Landfill, Contaminated Soil, and Contaminated Water

Scenario:

Once causation has been determined, epidemiological principles can be used to lessen risk by considering the policies that lead to unnecessary exposures.

Centervale’s landfill facility has accepted, with the town’s approval, contaminated soil from the Middle Earth Energy Corporation. The landfill is located above ground and the operators plan on selling the soil to small farms in the county. The soil is known to be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead that exceed the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the past, the EPA has discovered several leaks in the landfill’s liner. The landfill is located above the town’s main aquifer, which supplies well water to 10,000 residents who live in either Simon Township (ST) or Diamond Township (DT). In Taylor Township (TT), 750 residents use both well water and Metropolis water for small farms. The other residents only use well water.

Directions

Research the public health implications of water contamination. Use information from the EPA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Respond to the following:

1. Identify and define all exposure and health risks from PCBs and lead.
2. Develop a dose-response assessment curve for adults and children for PCBs and lead.
3. 3. Calculate the proportion of people in Centervale who are exposed to well water (i.e., water from the aquifer) and Metropolis water. Show your work.

You should utilize at least 2 scholarly sources beyond the course readings in your research. Your paper should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Write a 4–page report in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Required Assignment Grading Criteria