EPA watchdog finds nation’s most contaminated sites are vulnerable to flooding, wildfires
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The US Environmental Protection Agency's internal watchdog has found that about 100 of the nation's most contaminated toxic waste sites are vulnerable to flooding and wildfires, posing a potential public health threat to millions of Americans. The sites, prioritized for cleanup due to the serious risk they pose to public health and the environment, are often located in areas prone to natural disasters, with many at risk from multiple threats.
The US Environmental Protection Agency's internal watchdog has identified 100 toxic waste sites at risk from flooding and wildfires. These sites, known as Superfund sites, pose a significant threat to public health and the environment. About 3 million Americans live within a mile of a Superfund site, while 13 million people live within 3 miles. The watchdog found that 49 sites are at risk from sea-level rise or storm surge, 47 are prone to inland flooding, and 31 are at high risk for wildfires. Despite these risks, the cleanup plans often fail to account for damage from flooding and wildfires. The EPA is reviewing the findings and says it factors in the impacts of extreme weather events in its cleanup projects.
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