EnviroForensics releases article on the “Accidental Steward” amidst curent political debate on pollution regulation
Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) February 23, 2015 -- EnviroForensics consultant and geologist Jeff Carnahan recently released an industry article addressing the necessity of environmental remediation, but also how the newest regulations can cast a shadow on the businesses responsible for the cleanup. The commentary focuses on the likelihood that today’s businesses were often unaware of the pollution lurking in the soil under their property at the time of purchase. While dealing with the costly (and necessary) cleanup and remediation, these businesses, large and small, are also trying to shake public stigma as “polluters.”
Carnahan comments, “While America has led in developing a higher standard of living through advancements in technology and industrialization, the country simultaneously unearths the disparaging scars science has left on the environment at large.”
In the article, Carnahan points to the interplay between enrichment and destruction caused by science (largely for the comfort of the consumer) and the ownership businesses must claim when it comes to cleaning up industry’s past mistakes. As a consultant working with businesses and municipalities on vapor intrusion remediation, Carnahan sees the challenges facing them first-hand regarding the costly cleanup and public personae.
Carnahan writes, “It’s tempting to demonize “polluters” in our current society, especially given the intentional bad environmental decisions made by some. I choose to believe; however, that the merit of actions taken by those responsible after they learn of causing contamination is truly the article to be judged.”
Whether the pollution was borne of ignorance or neglect from a former generation, there are tools and resources to effectively remediate the pollution and move forward. Carnahan comments, “It’s the businesses we work with that are taking control of the situation in light of new advancements in the field of vapor intrusion that should be recognized for taking action rather than finding loopholes in the law and avoiding regulations.”
Today’s business owners, particularly in the dry cleaning and manufacturing industries, have inherited the headaches associated with the required cleanup mandated by the government today. In many cases, evidence of pollution is popping up now due to technological advances in remediation, less stringent regulations of former administrations, and a historical general lack of knowledge regarding the risks of formerly used chemicals. The EPA’s final draft of the belated Vapor Intrusion Guidance is currently under review in Washington DC. Meanwhile, businesses, large and small, are faced with the short and long term costs of cleaning up after their predecessors. Carnahan works closely with businesses facing elevated regulations and costly cleanups to effectively address the sources, work with insurance companies, and prevent future pollution.
For more information contact EnviroForensics at http://www.enviroforensics.com or 866-888-7911.
Dru Shields, EnviroForensics, http://www.enviroforensics.com/, +1 (614) 706-5206, [email protected]
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