This document discusses leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) in Rhode Island and options to address the issue. It provides background on LUST regulations since the 1980s. Data shows LUSTs release hazardous substances that contaminate groundwater and increase cancer rates. Three alternatives are analyzed: increasing EPA funding, enforcing state LUST laws, or banning underground tanks. Metrics to evaluate the alternatives are identified. Regression analysis shows a relationship between LUSTs and pollution levels. After weighing performance indices and stakeholder utilities, recommending enforcing state LUST laws is concluded to minimize health and environmental impacts.
This document summarizes a tribunal decision on hydraulic fracturing or "fracking". The tribunal heard compelling evidence of harm to the environment, ecosystems, and human rights from fracking activities in various locations. A study of complaints filed in Colorado also found high numbers related to water issues, spills/leaks, air quality, and noise. Based on this evidence, the tribunal found that the fracking industry and supporting governments are violating rights of nature and obligations to protect the environment. The tribunal recommended banning unconventional energy extraction, supporting laws to criminalize ecocide, and supporting grassroots anti-fracking movements.
A Strategy to Protect Virginians from Toxic Chemicals v2zq
A Strategy to Protect Virginians from Toxic Chemicals - Resources for Healthy Children www.scribd.com/doc/254613619 - For more information, Please see Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children www.scribd.com/doc/254613963 - Gardening with Volcanic Rock Dust www.scribd.com/doc/254613846 - Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech www.scribd.com/doc/254613765 - Free School Gardening Art Posters www.scribd.com/doc/254613694 - Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden www.scribd.com/doc/254609890 - Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success www.scribd.com/doc/254613619 - City Chickens for your Organic School Garden www.scribd.com/doc/254613553 - Huerto Ecológico, Tecnologías Sostenibles, Agricultura Organica www.scribd.com/doc/254613494 - Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide www.scribd.com/doc/254613410 - Free Organic Gardening Publications www.scribd.com/doc/254609890 ~
Fracking by the numbers: key impact of dirty drilling at the state and nati...Dr Lendy Spires
Fracking poses significant threats to the environment and public health according to this report. It produces enormous volumes of toxic wastewater containing cancer-causing and radioactive materials, uses huge quantities of water, releases thousands of tons of air pollutants, and produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Fracking infrastructure has damaged over 360,000 acres of land across the United States. The report argues that given the scale and severity of these impacts, states should prohibit fracking to protect the environment and public health.
The risk to water supply and quality is increasing along with the rapid growth in both public and private demand for its use. Severe weather events such as storms and flooding combined with aging infrastructure, faulty handling of waste, and inadequate system design among other factors contribute to increased liability exposure for insurers.
1. Environmental corruption occurs through weak project planning and contracting, lax legislation and enforcement, and bribery related to infrastructure development, resource extraction, and illegal trade.
2. The costs of environmental corruption include pollution, species loss, displacement of communities, and negative human health impacts like cancer and birth defects.
3. Areas for intervention include empowering local communities, increasing public access to important environmental information, and strengthening uncomplicated rules and regulations related to projects, concessions, and enforcement. Addressing these issues could help reduce corruption and its toll on both the environment and human welfare.
Concerns voiced for Darlington Nuclear Plant extension. Concerns of economics and environmental issues and need to review economic risks currently being externalized during the planning process.
This document discusses priorities for protecting the Great Lakes from emerging chemical pollutants. It implements a methodology developed by engineers to rank the top 20 emerging contaminants found in Great Lakes surface water and drinking water based on their occurrence, impacts, and difficulty to treat. The top chemicals include hormones, pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and plastic production chemicals. Case studies of monitoring efforts by Chicago, Milwaukee, and other municipalities are provided. Establishing clear priority rankings can help utilities implement focused monitoring and aid regulatory agencies in assessing risks. Governments should use prioritization methods to set binational objectives for controlling the highest priority contaminants under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
This document summarizes a tribunal decision on hydraulic fracturing or "fracking". The tribunal heard compelling evidence of harm to the environment, ecosystems, and human rights from fracking activities in various locations. A study of complaints filed in Colorado also found high numbers related to water issues, spills/leaks, air quality, and noise. Based on this evidence, the tribunal found that the fracking industry and supporting governments are violating rights of nature and obligations to protect the environment. The tribunal recommended banning unconventional energy extraction, supporting laws to criminalize ecocide, and supporting grassroots anti-fracking movements.
A Strategy to Protect Virginians from Toxic Chemicals v2zq
A Strategy to Protect Virginians from Toxic Chemicals - Resources for Healthy Children www.scribd.com/doc/254613619 - For more information, Please see Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children www.scribd.com/doc/254613963 - Gardening with Volcanic Rock Dust www.scribd.com/doc/254613846 - Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech www.scribd.com/doc/254613765 - Free School Gardening Art Posters www.scribd.com/doc/254613694 - Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden www.scribd.com/doc/254609890 - Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success www.scribd.com/doc/254613619 - City Chickens for your Organic School Garden www.scribd.com/doc/254613553 - Huerto Ecológico, Tecnologías Sostenibles, Agricultura Organica www.scribd.com/doc/254613494 - Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide www.scribd.com/doc/254613410 - Free Organic Gardening Publications www.scribd.com/doc/254609890 ~
Fracking by the numbers: key impact of dirty drilling at the state and nati...Dr Lendy Spires
Fracking poses significant threats to the environment and public health according to this report. It produces enormous volumes of toxic wastewater containing cancer-causing and radioactive materials, uses huge quantities of water, releases thousands of tons of air pollutants, and produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Fracking infrastructure has damaged over 360,000 acres of land across the United States. The report argues that given the scale and severity of these impacts, states should prohibit fracking to protect the environment and public health.
The risk to water supply and quality is increasing along with the rapid growth in both public and private demand for its use. Severe weather events such as storms and flooding combined with aging infrastructure, faulty handling of waste, and inadequate system design among other factors contribute to increased liability exposure for insurers.
1. Environmental corruption occurs through weak project planning and contracting, lax legislation and enforcement, and bribery related to infrastructure development, resource extraction, and illegal trade.
2. The costs of environmental corruption include pollution, species loss, displacement of communities, and negative human health impacts like cancer and birth defects.
3. Areas for intervention include empowering local communities, increasing public access to important environmental information, and strengthening uncomplicated rules and regulations related to projects, concessions, and enforcement. Addressing these issues could help reduce corruption and its toll on both the environment and human welfare.
Concerns voiced for Darlington Nuclear Plant extension. Concerns of economics and environmental issues and need to review economic risks currently being externalized during the planning process.
This document discusses priorities for protecting the Great Lakes from emerging chemical pollutants. It implements a methodology developed by engineers to rank the top 20 emerging contaminants found in Great Lakes surface water and drinking water based on their occurrence, impacts, and difficulty to treat. The top chemicals include hormones, pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and plastic production chemicals. Case studies of monitoring efforts by Chicago, Milwaukee, and other municipalities are provided. Establishing clear priority rankings can help utilities implement focused monitoring and aid regulatory agencies in assessing risks. Governments should use prioritization methods to set binational objectives for controlling the highest priority contaminants under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
A 24-page "report" by the anti-drilling group Environmental Advocates of New York that supposedly says the little bit of drill cuttings (leftover rock and dirt) that come from drilling shale wells in PA that goes into NY landfills will make New Yorkers glow in the dark from radiation poisoning. It's bogus crap.
This document summarizes a health impact assessment of air quality and greenhouse gases/climate change for six Latino communities in San Jose, California. It finds that these communities experience higher levels of air pollution and associated health risks like cancer and respiratory illness due to proximity to stationary sources, highways, and vehicle traffic. Climate change is also expected to exacerbate air quality issues and increase heat-related illnesses in these vulnerable neighborhoods. The document recommends measures to reduce pollution exposure, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental health inequities through the county general plan and environmental review process.
This report summarizes the findings of Phase 1 of the E-RISC project, which aimed to demonstrate how natural resource and environmental risks could impact sovereign credit risk. The methodology developed uses Ecological Footprint accounting to assess countries' dependence on renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Applying this methodology to 5 countries, the report finds that a 10% change in commodity prices could impact some countries' GDP by up to 0.5%, showing potential short-term sovereign credit risk. The results also show countries have distinct environmental risk profiles, with over a 4x variation in exposure to resource degradation, but no clear correlation between risk exposure and current credit ratings.
The document summarizes the environmental impacts of hydroelectric dams and corresponding mitigation options. Some key impacts include flooding of natural habitats, loss of terrestrial wildlife, and involuntary displacement of people. While mitigation measures can help reduce many negative impacts, good site selection is the most important factor in minimizing environmental damage. Projects with small reservoir areas relative to power generation cause less habitat loss and displacement. In general, dams on upper tributaries have lower impacts than those on main river stems. Environmental criteria should be considered strongly in site selection to avoid developing in locations with unacceptably high impacts.
This document summarizes water pollution and policies for controlling it. It discusses various sources of water pollution including point sources like sewage pipes and non-point sources like agricultural runoff. It outlines the US Clean Water Act's approach of using technology-based effluent limitations and permits to regulate point sources, and its challenges in controlling non-point sources. While progress was made in wastewater treatment, the approach still relies heavily on regulation and faces difficulties in cost-effectively achieving water quality goals.
NGA Report: State Practices to Protect Drinking Water While Developing Shale ...Marcellus Drilling News
The National Governors Association (NGA) issued a 16-page report in July encouraging governors and their states to adopt policies that encourage a) the use of less drinking water for fracking, and b) the use of more recycling of flowback water in fracking. The report, titled "State Practices to Protect Drinking Water While Developing Shale Energy" (full copy below), is the result of a a 35-member panel that met in March.
This presentation describes the current status of vapor intrusion regulation in Texas under existng rules and guidance documents, and points out the ambiguity and case-by-case nature of vapor intrustion regualtion in the State at this time.
This document discusses pollution from point sources (industrial and municipal facilities) that discharge into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It analyzes data from 2010-2011 on nitrogen discharges and compliance from significant sources. While discharges decreased substantially in VA, MD, and WV, they increased in PA and slightly in NY. Some permits lack numeric nutrient limits. Violations of permit limits are common, releasing over 700,000 pounds of excess nitrogen in 2011. Achieving pollution reductions from all sources, including improved compliance and enforcement, will be needed to restore water quality in the Bay.
Kieron Stanley (Environment Agency) Mapping For Sustainable Communities 170608Muki Haklay
The document discusses environmental inequalities and cumulative impacts. It notes that the most deprived communities are more likely to experience flooding, live in areas with worse river water quality, and be exposed to air pollution. Deprived areas also tend to be located closer to waste management sites and experience greater health effects from heat waves and lack of green space. The document calls for developing a better understanding of cumulative impacts from multiple environmental hazards over time. It advocates for collaborative, community-engaged approaches and considering procedural justice and vulnerability when analyzing environmental risks and resilience.
This document summarizes a tribunal decision on hydraulic fracturing or "fracking". The tribunal heard compelling evidence of harm to the environment, ecosystems, and human rights from fracking activities in various locations. A study of complaints filed in Colorado also found high numbers related to water issues, spills/leaks, air quality, and noise. Based on this evidence, the tribunal found that the fracking industry and supporting governments are violating rights of nature and obligations to protect the environment. The tribunal recommended banning unconventional energy extraction, supporting laws to criminalize ecocide, and supporting grassroots anti-fracking movements.
A letter from Dan Fitzsimmons, president of the Joint Landowners Coalition of New York (JLCNY) to NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressing profound disappointment that Cuomo intends to let the Nov. 29 date slip by without releasing new drilling rules to allow shale gas drilling in the state.
This presentation on how to use data to affect policy was given by Keith Dimoff, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council, at the OEC's 2009 Clean Water Conference on Oct 2 and 3.
The document discusses toxic pollution from industrial chemicals, mining, and agriculture that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. A review of over 3,000 toxic sites found as many as 200 million people are directly impacted. Toxic pollution disproportionately affects poor communities and can hinder economic development if not addressed. The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution was formed to help low- and middle-income countries implement solutions to toxic pollution problems.
This manual provides an excellent introduction to mastering the management of hazardous waste materials as well as preventing contamination of the environment. Other areas covered are: legal and regulatory aspects of pollution handling hazardous waste materials within your plant reducing the amount of hazardous waste produced ways to save money through preventing personal injury and preventing or limiting the effects of accidental pollution.
http://www.idc-online.com/content/hazardous-waste-management-and-pollution-prevention-27?id=67
● Assignment #1 and assignment #2 combine into a health risk .docxoswald1horne84988
● Assignment #1 and assignment #2 combine into a health risk
assessment report
● Assignment #1 is a description of the background associated
with the environmental hazard (Due February 17)
● Assignment #2 is an application and a site specific health risk
assessment that determines the impact of a hazard on a
population in a Canadian city (Due March 31)
This is a 1000-1500 word report on an environmental
hazard. The purpose of the report is to find and then
summarize key literature on an environmental hazard of
your choice. The literature must be from peer reviewed
journal articles and official government reports (from
Health Canada, the CDC and other major agencies). In
this report you must use your research to describe the 1)
origin, source and properties of a hazard 2) the route of
exposure, 3) the concentration of exposure thought to be
harmful to humans and 4) the suspected relationship
between exposure to hazard and a specific health
outcome.
General health risk assessment report (20%)
General health risk assessment report (20%)
● Must choose a hazard and specific health outcome
● Hazard must be something present in the environment of a
typical Canadian city
○ NO2 (ok)
○ Parasite that causes malaria (not ok)
● Health outcome needs to be specific
○ Hospitalization due to asthma (ok)
○ Type 2 diabetes (ok)
○ Influenza (ok)
○ Mortality (not ok)
○ Infant mortality (not ok)
The impact of student noise pollution on sleep
quality
•Hazard: Noise from students
•Route of exposure: Auditory contact/sound
•Health outcome: disrupted sleep
•Concentration of noise likely to cause sleep disturbance: 65 dB
Assignment #2
• Concentration of exposure in Westdale: number of days with level of
exposure in neighbourhood above 65 between 11 pm and 6 am = 4
• Vulnerable population: persons 65+
• Key finding: Upper limit of exposure concentration 750 people x 4 days =
3,000 disrupted person-nights of sleep per year
Example topic #1
The benefits of existing recreational play space on the
physical health of children
•Determinant (‘hazard’): Access to green space
•Route of exposure: Proximity (to child-friendly play space)
•Health outcome: Likelihood of independent play
•Concentration of exposure that would be beneficial: 1.6 Km considered
walkable by school boards in Ontario
Assignment #2
• Number of walkable parks/playgrounds within 1.6 Km of Strathcona: > 20,
though most would require crossing major street; only 1 large park that does
not require street crossing. This is a multi-use recreational space with a small
play area for young children
• Vulnerable population < 8 ~ 150
• Key finding: Children in the Strathcona neighbourhood have access to one
large park, but as a multi-use space, there is little infrastructure available for
young children
Example topic #2
The effect of radon gas on lung cancer risk
•Hazard: Radon gas
•Route of exposure: inhalation; most exposure is in the residential setting,.
This document provides an overview of natural resource law and its importance in managing resources sustainably while balancing economic growth and environmental protection. It discusses several challenges facing humanity, such as population growth, pollution, and climate change. The key principles of natural resource law discussed include sovereignty, sustainable development, equitable utilization, and the precautionary principle. The document also examines international environmental frameworks and institutions, as well as laws governing natural resources in Sri Lanka.
This document provides an overview of the global business environment and key concepts related to globalization. It discusses the meaning and driving forces of globalization, dimensions of globalization including stages of globalization. It also introduces theories of international trade such as absolute advantage theory, comparative cost advantage theory, and factor endowment theory. Additionally, it covers the trading environment of international trade, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, trade blocs, and the rise of new economies. The document aims to explain globalization and its impact on the global business environment.
The document discusses the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, also known as Superfund. It was enacted in response to toxic waste sites like Love Canal and Times Beach. Superfund provides federal authority and funding for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees Superfund cleanups and works with other agencies. Sites are ranked and placed on the National Priorities List for priority cleanup. Superfund uses removal and remedial actions to clean up sites and protect human health and the environment.
Here is a link to Vermont's Superfund Clean up Sites, the EPA actually deletes sites after a while?
Vermont's EPA Superfund Sites:
https://www.epa.gov/vt/list-superfund-npl-sites-vermont
Superfund Clean up Grants:
https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/programs/index.cfm
A 24-page "report" by the anti-drilling group Environmental Advocates of New York that supposedly says the little bit of drill cuttings (leftover rock and dirt) that come from drilling shale wells in PA that goes into NY landfills will make New Yorkers glow in the dark from radiation poisoning. It's bogus crap.
This document summarizes a health impact assessment of air quality and greenhouse gases/climate change for six Latino communities in San Jose, California. It finds that these communities experience higher levels of air pollution and associated health risks like cancer and respiratory illness due to proximity to stationary sources, highways, and vehicle traffic. Climate change is also expected to exacerbate air quality issues and increase heat-related illnesses in these vulnerable neighborhoods. The document recommends measures to reduce pollution exposure, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental health inequities through the county general plan and environmental review process.
This report summarizes the findings of Phase 1 of the E-RISC project, which aimed to demonstrate how natural resource and environmental risks could impact sovereign credit risk. The methodology developed uses Ecological Footprint accounting to assess countries' dependence on renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Applying this methodology to 5 countries, the report finds that a 10% change in commodity prices could impact some countries' GDP by up to 0.5%, showing potential short-term sovereign credit risk. The results also show countries have distinct environmental risk profiles, with over a 4x variation in exposure to resource degradation, but no clear correlation between risk exposure and current credit ratings.
The document summarizes the environmental impacts of hydroelectric dams and corresponding mitigation options. Some key impacts include flooding of natural habitats, loss of terrestrial wildlife, and involuntary displacement of people. While mitigation measures can help reduce many negative impacts, good site selection is the most important factor in minimizing environmental damage. Projects with small reservoir areas relative to power generation cause less habitat loss and displacement. In general, dams on upper tributaries have lower impacts than those on main river stems. Environmental criteria should be considered strongly in site selection to avoid developing in locations with unacceptably high impacts.
This document summarizes water pollution and policies for controlling it. It discusses various sources of water pollution including point sources like sewage pipes and non-point sources like agricultural runoff. It outlines the US Clean Water Act's approach of using technology-based effluent limitations and permits to regulate point sources, and its challenges in controlling non-point sources. While progress was made in wastewater treatment, the approach still relies heavily on regulation and faces difficulties in cost-effectively achieving water quality goals.
NGA Report: State Practices to Protect Drinking Water While Developing Shale ...Marcellus Drilling News
The National Governors Association (NGA) issued a 16-page report in July encouraging governors and their states to adopt policies that encourage a) the use of less drinking water for fracking, and b) the use of more recycling of flowback water in fracking. The report, titled "State Practices to Protect Drinking Water While Developing Shale Energy" (full copy below), is the result of a a 35-member panel that met in March.
This presentation describes the current status of vapor intrusion regulation in Texas under existng rules and guidance documents, and points out the ambiguity and case-by-case nature of vapor intrustion regualtion in the State at this time.
This document discusses pollution from point sources (industrial and municipal facilities) that discharge into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It analyzes data from 2010-2011 on nitrogen discharges and compliance from significant sources. While discharges decreased substantially in VA, MD, and WV, they increased in PA and slightly in NY. Some permits lack numeric nutrient limits. Violations of permit limits are common, releasing over 700,000 pounds of excess nitrogen in 2011. Achieving pollution reductions from all sources, including improved compliance and enforcement, will be needed to restore water quality in the Bay.
Kieron Stanley (Environment Agency) Mapping For Sustainable Communities 170608Muki Haklay
The document discusses environmental inequalities and cumulative impacts. It notes that the most deprived communities are more likely to experience flooding, live in areas with worse river water quality, and be exposed to air pollution. Deprived areas also tend to be located closer to waste management sites and experience greater health effects from heat waves and lack of green space. The document calls for developing a better understanding of cumulative impacts from multiple environmental hazards over time. It advocates for collaborative, community-engaged approaches and considering procedural justice and vulnerability when analyzing environmental risks and resilience.
This document summarizes a tribunal decision on hydraulic fracturing or "fracking". The tribunal heard compelling evidence of harm to the environment, ecosystems, and human rights from fracking activities in various locations. A study of complaints filed in Colorado also found high numbers related to water issues, spills/leaks, air quality, and noise. Based on this evidence, the tribunal found that the fracking industry and supporting governments are violating rights of nature and obligations to protect the environment. The tribunal recommended banning unconventional energy extraction, supporting laws to criminalize ecocide, and supporting grassroots anti-fracking movements.
A letter from Dan Fitzsimmons, president of the Joint Landowners Coalition of New York (JLCNY) to NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressing profound disappointment that Cuomo intends to let the Nov. 29 date slip by without releasing new drilling rules to allow shale gas drilling in the state.
This presentation on how to use data to affect policy was given by Keith Dimoff, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council, at the OEC's 2009 Clean Water Conference on Oct 2 and 3.
The document discusses toxic pollution from industrial chemicals, mining, and agriculture that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. A review of over 3,000 toxic sites found as many as 200 million people are directly impacted. Toxic pollution disproportionately affects poor communities and can hinder economic development if not addressed. The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution was formed to help low- and middle-income countries implement solutions to toxic pollution problems.
This manual provides an excellent introduction to mastering the management of hazardous waste materials as well as preventing contamination of the environment. Other areas covered are: legal and regulatory aspects of pollution handling hazardous waste materials within your plant reducing the amount of hazardous waste produced ways to save money through preventing personal injury and preventing or limiting the effects of accidental pollution.
http://www.idc-online.com/content/hazardous-waste-management-and-pollution-prevention-27?id=67
● Assignment #1 and assignment #2 combine into a health risk .docxoswald1horne84988
● Assignment #1 and assignment #2 combine into a health risk
assessment report
● Assignment #1 is a description of the background associated
with the environmental hazard (Due February 17)
● Assignment #2 is an application and a site specific health risk
assessment that determines the impact of a hazard on a
population in a Canadian city (Due March 31)
This is a 1000-1500 word report on an environmental
hazard. The purpose of the report is to find and then
summarize key literature on an environmental hazard of
your choice. The literature must be from peer reviewed
journal articles and official government reports (from
Health Canada, the CDC and other major agencies). In
this report you must use your research to describe the 1)
origin, source and properties of a hazard 2) the route of
exposure, 3) the concentration of exposure thought to be
harmful to humans and 4) the suspected relationship
between exposure to hazard and a specific health
outcome.
General health risk assessment report (20%)
General health risk assessment report (20%)
● Must choose a hazard and specific health outcome
● Hazard must be something present in the environment of a
typical Canadian city
○ NO2 (ok)
○ Parasite that causes malaria (not ok)
● Health outcome needs to be specific
○ Hospitalization due to asthma (ok)
○ Type 2 diabetes (ok)
○ Influenza (ok)
○ Mortality (not ok)
○ Infant mortality (not ok)
The impact of student noise pollution on sleep
quality
•Hazard: Noise from students
•Route of exposure: Auditory contact/sound
•Health outcome: disrupted sleep
•Concentration of noise likely to cause sleep disturbance: 65 dB
Assignment #2
• Concentration of exposure in Westdale: number of days with level of
exposure in neighbourhood above 65 between 11 pm and 6 am = 4
• Vulnerable population: persons 65+
• Key finding: Upper limit of exposure concentration 750 people x 4 days =
3,000 disrupted person-nights of sleep per year
Example topic #1
The benefits of existing recreational play space on the
physical health of children
•Determinant (‘hazard’): Access to green space
•Route of exposure: Proximity (to child-friendly play space)
•Health outcome: Likelihood of independent play
•Concentration of exposure that would be beneficial: 1.6 Km considered
walkable by school boards in Ontario
Assignment #2
• Number of walkable parks/playgrounds within 1.6 Km of Strathcona: > 20,
though most would require crossing major street; only 1 large park that does
not require street crossing. This is a multi-use recreational space with a small
play area for young children
• Vulnerable population < 8 ~ 150
• Key finding: Children in the Strathcona neighbourhood have access to one
large park, but as a multi-use space, there is little infrastructure available for
young children
Example topic #2
The effect of radon gas on lung cancer risk
•Hazard: Radon gas
•Route of exposure: inhalation; most exposure is in the residential setting,.
This document provides an overview of natural resource law and its importance in managing resources sustainably while balancing economic growth and environmental protection. It discusses several challenges facing humanity, such as population growth, pollution, and climate change. The key principles of natural resource law discussed include sovereignty, sustainable development, equitable utilization, and the precautionary principle. The document also examines international environmental frameworks and institutions, as well as laws governing natural resources in Sri Lanka.
This document provides an overview of the global business environment and key concepts related to globalization. It discusses the meaning and driving forces of globalization, dimensions of globalization including stages of globalization. It also introduces theories of international trade such as absolute advantage theory, comparative cost advantage theory, and factor endowment theory. Additionally, it covers the trading environment of international trade, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, trade blocs, and the rise of new economies. The document aims to explain globalization and its impact on the global business environment.
The document discusses the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, also known as Superfund. It was enacted in response to toxic waste sites like Love Canal and Times Beach. Superfund provides federal authority and funding for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees Superfund cleanups and works with other agencies. Sites are ranked and placed on the National Priorities List for priority cleanup. Superfund uses removal and remedial actions to clean up sites and protect human health and the environment.
Here is a link to Vermont's Superfund Clean up Sites, the EPA actually deletes sites after a while?
Vermont's EPA Superfund Sites:
https://www.epa.gov/vt/list-superfund-npl-sites-vermont
Superfund Clean up Grants:
https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/srp/programs/index.cfm
Global corruption report climate change englishCarlo Del Bo
The document is a report by Transparency International exploring corruption risks related to climate change governance and policymaking. It covers four key areas of climate governance challenges: governance of international institutions and processes; climate policy frameworks in countries and regions; key elements of integrity in decision-making; and ensuring integrity in climate change mitigation. The report involves contributions from over 50 experts, and is the first publication to comprehensively examine major climate-related corruption risks to help inform effective policy responses.
End of project presentation given at Castleton, Peak District National Park, 2nd June 2010, describing outputs from the RELU funded Sustainable Uplands project
This document is an internal assessment report on solid and sewage waste management in the community of Linstead, Jamaica. It includes an introduction outlining the purpose of studying how improper waste disposal impacts residents' health. The literature review discusses how waste pollution negatively affects health and the environment. It also examines Linstead's lack of proper sewage management and irregular solid waste collection. The report will use research findings to evaluate impacts of waste and provide recommendations to alleviate problems.
This report summarizes the findings of the Phase 1 E-RISC project, which aimed to demonstrate how environmental and natural resource risks could impact sovereign credit risk. The report analyzed 5 countries and found that:
1) A 10% change in commodity prices could impact national trade balances by 0.2-0.5% of GDP, showing resource risks are relevant in the short-term.
2) A 10% reduction in biological resource productivity could impact trade balances by 1-4% of GDP, indicating medium-term risks from ecosystem degradation.
3) Countries have distinct resource risk profiles, with dependencies and exposures varying significantly. However, risks are not currently reflected in credit ratings.
A new angle on soverign credit risk: Environmental Risk Integration in Sovere...Dr Lendy Spires
This report introduces the E-RISC project which aims to integrate environmental factors, specifically natural resource risks, into sovereign credit risk analysis. It does this by developing metrics to quantify how constraints on natural resources like biological resources (fish, forests) and non-renewable resources (fossil fuels, metals) could financially impact countries. The report presents initial results for 5 countries, finding that a 10% change in commodity prices or degradation of biological resources could significantly impact some countries' GDP. It encourages further development and adoption of these kinds of environmental risk metrics in sovereign credit ratings and investment decisions.
Exploring the Potential Impact of Hydraulic FracturingMark Roberts
The memo summarizes the major public policy problems surrounding hydraulic fracturing, including the lack of disclosure of chemicals used and potential water contamination. It discusses the goals of government agencies and members of Congress to address these issues, such as the EPA studying fracking's impact on water and a proposed rule from the Department of Interior requiring disclosure of fracking chemicals. However, legislation to increase regulation has faced opposition, and the political environment remains challenging for additional rules.
This document summarizes a webinar on hydraulic fracking and insurance. It begins with introductions and an agenda. It then provides background on fracking, including the process, risks to water, air, and land. It discusses stakeholders, industry collaboration efforts, and insurance implications. Key insurance issues include potential claims from homeowners, energy companies, workers and more related to water contamination, earthquakes, air pollution and other risks. The document examines insurance precedents and guidelines related to fracking coverage.
This document discusses the relationship between environmental protection and economic development. It provides context that while economic development has often taken priority, local officials now recognize the importance of both. The purpose is to help communities ensure future development reflects environmental goals as well as economic ones. It discusses the benefits of conducting environmental impact assessments to help balance these priorities by identifying impacts, involving stakeholders, and providing guidance.
Similar to Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs) in Rhode Island (20)
This document appears to be a yearbook from 2013 for Carnegie Mellon University Australia. It includes messages from the Dean, Executive Director, and Deputy Executive Director. It then profiles the staff, faculty, and students of the university that year. It provides an overview of the campus and city of Adelaide, Australia where the university is located. It shares photos and memories from students of their time on campus and events they participated in. It concludes with graduation and a message from the yearbook committee looking back on the year.
Infant Cot Death & Firmometter Strategic plan Eva Do
The strategic plan aims to prevent infant cot deaths related to mattress firmness in three steps:
1) Create collaboration with cot mattress manufacturers to adopt standardized firmness levels and promote testing with firmometers.
2) Raise awareness among parents and the public about infant cot death and the role of proper mattress firmness through various media campaigns and community events.
3) Work with government and international organizations to establish internationally recognized standards for mattress firmness and gain additional support. The long-term goal is to eliminate all incidents of infant cot death associated with mattress firmness.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
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2. OUTLINE
¤ Executive Summary
¤ Summary of Decision
¤ Description of Context
¤ Stakeholder Analysis
¤ Decision Criteria and Metrics
¤ Data/Model
¤ Alternative Analysis
¤ Recommendations
¤ Sensitivity Analysis
¤ Q&A
2
Map of Rhode Island
Map author: Thien Huong
3. LUSTs in a nutshell
¤ Background: The case represents the intergrated impact of
LUSTs in Rhode Island and how to address the issue.
¤ Recommendations: We highly recommend that the state and
EPA should continue law reinforcement.
¤ Implication: When the authorities try to strenghthen the law,
policy gap will be filled, health impact on community would be
minimised and the environment will be better saved from being
contaminated.
3
What can be done to minimize the impact of LUSTs on
human health and environment?
4. How we choose workable option?
¤ We weighed our indices of performance (Economic values, Human
health and safety, Environmental Sustainability, media and public
attention, political and legal framework) and considered the utility
of each IP based on our perspective.
¤ We came up with 3 different alternatives:
¤ Effectively use EPA Fund
¤ Enforce state Law about LUSTs
¤ No USTs
¤ Our decision to support the enforcement of state law about LUSTs
¤ We came to this conclusion after simply adding utilities with weights
across three alternatives.
4
5. How the case began?
¤ 1980: A family in Canob Park in Rhode Island reported problem
with their tab water
¤ 1983: Their story on air on CBS show called “60 minutes” and
became national hot spot
¤ 1984: President Reagan signed amendments to the Resources
Conservation and Recovery Act
5
¤ 1985: EPA disseminated regulations
about: prevent Underground Storage
Tanks (UTS) from leaking and clean up the
leaks
¤ 1986: LUSTs Trust Fund was established
Picture source: Internet
6. ¤ 1988: EPA promulgated 165 pages of Federal Register guided on
the management of UST
¤ 1996: Rhode Island became the 31th state to comply with LUSTs
regulations
¤ 2005: EPA was given the authority to regulate USTs
¤ 2011: Rhode Island issued the Rules and Regulations for
Underground Storage Facilities Used for Petroleum Products and
Hazardous Materials
6Picture source: Internet
7. 7
Issues Behind Underground Storage Tanks
Silent threat - LUSTs
¤ LUSTs posed serious impact on human health:
¤ High rate of cancer incidence
¤ Hazardous substances released
¤ LUSTs contaminated the water sources and environment
¤ Harmful substances leaking into soil
¤ Contaminate water sources
There is bad need to continue reinforcing law to keep
people safe and protect the environment
8. Who plays with LUSTs?
Groups Representatives Objectives
Federal authorities Congress,
President, EPA,
GAO
Provide Rhode Island funds to improve training, inspections, and
enforcement efforts;
• Provide EPA and RI additional enforcement authorities
• Prevent leaks from tanks
• Find leaks and clean them up
• Support for state and local level successful in detecting and
implementing program
Environmental
group, scientists
• Protect the environment: groundwater quality, air, soil
• Protect people health
• Collect data and do research to gain evidence
Local authority DEM, DOH • Improve the quality of public drinking water system
• Prevent public health
• Keep Rhode Island safety
• Ensure the business activities
Members of the
petroleum industry
Tank owners and
operators
• Maintains their business activities
• Ensure the revenue streams
• Job creation
Community groups • Prevent health risks and keep safety
• Ensure economic values (property and land)
10. Criteria Jus+fica+ons Metrics
Economic values - Cost of opera,ng LUSTs and cleanup
- Land and property value affected
- Number of underground storage tanks
- Cost of opera,ng, cleanup and complying with LUSTs
regula,ons
- Number of land and property value affected
Human health and
safety
- Indirect and direct harms on human
health, and safety
- Encourage more research into the
hazardous substances to people health
and environment
- Rate of asthma, and benzene-related diseases
- Number of fire and explosion
- Number of research about the hazardous substances
Environmental
sustainability
- Leaking underground storage tanks
release hazardous components that
contaminate water, soil and air.
- Number of gallons of groundwater protected /1year
- Number of Clean-ups completed
- Grams of hazardous components of gasoline leaks
(benzene, toluene and ethyl benzene..) in soil,
groundwater and air
Media and public
a8en9on
- It is important to arouse more public
aNen,on to effect of leaking underground
storage tanks. Involvement of mass media
plays key role in dissemina,ng
informa,on.
- Ensure the public transparency
- Number of news coverage (publica,on, review, ar,cles..)
- Number of people par,cipated in campaigns
- Number of tanks registered and non-registered
Poli9cal and legal
framework
- Ensure the stricter regula,on on LUSTs - Number of programs suppor,ng clean up ac,vi,es
- Amount of Superfund allocated
- New rules/regula,ons passed
10
What to measure?
11. 11
Decision Tree
Human Health
Well being of
Environment
• Economic values
• Human health
and safety
• Environmental
sustainability
• Media and public
aNen,on
• Poli,cal and legal
framework
IP1: Number of Underground Storage Tanks
IP2: Cost of opera,ng, cleanup and
complying with LUSTs regula,ons
IP3: Number of benzene-
related diseases
IP4: Number of gallons of
groundwater protected
IP5: Number of Clean-ups backlog
IP6: Number of people par,cipated in campaigns
IP7: Number of programs suppor,ng clean up
ac,vi,es
IP8: Amount of Superfund allocated
IP9: Number of tanks registered and non-
registered
12. DATA talks about impact of LUSTs
12
¤ Three most products stored in USTs are Gasoline (42%), Heating
oil (39%), Diesel fuel (12%).
¤ Petroleum contaminants
have unfavorable impacts
on heath. Some are known
as cause or suspected to be
the cause of cancers, almost
all are harmful to the
immune, nervous and
respiratory system.
¤ All of them are known with
moderate to very high
mobility in soil when leaking.
Gasolin
e
42%
Heating
Oil
39%
Diesel
Fuel
12%
Others
7%
What is in USTs?
Data source: STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE
PLANATIONS 2006 Section 305(b) Report
13. 13
¤ A tiny hole in an UST can leak 400 gallons of fuel per year.
¤ One gallon of petroleum can contaminate one million
gallons of groundwater.
¤ The direct cost to clean up a leaking UST on average is
$125,000
¤ Budget for clean up approved by Congress was $72 mil
annualy. Cost estimated by GAO:12 billion
¤ In 2006, estimated there are 705,000 underground storage
tank systems nationwide and about 9,000 new leaks are
discovered annually.
¤ Nationally, there are 3.8 million non-federally regulated USTs
buried across the US.
15. 15
¤ Rhode Island: Top 13 highest cancer incidence
¤ About four out of ten people in Rhode Island will develop cancer in
their lives and half of them will die. Close to 43,000 people suffer
from cancer at any one time.
¤ Estimated cost for Rhode Island of cancer is about $993 million per
year, including: $379 million in direct medical costs, $77 million in lost
productivity due to illness, and $477 million in lost productivity due
to premature death.
Direct
Medical
Cost
42% Lost
Productivity
(Illness)
8%
Lost
Productivity
(Death)
50%
Annual Cost
Data source: The American Cancer Society
17. 17
Closeup: Population potentially in danger by living with LUSTs in 4 towns.
Hundreds of LUSTs are found in an densely populated area (upto about 95,000
people per square mile). Total population 124,082
All four towns are with higher than a thousand cancer incidence per 100,000.
(Foster (1123,6), Johnton(1072.8) , Cranston (1023,1) and Sciatute (1040.2)
GIS data achieved from http://www.edc.uri.edu/rigis
Mappning & GIS Analyst: ThienHuong
18. 18
REGRESION: We ran the regression to see there is any relationship between the cancer
incidences and other variables: Permitted Water Polluters, Business Releasing Toxics,
Superfund site, Landfill active and closed and specially LUSTs
As you can see F-test<0.95, we do not have evidence to reject the null hypothesis or it
seems there is no relationship between cancer incidences and other causes of pollution
in Rhode Island.
_cons 1010.725 27.52769 36.72 0.000 954.7197 1066.731
LUSTs 1.030812 .6985016 1.48 0.149 -.3903007 2.451924
LandfillsActiveandclosed .786389 10.66383 0.07 0.942 -20.90933 22.48211
Superfundsite .9350475 5.191618 0.18 0.858 -9.627379 11.49747
BusinessReleasingToxics -3.681516 1.877226 -1.96 0.058 -7.500761 .1377283
PermittedWaterpolutters 2.372659 3.798344 0.62 0.536 -5.355129 10.10045
ALL Coef. Std. Err. t P>|t| [95% Conf. Interval]
Total 239487.054 38 6302.2909 Root MSE = 79.675
Adj R-squared = -0.0073
Residual 209488.33 33 6348.13122 R-squared = 0.1253
Model 29998.7241 5 5999.74482 Prob > F = 0.4651
F( 5, 33) = 0.95
Source SS df MS Number of obs = 39
> ndclosed LUSTs
. regress ALL PermittedWaterpolutters BusinessReleasingToxics Superfundsite LandfillsActivea
Data achieved from RI DEM, Pollution Sources, EPA, RI Division of Planning, Toxic
Action Center. Analyst: Duong Thi Tam
19. 19
_cons 1.30747 1.203293 1.09 0.284 -1.130634 3.745573
LUSTs .0794783 .0195847 4.06 0.000 .039796 .1191605
TotalPollu~e Coef. Std. Err. t P>|t| [95% Conf. Interval]
Total 1440.01393 38 37.8951035 Root MSE = 5.1896
Adj R-squared = 0.2893
Residual 996.476556 37 26.9317988 R-squared = 0.3080
Model 443.537377 1 443.537377 Prob > F = 0.0002
F( 1, 37) = 16.47
Source SS df MS Number of obs = 39
. regress TotalPollutionSquaremile LUSTs
HOWEVER, when we run the regression of total pollution square mile
and LUSTs as independent variable, we have the evidence to reject
the null hypothesis at 5% and 10% significant level.
The F test is large, p-value is significant; there would be evidence to
say there is strong relationship between LUSTs and the total pollution
per square in Rhode Island.
Data achieved from RI DEM, Pollution Sources, EPA, RI Division of Planning, Toxic
Action Center. Analyst: Duong Thi Tam
20. Three main approaches for LUSTs
20
No Alternatives Description
1 Effectively use
EPA Fund
• Increase EPA fund
• Improved a regulated community’s compliance
• Allocate more fund to strengthen staffing and inspectors
Drawback:
• Inconsistency in designing and spending fund
• Inadequate funding
2 Enforce state
Law about LUSTs
Enforce state law with Lusts in the short term and long term
implementation plan
e.g:
• Double-walled tanks,
• Formulate the baseline for data,
• Make leaking known to community
Drawback:
• This will trigger strong opposition from tank owners and
operators
3 No USTs • Advantages of above ground tanks
• Remove all the underground tanks to above ground tanks
Drawback:
• Too costly to do and pose challenges for the new regulation
for above ground tanks
21. IPs, Utility and Weight across Stakeholders
21
IP weights IP(1) IP(2) IP(3) IP(4) IP(5) IP(6) IP(7) IP(8) IP(9)
Authorities 0.9 0.3 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.9
Tank owner and operators 0.9 0.9 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.7 0.2 0.8
Citizen/Community 0.7 0.2 1 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.4 0.9
IP(1) IP(2) IP(3) IP(4) IP(5) IP(6) IP(7) IP(8) IP(9)
A1-Increase EPA fund 0 1 0 0 0 1 0.8 1 0.5
A2-Enforce state laws 0.8 0.7 1 1 0.7 0.8 1 0.7 1
A3-No UTS 1 0 0.5 0.5 1 0 0 0 0
Utilities
IP1
IP2
IP3
IP4
IP5
IP6
IP7
IP8
IP9
Cost of operating, cleanup and complying with LUSTs regulations
Number of Underground Storage Tanks
Number of benzene-related diseases
Number of gallons of groundwater protected
Number of Clean-ups completed
Number of people participated in campaigns
Number of programs supporting clean up activities
Amount of Superfund allocated
Number of tanks registered and non-registered
22. Final option is…
22
Authorities
IP(1) IP(2) IP(3) IP(4) IP(5) IP(6) IP(7) IP(8) IP(9) Total
A1-Increase EPA fund 0 0.3 0 0 0 0.7 0.72 0.8 0.45 2.97
A2-Enforce state laws 0.72 0.21 0.9 0.9 0.56 0.56 0.9 0.56 0.9 6.21
A3-No UTS 0.9 0 0.45 0.45 0.8 0 0 0 0 2.6
Tank owners and operators
IP(1) IP(2) IP(3) IP(4) IP(5) IP(6) IP(7) IP(8) IP(9) Total
A1-Increase EPA fund 0 0.9 0 0 0 0.2 0.56 0.2 0.4 2.26
A2-Enforce state laws 0.72 0.63 0.2 0.2 0.07 0.16 0.7 0.14 0.8 3.62
A3-No UTS 0.9 0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 0 1.2
Citizen and community
IP(1) IP(2) IP(3) IP(4) IP(5) IP(6) IP(7) IP(8) IP(9) Total
A1-Increase EPA fund 0 0.2 0 0 0 0 0.56 0.4 0.45 1.61
A2-Enforce state laws 0.56 0.14 1 0.8 0.49 0.35 0.7 0.28 0.9 5.22
A3-No UTS 0.7 0 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.5 0 0 0 2.8
ALTERNATIVES SCORE RANK
Increase EPA fund 6.84 2
Enforce state law 15.05 1
No UTS 6.6 3
AGGREGATE SCORE
(AUTHORITIES+CITIZEN+TANK OWNERS)
23. How Could We Enforce the State Law?
¤ Short term
¤ Consider the Residential Tanks and Farm Tanks (below 1,100 Gallon)
to report/register
¤ Simplify the application for registration the tanks
¤ Formulate the baseline data for registered and unregistered tanks
¤ Investigate the impact of LUSTs on people health, property,
underground water quality
¤ Make the leaking incidence known to community and press to
ensure the transparency
¤ Make polluters pay to clean up contamination from leaking USTs
¤ Provide more training to the staff to be more competent
¤ Higher fines for violators
¤ Double-walled tanks
23
24. How Could We Enforce the State Law?
¤ Long term
¤ Continue to promote enforcement authorities and
resources
¤ There should be federal mandate for states to inspect
periodically.
¤ Promote the development and possible replacement
of the alternative energy to gas
¤ Base on the geographical features of Rhode Island
¤ State of Rhode Island was awarded a grant of
$9,593,500 for developing renewable energy
24
25. Risk assessment
¤ There is not enough data to link the causes of non-support to
actual sources of the pollutant.
¤ Conflicts between data available about the impact of LUSTs
and the cancer incidence in Rhode Island (based on the
regression results)
25
26. ¤ Rhode Island does not have statewide data on historic
freshwater or coastal wetland loss.
¤ Possible hard backlash of tank owners and operators
when fee increases
¤ Tornado Diagram:
26
Risk assessment
28. References
¤ Chicago: 46-12.9-5 - State of Rhode Island General Assembly, http://
www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE46/46-12.9/46-12.9-5.HTM (accessed November
27, 2012).
¤ Environmental Defense, Scorecard.org (2005), Michigan DEQ, RPD Operational
Memo. #2 (2004), ATSDR, Toxicological Profiles (various).
¤ 2011 RI Underground Storage Tank Financial Responsibility Fund Annual Report
¤ Leaking Underground Storage Tanks-Remediation with Emphasis on In Situ Bio
restoration EPA, Robert S. Kerr, 1987
¤ Underground Storage Tanks: Building on the Past to Protect the Future, US
Environmental Protection Agency, March 2004
¤ Ibid
¤ United States Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR 280. Technical Standards and
Corrective Action
¤ Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks
¤ IR Underground Storage Tank Review Board, retrieved at
http://www.dem.ri.gov/ustboard/index.htm on 26 Nov 2012
¤ Rules and Regulations For Underground Storage Facilities Used for Petroleum
Products and Hazardous Materials, DEM, Rhode Island, April 2011
28
29. Choose 100% as our base result
Enforce State Laws Low High Delta
IP1 Number of Underground Storage Tanks 90 110 20
IP2 Cost of operating, cleanup and complying with LUSTs 95 110 15
IP3 Number of benzene-related diseases 85 105 20
IP4 Number of gallons of groundwater protected 95 105 10
IP5 Number of Clean-ups completed 95 105 10
IP6 Number of people participated in campaigns 95 110 15
IP7 Number of programs supporting clean up activities 90 105 15
IP8 Amount of Superfund allocated 90 110 20
IP9 Number of tanks registered and non-registered 90 115 25
Appendix for Tornado Diagram
29
Alternative IP1 Utility Weight IP2 Utility Weight IP3 Utility Weight IP4 Utility Weight
Enforce State Laws 8 0.8 0.7 8 0.2 0.8 8 1 1 7 1 0.8
Alternative IP5 Utility Weight IP6 Utility Weight IP7 Utility Weight IP8 Utility Weight IP9 Utility Weight Results
Enforce State Laws 6 0.7 0.7 7 0.8 0.5 7 1 0.7 8 0.7 0.4 9 1 0.9 5.29