An approach to evaluating the questions of environmental justice relating to cement kilns

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:234012

Schreiber, Jr, R J; Hall, D S; Evers, J J ^[1]

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1. Schreiber, Grana and Yonley, Inc., St. Louis, MO (United States)

The EPA has speculated that populations near high potential risk industries may be predominantly low income or minority status, and that this population is at a greater health risk with respect to protection from environmental hazards. The role of industry in creating environmental injustice through the location and siting of facilities potentially posing environmental hazards is vastly unsupported. Industry selects a location based on economics not demographics. Residents select a home based on geographic preference; the housing they can afford; as well as proximity to their job, schools, and activities. If demographic imbalance is occurring disproportionately in locations containing high health risk industries, the strongest factors in the equation are local economy, zoning, and politics; as well as urban sprawl. When the concept of social injustice is evaluated in regard to the cement industry, their influence on environmental inequity becomes increasingly obscure. Cement operations are dependent upon raw materials which are obtained from nearby quarries. Most facilities were built decades ago in undeveloped locations with limestone formations. Indeed many facilities still exist in this rural state. Population risk evaluations should be based solely on exposure potential and the level of hazard present. Within the cement industry, facility operations utilize the best available technology, as well as the best available pollution control practices. Technology and operating practices are developed through continual research and development on-site. The industry applies these technologies uniformly and does not base implementation decisions on demographics. The cement industry`s commitment to environmental considerations is implemented regardless of race or income factors.

• OSTI ID: 234012
• Report Number(s): CONF-9404294--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COMMUNITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LOW INCOME GROUPS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SITE SELECTION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS