The residents of Pawtucket are unaware of the dangers of "Tidewater" and other Brownfield sites. These highly contaminated former industrial sites pose serious health risks. Brownfield sites are a problem in many communities.
A Brownfield site is a barren field full of toxins that was once a local site such as a factory or mill. Volatile Organic Compounds are potentially harmful to humans and are also found in multiple Brownfield sites. In Pawtucket the Tidewater site contains mercury deposits which are also harmful to humans.
Before Pawtucket residents can enter the Tidewater site, major renovations must be made. The work from the Environmental Justice League (E.J.L) will help facilitate the restoration of the Tidewater site.
Environmental Justice is treating the environment fairly and with respect. Sometimes it involves undoing the wrongs of others. At Tidewater, E.J.L Activists must find ways to get rid of the mercury deposits and restore the Brownfield site.
In order for Tidewater to be habitable again, the E.J.L must find ways to redevelop the land. A method that scientists use to reduce the levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) is planting trees and grass over the land. This causes the toxins to come out of the soil and on to the plants. With the help of the community, the land can be redevelop into schools, businesses and playgrounds. Of course the community cannot do anything without authorization from officials (ex. National Grid). To get permission, writing letters and making phone calls stating the problem and what exactly the community is asking for is a way to start the clean up. At the end, a united community can help Brownfields become habitable and safe for others.
Citations:
"Brownfield Basics." Environmental Law Institute.Web. April 2013
"Committed to Public Health and Safety." Tidewater Environmental Project. Web. April 2013.
Brownfield packet
A Brownfield site is a barren field full of toxins that was once a local site such as a factory or mill. Volatile Organic Compounds are potentially harmful to humans and are also found in multiple Brownfield sites. In Pawtucket the Tidewater site contains mercury deposits which are also harmful to humans.
Before Pawtucket residents can enter the Tidewater site, major renovations must be made. The work from the Environmental Justice League (E.J.L) will help facilitate the restoration of the Tidewater site.
Environmental Justice is treating the environment fairly and with respect. Sometimes it involves undoing the wrongs of others. At Tidewater, E.J.L Activists must find ways to get rid of the mercury deposits and restore the Brownfield site.
In order for Tidewater to be habitable again, the E.J.L must find ways to redevelop the land. A method that scientists use to reduce the levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) is planting trees and grass over the land. This causes the toxins to come out of the soil and on to the plants. With the help of the community, the land can be redevelop into schools, businesses and playgrounds. Of course the community cannot do anything without authorization from officials (ex. National Grid). To get permission, writing letters and making phone calls stating the problem and what exactly the community is asking for is a way to start the clean up. At the end, a united community can help Brownfields become habitable and safe for others.
Citations:
"Brownfield Basics." Environmental Law Institute.Web. April 2013
"Committed to Public Health and Safety." Tidewater Environmental Project. Web. April 2013.
Brownfield packet