Your Team Works For An Environmental Consulting Firm ✓ Solved

Your Team Works For An Environmental Consulting Firm That

Your team works for an environmental consulting firm that has a client who has just purchased a local municipal golf course. There are two issues that they have requested your team to investigate and make recommendations on: The golf course property includes several breeding grounds for mosquitoes, including wetlands and retention ponds. Surrounding the golf course perimeter are residential areas. The state has been concerned over several incidences of West Nile Virus (WNV) and your client is interested in controlling mosquito populations in the wetland and pond areas through the use of a pesticide known as Malathion. The previous owners did not manage waste at their facility properly. The facility maintenance area has four 55-gallon drums of unmarked liquids stored behind the maintenance shed, several showing signs of leakage. There are several piles of lime near the maintenance shed, and three cabinets of old paint, spray lubricants and cleaners, solvents, and oily rags with a strong solvent smell that were used in maintaining equipment. The property includes a pro shop and a restaurant and bar where food will be prepared and eaten. Write a 400 – 450 word report that would make recommendations to the company. The report must include the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 Regulatory Classification of Wastes, provide a list of wastes, their regulatory classification, and proper disposal of wastes. Include plans for handling the situation in the maintenance barn to comply with federal and state regulations. Paper should be in APA format with references.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

The purchase of the municipal golf course brings both opportunities and responsibilities for the new owners. The presence of mosquito breeding grounds and hazardous waste from previous ownership require immediate action to ensure the safety of the environment and the health of nearby residential areas. This report outlines recommendations for both mosquito control using Malathion and proper disposal of hazardous waste, complying with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976.

Mosquito Control Recommendations

Given the concerns regarding West Nile Virus (WNV) incidences in surrounding residential areas, it is essential to control mosquito populations effectively. The use of Malathion, a pesticide regulated under federal and state law, can be effective in this regard. However, it is crucial to ensure that applications are made in accordance with label instructions to minimize risks to non-target species and any potential human health impacts.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Malathion should be applied only during times when mosquitoes are most active, generally in the early evening or just before dawn. Additionally, buffer zones should be established around ponds and wetland areas to prevent pesticide runoff into these ecosystems. Partnering with local health departments to conduct regular monitoring of mosquito populations will help assess the effectiveness of control measures and allow for adjustments as needed.

Waste Management Recommendations

The previous improper waste management practices have resulted in hazardous materials being stored on the property. The RCRA outlines the types of hazardous waste that may be present in the maintenance barn, including, but not limited to, solvents, paints, and oils. According to the RCRA, these materials are typically classified as either listed wastes or characteristic wastes based on their properties—such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity.

To manage the hazardous waste effectively, the following steps are recommended:

  1. Identification of Waste: Conduct a comprehensive inventory of all materials stored in the maintenance area. Each item should be properly classified and labeled, ensuring that any unmarked liquids are identified and categorized based on the RCRA criteria.
  2. Disposal Procedures: All hazardous wastes should be disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations. This includes utilizing licensed hazardous waste disposal contractors for the proper removal and treatment of these materials.
  3. Storage of Waste: Implement secure storage procedures for any hazardous waste that cannot be removed immediately. Utilize containers that are clearly labeled and constructed to prevent leaks and spills. Drums should be stored within secondary containment systems to catch any potential leaks.

Maintenance of the Barn

To ensure compliance with all regulations, the maintenance barn should be redesigned to accommodate safe storage and handling of hazardous materials. Implementing an organized layout that segregates hazardous waste from non-hazardous materials is crucial. Staff should be trained in proper waste handling techniques, and regular inspections should be conducted to assess compliance with environmental regulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the issues of mosquito control and hazardous waste management at the newly acquired golf course is vital for maintaining environmental integrity and public health. The recommendations provided here ensure compliance with relevant regulations while facilitating the establishment of a safe and enjoyable golfing environment for the community.

References

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