Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
emergency department and poison center surveillance will be the most likely
tools of monitoring. This should be done for potentially toxic and deleterious
chemicals as indicated by specific situations.
Environmental Control Legislation
Many of the laws establishing national standards and controls for the discharge
of pollutants to the environment and consumer and worker protection are listed
as follows:
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of October 22, 1986 (Amends
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).] Requires the EPA to regulate
the inspection of schools, identify asbestos-containing materials, monitor
the development of asbestos management plans by schools, and oversee
corrective measures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) is to establish asbestos regulations in the workplace and for
asbestos removal. The Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act of 1984
authorizes the EPA to provide grants and loans if justified.
Atomic Energy Act of 1954 PL. 83 - 703 (as amended). Regulates the dis-
charge of radioactive waste into the environment. Gives the EPA authority
to set standards for the disposal of radioactive materials to be implemented
by the National Research Council (NRC).
Clean Air Act of 1970 P.L. 91 - 604 (as amended 1990, 1996, 1998, 1999).
To improve the quality of the nation's air, the EPA is to establish national air
quality standards to protect the public health and welfare from the harmful
effects of air pollution and ensure that existing clean air is protected from
significant deterioration by controlling stationary and mobile sources and
preventing harmful substances from entering the ambient air; also to review
and regulate hazardous and toxic air pollutants.
Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 P.L. 92 - 583 (as amended). Requires
consideration of environmental and economic factors in the planning and
efficient development of coastal areas. State receives financial and technical
assistance.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA) of 1980 P.L. 96 - 510 (as amended) (Superfund). Establishes a
trust fund financed by taxes on oil and certain chemical compounds and
authorizes federal action in cleaning up hazardous waste sites (especially soil
and water contaminated sites), responds to spills of hazardous substances
that present danger to public health and welfare, and prepares guidelines for
coordinating federal and state responses. Short-term response may include
A very good resource for examining public laws is the Thomas search engine of the Library of
Congress web site, www.loc.gov. This is a searchable database of all laws in Congress, whether
passed or not, from the 93rd Congress (1973 - 1974) through the current one.
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