According to Gallup, concerns about water quality continue to be the topmost environmental worry for Americans out of the six environmental issues facing the U.S. According to a survey, a significant majority of Americans (56%) express a high level of worry about pollution of drinking water, followed by rivers, lakes, and reservoirs at 53%.
Even though the extent of concern has fluctuated over time, the order of importance has remained largely consistent, with water pollution being more worrisome than all other environmental threats.
Environmental disasters like the Camp Lejeune water contamination have had devastating effects on human health and the environment. Governments must take action to prevent such disasters from occurring in the first place and to address them when they do happen.
The role of government in preventing environmental disasters involves implementing and enforcing regulations to ensure industries and corporations operate in a way that does not harm the environment or human health.
This article will explore how the government can take a proactive approach to prevent environmental disasters and provide justice and compensation to those affected by them.
Environmental Regulations and Enforcement
Environmental regulations and enforcement are crucial in preventing environmental disasters like Camp Lejeune from occurring. Governments must take the lead in establishing and enforcing regulations that protect citizens from harmful pollutants and contaminants.
These regulations should cover a range of issues, from the safe disposal of hazardous waste and chemicals to regular monitoring and testing of water and air quality. It is also essential to ensure that these regulations are enforced consistently and strictly.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the enforcement of environmental laws is a key element of the agency’s strategic plan aimed at safeguarding human health and the environment. EPA’s primary objective is to ensure that environmental regulations are adhered to. Whenever necessary, EPA takes legal action, civil or criminal, against those who violate environmental laws.
Government Transparency and Accountability
The government has a responsibility to be transparent about environmental risks and to hold accountable those who cause harm to public health. In the case of Camp Lejeune, the military base and government agencies were aware of the water contamination for years before taking action, which resulted in numerous health problems for those exposed to the contaminated water.
In response, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed, which provides justice to those affected by the contamination and requires the government to take responsibility for the damages caused.
According to TorHoerman Law, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 permits military families to seek damages for the harm caused by water contamination.
This law was signed by President Biden after being passed by the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. This development is noteworthy because, typically, the federal government cannot be held liable for claims filed by military personnel during their service.
This act is an important step towards holding the government accountable for environmental disasters and ensuring that the public is protected from harmful pollutants and contaminants in the future.
Funding for Environmental Research and Cleanup Efforts
Funding for environmental research and cleanup efforts is crucial in preventing and mitigating environmental disasters like the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Governments must invest in research to better understand the impact of pollution and toxic chemicals on public health and the environment.
This research will help identify and develop effective solutions to prevent environmental disasters and minimize their impact. Additionally, governments must provide adequate funding for cleanup efforts to remediate contaminated areas and reduce exposure to harmful substances.
According to The Legal Examiner, on October 4, 1989, Camp Lejeune was added to the National Priorities List of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund program, more than three decades after volatile organic compounds (VOCs) had infiltrated Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point. This initiated a collaborative effort among the Navy, the EPA, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to eliminate the contaminated water from Camp Lejeune.
The cleanup of the Camp Lejeune contamination is a complex process that involves several phases, each focused on different geographic areas. According to the EPA, over 48,000 pounds of VOCs have been extracted from the soil.
Education and Awareness
Education and awareness are important for preventing future incidents like Camp Lejeune water contamination. In the case of Camp Lejeune, education was needed for all stakeholders-government, businesses, and citizens.
- Government: The government must be educated on how to ensure that hazardous substances do not enter our drinking water supply. While this may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget when it comes to things like oil spills or even something as simple as using pesticides in your garden. These types of things can have lasting effects on our environment and health if they aren’t handled properly.
- Businesses: Businesses also need education on environmental regulations so they know what they’re allowed to do with chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE) before releasing them into public spaces such as lakes.
- Citizens: Finally, there needs to be more general knowledge among citizens about pollution prevention practices such as recycling instead of throwing away old electronics or using reusable cloth bags instead plastic ones whenever possible
Conclusion
The government plays a crucial role in preventing and cleaning up environmental disasters. When the EPA fails to enforce its regulations, it puts our communities at risk for exposure to harmful chemicals. When states don’t require disclosure of chemical spills, people can be exposed without even knowing it.
These are just some examples of how government agencies can help protect us all.