- The superfund money comes from taxes on those that produce hazardous waste.
- The EPA was given the power to hold the parties responsible for any toxic waste release.
Air & Water Protection
Clean Air Act
- This act was a major milestone in terms of air quality legislation and is considered one of the most comprehensive laws regarding pollution in the world.
- Set limits for criteria pollutants: also called conventional pollutants - the seven major air pollutants that are considered to have the most serious threat to humans.
- Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Particulate Material (PM)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Ozone (tropospheric)
- Lead
- Lead was regulated particularly in fuels, leading to a dramatic decrease in the amount of lead in the atmosphere (this is specifically mention in the College Board CED)
Clean Water Act
- This act makes it unlawful for anyone to discharge any point source pollution without permits.
- The act requires that “Best Practicable Technology” (BPT) be used to clean point sources and “Best Available Technology” (BAT) be used to clean up toxins.
- This act funds construction of several important facilities such as sewage treatment plants and includes provisions for protecting wetlands.
- The main goal of this act is to get to the point where all water is “fishable and swimmable.”
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
- The intention behind this act is to “protect public health” through regulation of public drinking water supply.
- The act protects the sources of drinking water - including reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.
- Above ground or underground sources are included
Biodiversity Protection
CITES: Convention on Int’l Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora
- An international agreement regulating trade in living specimen & products derived from listed endangered species
- Prevents species from reaching point of endangerment or extinction due to international trade
Endangered Species Act
- This United States law identifies endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species. In addition, it places restrictions and regulations on any recreational or commercial activities involving these.
- Endangered: a species is in danger of extinction
- Threatened: a species is likely to become endangered in the near future without further action or intervention
Commonly Confused International Protocols
Montreal Protocol
- An international treaty to eliminate production and consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS).
- The main goal is to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out substances including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and carbon tetrafluorides.
Kyoto Protocol
- This was an international agreement that was a part of the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- The aim of the protocol is to bind the countries that sign the act to regulations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Carcinogens
Delaney Clause Of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
- The Delaney Clause is a provision of a larger amendment to the Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act of 1938.
- It states that chemical additives “found to induce cancer in man” or in animals could NOT be approved for use in foods by the FDA.
- Any carcinogens causing “reasonable harm” could not be added to food or drugs.
Key Terms to Review ( 26 )
Best Available Technology (BAT) : Best Available Technology (BAT) refers to the most effective technology currently available for reducing pollutant discharges from point sources. It takes into account both technological and economic feasibility, but places a greater emphasis on environmental performance compared to BPT.
Best Practicable Technology (BPT) : Best Practicable Technology (BPT) refers to the most effective technology available at a reasonable cost for reducing pollutant discharges from point sources. It takes into account factors such as economic feasibility and technological capability.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) : Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It can be harmful to humans and animals because it binds to hemoglobin in our blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen.
Clean Air Act : The Clean Air Act is a federal law in the United States that aims to control air pollution and improve air quality. It sets standards for emissions from industries, vehicles, and other sources, and establishes programs to reduce pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
Clean Water Act : The Clean Water Act is a federal law in the United States that regulates and protects the quality of water in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. It sets standards for wastewater treatment, controls pollution from industries, and aims to maintain the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) : The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act is a federal law passed in 1980 that provides a framework for responding to releases of hazardous substances into the environment. It establishes liability for those responsible for the contamination and creates a fund (Superfund) to finance cleanup efforts when responsible parties cannot be identified or are unable to pay.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) : CITES is an international agreement between governments aimed at ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of wild animals and plants. It regulates the trade of certain species by listing them under different appendices based on their level of protection.
Cradle-to-grave : "Cradle-to-grave" refers to the entire lifespan of a product or material - from its extraction or creation ("cradle") through its use and eventual disposal ("grave"). It emphasizes considering all stages of a product's life cycle when assessing environmental impacts.
Criteria Pollutants : Criteria pollutants are a group of six common air pollutants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide.
Delaney Clause Of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act : The Delaney Clause is a provision within the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that prohibits the approval of any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals. It ensures that no substances known to be carcinogenic are allowed in processed foods.
Endangered Species Act : The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1973 that aims to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. It provides legal protection for listed species, prohibits harm or harassment to them, and requires the development of recovery plans.
Kyoto Protocol : The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It sets binding targets for developed countries to reduce their emissions below the levels of a specific base year.
Lead : Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can be found in various sources such as old paint, contaminated soil, and drinking water pipes. Exposure to lead can cause serious health issues, especially in children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and damage to organs like the brain and kidneys.
Montreal Protocol : The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental agreement that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of substances that deplete it, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) : Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are a group of highly reactive gases composed of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. They are primarily produced from combustion processes such as burning fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. NOx emissions contribute to air pollution and can lead to respiratory problems and the formation of smog.
Ozone (tropospheric) : Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. It is harmful when present at ground level and contributes to smog formation.
Particulate Material (PM) : Particulate material (PM) refers to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. These particles can come from various sources such as dust, smoke, pollen, and emissions from combustion processes. PM pollution can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
Point Source Pollution : Point source pollution refers to the contamination of water, air, or soil that can be traced back to a specific and identifiable source, such as a factory or sewage treatment plant.
Primary Standards : Primary standards are legally enforceable limits set by regulatory agencies to protect public health from harmful pollutants. These standards establish maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants in air, water, or soil based on scientific research and risk assessments.
Recovery Plans : Recovery plans are comprehensive strategies designed to restore and protect threatened or endangered species. These plans outline specific actions, goals, and timelines aimed at improving the population size and overall health of these vulnerable organisms.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) : The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is a federal law enacted in 1976 that regulates the management of hazardous wastes from generation to disposal. It establishes standards for storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes while promoting resource conservation through recycling.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) : The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal law in the United States that sets standards for drinking water quality and regulates public water systems. It aims to protect public health by ensuring safe drinking water for all citizens.
Secondary Standards : Secondary standards are non-legally enforceable guidelines set by regulatory agencies to protect public welfare, including environmental aesthetics, property damage prevention, and other non-health-related concerns. These standards focus on pollutants that may cause nuisance or aesthetic issues but do not pose immediate health risks.
Sulfur Oxides (SOx) : Sulfur oxides (SOx) are a group of air pollutants that are formed when sulfur-containing fuels, such as coal and oil, are burned. They contribute to the formation of acid rain and can have harmful effects on human health, including respiratory issues.
Threatened Species : Threatened species refers to a group of organisms that are at risk of becoming endangered in the near future. These species have declining populations and face threats such as habitat loss, pollution, or overexploitation.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) : Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and can be found in various products such as paints, cleaning agents, fuels, and solvents. They contribute to air pollution and can have adverse effects on human health.
- Set limits for criteria pollutants: also called conventional pollutants - the seven major air pollutants that are considered to have the most serious threat to humans.