Title: Thousands Unaware of Dangerous Superfund Sites in Their Vicinity
Unbeknownst to many, there are hidden dangers lurking in neighborhoods across the United States. Numerous communities are unknowingly living near toxic Superfund sites, where hazardous waste poses serious health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has allocated $1 billion to address these concerns, but there is still much work to be done.
Superfund sites, deemed hazardous due to their high concentrations of toxic waste such as lead and mercury, can be found in various locations including landfills, former factory sites, and mines. The EPA has identified over 40,000 uncontrolled hazardous waste sites in the country, with more than 1,000 of them designated as Superfund sites.
The consequences of living near these sites can be dire. Studies have linked exposure to Superfund sites with severe health conditions, including infant mortality, mental health issues, water and foodborne illnesses, and even cancer. Arsenic, a known carcinogen, is commonly found at these sites.
One alarming example is Iron Horse Park in Billerica, Massachusetts, just a short drive from bustling Boston. This former industrial complex has been a Superfund site since 1984, despite ongoing efforts and millions of dollars invested in cleanup by the EPA. Shockingly, the site sits within a mile of Billerica’s S. G. Haggar Elementary School, putting the neighborhood’s children at significant risk.
Massachusetts alone is grappling with 40 Superfund sites, causing great concern among its residents. The contamination from these sites can easily spread beyond their boundaries, necessitating thorough cleanup and remediation efforts. However, what exacerbates the situation is the lack of awareness among residents, as housing officials often fail to inform incoming residents about the presence of Superfund sites nearby.
This lack of awareness is particularly worrisome when considering the demographic distribution near Superfund sites. Environmental justice advocates point out that impoverished minority communities are disproportionately affected. EPA data from September 2020 revealed that around 50% of the population living within a mile of Superfund sites are minorities. Specifically, within the same radius, 8.5% of the population identifying as Asian-Americans faces this burden, despite making up less than 6% of the country’s population overall.
Adding to the complexity of the issue, more than 9,000 federally subsidized housing properties are located within a mile of a Superfund site, as discovered by investigations by APM Reports and The Intercept. Housing officials often neglect to inform residents of the potential risks associated with environmental exposure. Michael Kane, executive director at the National Alliance of HUD Tenants, explained that people living on contaminated sites are often unaware of the dangers their children face when playing on contaminated land.
For residents living in Superfund sites, the demand for greater safety measures and accountability from the federal government is mounting. While the Superfund program receives funding from responsible parties, 30% of the costs still come from taxpayers. Advocates are calling for stricter regulations to prevent future environmental contamination and more substantial compensation for the damage already inflicted on these sites. Existing Superfund sites in Massachusetts date back decades and are still not under control, prompting residents to call for aggressive remediation efforts and increased funding prioritizing public health.
Addressing the handling of Superfund sites requires the involvement of government officials who have the power to advocate for change. Despite promises made since 1980, the federal government’s actions have not resulted in a decrease in hazardous site numbers in Massachusetts. However, there is hope as Senator Ed Markey lauds the historic investments made in 2023 for the EPA to tackle polluted sites and complete ongoing projects.
If the alarming facts presented in this article about continued hazardous waste contamination, life-threatening health risks, and disproportionate environmental burdens on diverse, low-income communities resonate with you, it’s crucial to reach out to local and state representatives to demand greater efforts for a safer future.
