Risk Reduction through Regulatory Control of Waste Disposal Facility Siting

F. G. Wright
H. I. Inyang
V. B. Myers

---

DOI: 10.2190/2MTV-KFMV-XC19-R6K9

Abstract

Structural failure of hazardous waste management facilities and consequent undesirable environmental and human health effects can result from natural and human-made hazards in sensitive environments. Potential hazards include catastrophic release of toxic materials into water, soil, and air; rapid and widespread transport of hazardous contaminants; and impracticable cleanup measures. Site-specific factors and facility type control the magnitude of the above-stated risks. Various approaches can be adopted to minimize potential facility damages and environmental degradation, including control of the facility's location and design conservatism. Since a host of economic and administrative factors are important to hazardous waste facility siting, the provision of incentives to facility planners to adopt good siting practices may enhance the implementation of siting plans that reduce risk. Several environments are assessed for their sensitivity to damages from hazardous waste installations. Measures of minimizing risk through location and design controls are discussed.

---

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.