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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Improving environmental risk management through historical impact assessments
Daniel T Rogers1, Martin M Kaufman, Kent S Murray
1Amsted Industries Incorporated, Chicago, IL, USA.
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)
|June 30, 2006
Summary
Hexavalent chromium and chlorinated solvents drove 85% of historical environmental costs at manufacturing sites. Pollution prevention programs now target expensive contaminants and sensitive geologic areas.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Industrial Chemistry
- Geology
Background:
- Historical contaminant impact assessment across 48 heavy manufacturing facilities in 20 US states.
- Facilities operated up to 100 years, using hazardous substances like solvents, petroleum products, paints, and heavy metals.
Purpose of the Study:
- Provide guidance for future environmental objectives and pollution prevention initiatives.
- Analyze historical environmental costs and contaminant impacts.
Main Methods:
- Examined historical investigative and remediation costs since 1985.
- Assessed contaminant types, subsurface geology, hydrology, and regulatory requirements.
- Evaluated 48 industrial manufacturing sites across 20 states.
Main Results:
- Hexavalent chromium and chlorinated solvents accounted for 85% of historical environmental costs.
- Oils, petroleum products, and other heavy metals were frequently detected but represented only 15% of costs.
- Remediation costs strongly correlated with the geologic environment of contaminant release.
Conclusions:
- Initiated an aggressive pollution prevention program targeting expensive-to-remediate contaminants.
- Developing enhanced engineering controls for facilities in ecologically sensitive areas.
- Focusing on eliminating high-cost contaminants and improving site management.
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