Hazardous Waste Sites

The book Hazardous Waste Sites examines the challenges of managing hazardous waste in the U.S., focusing on distrust between sources and regulators.

In Hazardous Waste Sites, the authors explore the pervasive mutual distrust that exists between the sources of hazardous waste and the regulatory bodies responsible for managing these sites. This lack of credibility is highlighted as a significant barrier to effective hazardous waste management in the United States. The credibility gap is particularly pronounced in areas with hazardous waste facilities or proposed sites, making it essential to address the underlying issues that contribute to this distrust.

The book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of hazardous waste sites across the country by examining the origins of these wastes and the scientific and legal frameworks that allowed for their disposal with minimal oversight. The authors present a balanced examination of the evidence concerning public health and environmental impacts, as well as the economic and social consequences of abandoned sites. They also propose political processes and analytical methods to assist those involved in the siting of new facilities, offering practical strategies to mitigate challenges faced by local planners and site managers dealing with community opposition.

A historical context is provided, detailing the legacy of mismanagement that has characterized hazardous waste management in the U.S. This book serves as a valuable resource for planners, environmental scientists, and public health officials, while remaining accessible to the general reader by minimizing complex mathematical explanations and technical jargon throughout the discussion.