Bethlehem Landfill Historical and Environmental Archive Charter
Adopted: May 8th, 2025
I. Name of the Archive
Bethlehem Landfill Historical and Environmental Archive
II. Purpose and Mission
The Bethlehem Landfill Historical and Environmental Archive is established by Lehigh University as an academic and public resource aimed at documenting, preserving, and sharing the history, environmental impact, and ongoing developments of the Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, in the county of Northampton.
Mission Statement:
To provide a centralized, credible, and accessible archive that supports academic research, community awareness, and environmental responsibility.
III. Objectives
1. Historical Preservation: Digitize and curate historical records and land use documents.
2. Regulatory Documentation: Archive permits, inspection reports, and legal filings.
3. Environmental Monitoring: Store datasets related to landfill intake, emissions, groundwater, and soil studies.
4. Academic Research Support: Facilitate interdisciplinary research, the study of new and emerging concerns associated with landfill operations, and student projects associated with landfill operations.
5. Community Outreach: Engage the public and local stakeholders through accessible data and outreach programs.
6. Facilitate Comparative Analysis by providing evidence and learning through comparative cases from Bethlehem Landfill or the parent company, Waste Connections.
IV. Structure
Main Folder Structure
- Historical Records
- Regulatory Records
- Environmental Records
- Community Records
- Legal Action Records
Subfolders for each theme within each main Folder
- Primary Data Collection
- Secondary Data Collection
- Archive Entries
- Secondary Research Summaries
V. Collection Scope
The archive will include zoning records, legal agreements, engineering reports, environmental assessments, news articles, public hearing transcripts, photographs, maps, and oral histories.
VI. Digital Platform and Tools
The archive will be transitioned to Wikipages to be hosted by Lehigh University Library and Technology Services via the CITL fellowship.
VII. Funding and Sustainability
This archive requires no funding as it is supported by the actions and activities of Lehigh University students. If matters or materials arise that do require funding, coordination, and petition will be managed by students and faculty through the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Lehigh University. Sustaining actions for upkeep and management of the archive will be provided by the students and faculty associated with the Environmental Case Studies course facilitated by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Lehigh University.
VIII. Legal and Ethical Considerations
All archived materials will comply with privacy, copyright, and environmental disclosure laws. Consent forms for interviews, recordings, and photos will be obtained and archived as required. Personal or sensitive materials may be redacted or restricted as necessary.
IX. Review and Amendment
The charter will be reviewed biennially by the faculty and students of Environmental Case Studies, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Lehigh University. Amendments require majority approval.
X. Initial Founding Members / Signatories
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gabrielle String
Students: Signature
Joe Aglione Joseph Aglione
Olivia Albright Olivia Albright
Andrew Bilotta Andrew Bilotta
Emily Buchanan Emily Buchanan
Marti Colasurdo Marti Colasurdo
Olivia Coughlin Olivia Coughlin
Ellena Eichstaedt Ellena Eichstaedt
Bryn Fayle Bryn Fayle
Matt Giovetsis Matt Giovetsis
Ellen Henry Ellen Henry
Maddi Jordan Maddi Jordan
Shannyn Konek Shannyn Konek
Grant Li Grant Li
Jake Montgomery Jake Montgomery
Mastura Morshed Nawmi Mastura Morshed Nawmi
Kathryn Neumann Kathryn Neumann
Thomas Perna Thomas Perna
Morgan Philips Morgan Philips
Alex Tang Alex Tang
Gwynna Trunfio Guinevere Trunfio
Sarah Wilhelm Sarah Wilhelm
Minna Yang Minna Yang
Items in this sub-collection