Hazardous Waste Sites Characterizations Using Geographic Information System In Newark, New Jersey

The technology of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is used to map the potential hazardous waste site locations within the southeastern portion of Newark, New Jersey and to assess the potential risks of such sites to both human and environmental health. The study site is a densely populated section of the Newark metropolitan area with high concentrations of industries, predominantly chemicals, oils and paints. Varieties of geospatial data in both digital and analog forms were input for GIS database development and proximity analysis was performed using a GIS software--ArcView. This pilot study provided a baseline integrated GIS system which proved to be a cost-effective tool in gaining detailed information on waste sites and their impacts on both ecosystem and human welfare. INTRODUCTION The Newark Metropolitan area is a densely populated and highly industrial area. Various types of industry, currently active or inactive have produced and disposed of many potentially hazardous materials over past decades. Many of the plants have closed their operations after the US Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA) has set stricter regulations, but their former locations have remained contaminated. Some of the contaminants found are various liquids and vapors designated as Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Hazardous Substances. Many of the substances present potential threats to the public through direct contact and spillage or may cause fire and/or explosion through vapor emission (USEPA, 1993) . Although the type of contaminations present and the level of risks to public health and the environment are not fully determined, the information provided by the USEPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) are important measures to protect the public health and the environment. The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI ) published by the USEPA provides information about toxic chemicals that are being used, manufactured, transported, or released into the environment (USEPA Web Site) . NJDEPE established the guidelines to protect the prospective buyer of any transactions made on the contaminated parcels. New Jersey offers the nation’s model buyer protection program for a wide variety of manufacturing operations covered by the state’s Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA). Under ISRA, any environmental contamination which poses a risk to public health and the environment are required to be identified and remediated by the sellers (NJDEPE Web Site) .