RTKnet: Waste

Nuclear, Petroleum and Toxic Producing Facilities in Counties Hardest Hit by Sandy (OMB Watch)

In Hurricane Sandy's aftermath, government agencies have acted quickly to save lives and restore power and other basic essentials for those impacted by the storm. As recovery continues, federal and state agencies will be addressing another growing problem: the noxious materials such as oil, toxic chemicals, and raw sewage that the storm has released into waterways. The health of residents and first responders will depend on knowing what's around them so they can take proper precautions and mitigate risks.

(09 Nov 2012)

EPA Launches New Mapping Tool to Improve Public Access to Enforcement Information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of a new mapping feature in EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database. As part of EPA’s ongoing effort to improve transparency, the EPA and State Enforcement Actions Map will allow the public to access federal and state enforcement information in an interactive format and to compare enforcement action information by state. The map will be refreshed monthly to include up to date information about the enforcement actions taken to address violations of air, water, and waste laws.

(12 Oct 2011)

Much of the Oil Spill Waste Ends Up in "Communities of Color" (al.com)

According to a study by Robert Bullard of the Environmental Justice Resource Center, 61 percent of the BP oil spill cleanup waste is sent to Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi landfills where nearby residents are mainly people of color, although African Americans make up just 22 percent of the resident population in those states. Bullard asserted, "BP's colorfully advertised waste management plan appears to follow a haunting pattern of environmental racism."

(04 Aug 2010)

NRDC Is Testing the Waters for Health Risks (NRDC)

The NRDC's annual survey of water quality and public notification at U.S. beaches found that aging and poorly designed sewage treatment systems and contaminated stormwater are polluting beachwater, which can cause skin rashes, pink eye, respiratory infections, hepatitis, and meningitis in beach goers. The NRDC is also pushing Congress to pass the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act, which would require states to use rapid water testing methods and fund research to identify sources of beachwater pollution.

(30 Jul 2010)

As Mess is Sent to Landfills, Officials Worry About Safety (New York Times)

Although BP's environmental unit claims that oily waste material is not hazardous, environmental lawyers, local officials, and residents surrounding landfills are worried about health risks. Chemist Marianne L. Horinko of the EPA asserts, "I think these communities are properly concerned...If you have a sufficient concentration [of oil waste], it will exhibit the characteristics of toxicity."

(17 Jun 2010)

As Cleanup Nears, Neighbors of Price's Pit Superfund Site Still Worry About Long-Term Health Effects (Atlantic-City Pleasantville Brigantine)

Nearly thirty years after describing a New Jersey landfill as "the most serious environmental problem in the United States," the EPA plans to begin cleanup of the Superfund site in August. For years, local residents uknowingly consumed contaminated water and are now concerned about the link between the polluted groundwater and their health problems.

(08 Jun 2010)

Indian Court Convicts 7 in Bhopal Gas Tragedy (New York Times)

Seven Union Carbide India Ltd. officials were convicted today for failing to follow proper safety procedures prior to the 1984 methyl isocyanate gas leak. Local activists contend that the government has failed to properly clean up the toxic chemicals left at the Union Carbide-owned pesticide plant after its closing. This disaster drove the U.S. Congress to pass legislation to prevent similar occurrences in the United States and create the Toxic Release Inventory.

(07 Jun 2010)

EPA Expands Public Participation on Hazardous Waste Cleanup (U.S. EPA)

The EPA has launched an initiative to help communities more effectively participate in government decisions related to land cleanup, emergency preparedness and response, and the management of hazardous substances and waste. The Community Engagement Initiative (CEI) plan lays out steps to provide communities with information and opportunities to influence decisions on environmental cleanups. Read the plan.

(21 May 2010)

Energy Industry Fights Chemical Disclosure (Center for American Progress)

"The oil and natural gas lobby is working hard to prevent the EPA from establishing safeguards to protect the public from chemicals used to produce shale gas through hydraulic fracturing, also called 'fracking.'" The industry is hoping to add language to a Senate climate bill exempting the dangerous practice from regulation and hide chemical risks.

(06 Apr 2010)