env. clean up

by

“EPA to Take Lead of Emergency Response at Smitty’s Supply Fire in Roseland | US EPA.” US EPA, 25 Aug. 2025, www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-take-lead-emergency-response-smittys-supply-fire-roseland. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

‌EPA has now taken the lead on responding to the fire in Smitty’s Supply Inc. in Roseland, Louisiana. EPA took charge hours after being notified by Smitty’s Supply. While first responders were fighting the fires EPA was the lead agency on site. Now EPA is in charge of containing hazardous material, recover unburned materials from the ditches, ponds. EPA will dispose these hazardous material at EPA approved facility. EPA monitored the air quality hours after gaining responsibility. EPA understands that no single agency would be able to tackle a problem like this, and it is important that they provide support for this company. EPA is working with the state, Parish, and federal partners to restore and help the community recover.

With our technology today these emergencies happen more frequently, and we will see these situations more in the future. Because of that it is important that we have a good reaction to these situations. This emergancy is an example of that. When these situations happen we must have an effective response to restore and protect the environment around it. In this situation I appreciate that the company was able to ask for help from the EPA. It is good that EPA understood the urgency of the situation and responded very fast. These situations need to be responded to quickly before they escalate or get harder to recover from. 

by

‘Silent epidemic of chemical pollution’ demands radical regulatory redo, say scientists

 Gaworecki M,2025, December 3, ‘Silent epidemic of chemical pollution’ demands radical regulatory redo, say scientists, https://news.mongabay.com/2025/12/silent-epidemic-of-chemical-pollution-demands-radical-regulatory-redo-say-scientists/

 

This article is about a team of scientists/researchers who say that global chemical regulations are not doing enough to protect humans health and to prevent envirnmental degradation. The article says that pesticides are usually tested only for certain ingrediants, however sometimes they are not tested for petrolium and metal residue, which can be super harmful. This is what the article says is contributing to disease and less biodiversity. The article urges for more and stricter regulations.

 

This is related to APES because human impacts on the envirnment and human health are both tightly related and things weve studied in our APES class. The desire for better regulations connects to the topic of policy making within APES aswell, all in favor to protect ecosystem.

 

by

Toxic Waste or Treasure? Why E-Waste Flows South.

Coria J. (2025, July 28th). Toxic Waste or Treasure? Why E-Waste Flows South. From, https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/internationaldevelopment/2025/07/28/toxic-waste-or-treasure- why-e-waste-flows-south/

It was discovered in Thailand that illegal e-waste imports were occurring, specifically from the U.S. When discovered, not only was it e-waste, but the containers were falsely labeled as “metal scraps.” About 238 tons of e-waste, broken computers, unused appliances, and more, shipped to the Port of Bangkok. However, this sort of behavior isn’t rare, as the U.S is known for using loopholes to place environmental burdens onto poorer countries or countries of “limited infrastructure and oversight.” This behavior leaves these burdened countries with the fate of two possibilities; you’re given valuable items such as gold, copper, and palladium, even earth’s rarest elements. However, some countries aren’t aware of this, going ahead and incinerating or burning away e-waste. But research shows that these valuable “waste” came to be worth about USD $91 Billion, managing to recover only 28 billion. 

Reading this paper helped me gain a stronger understanding of this problem, with pure perspective. Not only do they provide informative statistics, but they also expose the truth with how specific countries like the U.S deal with their environmental issues; illegally exporting and abusing regulations to place environmental burdens onto other countries. Coria fosters a creative solution and a good point to the fact we shouldn’t just ban e-waste, but build infrastructures that would work to manage it. It is poorly managed, and while everyone is focused on just saying goodbye to e-waste, there are better ways to approach it, like cleaning up after ourselves and throwing out the trash, properly disposing of it ourselves. 

by

Global E-Waste Exposed.

DeFranco J. F., & Voas J. (2025, February). Global E-Waste Exposed. From, https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/co/2025/02/10857853/23VCdqACA1y

Similar to previous articles, research shows alarming numbers such as 34 million tonnes of e-waste jumping to 62 million tonnes in 12 years, from 2010 to 2022. However, as we follow along we come across ways we can combat this issue, more into detail, and more globally. We can fight this issue together as humans. An issue we’re all familiar with is the rapid speed of technology advancing and emerging throughout the world and throughout time. What is problematic about it is that these products aren’t very durable, having a short lifespan. In addition, studies have shown that our efforts to recycle e-waste are about 8 million tonnes and then jumped up close to 14 million tonnes. However, this only shows that since 2010, we’ve been outpaced by a factor of 5, according to the UN. Specific ways to combat e-waste, provided by this paper, that have been implemented were stationed bins around town to be filled with unused electronics, locations to drop off old or unused appliances, and the banning of hazardous imports that included e-waste. 

The importance of e-waste management relies solely on the integrity and accountability of each and everyone involved with technology and electronics. If everyone involved also acknowledged the damage we’re doing to the environment, as well as participating in the solutions to reduce and prevent e-waste, it would make the whole process a lot more simple. This paper provides what we can do, as simple as placing unused electronics in bins can make a huge difference moving forward. It takes consideration and integrity, but this is our environment we’re talking about, and I feel this paper exemplifies the value and importance of e-waste management. 

by

From present to future: A review on e-waste recycling processes.

Smith R.L., & Behdad, S. (2025, August 1). From present to future: A review on e-waste recycling processes. From, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X25002740

In a global perspective, this article provides 5 key processes for e-waste recycling. Using a structured sustainability framework, the authors aim to provide a more broader understanding and impact, rather than efficiency. These 5 major processes are physical disassembly, pyrolysis, hydrometallurgy, biometallurgical treatment, and supercritical fluid technology. Essentially, these are ways in which we can extract metal and ensure that we aren’t toxicating our environment, such as waters, soil, and possibly our foods. Concluding with the common concept or idea that practical e-waste management is needed, this paper suggests that recycling is key to the overall improvement of e-waste management, entirely because it fosters awareness of how rapid electronics are thrown out when it isn’t used. 

I found this article extremely informative and interesting. Those 5 major processes helped me narrow down an idea of what it is exactly we should be doing, and how it should be done. While I necessarily can’t get to that level of action, like extracting the metals myself, I can certainly study and move closer into spreading awareness, appreciating the hard work, and understanding how to avoid these problems or prevent them from happening. It is key to remember that we’re not just trying to solve the problem, but prevent it, as the article specifically explains. 

by

Adopt-a-topic | Pest Management

Adopt-a-topic

Pest Management

Phase: California

 

  1. California Department of Pesticide Regulation. (2025, July 2). Advancing safe, effective, and sustainable pest management in California: A 2025 mid‑year progress update from DPR. CDPR Blog. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/2025/07/02/advancing-safe-effective-and-sustainable-pest-management-in-california-a-2025-mid-year-progress-update-from-dpr/

 

The article talks about department of pesticide regulations year 2025 update which talks about progress in getting sustainable pest managment practices across the state. The article talks about new ideas and methods of pest management, like the SprayDays California public notification system, which is a system that allows the public to access real time infromation about pesticide news. The article also talks about new envirnmental regulations like more enforcement of pesticide residue testing and improvements on pesticide use reporting. Also, the article mentions how important it is to integrate human and environmental safety meausres into pest management methods. In the article, the DPR also launched the Envirnmental Justice Advisory Commitee to ensure equallity in the reguations and distribution of pesticide.

 

This article is related to APES because it discusses sustainable pest management strategies that better the public health and the envirnment. By focusing on safety within the pesticides, the realtime notification method, and the distribution of equal access to pest control methods, the article highlights the importance of pest management as a whole, specifically in california. I think the article showcases how california is improving and taking good steps toward the challenge of pest control. 

 

  1. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2025, July 14). Rodenticides: Further restrictions in 2025. UC ANR Pests in the Urban Landscape Blog. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://ucanr.edu/blog/pests-urban-landscape/article/rodenticides-further-restrictions-2025

 

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources created this article talking about new restrictions in California on the use of rodenticides for residential areas. Now the sale and use of many common pesticides like brodificoum and warfarin are able to be used by licsenced professionals. Now only some ingredients are able to be used by residents. The states goal is to reduce wildlife exposure and unintentional poisoning of animals with pesticides.

 

This is related to APES because of the wildlife/ecological risks. Getting rid of or lessening these harmful rodenticides helps protect diversity among species and habitats. I think it is good that California is being precautious and taking science backed approaches.

 

  1. Wu, J. (2025, July 15). Northern California county warns of ‘thick, poisonous smoke,’ declares emergency. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/norcal-county-warns-poisonous-smoke-declares-20769947.php

 

The article talks about how in july, Siskiyou county north of us declared a state of emergency due to illigal cannabis growers igniting sawdust like materials that had insecticides and herbicides inside. This act produced dense and poisonous smoke, which endangered public health, public waterwyas, the envirnment, and put first responders in danger. Gavin Newsom was then urgered to officially recognize the crisis. Illegal operations like this are huge risks to the envirnment due to their unlicsenced/unofficial use of materials, like pesticides.

 

This related to APES and issues withi environmental science, highlighting how significantly important it is to operate with pesticides lawfully, because otherwise there is significant risks to air, water, human health, and ecosystems. I am alarmed that such dangerous and illegal practices/opertations like the cannabis farm in this article are around, and efforts to stop them should be persued more.

 

  1. Becker, R. (2025, July 15). A new invader threatens California water supplies. Can the state stop its spread? CalMatters. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2025/07/golden-mussel-california-water-supplies-spread-inspections/

 

In the article, the author talks about the discover of a new invasive species called the golden mussel. The muscle was found in the San Joaquin River Delta in Sacramento. Golden Mussels colonize rapidly within waterways, and in this case have been clogging water infrastructure  and harming ecosystems and water systems. They were first detected in 2024 which has caused response efforts and an increase in awareness. Right now strategies to contain and prevent further damage is being persued.

 

This article is related to APES and envirnmental science because it focuses on the ecosystem disruption that the golden mussel has caused. This invasice pest, if not contained will damage other species, the ecosystem, and waterways further, which are all ideas that are important in the class and field of environmental science.

 

  1. Dwyer, G. (2025, January 27). ‘Gross’ moth invasion wreaks havoc on forests — and property values: ‘A very bad effect’. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://nypost.com/2025/01/27/science/gross-moth-invasion-wreaks-havoc-on-forests-and-property-values-a-very-bad-effect/

 

The article talks about how the Spongy Moth infestations in all of california has increased. The Spongy Moth usually lives in warmer areas and woods/forest landscapes. Recently, the moth has been affecting oak forest areas in calabasis. To respond to the issue, state officials/authorities have started safety measures for the ecosystems, like tree wrapping to trap larvae, and they’ve been using pesticides as well. Ideally, the article says the moth will be fully gone from the area in 2026.

 

This article is correlated to environmental science because it mentions ecosystem disturbances and the dynamics of invasive pests and the need/rush to manage them. The article mentions how spongy moths harm the trees and the forrest, which is especially connected to the topic and need of pest management within environmental science.

 

by

A Path to a Cleaner Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Petr, Anna. “A Path to a Cleaner Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Dec. 2024, www.nps.gov/articles/000/cercla-clean-up-yose.htm. 

While Yosemite National Park is protected area with many significant landmarks, it still is mistreated. From past human influence, there is now a trash dump site near El Capitan. This is an issue because waste can hurt the environment by contaminating nearby groundwater. With funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the park has begun cleaning this waste site. They first safely dispose of the waste, then use restore the cite through revegitation. The parks main goal is to restore and keep the park in its original condition, with little human influence. Ever since 1850s when Yosemite received its first visitors, there became more waste that if not used, was disposed of in the park. This built up waste is problematic because landfills hurt the environment by contaminating the soil. Wildlife is the most impacted by excess waste, since waste hurts both the ecosystem and themselves when they eat it. 

This article explains the process to decontaminate waste cites in Yosemite National Park. This is relevant to environmental science because it shows how human impact can directly affect the enviornment and the ecosystems within. Built-up waste, without proper disposing, can contaminate both the soil and water in the nearby area. Groundwater contimaination is a big issue because it effects the drinking water for humans, and effects the homes of aquatic organisms like fish. Soil contamination makes it harder for plants to grow and thrive, which also harms the other organisms who eat these plants. Excess trash is also harmful for larger animals who could possibly eat it and contaminate themselves. This article makes me realize that my waste has to go somewhere. I need to be mindful to try and reduce the amount of waste I dispose of, and be conscious if I could reuse or recycle something so it won’t end up in a landfill. 

by

EPA Approves Southern California’s Policy Cleaning up Pollution from Mega-Warehouses

“EPA Approves Southern California’s Policy Cleaning up Pollution from Mega-Warehouses.” Earthjustice, 11 Sept. 2024, earthjustice.org/press/2024/epa-approves-southern-californias-policy-cleaning-up-pollution-from-mega-warehouses. 

Due to LAs worsening air quality, the US Enviornmental Protection Agency approved the Southern California’s Warehouse Indirect Source Rule. This policy limits the pollution from transportation. It was put in place because the air pollution levels in Southern California have recently increased with increasing imports, all burning fuel and contributing to the worsening air quality. To try and solve this issue, the policy has installed 172 new truck charging stations and influenced facilities to buy 815 new zero-emission trucks. These efforts help fight the climate crisis and help areas feel more clean and enjoyable to live in. 

This article was about Southern California’s worsening air quality problems, and how the Southern California’s Warehouse Indirect Source Rule has helped decrease emissions. This directly correlates to Enviornmental Science because it shows how burned excess carbon can pollute the air, a topic we frequently reference in class. Carbon is a greenhouse gas, meaning that when it is released into the atmosphere, it absorbs and reemits infrared rays, which heat up Earth’s surface. Carbon emissions also create pollution, which harms the air quality and the organisms in the area. After reading the article, I want to be more aware of my transportation methods. Now I will try and walk to more places, or carpool if necessary, to try and reduce my personal carbon footprint. 

by

EPA Agreement with Honeywell to Fund SoCal Groundwater Cleanup, Help Restore Source of Safe Drinking Water

“EPA Agreement with Honeywell to Fund SoCal Groundwater Cleanup, Help Restore Source of Safe Drinking Water.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 1 Oct. 2024 www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-agreement-honeywell-fund-socal-groundwater-cleanup-help-restore-source-safe. 

 

Los Angleles has had a problem with industrial groundwater contamination, meaning there is less drinking water for its citizens. To try and fix this issue, the US Enviornmental Protection Agency made an agreement with Honeywell International Inc to work together and clean the groundwater in San Fernando Valley. This would increase the water supply as LA could finally use this treated supply. Construction for water treatment facilities have started, meaning that this contaminated groundwater will be treated and become drinkable again for the public. Since, LA is the United State’s second largest city, this water is necessary. With new treatment plants, 144,000 residents will recieve their daily water needs. 

 

This article is about the issue of contaminated groundwater, and explains a solution LA has used to try and treat this polluted water. This connects to environmental science because water is one of earth’s natural resources, that is essential for human survival. However, fresh drinking water is a limited resource, especially in overpopulated areas like LA. Groundwater is a great source of water, especially for California. If this water is contaminated through pollution, fracking, or other ways, it needs to be treated before being used as usable water. This limits the sources for this freshwater, which can be harmful to these nearby communities. This article taught me the importance of keeping water fresh. I can now be conscious about how much water I use, and make sure my daily activities do not contaminate any water sources. 

by

EAC Harnesses the Power of People to Clean up Coastal Watersheds in Marin County

Eagle-Gibbs, Ashley. “EAC Harnesses the Power of People to Clean up Coastal Watersheds in Marin County.” EAC, EAC, 3 Oct. 2024, www.eacmarin.org/resilient-watersheds/2024/10/2/cleanupcoastalwatersheds. 

The Enviornmental Action Committee of West Marin is a organization that protects the land, water, and biodiversity of the Marin area. They do this by advocating for the environmental rights, educating others on enviornmental issues, and reaching out to engage others and involve the whole community. On the week of September 17th-21st, they hosted their annual Fall Litter Bugs Me and Coastal Clean Up events to help restore the coasts of Marin. They started by having a roadside cleanup sign up, encouraging cooperations, schools, and other groups to help clean up trash along the roads watershed. Overall, these events help protect sensitive habitats and wildlife, while bringing the community together. 

 

This article describes the impactful Fall Litter Bugs Me and Costal Clean Up events hosted by the Enviornmental Action Committee of West Marin. This relates to environmental science, because these events directly impact the habitats and the organisms living there. Costal habitats are especially important to protect, since beaches can be often overpopulated, leaving trash contamination in many plants and animal’s homes. When humans make an effort to leave very little trace, whether this is picking up trash or helping in another way, the habitat is less damaging, leaving less stress on organism populations. After reading this article, I am empowered to look for more organizations in my own community that host clean-up events. I understand the deep impact clean-up events have on both the environment, and the people participating.