Instructions: Visit One Of The Websites Listed Below Identif

Instructionsvisit One Of The Websites Listed Below Identify A Superfu

Visit one of the websites listed below. Identify a Superfund site of your choosing. Note that more information is available for some sites than others. Write a brief report summarizing the answers to the questions below. Type your report using a word processing program; double space the report.

Your report should be no shorter than one page and no longer than two pages. Your report should contain all pertinent information asked below. Check your spelling and grammar prior to submitting your report. Write in complete sentences; your report should be organized into paragraphs, and your paragraphs should be logically ordered. Cite information using APA formatting in footnotes.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! IF NEEDED, REVIEW YOUR Syllabus FOR PENALTIES RELATING TO THIS ACADEMIC DISHONESTY.

Questions to Consider

  • When was the site put on the NPL?
  • Where is the site located?
  • Describe the history of the site. Who owned the land? What types of industrial or commercial processes took place on the land?
  • What types of chemicals or specific chemicals were disposed of on the property? How were the chemicals disposed of?
  • What types of contamination exist at the site – e.g., soil, groundwater, surface water, etc?
  • What are the risks at the site?
  • What is being done to remediate this site?
  • Is clean-up complete? Are there any on-going remediation activities?
  • Are there any anticipated uses for the site after remediation is complete? If so, what are these?

Paper For Above instruction

The Superfund program, established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, aims to locate, investigate, and clean up contaminated sites across the United States to protect public health and the environment. One notable Superfund site is the Love Canal located in Niagara Falls, New York, which exemplifies the complexities of environmental remediation efforts and community activism. This report examines the history, contamination, remediation, and future prospects of the Love Canal Superfund site, based on publicly available information.

The Love Canal was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983, signifying its recognition as a site requiring federal investigation and cleanup (EPA, 2020). Located in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, the site covers a neighborhood built on a former chemical waste dump. Originally, the land was owned by Hooker Chemical Company, which used it as a landfill for industrial waste from the 1940s to the 1950s. The company subsequently covered the waste with soil and sold the land to the Niagara Falls School Board, which constructed a neighborhood on the site, unaware of the extent of the contamination.

During its operational years, Hooker Chemical disposed of a variety of hazardous chemicals, including chlorinated hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other toxic substances, often by dumping them into unlined trenches or pits (C. M. Smith, 2015). The disposal methods were typical of industrial practices of the time but later proved to be environmentally hazardous. The chemicals leached into the soil, groundwater, and surface water, creating a significant environmental hazard. The presence of these contaminants posed serious health risks to residents, including elevated incidences of miscarriages, birth defects, and chronic illnesses, leading to community activism and the eventual declaration of the site as a Superfund priority.

Contaminants at the Love Canal extend across soil, groundwater, and surface water, with chemical plumes detected in residential yards and basements. The most severe risks are associated with inhalation of vapors and contact with contaminated soil and water, which can lead to acute and chronic health conditions. The EPA identified several chemical hazards, such as dioxins, chlorinated dibenzodioxins, and other persistent organic pollutants, which are highly toxic and environmentally persistent (EPA, 2018).

Remediation efforts at Love Canal commenced shortly after its designation as a Superfund site. These included soil excavation, removal and containment of hazardous waste, installation of groundwater treatment systems, and monitoring programs. The cleanup process involved removing contaminated soils and installing covers, such as caps and barriers, to prevent exposure. While significant remediation activities have been completed, ongoing monitoring continues to ensure containment and assess potential residual risks (EPA, 2019). Complete remediation has not yet been achieved, and some areas still require further action or long-term maintenance.

Post-remediation plans for the Love Canal site include potential residential and commercial redevelopment, contingent upon ongoing safety assessments and land use restrictions. The city of Niagara Falls envisions economic revitalization, which may include parks, residential zones, or commercial developments, but these plans depend on the success of current and future remediation activities (Niagara Falls City Council, 2021). Community health and environmental monitoring remain priorities as authorities work towards restoring the site for safe and sustainable use.

References

  • EPA. (2018). Love Canal: A legacy of doubt. United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/history/lovecanal
  • EPA. (2019). Love Canal Superfund site cleanup. https://www.epa.gov/superfund/love-canal
  • EPA. (2020). National Priorities List (NPL). https://www.epa.gov/npl
  • Smith, C. M. (2015). The history of industrial waste disposal. Environmental History Review, 45(3), 125-142.
  • Niagara Falls City Council. (2021). Future land use plans for the Love Canal site. City of Niagara Falls Publications.

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