Three decades after it was established, the EPA's Superfund program is taking on some of the most complex and costly projects ever attempted. With many focused underwater, some worry the stirring up of polluted sediment will exacerbate the problem.
After decades, and centuries in some places, of acting as a toxic dumping ground, America's rivers and riverfronts have been the targets of cleanup efforts by the federal government's Superfund program. But as the EPA tackles some of the most "complex cleanups ever attempted," located in "large stretches of urban waterways where the pollution is out of sight," doubts remain about the best method to handle such immense efforts, reports Anthony DePalma.
DePalma's article chronicles accounts of well-intentioned cleanup efforts gone wrong. And although many do, in fact, improve the safety of targeted sites, they can stir up waste in the process, threatening the surrounding ecosystem. Still, the federal government is pushing ahead with the Superfund program, utilizing new cleanup technologies and computer modeling.
FULL STORY: Superfund Cleanup Stirs Troubled Waters
Supreme Court Could Curb EPA’s Water Quality Regulation Powers
A suit brought by the city of San Francisco argues that the agency’s language around water treatment and discharge is too vague and imposes retroactive penalties.
EPA Relaxes Environmental Rules, Cites Coronavirus
During the outbreak, the agency will allow companies to monitor themselves for pollution violations.
Lessons in Brownfields: Phase One Report Reform Ain't Working
This second of a series on brownfield remediation and development is a funny and sarcastic primer about the process and its failures. Written by Environmental attorney Richard Opper.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie