Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
As scientists began to realize the environmental damage of the straightened river, efforts were proposed to re-
turn the oxbows that slowed the water flow. In 1992, Congress approved efforts to restore the Kissimmee River
to its original flow and modifications began in 1997, with the goal of completing the project by 2011, with 43
miles to be restored. Wildlife has returned to much of the restored sections of the river. Sandbars have returned,
dormant plants have reestablished themselves, increased levels of dissolved oxygen in the water have increased
populations of insects, mollusks, and crayfish, which, in turn, have increased the populations of fish, birds, and
alligators. The entire food chain has benefited from the restoration. The Kissimmee River restoration is con-
sidered to be one of the world's rare successes of ecosystem restoration.
London Fog Air Pollution
The London Fog, also referred to as the Great Smoke of 52 or the "Big Smoke," was a severe air pollution
event that occurred from December 5 to December 9, 1952. The event occurred as a result of increased coal
burning during periods of cold weather, combined with windless conditions that allowed airborne pollutants to
collect.
At the time, it was not thought to have been a significant event—London had experienced other smog events in
the past. But in the following weeks, medical reports estimated that 4,000 had died and 100,000 became ill due
to the effects of the smog on the respiratory system. Recent research suggests that the actual number of fatalit-
ies was probably closer to 12,000. The event led to several changes, including the U.K. Clean Air Act of 1956.
Love Canal Waste Dumping
William Love envisioned a canal connecting the two levels of the Niagara River that were separated by the
Niagara Falls. He believed that such a canal would provide much needed hydroelectric power to the area, and
later he envisioned a shipping lane that would bypass the falls and reach Lake Ontario. Love dug a canal ap-
proximately 1 mile long, 50 feet wide, and 10 to 40 feet deep before he stopped. The canal filled with water
and became a swimming hole in the summer and a skating pond in the winter.
In the 1920s, the canal became the dumping site for the municipality of Niagara Falls. In 1942, Hooker Chem-
ical Company was granted permission by the Niagara Power and Development Company to dump waste in
Love Canal. The canal was drained and lined with thick clay. Hooker placed 55-gallon metal barrels full of
hazardous chemicals in it, which were buried 20 to 25 feet deep. In 1947, Hooker purchased the canal and a 70
foot-wide bank on either side of the canal. The dumpsite was closed in 1953. During the time the canal was
open, 21,000 tons of chemicals were added to the canal dumpsite. The canal was covered with a clay cap and
then a layer of topsoil. Vegetation began to grow atop the dumpsite.
The local school board purchased the site shortly after it was closed due to an increase in the population of
Niagara Falls. The Hooker Chemical Company initially tried to tell the school district of the chemicals below
the surface but the district refused to believe the company and nevertheless proceeded to purchase the land. In
the agreement, Hooker included a section that explained the site's potential dangers. In so doing, Hooker be-
lieved they were releasing themselves from all liability. Despite the disclaimer, the board began construction of
a new school in 1954 on part of the site. The city of Niagara Falls constructed sewers for a home development,
also on a part of the site. While building the sewer system, construction crews broke through the clay cap and
breached the canal walls. Additionally, dirt was moved from atop the cap for fill in other locations, and holes
were punched to build water lines and a highway. This allowed toxic wastes to escape into the surrounding
areas when rainwater flowed through the toxic dump.
