1 Facility Location Problems The location problem has been with humans
for all of their history. In the past, many rulers had the decision of
locating their capital. Reasons for selecting various locations included
central location, transportation benefits to foster trade, and
defensibility. The development of industry involved location problems
for production facilities and trade outlets. Obvious th criteria for
location ofbusiness facilities includedprofit impact. In the 19 century,
there seemed to be a focus on the cost of transporting raw materials
versus the cost of transporting goods to consumers. Location decisions
were made considering all potential gains and expenses. Some judgment
was required, because while most benefits and costs could be measured
accurately, not all could be. Successful business practice depended on
the soundjudgment of the decision-maker in solvinglocation problems.
Each of these enterprises produced some wastes. Finding a location to
dispose of these wastes was not a difficult task. In less-enlightened
times, governments resorted to fiat and land-condemnationto take the
sites needed th for disposal. In the 19 century, industry grew rapidly
in Great Britain and elsewhere as mass production served expanding
populations of consumers. The by-products of mass-production were often
simply discarded in the most expeditious manner. There are still
mountains in the United States Introduction 2 with artificial facades
created from the excess material discarded from mining activity. We have
developed the ability to create waste of lethal toxicity
