Grant Award Year:
2010
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Michael Ash
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Research Description:
Release of toxic chemicals into surface water by industrial facilities in Massachusetts puts the drinking water of many communities at risk and potentially impacts human health. Previous research on environmental justice (EJ) has found that low income and minority populations are disproportionately impacted by industrial air pollution and by the siting of hazardous waste facilities, but no methodology exists for assessing the differential impact of surface-water releases of industrial toxics on EJ populations. We will examine social and economic characteristics of communities in proximity to facilities releasing toxics to surface water in Massachusetts. The methods and metrics developed for assessing community exposure and environmental justice in industrial water pollution will be applicable to the entire United States.