Document Type
Capstone
Publication Date
5-1-2024
Keywords
sustainable communities capstone, Grumman, IBM, plume, Bethpage, Endicott, industrial pollution
Department
Sustainable Communities
Abstract
Industrial pollution is a growing environmental issue in the United States, having health, economic, and social consequences on the surrounding communities. This study explores how communities respond to industrial pollution by examining two case studies in New York: the Navy/Grumman Plume of Bethpage and the IBM Plume of Endicott. Document analysis provided information to create complete timelines of the pollution and remediation in each community. Interviews were also conducted to provide personal insight from residents, employees of polluting industries, or those involved with remediation efforts. Ultimately, the research suggests that industrial actors should take a proactive stance in addressing contamination. It’s also recommended that government officials should use their positions to hold responsible parties accountable, write and pass legislation that will prevent contamination from happening in the future, and provide a platform for stakeholders to participate. Lastly, it was observed that community stakeholders were most effective when they organized into groups.
Recommended Citation
Jergensen, Jacqueline and Velardi, Sara, "How Communities Respond to Industrial Pollution" (2024). Sustainable Communities. 1.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/sustainablecommunities/1
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Included in
Environmental Health Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Social Justice Commons
