PROTECTING ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

RTKnet: Waste

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)

Tell EPA How to Improve Land Revitalization Efforts (U.S. EPA)

The Solid Waste office at EPA has posted their newest question of the month: How can EPA improve and expand on land revitalization efforts? Submit your ideas to the EPA blog. Previous blog discussions can be read here.

(01 Apr 2010)

EPA Announces Guidance on Mountaintop Removal Mining Permits (U.S. EPA)

EPA announced a set of actions to "clarify and strengthen environmental permitting requirements" for mountaintop removal coal mining. The actions include releasing two scientific studies analyzing the ecological destruction caused by mining. EPA also plans to create a permit-tracking website for the public to monitor the status of mining permits. 

(01 Apr 2010)

EPA Solid Waste Office Holding Video Town Hall (U.S. EPA)

EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Reponse (OSWER) will be holding a video town hall discussion on March 30, 2010 from 2:00-2:45 PM ET. The topic of the discussion is effective land use. EPA wants to know what you think about EPA’s land use policies. What role do you see EPA playing in land reuse? How can land cleanup contribute to effective reuse? To join in, go here.

(26 Mar 2010)

Coal's Toxic Sludge (Rolling Stone)

Rolling Stone reports on the hazards of coal waste, and industry efforts to thwart regulations. The article draws on TRI data and also describes the Bush administration's efforts to conceal information on the hazards of coal ash.

(26 Mar 2010)