alexis Keller, holds office on the 23th floor, but can be found all around the building, as well as in the cabinet buildings. Visitors should make an appointment at the MESA secratary's office, or should adress to Dr. Keller's personal secretary, miss Fiona Dubois. The minister can also be reached by telephone, fax and e-mail.

 

[Cecasander]

Affairs of the MESA

21 dec. Research to the Königssee pollution starts.
4 jan. First final results revealed regarding Königssee pollution.

 

[Cecasander]

The Königssee near the mouth of the Orange river.​

The ministry of Environmental and Social Affairs started a grand research project to the pollution of the Königssee. Several goverment-funded laboratories, as well as university labs and three independent research groups work together. A small camp was set up along one of the empty shores of the lake. The MESA was also based on the research ship Belugus, that was lying in the lake, and several laboratories in the abandoned Ryeland foodplant, just outside Neuwestbaden.

The Ryeland plant also contained the temporal press room, where any news and discoveries would be made public.

Progress will be reported here.

 

[Cecasander]

A contigent of the press had gathered in the Ryeland Plant messhall, where minister held her press meeting regarding the Königssee pollution.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, other interested people, welcome. I suggest that I shall first reveal all the relevant information we gathered over the last two weeks. And I can say we found quite some answers. Yet, many still remains unanswered, and it will take some time. This also includes waiting times from laboratory researches, simply becourse some tests have incubation or monotoring periods that last for several weeks, and we can't have any result from those tests prior to that".

There was no initial protest.

"As far as we can see, the actual pollution of the Königssee is not chemical, but is caused by rotting processed of the dying flora and fauna in the lake. In the middle levels of the lake, 40 percent of the total fishstock died, in the lowest levels of the lake, the deathtoll is even over 80 percent of the fish and waterflora. The deathtoll is the highest near the northern and northwestern shores of the lake. Initialy it seemed like an epidemia within the fishstocks, but thanks to ETI research we ruled a natural deathcause out".

"We are now very certain, that the flora and fauna in the lake died of a massive lack of oxygen. Samples from the lower levels of the lake pointed out that the oxygenlevels went down to about 15 percent of the usual level on these depths in the last few months. Even on the highest levels of the northern half of the lake and the in southern half, the oxygen levels are only 75 to 80 percent of what they were used to be during the last great research, about three years ago. The southern half is significantly 'cleaner', as the Orange river crossed the lake trough there, supplying additional oxygen".

"Research had so far been unable to detect anything in the water that might be responsable for the pollution. It has been suggested that mining operations are polluting the water, but the present issue is clearly a very recent occurance, while the mines are operating for years. The monotoring of the northern and western shores of the lake for any possible resources of pollution is now our major concern. Other that that, I fear there is nothing constructive that I can reveal at this moment. Therefore, I would like to end this talk by pointing out that the drinking water is perfectly clean. All the present water comes from the southern shore, near the Orange river mouth or near Neuwestbaden, where the pollution is the least. The pumping stations are effectively cleaning any possible pollution, and the water quality at the stations is monitored at all times. Therefore, it is safe for drinking, and I would like to point out that there is not reason for disturbance. Thank you".

 

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A letter arrives from Lamont Rashaad

Dear Dr. Keller
I, Lamont Rashaad, have launched a project to expand Topan rights and establish a state of semi autonomy within Eutopia. We also seek to educate young Topans about their ancient and proud history and celebrate Topan heritage. I'm planning a fundraiser event and was told you could help me, Dr. Keller. That'd be uber fab. And, uh, do you have a deputy minister yet? If not...


Sincerely,

Lamont Rashaad

 

[Voshkod]

A secure courier delivers a classified document for the Minister.

SECRET//NOFORN,ORCON//X3​

Minister: I am requesting permission to conduct a division-size multi-service exercise in and around publically-owned lands in the region of the upper Foss valley. This region has several advantages, including the fact that it is distant from our neighbors. An exercise in the Foss region is not likely to concern them.

This exercise will consist of a seaborne landing by a brigade-sized opposing force (OPFOR). OPFOR will attempt to move through the heavily-wooded Foss valley region, with the goal of gaining the ridgeline of the south branch of the Foss. Reponse will consist initially of small airborne and airmobile reaction forces, to delay and harass OPFOR, with a divisional follow-on force to meet and destroy OPFOR. There will be mock naval and air combat as well.

The Eutopian military realizes that is the defender of the people and the lands of Eutopia. While this exercise will have environmental impacts, we will attempt to minimize them. Further, engineering units will survey the exercise region before and after the exercise, to identify sensitive areas and to remediate any damage.

This exercise can be expected to have the following environmental impacts:

- Damage to forest resources, including trees. Any damaged trees will be replaced by mature growth post-exercise.

- Damage to streams and marshes by fording and bridging exercises. We shall ensure that no damage is done to sensitive wetlands, and the engineers shall remediate any other damage post-exercise.

- Increased noise pollution in the region, largely caused by low-flying combat aircraft and the firing of 'blank' rounds. This effect will be temporary and transitory.

- Increased air pollution due to an increase of vehicles in the area. Again, this effect will be temporary and transitory.

- Closing part of the public lands for the duration of the exercise and remediation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

/s/Lt. Gen. Marcus Levarge, Commander in Chief of the Army of Eutopia

SECRET//NOFORN,ORCON//X3​

 

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A letter arrives from Lamont Rashaad

Dear Dr. Keller,

I'm writing to request a position as deputy minister at MESA. As deputy minister, I would encourage a firm but fair approach in protecting the environment. To create a greater sense of unity among Eutopians, I believe we should launch alot of good cultural exchange programs between the provinces. Being who I am, the welfare of the Topans is a high priority on my list. I believe MESA should use education to help maintain Topan culture and to promote good relations between Topans and the general population. I also have some ideas about experimenting with new teaching techniques. My resume can be found here.

Sincerely,
Lamont Rashaad​

 

[Voshkod]

A message from Levarge:

Minister: Thank you for your prompt response. We can meet all requirements you detailed. I have one request, however; I would like to do some small-scale night movement and attack, involving non-mechanized special forces units. I hope this is acceptable.

/s/Levarge

 

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Loic calls the MESA and says he is faxing over the initial summary of the investingation into the illegal mining site that was discovered in the investigation of the Konigsëe, and that he would be pleased discuss how to proceed further.

FAX

The FLEA director cofirms that illegal mining is a federal offense. Enforcement agents refer to "Spot mining", as it is called, as generally a very quick and messy operation to extract a relatively small amount of mineral or metal without notice. "Slow mining", on the other hand, is more of a permanent operation, where a mineral poacher seeks the long-term extraction of minerals over a long period of time, however the amount that can be extracted without notice is usually very, very, small.

The site in question does not fit neatly within either category as it seems to have been one common site from whence many quick one-time extractions were made. As such the safety and integrity of the shafts are unsound and traces of waste chemicals used in extraction were widespread.

The site appears to have been abandoned for at least a few years and there are currently no leads. Copper, which seems to have been present in trace amounts, is commonly used in many Neuwestabaden industries.

Loic adds that copper is often found with gold ore, which could explain the motivation for such repeated small scale mining.

 

[Cecasander]

Press release

Eutopia City -
Today, Dr. Alexis Keller, Minister of Environmental and Social Affairs will continue her work as MESA, after recovering from an infectinous desease. Medical Experts from the Neuwestbaden Medical Center declared the minister fit for work, though she will be under survaillance for a few weeks. The minister said the few weeks of her absence gave her time to recover and relax from her work, though she thoroughly regrets not being able to attend Topafest.

 

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MIDA Loic de Fourgéres drops by to discuss some ideas with MESA Alexis Keller that he had espoused in the campaign to cut pollution.
"Although it was critized by the right, I had suggesting moving at least one ministry out of Eutopia City, as the city is overcrowded and the infrastructure is overloaded, leading to traffic congestion, which exacerbates the already bad smog. With St. Esprit and Tilapia having split off, the capital is no longer centrally located, and it is somewhat of a military liability, having our capital so close to the border. Some suggestions are:
MIDA could move to Douglas in New Lancaster
MESA could move to Harton in Jacobia
MERL could move to Spadling in Gloriana
I am not bound by any of them, but I thought you might want to consider this idea.

I think there are some other steps that would improve things in Eutopia City, but they would require some coordination with the Provincial Authorities, like a regulation against leaving car, truck, or bus engines idling for more than three minutes or a fee for driving into the central business/governmental district to encourage the use of public transportation and to reduce traffic congestion."

 

[Voshkod]

A facsimile arrives in the Minister's office.

EXERCISE MESSAGE
HIDDEN HERALD​

WE ARE THE ALBONAN LIBERATION FRONT. WE HAVE TAKEN CONTROL OF THE ROGARTH CHEMCIAL PLANT. WE WILL BLOW UP CHLORINE STORAGE TANKS IF OUR DEMANDS ARE NOT MET.

IF ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE SEEN APPROACHING THE PLANT, WE WILL DETONATE OUR DEVICES.

RESPOND ON [FAX NUMBER] TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS MESSAGE.

/s/Levarge, as Exercise Coordinator

EXERCISE MESSAGE
HIDDEN HERALD​

 

[unmerged(33865)]

Having left immediately after the arrival of the exercise message on the fax, MIDA Loic de Fourgéres, now back at his office, sends a fax to MESA

From: MIDA
To: MESA
Re: Hospital Security Measures

An attempt was made to steal an ambulance near Uxbridge. There was evidence of a larger organization behind the one individual who made the attempt. One theory is that that criminal or terrorist organization might have intended use the ambulance to perpertrate a further crime at a hospital in the area. Among the most generally concerning of such possible crimes would be the theft of radioactive isotopes form a hospital. FLEA and provincial law enforcement will be coordinating to step up security at area hospitals and clinics with such materials. The perpetrator had maps of New Lancaster, so the stepped up security will applied to Uxbridge and New Lancaster City areas. We will stop this as soon as we feel the threat has been dealt with, which hopefully will be in a week or two.

Regards,

 

[unmerged(33865)]

MIDA Loic de Fourgéres drops in at MESA and looks up the Assistant Deputy Mininster responsible for the welfare portfolio.
"I read that there will be some layoffs in the coal industry. If a new arrangement with the US or some other major coal importer is arranged soon, the layoffs could be temporary, but if not it would be a good idea to try to retrain some of them. I believe that a training program would cost only slightly more than the unemployment benefits or welfare they would otherwise be receiving and would likely result in getting them back to work more quickly. Obviously not all of the laid-off miners would be good candidates for the training, so we would have to be selective. The primary critieria for selection would mobility, as the new jobs they would be training for would most likely be in another province, so someone who is unwilling to move would not be an acceptable candidate. The training programs that I had in mind are described in this document:"
Loic hands the ADM a sheet of paper.

oil drilling roustabout/roughneck
The work
Roustabouts and roughnecks are normally based at such as a drilling rig or production area, working as part of a small team.

Roustabouts undertake labouring tasks that help to maintain the drilling area. These include:

cleaning, scraping and painting the equipment and work areas offloading supplies and moving them to storage areas moving supplies and equipment to the work site stacking drill pipes general work in the pump room, for example helping to repair mud pumps mixing and conditioning drilling mud.
Most of the work is carried out under the supervision of a lead roustabout.

Roughnecks carry out duties related to the actual drilling operation:
adding fresh lengths of drillpipe as the drill moves deeper into rock retrieving the whole drill - to change the drillbit or collect rock cores cleaning, de-sanding and de-silting equipment keeping the drilling equipment in good order.
Most of the work is carried out under supervision of a driller.

Skills and Interests
To be a roustabout or roughneck you should:

have good practical skills
be able to live and work as a member of a team
be prepared to work away from home
be aware of health and safety issues
be physically fit
be able to work at heights.

Entry
No formal academic qualifications are needed to work as a roustabout. New entrants start as roustabouts, then progress to working as roughnecks. You must be at least 18, and a minimum of 1.63m (5ft 5ins) tall. You may have to pass a medical examination as part of the recruitment process.

Relevant work experience, for example in shipbuilding or construction, or service in the armed forces is useful.

Training
All workers must complete a fire-fighting course. The course itself does not guarantee you a job in the industry.

As a roustabout you are given induction training onshore, which lasts two or three weeks. This includes information on the industry and the employer, health and safety, and skills training. Further on-the-job training as a roustabout, and later as a roughneck, is required.

"Obviously, it should be coordinated with MERL, as they have responsibility for the Labour portfolio. Under normal circumstances, you would run this by your minister, but as time is of the essence, for reasons that will be become clear in the near future, I would like to get this moving, for the good of Eutopia, almost immediately. If you feel you have the authority to carry this forward on your own initiative then that would be great. If not, I can probably get the President to give you a go ahead, within a week."

 

[von Streusser]

The ADM that Loic seeks out, hustling from office to office with a stack of papers, puts them down and folds his arms across his chest as Loic speaks. When de Fourgeres hands him the piece of paper, he does not take it, but rather simply looks at it, arms still crossed. He sighs resignedly, his eyes are bloodshot, and he desperately needs a shave. He looks like he may be sleeping here.

"Sir, I need the minister to do that. Not an OK from you, not an OK from the President, we need a minister. It's not a matter of authority, it's a matter of not having anyone around to run this damn place! Me and the other ADMs are running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to keep this office to just stay at the status quo and not atrophy, but when no one's in charge for a while, stuff starts to slip. Keep that paper, we can't take on anything new right now. I'm sure you understand, single-handedly running the whole cabinet on a rotating weekly basis.

If you want anything out of this office the rest of the term, you're going to have to get the President to appoint a new minister. I understand protecting your political allies and all, but this is getting ridiculous. We haven't seen Dr. Keller in weeks. Before she came in for that press release we hadn't seen her for weeks before that! We've had no administration or direction around here for most of the term, and the President just sits on his laurels! Oh it makes me sick...I work my fingers to the bone here just trying to keep this damn thing afloat while his political crony is probably out sipping daiquiris on some beach someplace!" Throwing his arms up in disgust, he gathers up the papers he'd been carrying, and stalks off, leaving Loic with his proposal still in hand.

A younger office worker steps up with a notebook crammed with numbers and names. "Uh, Minister de Fourgeres? I thought since you were here, maybe you'd like to join the office pool? Winner is the person who comes closest to guessing when you become our new minister, and for how long before you head to another cabinet post."

-vS as NPCs

 

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Lamont strolls nonchalantly into the offices of MESA. He's let his hair grow long and his face now hides beneath an unkempt beard and round John Lennon style sunglasses.

Hey everybody. I'm sorry I didn't step up sooner, but now I'm your minister, and don't worry, I'm going to be much more involved than Dr. Keller was. Loic's suggestion sounds like a good one, so I'm going to run this by MERL. In the mean time, lets get started on something for the families of the victims of the attack on the ECB. We should put together a program to solicit aid from abroad and then there's going to need to be financial support for those that have lost the main provider of the household.

The Weatherman runs to his car and comes back with some stuff. He goes into his office and starts redecorating to his liking, which includes decorum similar to the Beatnik. He lights some heavy incense, hangs beads on the door, and puts up various multicultural statues around the room. Then he puts in a String Cheese Incident CD, takes an adderal, and buries his head in a large pile of papers that has accumulated in Dr. Keller's absence. God dammit.

 

[unmerged(36605)]

(ooc:Since I can't find a comprehensive source on what programs and policies are already in place, some of my plans may overlap with existing ones.)
Here's a list of a few things we should try to accomplish:

-decentralize regional electric grids by promoting energy efficiency and localized clean renewable energy. Tax-exempt bonds should be authorized to finance public ownership of utilities and to allow publicly owned utilities to finance conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects.

-use of hydrogen as an energy storage medium, which makes it possible to operate a decentralized grid on intermittent energy generation methods, such as solar and wind. Fuel cells (using hydrogen sourced from water and separated by electrolysis with power provided by clean, renewable energy technologies) should be used to efficiently distribute electricity as needed.

-Integrate an increased and sufficient number of affordable housing units into urbanized areas. These units should remain a part of the affordable housing stock for the life of the units. Also, protect current residents from displacement and encourage a wide variety of housing that will attract a wide variety of new residents.

 

[unmerged(36605)]

We should also begin making preparations for a memorial for the victims of the attack on the ECB. MESA will do a fundraiser drive, and put out a nationwide notice for architects to send in their best designs for the memorial.

 

[von Streusser]

(ooc:Since I can't find a comprehensive source on what programs and policies are already in place, some of my plans may overlap with existing ones.)
Here's a list of a few things we should try to accomplish:

-decentralize regional electric grids by promoting energy efficiency and localized clean renewable energy. Tax-exempt bonds should be authorized to finance public ownership of utilities and to allow publicly owned utilities to finance conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects.

-use of hydrogen as an energy storage medium, which makes it possible to operate a decentralized grid on intermittent energy generation methods, such as solar and wind. Fuel cells (using hydrogen sourced from water and separated by electrolysis with power provided by clean, renewable energy technologies) should be used to efficiently distribute electricity as needed.

-Integrate an increased and sufficient number of affordable housing units into urbanized areas. These units should remain a part of the affordable housing stock for the life of the units. Also, protect current residents from displacement and encourage a wide variety of housing that will attract a wide variety of new residents.

An aide, taking notes, looks up as Minister Rashaad finishes.

"Ah, sir? These are all good general ideas, but how should we go about them specifically? If you draw up a detailed plan for these points, we'll do our best to carry it out, but right now all we have are ideals to work towards. That could lead to some real chaos. Concerns like, 'where will we get the money for all this', 'how many housing units are sufficient', 'do we have the right approval/authority for these projects' should probably all be addressed.

As for the memorial service, we'll put out the word for architects to submit memorial designs and start a fundraiser...but where should the memorial go? Where will we get the money for it? All from the fundraiser?"

-vS as NPCs

 

[unmerged(36605)]

Here's what our budget looks like:

MESA portfolio
Welfare (incl. unemployment benefits and social aid at about 45b) 48
Health (incl. Medicure subsidies at about 33b) 36
Environment and National Parks 6
Sports 3
Omnicare subsidies 27

So it looks like we'll have to rely on fundraisers and go to the GA for the memorial. We'll also have to go to the GA for the urban housing projects.

Lets use some of that money to build a Center for Recycling and Renewable Energy, which will serve to direct and fund activities throughout the island cooperating with local and provincial government.

As Josephus had planned to do before, we should have the military base in the WET turned into a Topan Museum of Culture, and dedicate a day of the year to celebrating Topan culture and its many contributions to Eutopia. I'd also like to recognize May Day (May 1st) as an official labor holiday.

MESA should create a Center for the Arts to promote and bring great art to Eutopia, but I'll also have to look into how to fund that.

On a lighter note, everybody loosen up! Everyday is casual friday now!

Lamont downs some coffee, Irish.