How to Clean Up Toxic Waste

Toxic Waste Cleanup Process

• 1). Collect information on the type of toxic wastes involved --- if possible, collect soil and water samples and submit them to a local hazardous waste laboratory for testing. Assess the level of threat posed to the community and the environment by the toxic wastes at the site by consulting the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (see Resources 1).
  
  
• 2). Identify the individual or the business responsible for the toxic waste spill --- collect statements from witnesses and call your local property tax office to inquire about ownership of property at a specific address.
  
  
• 3). Read U.S. EPA publications relevant to your situation --- the EPA provides publications for small and large businesses and for concerned communities (see Resources 2).
  
  
• 4). Contact the EPA office in your region (see Resources 3) and ask them to conduct a remedial investigation and feasibility study to determine if the threat posed by wastes is sufficient to require remediation and assess the feasibility of cleanup.
  
  
• 5). Cooperate with the EPA, if applicable, to determine if current technologies could be effective and design a remedial action plan to clean up toxic wastes from the site. Ensure that the plan will result in long-term protection of the environment and human health.
  
  
• 6). Acquire the appropriate permits for cleanup, as recommended by your regional EPA contacts.
  
  
• 7). Hire toxic waste contractors qualified to implement the remedial action plan to remove or neutralize toxic wastes on the site --- this process may require many years.
  
  
• 8). Raise support in your local community and government for redevelopment of the treated waste site in a way that is beneficial and productive for the community --- this may require attending city council meetings and contacting your local government officials.