Natural resources can be renewable or nonrenewable. The use of resources can be sustainable or unsustainable

Natural resources can be renewable or nonrenewable. The use of resources can be sustainable or unsustainable.Why might the use of solar energy be more sustainable than the use of coal? How could the sustainability of coal as an energy source be improved?

The National Park Service Organic Act was signed into law in 1916

The National Park Service Organic Act was signed into law in 1916. How did this act affect the management of parks across the United States? How did this act affect national parks ecologically?  What types of educational opportunities arose from this act?

The Endangered Species Act became law in the United States in 1973

The Endangered Species Act became law in the United States in 1973. What are three actions related to endangered species that are illegal according to this act? What are two goals of the Endangered Species Act?

The Antarctic Treaty System is an international treaty

The Antarctic Treaty System is an international treaty. Answer the following questions.

a. Name three ways the Antarctic Treaty System promotes scientific knowledge of the continent of Antarctica.

b. Is it reasonable to call Antarctica a common resource under the Antarctic Treaty System? Explain your answer.

The Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol are focused on Earth’s atmosphere. Describe the international action required by the Montreal Protocol and the ultimate goal of this treaty

The Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol are focused on Earth’s atmosphere. Describe the international action required by the Montreal Protocol and the ultimate goal of this treaty. What are two ways the Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Protocol are similar, and what is one way they are different?

Many international treaties and protocols aim to protect biodiversity around the world

Many international treaties and protocols aim to protect biodiversity around the world. Describe two ways the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) helps to protect species. Describe The Ramsar Convention promotes international cooperation for the conservation of wetlands. What are two reasons that international management might be appropriate for wetlands? What are two goals of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture?

Discuss the value of studying the natural sciences for everyone, not just scientists

  • Discuss the value of studying the natural sciences for everyone, not just scientists. Why might it be important for individuals and society to understand the science related to current events and contemporary issues?
  • Consider a recent event, either in your personal life or in the news. In a few sentences, describe how basic knowledge of natural science could help you better understand that event, make decisions, or act.

What is gamification? Why is gamification so motivating?

  • What is gamification? Why is gamification so motivating?
  • What are some important elements of gamification?
  • What industries are using gamification to change behaviors

Calculate the absorbed dose of trichloroethylene in a 100-kg individual who drinks 3 liters per day of water contaminated with trichloroethylene at 10 μg per liter, assuming 100% absorption of the chemical.

Calculate the absorbed dose of trichloroethylene in a 100-kg individual who drinks 3 liters per day of water contaminated with trichloroethylene at 10 μg per liter, assuming 100% absorption of the chemical.

 

You work as an Environmental Specialist at XYZ Steel Mill, Inc. located in Longview, TX

You work as an Environmental Specialist at XYZ Steel Mill, Inc. located in Longview, TX. Your primary responsibilities include (1) overseeing the company’s compliance to all local, state, and federal rules and regulations related to air, water, and wastes and (2) assisting the EHS division in identifying and minimizing or eliminating potential environmental hazards in the workplace. The largest source of air pollutants on the site is the electric furnace that generates CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, PM, and HAPs. In addition to the electric furnace, the facility has several natural gas combustion units and stationary diesel engines. Wastewater at the facility consists of stormwater, groundwater infiltration, and non-contact cooling water. Wastewater is treated for reuse in the cooling and dust control processes. The excess water is discharged into the nearby waterbody. The other major gaseous byproducts of its operations are CO, H2S, SO2, and benzene. It also generates 50,000 lb of K061/week, which it treats and disposes of at its facilities. The mill uses hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and methylene chloride in the finishing operations. The facility has Title V Operating permits for CO, NOx, and SO2 and a TPDES permit. Among its reporting requirements include GHG, Air Emissions Inventory, Tier II Chemical Reports, and Industrial and Hazardous Waste Annual Waste Summary.
In the past year, the following events occurred that could have compromised the environment and the health and safety of the workers and its surrounding community:
• On October 18, 2021, two employees reported that they were unduly exposed to benzene while doing maintenance on the coke-making batteries.
• On February 5, 2022, the SO2 control system for the electric furnace failed resulting in heavy emissions of SO2.
• On April 13, 2022, 2,000 gallons of methylene chloride spilled and reached the nearby stream.
• Last month, it was sued by the EPA because it improperly disposed treated K061 on its facilities.
Tasks
You are tasked to address the aforementioned issues. An estimate of the total amount of SO2 that was released unabated for three months while the control system is being fixed is due to TCEQ at the end of the month. You coordinated the response to the methylene chloride spill and now must submit a follow-up report. The company must also respond to the lawsuit on K061 disposal and you are expected to be involved in its defense of the practice.

 

Respond to Environmental Concerns Below
1. What are the ecological risks from the contaminants (SO2, methylene chloride, K061) that were released?
2. What regulations apply to the manufacture, use, and or treatment of such pollutants (SO2, methylene chloride, K061)?
3. What regulatory agencies must be notified of the methylene chloride spill and which agency (agencies) will oversee the remediation efforts?
4. What regulatory agency must be notified of the unabated release of SO2?
5. What type(s) of remediation would you recommend for environmental impacts to soil and groundwater for methylene chloride?
6. What regulatory agencies establish protective and/or maximum concentration limits in soil and groundwater? How are these limits used/compared when evaluating effectiveness of remediation?
7. What are the treatment standards and management options for K061? If it’s treated, can it be disposed of in or on a landfill?
8. If, you were tasked to prove that the treated K061 is no longer hazardous as a result of a lawsuit, what tools/methods would you use to provide the bases for this claim?
9. What models/tools are available to model the ways the contaminants in K061 move from the source through the environmental media and receptors?