Putting Waste to Use
Although it's only been nine years since Superfund was passed, a traditional hazardous waste disposal process has nontheless been established. That is, wastes are taken to...
The Asbestos Agenda
Asbestos abatement business has been booming for years. The industry, though, is not restricted only to firms which do the removal. Companies who provide training, sell supplies and develop...
Isolated Examples
The technology of seismic isolation, also known as base isolation, is being used to protect the contents and occupants of a building as well as its structure. Isolators are led-rubber...
Regulatory Impact Statements
This paper suggests the issue of regulatory impacts be addressed in a manner analogous to environmental impacts, using a timely, comprehensive methodology. By 'timely'...
Does Ethical Engineering Practice Affect Creativity?
Creativity is not reserved for artists, scientists and dreamers! Engineers put creativity into practice every day. Creativity combined with our engineering and management skills accomplishes...
1990: Decade of Natural Disaster Reduction
The loss from natural disasters is extensive. Earthquakes, windstorms, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and insect infestations have caused the deaths of nearly three...
A Hazardous Data Explosion
During the 1980s, public concern and government regulations have spawned the huge hazardous waste management industry. But the industry has opened a Pandora's box for site engineers, most...
The New Environmental Requirements of ECPA
The Electric Consumers Protection Act of 1986 ('ECPA') has imposed significant new environmental criteria on the hydroelectric licensing process under Part I...
Evaluation of Air Quality Methods in the Asbestos Work Area
Air monitoring is a technique that is routinely used to measure the level of asbestos in a given airspace. This technique has changed significantly since its first use in the asbestos...
Health Hazards Associated with Asbestos Exposure: Implication for the Construction Industry
The paper presents some asbestos diseases: lung cancer, mesothelioma; gastrointestinal cancers; asbestosis. A historical perspective of asbestos-related diseases is given. The occupational...
Irrigation-Induced Contamination Problems
At the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge in the San Joaquin Valley of California, severe fish and wildlife problems (waterfowl mortality, embryonic deformities, and reproductive failures)...
Resolution of Conflicts in Superfund Site Cleanups
In this paper, we present the typical sequence of tasks involved in the cleanup of a Superfund site under current regulations and guidance. We then pinpoint the areas where conflicts arise...
Sport Fish Consumption Advisories in the Great Lakes Basin: Assessment of Policy to Protect Human Health
Fish consumption advisories for Great Lakes sport fish are based on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tolerance or action levels for...
Foam Over Troubled Toxics
Foams are now being used to control noxious vapor emissions from hazardous waste landfills. Another use of foams is in control of vapors emitted by chemical spills and fires. This article...
EPA: Siting Permanent Solutions
EPA's SITE (Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation) program is entering its third year. It is designed to speed up hazardous waste treatment technology. The program helps...
Speaking of RISK
With sensitivity, common sense and preparation, an engineer can explain risk effectively and fairly without alienating the public. Risk communicators should use a standard set of terms...
Managing Mixed Waste
The category of mixed waste is an ambiguous one that is not clearly defined nor assigned to any one federal agency. These wastes, according to definitions in several government documents,...
Current Developments in Reinsulating/Waterproofing Underground Steam Mains in New York City
The objective of Con Edison's reinsulation project is to develop the materials and technology necessary to reinsulate those steam distribution mains having excessive thermal...
Underground Storage Tank Program and Its Implications
National concern over leaking underground tanks storing hazardous materials and wastes has resulted in the implementation of the 1984 Amendments of RCRA, which include the requirement...
Dams and Earthquakes: A Shaky Relationship
The rarity of earthquake-related dam failure does not mean that it can't happen. A phased geologic assessment could prevent potential catastrophe by determining where and...
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