A graduate student's research reveals a neglected hazardous waste site in Louisville, despite previous cleanups of similar areas, suggesting systemic oversights.
James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Sam Satterly's thesis uncovers the forgotten "Gully of the Drums," a hazardous waste site in Jefferson Memorial Forest, revealing decades of neglect by various agencies.
- Despite being known to local and federal authorities, no action has been taken to remediate the site, leaving toxic substances to potentially harm the environment and public health.
- Satterly, driven by a personal connection to the forest, hopes her findings will finally lead to a cleanup of the site, highlighting a broader issue of environmental negligence.
Key quote:
“I understand that this can has been kicked down the road for decades. But knowing that something is wrong, and looking the other way, makes you guilty, too.”
— Sam Satterly, graduate student at the University of Louisville
Why this matters:
Cleaning up hazardous waste sites is often a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process that can stretch over decades. The technical challenges of remediation, coupled with regulatory and legal hurdles, can delay the restoration of affected areas, prolonging the adverse impacts on communities.
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