The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
NEPA was created due to the increased concern and appreciation about wildlife and ecological system during the 1969. It is an environmental law that sought to promote environmental care through the establishment of a national policy. The Act seeks to lay done specific environmental goals and policies (Bass, Bogdan & Bass 2001). Secondly it provided for the formation of implementation and enforcement for the provided policies through relevant federal agencies. Finally, the Act, provided for the creation of Council on Environmental Quality attached to the President’s Office. The CEQ role is to advise the President on national status on improvement of quality of the state’s environment. In a nutshell, it ensures that all environmental factors are taken in to account by all federal agencies in relation to environmental effects
Clean Air Act
The Act was passed in order to curb and mitigate air pollution within a nation. It provides for Environmental Protection Agency to draw and enforce laws and rules to protect the civilians from any contact to airborne contamination. The laws seeks to enhance public health by promoting the Nation's air quality by regulating through setting up emission standards applicable to moving machinery such as airplanes, trains, ships and vehicles. The Act is extensively outlined to include the regulation of Noise pollution, Acid deposition and ozone protection which if not regulated will have severe environmental and medical implications to the public for example, development of skin cancer and psychological effects in the case of noise pollution.
Clean water Act
The primary function of this act is to protect against water pollution in the United States. It seeks to protect water surfaces from illegal releases of toxin components by industries and other firms. It further protects other water points not limited to lakes, streams and wetlands. The law outlines the various aspect of pollution initiated through technology effluent. It also ensures that water quality criteria is adopted and conformed by other federal agency and contain and anti degradation policy which outlines the processes and procedure when water quality is tampered with.
Safe drinking water act (SDWA)
The SDWA exclusively ensure the quality of drinking water in America. It ensures all time safe water for drinking to the public. It ensures that the Environmental protection Agency formulate regulations and standards that are key to the protection of both ground and surface water to ensure a safe and healthy drinking water system. Furthermore, it requires the EPA to detect and unveil the list of unregulated water contaminants for regulation. It is involved in the standardization of water pipes in order to eliminate the concentration of lead in all fittings and pipes.
Federal insecticide, fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
FIFRA was created to regulate pesticide, its applicators, manufacturers and its implication to the environment. The EPA is solely responsible for implementation of FIFRA regulations such as controlling the use of pesticides as a precautionary step to prevent adverse effect to the environment (United States & Dynamac Corporation 1992). Moreover, FIFRA regulates the use of pesticide and sales of its products all the United States. Moreover, it prevents the illegal sale of pesticides without registration and approved uses.
Solid waste and disposal act and resource recovery act
The creation of the Solid Waste Disposal Act in 1960 was equipping the government more control in the management of waste disposal. The purpose is to govern or regulate the disposal of hazardous and solid waste within the United States and ensure a clean environment and resource management. RCRA moreover, accords the EAP more authority to control hazardous wastes from their generation, treatment and subsequently disposal. These Acts provide for more strict waste management standards. Moreover, they protect the environment and human health from waste disposal hazards and opt to reduce the quantity of waste generation through recycling.
Toxic substance control Act (TSCA)
The TSCA passed in 1976, regulates specific chemical substances and mixtures right through from their production, use and disposal. The chemicals include polychlorinated biphenyls and lead based paints. The law provides for the EPA to scrutinize and offer accreditation to people who inspect asbestos related materials. Moreover, requires for the notification for any new chemical usage in industries before manufacture. Subsequently, it provides certification requirements to parties exporting and importing chemicals.
Hazardous and solid waste amendments of 1984
Hazardous Act came into enactment due to the opposition of the then hazardous waste disposal practices considered harmful to both humans and the environment. It provided for the establishment of corrective action through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Pichtel 2005). Moreover, it led to the provision of Land disposal control programs, regulation of hazardous waste and generators. Finally, through this amendment a nationwide survey regarding the conditions at the solid waste facilities and landfills was created. Through the amendments, a strong criminal enforcement system emerged and substandard incinerators were closed to prevent the publics’ health in general.
Comprehensive environmental response, compensation and liability act
CERCLA was enacted in 1980 with the main purpose being to clean the sites and areas contaminated with hazardous components. It created a tax system on petroleum and chemical industries and authorized federal department to respond either directly to any form of chemical releases that might harm the public and the environment (Switzer & Gray 2008). Furthermore, it formed a trust fund in the event responsible persons could not be tracked and established stringent rules and prohibitions concerning hazardous waste areas. Finally, it authorized for short and long term remedial action that mitigate the dangers or threats of the release of hazardous substances.
Emergency planning and community right-to-know Act
It was created to enhance community involvement and access to information about chemical hazards and report to the relevant government authority with information about potential chemical hazard in their areas. It provided the formation of Local committees and State Emergency Commissions that were to give information to the public and local administration about hazardous in their communities. Moreover, it was also to outline procedures to alert and if need be evacuate communities during emergency. Finally, it was mandated to draw emergency alternatives to protect civilians from toxic substances.
Oil pollution Act
This law came into creation largely due to the rising civilian concerns particularly from the infamous Exxon Valdez oil spill. The act sought to enhance the State’s ability to adequately respond and prevent oil spills through expanding the government’s capability (Randle 2012). It also provided stringent requirements for planning by the shipping industry and increase fines and penalties for non compliant entities. Finally, the act widened the federal government enforcement and response to prevent the occurrence of oil spillage that has a deadly effect on marine life and marine environment such as coral reefs that play a crucial role in the aquatic system.
EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting
This law came into light due to the adverse lead poisoning that normally occur when common renovation like demolition and cutting produce hazardous lead dust by tampering with lead based paints. This law protects the risks of lead contamination, through the certification of contractors who carry repair in all facilities that were constructed before the 1978. Lead contamination is a risky health hazard to the public cases of lead poisoning and even death can occur.
Energy policy act
This Law addresses the concern over energy production In America. It sought to target the following areas; renewable energy, coal, nuclear energy, electricity, geothermal and hydropower, motor fuel and energy tax incentives in relation to energy production and environmental impacts. It sought to promote alternative sources of energy such wind and solar power that do not affect the environment. Moreover, it increased the volume of bio fuel composition in gasoline in order to reduce the rate of toxic chemicals during combustion in engines and offer tax incentives to entities that develop innovative technologies.
Noise control act
The fundamental purpose of this Act is to regulate noise pollution in order to safeguard human health and reduced noise nuisance to the overall public. The key sectors targeted include the transportation, machinery and appliances. It yearned to avail information to the civilians respecting noise reduction and emissions. Moreover, it provided to establish noise standards for items that are circulated in the market.
Pollution prevention act
The pollution act main purpose is to create and develop relevant and cost effective prevention strategy and reduction models in order to prevent pollution. Moreover, it reduces the level of hazardous chemical and pollutants from entering the environment before recycling and treatment. Subsequently, the law reduces the effects to the environment public health as a result of the release of contaminants. It goes ahead to regulate industries effluent through source reduction and recognition of innovative programs through an annual award system.
EPA risk management planning
This involves outlining and developing a program in which agricultural entities that handle, use and store various toxic chemicals above the optimum levels control the and prevent the accidental or un intended release of the toxic chemicals into the environment. It ultimately requires the planning of simultaneous activities that are designed (program) to control the occurrence of an accidental toxin release and their mitigation. It ensures the compliance of relevant codes and standards in the environmental conservation. It helps operators to identify hazards of chemical toxins, initiate the prevention measures to prevent their release into the environment.
EPA spill prevention countermeasure plans
This law sought to ensure the prevention of the large amount of oil discharges into the waterways that may be harmful. The oil includes both vegetable and animal fats and milk is not an exemption. It authorizes the EPA to prevent environmental damage to both the shorelines and in lane waters of America. The law also sought to exempt milk and its products from being regulated by the SPCC rules since it is already regulated and standardized to assist prevent spills.
Water quality compliance
The law strictly regulates the contamination of drinking water systems such as pipes, tanks and taps, beaches and shores. It seeks to protect the quality of water by controlling industrial waste water and municipal effluent discharge from contaminating the safe water system in America. The discharge and waste water contain a spectrum of pollutants that include pesticides, bacteria, hydrocarbons, oil and grease that have an environmental effect on water bodies and human beings.
Air permit requirements
Under the Clean Air Act, three are three firms of air permit programs; the acid rain, operating and preconstruction permits. The purpose of these permits is to reduce nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxides pollution level and enhance effective pollution control. Moreover, they lower violation of air pollution and enhance the implementation of the regulatory laws. Illegal or uncontrolled permission often leads severe emission of tones of pollutant into the atmosphere. These pollutants normally attack the ecosystem and can cause cancer and other health related complications.
Asbestos Abatement act
This law seeks to control the asbestos in their occurring sate and also create awareness to the general public regarding it occurrence, health side effects and contain its existence. Asbestos is a fiber that was been used in buildings because of its thermal insulating and fire resistance properties (Asbestos Task Force 2005). The problem is however, if tampered with asbestos releases small fibers into the air that pose a health risk such as cancer of the lungs. Through the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, this law mandates EPA to inspect asbestos containing buildings after every three years, develop asbestos management plan and ensure proper surveillance of existing asbestos containing buildings.
Storm water inspections
This is a result of storm water discharge produced by overflowing water from land, paved streets and rooftops during snow or rainfall and carry pollutants which could significantly affect water quality. Hence the need for controlled storm water discharges such as compliance monitoring through the Storm Water Act. Moreover, the inspections include occasional review of storm water permits, sampling of the discharges and implementing best management activities and control practices.
DOT and IATA hazardous materials requirements
DOT training is a prerequisite for all transporters and generators of hazardous materials. It is a mandatory initial and refresher training course from the staff who will subsequently handle the toxic substances. Its function is to ensure that employees in this sector are fully familiar with the handling procedure of the hazardous products at their facilities to prevent contamination of quality of environment and public health. On the other hand, IATA provide for a mandatory training and refresher course biannually. This ensures the isolation and safe transportation of dangerous products. Moreover, both the entities insist on the proper way of relaying information for example, marking and labeling of hazardous products.
Hazardous waste characterization and disposal
Waste characterization is always conducted in accordance with EPA regulations. It is the initial step in the hazardous waste management. Waste are identified according to their full toxicity, reactivity, ignitability and corrosivity Characterization provides for the removal of a substance that is not considered hazardous hence managing them under distinct constructed regulations. This makes it easier for their disposal to take place with minimum environmental and human effects since control measure will have been taken and analyzed for any potential risks.
Hazardous material and process safety management
The process safety management ensures safety compliance in industries that operate with dangerous and toxic goods. PMS standards enable companies to maintain their environment in perfect shape free from contamination. Adhering to these regulatory compliance enable companies prevent operational loses as a result of fines from the EPA. Its features include compliance to procedures of hazardous goods handling, personnel training, safety reviews and emergency planning and response. This prevents unexpected release of reactive and toxic liquid and gases into the atmosphere.
PREFERRED LAW
REASON
A chemical industry producing large amount of thick black exhaust effluent in to the atmosphere from its chimneys.
Pollution prevention act
Clean Air Act
Both the laws regulate air pollution within the atmosphere and sets up various regulations to curb this vice.
A household in Iowa receives dirty and contaminated water through their domestic taps.
Clean water Act
Safe drinking water act (SDWA)
It is an environmental health hazard to contaminate safe drinking water for human beings. These acts ensure cases like this are minimal.
Oil Pollution Act
It protects the marine and aquatic life from illegal oil spillage and ensures the laws are followed to the latter.
An over speeding sports car with an excessive noise engine making laps around New York City distracting ongoing passers.
Noise control act
Noise control act ensures no machinery or people become a nuisance to the general public thus resulting to a calm and healthy environment.
Solid waste and disposal act and resource recovery act
Large amounts of untreated waste pose a potential threat to the general public health, this acts seeks to ensure such cases are dealt with by regulating the waste disposal industry.
Asbestos Act
The asbestos act protects people from getting chronic lung cancer in association with asbestos dusts. It seeks to ensure the examination and certification of asbestos experts before any renovation or demolition is undertaken in order to protect the environment.
Storm Water Act
It seeks to regulate the storm water from contaminating safe water for drinking since it carries with it hazardous and toxic materials from the surface running water.
A set of standardized regulations given to a company that deals with hazardous materials to ensure its operations are efficient and environmental friendly
Hazardous material and process safety management
This law ensures proper safety measures are taken into consideration before the handling and transportation of toxic products.
An environmental waste management company has to identify the hazardous materials before determining their mode of disposal.
Hazardous waste characterization and disposal
It ensures waste is identified for their various properties before disposal thus enabling easier recycling and isolation in accordance with environmental potential risks.
DOT and IATA hazardous materials requirements
These two laws are important since they regulate the companies that deal with toxic chemicals ensuring there is no environmental threat brought by their operations.
Water quality compliance
Water quality is far the most important laws under the EPA mandate. It ensures the quality of water is up to the highest standards.
EPA risk management planning
Risk management ensures maximum consideration is taken into account before a company deals with toxic chemicals. It regulates this industry in the prevention of environmental contamination.
Energy policy act
It is the energy Act that promotes the alternative sources of energy and provides for subsidizes. With this act various technologies are set to develop.
EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting
This Law is crucial in the prevention of Lead contamination. It sets the regulations before any building is demolished to avoid lead infections.
A community in Texas realizes that part of their community lake has been contaminated with toxic waste from nearby industrial effluent and reported to the federal authority.
Emergency planning and community right-to-know Act
This act gives the community the power to speak and conserve the environment through identification of illegal waste disposal. It is important in planning community advocacy.
Federal insecticide, fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
This law helps in the prevention of the illegal circulation of un certified chemicals that may be harmful to the environment. Through its regulations all pesticides should comply with the EPA standards before usage.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
This is the mother of the environmental laws. It ensures that all the laws are implemented and regulations followed by the receiving industries and federal authorities.
A paint company introduces a new product in to the market but must first go through an accreditation from the federal authority and the EPA regulation.
Toxic substance control Act (TSCA)
This is important in order to prevent the introduction of a harmful chemical into the public and environment that can be of a harmful consequence.
Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund). Chicago, Ill: American Bar Association,
Section of Environment, Energy and Resources.
United States. (2003). Spill prevention, control & countermeasure: Information guide.
Philadelphia, Pa: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Removal Branch,
Removal Enforcement and Oil Section.
ACT Asbestos Task Force. (2005). Asbestos management in the ACT: Report by the ACT
Asbestos Task Force. Canberra: ACT Asbestos Task Force.
Pichtel, J. (2005). Waste management practices: Municipal, hazardous, and industrial. Boca
Raton: Taylor & Francis.
United States. (1999). Guidance for auditing risk management plans/programs under Clean Air
Act section 112(r). Washington, D.C: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Chemical Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Office.
Randle, R. V., Environmental Law Institute., & United States. (2012). Oil pollution deskbook.
Washington, D.C: Environmental Law Institute.
United States & Dynamac Corporation. (1992). The Federal insecticide, fungicide and
rodenticide act. Washington, D.C: EPA.
Bass, R. E., Herson, A. I., Bogdan, K. M., & Bass, R. E. (2001). The NEPA book: A step-by-step
guide on how to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act. Point Area, Calif:
Solano Press Books.
Collin, R. W. (2006). The Environmental Protection Agency: Cleaning up America's act.
Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press.
Law, K. (1988). The Environmental Protection Agency. New York, NY: Chelsea House
Publishers.
