A convergence/divergence schema to identify impacts: The case of the Palo Verde nuclear generating station

A review of the environmental impact statement for a large nuclear power plant in Arizona reveals a focus that is almost completely local. One approach to identify more fully the topical, dimensional, and areal influences of local nuclear power plant projects is to apply the well-established geographical theme of origins and dispersals. The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station is located 34 miles west of Phoenix’s western boundary and about 50 miles from the Central Business District. The power plant is surrounded by lightly populated desert and scattered irrigated agriculture. The convergence/divergence schema proposed cross-cuts many themes. The schema is divided into three major components: interstate convergence, local divergence and interstate divergence. PVNGS is one of an increasing number of power plants generating electricity largely for export to other states. The application of such a geographical perspective in the study of PVNGS illustrates the influence which can follow a local decision to build a nuclear power plant.