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2011 Spring | Agriculture and Food Systems, Arts & Humanities, Business & Sustainability, Natural Science & Restoration

Examining Industrial Sites and Toxins in the Columbia River Watershed

Student(s):

Siera Miller

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Joanne Labaw

Partner(s):

  • United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10

Faculty advisor(s):

Thomas Hinckley, School of Forest Resources, University of Washington

I performed site discovery work along the middle region of the Columbia River with the EPA. Utilizing both state and federal databases allowed me to locate industrial sites and to determine their environmental effects to the surrounding area. I studied the pathways of toxic contaminants from small and large industrial sites into our waterways. The development of industry along our waterways occurs throughout the world, and the struggle between economic benefits and environmental effects are ever present. Effects include the presence of toxic contaminants in the water, soil, air, and animal populations surrounding a facility.

sproed