If lake source cooling is not implemented, then some other method of cooling the university s facilities must be found. We cannot say that lake source cooling will be completely without impacts, but we can say with confidence that those effects will be so small that they will be very difficult to detect. At the same time we can state with equal confidence that retaining traditional chiller plants will have known detrimental effects on the environment. It is this tradeoff that we should all consider. In Ithaca we often see bumper stickers advocating that we think globally, act locally.
Lake source cooling is an excellent opportunity to put that sentiment into practice.
While lake source cooling may not be perfect, it is so far superior to any of the alternatives in all respects that I conclude it to be a superb example of industrial ecology. It is a project to which Ithaca residents can point with pride as an example of what can emerge in this enlightened community if we talk early, often, and share our widest dreams. I was approached by an opponent of lake source cooling who was excited about my credentials and couldn t wait to hear what I would say about the draft environmental impact statement. I had studied that document for over two months. When I told him and other opponents that I supported the project, they quickly dismissed me.