Community Involvement at Hazardous Waste Sites: A Review of Policies From a Nursing Perspective

Abstract

From Love Canal to your hometown, hazardous waste sites are everywhere and can affect the health of every American. As of August 2001, there were 1,235 seriously contaminated sites needing cleanup in the United States (EPA, 2002), and new sites are regularly being identified and added to the list. By understanding the policies governing cleanup of hazardous waste sites, nurses can have a vital role in ensuring communities are protected and involved in decision making. The major policies governing hazardous waste site cleanups include the Environmental Protection Act; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfield’s Revitalization Act; and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

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