Climate Toxic Sites

About 100 of the nation’s most contaminated toxic waste sites are in areas prone to flooding and wildfires, a potential public health threat to millions of Americans. The EPA’s Office of Inspector General has issued new reports on weather-related vulnerabilities of 157 Superfund sites prioritized for cleanup because they threaten public health and the environment. About 13 million people live within 3 miles of such a site. The studies found 49 Superfund sites in coastal areas are at risk from sea-level rise or storm surge from hurricanes, with many near highly populated areas and important ecological sites like Chesapeake Bay. Another 47 are in low-lying areas prone to inland flooding, and 31 are in areas at high risk for wildfires.