Toxic Waste In Poor Neighborhoods

Summary:
Illegal dumping of hazardous waste and pollutants is not a new phenomenon by any means. An article written in 1996 from the New York Times describes the legal battles occurring at that time, which continue today. The State Department of Environmental Protection announced a policy in 1993 which says, “No segment of the population should bear a disproportionate share of the risks or consequences of environmental pollution or be denied access to environmental benefits, such as parks and forests, fishing and outdoor recreation." In order to address the issue, the department has created community advisory boards, increased fines for illegal dumping, among other creative ways to put a stop to the issue. However, as certain neighborhoods are being rid of deadly toxins and dumping sites, others neighborhoods are receiving the burden. The real solution, according to many, is to end pollution all together. One important solution, according to the State Department, is for those living in poor neighborhoods to report incidences in which they see illegal dumping occurring. Signs, posters, and community meetings urge residents to report all illegal action, in order to better penalize wrongdoers. Still, illegal dumping occurs in many U.S. cities and more legislation is necessary to end the issue altogether.
Reaction:
This article addresses the issue from the perspective of the communities and the residents living amongst toxic waste. According to the article, many times the attitude of residents is, “Someone else should clean it up because I didn’t dump it there.” While this is true, a combined effort of legal action and community support is necessary for success. This does not only apply to poor neighborhoods. All people, no matter where, should take their own action to help maintain a clean, healthy environment to live in. If we wait for others to pick up after us, we will get nowhere. Although this is not directly related to the topic of toxic waste sites, it is an important aspect to consider. However, those living in poverty should not be the victims of others’ wrongdoings. Therefore, those committing these crimes should be punished.
Tuhus, Melinda. "Battling Dumpsites In Poor Neighborhoods." The New York Times 30 June 1996. 5 Mar. 2009 .