Google Earth Assignment #3
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Google Earth Assignment #3
Name: Adeniyi Mofoluwake
Open the corresponding .kmz file in Google Earth. Double click on the place marks in
the Places menu on the left side of the screen to fly to the intended location and to answer
the following questions.
Type your answers on this sheet, directly after the questions (you can leave the
question on the sheet). Make sure to use correct grammar, complete sentences, and
fully answer each question.
Place mark A: Pacific Trash Gyro
Turn on the Ocean Layer and select the icon next to the place mark to read more about
the Pacific Trash Gyro. Over the last 30 years the use of plastics (phthalates has
increased, and since they float, these materials accumulate in the ocean gyre.
Question 1: Explain what the Pacific Trash Gyro is and how it formed.
The Pacific Trash Gyro is an environmental problem. A swirling soup of trash up to 10
meters deep, just below the surface of the waters composed mainly of non-degradable
plastics. This is a problem that relates to materials science and the advent of plastics in
modern life, a case of technology having unintended consequences (University of
Houston, National Science Foundation GK-12 and Research Experience for Teachers
(RET) Programs, 2012).
It is as a result of marine pollution gathered by oceanic currents (Karl M., 1999).
Pacific Trash Gyro is formed when the ocean's current system which circulates water
around the globe is combined with wind and earth's rotation, whirlpools forms and trash
discarded into the ocean most of which is plastic as it does not biodegrade is whisked
away on currents and soon accumulates in the gyre, slowly moving in a clockwise spiral
(George Orbelian, Jim Toomey, 2012).
References:
George Orbelian, Jim Toomey, 2012 Pacific Trash Gyre Formation Retrieved from
https://sites.google.com/site/pacifictrashgyre/home/formation
Video url retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=62VMtFzo_7c
Karl M., 1999 A Sea of Change: Biogeochemical Variability in the North Pacific
Subtropical Gyre," Ecosystems Vol. 2, No. 3 (May – Jun., 1999)
University of Houston, National Science Foundation GK-12 and Research Experience for
Teachers (RET) Programs, 2012 Retrieved from
http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/uoh_/lessons/uoh_dig_
mapping_less3/uoh_dig_mapping_less3.xmlPlace mark B: Pacific Ocean
Another interesting example of plastics in the environment resulted from the 2011
earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan. The tsunami washed a huge amount of
material into the Pacific and some of it is just now reaching the U.S. coastline. Select the
Earth Gallery button located on the Layers tab. Type Tsunami Wave Height Model into
the search box and then select Open in Google Earth to view this layer. When you are
finished viewing this layer you can delete it from the Places menu. Read the article and
view the videos in the web link provided in the place mark.
Question 2: What are some of the environmental concerns relating to the debris washing
up on the West coast of the U.S.?
Some environmental concerns of debris washing up on the coast of the United States
are; threats of coral reef and habitat damage, marine life entanglement, ocean
navigational dilemmas, and alien species introductions. Alien species a huge threat to
sensitive habitats in the path of debris, and present expensive eradication efforts that
simply are not in the budget (Shannan L., 2012). John Chapman, assistant professor of
fisheries and invasive species specialist at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine
Science Center said; "We know extinctions occur with invasions, this is like arrows shot
into the dark. Some of them could hit a mark." Debris breaks the earth's natural barriers
and mucks up the area's marine environments and several aquatic species face extinction
as a result of pressure from invasive species. These invasive species will dominate
existing food and resource supplies because they would have few predators in a new
environment, thereby jeopardizing existing species (ABC news, 2012).
It harms sensitive ecosystems; it is harmful to all of the life in and above the ocean.
Birds and fish eat this micro plastic trash which they are unable to digest. The birds and
fish actually starve to death because they cannot eat normal food with all of this trash in
them. These plastic bits of trash absorb toxic pollutants like persistent organic pollutants
(POPs), pollution that never leaves the environment or breaks down; insecticides
pesticides, fungicides, solvents, PCBs, coolants, lubricants and other toxic chemicals,
when fishes eat the plastic bits, this chemical pollution then enters into the entire food
chain of the oceans, a food chain that we also eat when we eat fish (Shanahan L., 2012).
The debris also clogs beaches.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spokesman Keeley Belva
said “It can damage marine habitats and entangle wildlife; it can become a navigational
hazard for vessels, and can be an eyesore on our beaches.” These debris could harbor
radioactive materials; researchers were “startled” to find detectable levels of radioactivity
from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in bluefin tuna, a favorite sushi fish, off the coast of
California (Thigerson B., 2012).
References:ABC news, 2012 Japan Tsunami Debris: Under Control or on the Brink of Disaster? Retrieved from: http://abcnews.go.com/US/japan-tsunami-debris-control-brink- disaster/story?id=16528993&page=2 John Chapman, 2012 Big-wave season, tsunami debris collide Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/action/surfing/blog/_/post/8537297/big-wave-season- tsunami-debris-collide Mccurry J., 2012 Floating junkyard, straight ahead Retrieved from http://www.salon.com/2012/11/26/floating_junkyard_straight_ahead/ Shanahan L., 2012 Scientific Journal of Ecological Economics Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jun/09/japan-tsunami- debris-marine-life Thigerson B., 2012 Does Japanese Tsunami Debris Pose an Environmental Threat to the U.S. West Coast? Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=japanese-tsunami-debris Place mark C: Department of Health and Human Services Question 3: One of the health issues relating to plastics is bisphenol A (BPA) since it is considered an endocrine disruptor. Follow the link to the HHS webpage on BPA. What is the HHS position on BPA and what do they suggest parents do to avoid exposure? Bisphenol A, (BPA), is a chemical that has been used in the manufacture of many hard plastic food containers like baby bottles, reusable cups, the lining of metal food and beverage cans. Trace amounts of BPA can be found in some foods packaged in these containers. The Food and Drug Administration is supporting current efforts by industry to stop the manufacture of infant bottles and feeding cups made with BPA from the U.S. market. The FDA is also seeking to strengthen its oversight of BPA so the agency can respond quickly, if necessary, when more scientific evidence becomes available (US DHHS, 2012). Recent studies have reported subtle effects of low doses of BPA in laboratory animals. While BPA is not proven to harm children or adults, these newer studies have led federal health officials to express some concern about the safety of BPA (US DHHS, 2012). The Department of Health and Human Services -- through its - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), - the National Institutes of Health (NIH), - the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) –
Is investing in new health studies in animals and humans to better determine and evaluate
the potential health effects of BPA exposure (US DHHS, 2012). While we learn more,
the Food and Drug Administration is supporting current efforts by industry to stop the
manufacture of infant bottles and feeding cups made with BPA from the U.S. market.
The FDA is also seeking to strengthen its oversight of BPA so the agency can respond
quickly, if necessary, when more scientific evidence becomes available (US DHHS,
2012).
While scientists are gathering more data, some simple and reasonable steps are
recommended to ensure families and parents take to minimize exposure to BPA which
include;
Following recommended guidelines to feed infants
US DHHS supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for infant
feeding and supports breastfeeding for at least 12 months. If breastfeeding is not an
option, iron-fortified infant formula is the safest and most nutritious alternative. The
benefit of a stable source of good nutrition from infant formula and food outweighs the
potential risk of BPA exposure (US DHHS, 2012).
Discarding scratched baby bottles and infant feeding cups.
Worn baby bottles and cups may harbor germs and if they contain BPA - may release
small amounts of the chemical (US DHHS, 2012).
Temperature matters
Studies have shown that there is a very small amount of BPA in plastics and other
packaging materials that can transfer to food and liquids. Additional traces of BPA levels
are transferred when hot or boiling liquids or foods come in contact with packaging made
of BPA.
Do not put boiling or very hot water, infant formula, or other liquids into BPA-
containing bottles while preparing them for your child.
Before mixing water with powdered infant formula, the water should be boiled in
a BPA-free container and allowed to cool to lukewarm.
Always remember: Do not heat baby bottles of any kind in the microwave – the
liquid may heat unevenly and burn your infant
Do not heat cans of infant formula on the stove or in boiling water.
Ready-to-feed liquid formula can be served at room temperature or gently
warmed in a nursing bottle by running warm water over the outside of the bottle.
Sterilize and clean bottles according to instructions on infant formula labels.
They should be left to cool to room temperature before adding infant formula (US
DHHS, 2012).
Checking the labels on your bottles and food preparation containers. As a good household practice, only use containers marked “dishwasher safe” in
the dishwasher and only use “microwave safe” marked containers in the
microwave.
As a good household practice, discard all food containers, bottles with scratches,
as they may harbor germs and may lead to greater release of BPA.
Plastic containers have recycle codes on the bottom. In general, plastics that are
marked with recycle codes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are very unlikely to contain BPA.
Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle code 7 may be made with
BPA. Do not put very hot or boiling liquid that you intend to consume in plastic
containers made with BPA. BPA levels rise in food when containers/products
made with the chemical are heated and come in contact with the food (US DHHS,
2012).
For parents who want to use baby bottles and feeding cups not made with BPA,
consumers should know that such products are now widely available in the U.S. market.
The benefits of good nutrition from liquid infant formula sold in cans far outweigh the
potential risk of exposure to a small amount of BPA. As a result, HHS does not advise
against the use of liquid infant formula in cans. Families considering alternative feeding
approaches should discuss them with their child’s healthcare provider. (US Department
of Health Human Services, 2012)
References
US Department of Health Human Services (US DHHS), 2012
Bisphenol A (BPA) Information for Parents
Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/
Place mark D: Packard Plant
Your textbook discusses the issue of brownfields on page 200. Detroit has lost 60% of its
population since the 1950s and many industries have closed or relocated, leaving many
brownfields. Follow the link to the EPA Brownfields page.
Question 4: What was something interesting or surprising that you learned about
brownfields?
I have never heard of brownfields, I learnt a number of surprising things about
brownfields.
Brownfields are abandoned or underused industrial and commercial facilities available
for re-use. Redevelopment, expansion or reuse of such a facility may be complicated by
real or perceived environmental contaminations or pollutants examples are abandoned
factories, old warehouses or gas station where hazardous substances were used,
manufacturing plants. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties protects the
environment, reduces blight, and takes development pressures off greenspaces and
working lands (US EPA, 2012). Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)’s Brownfields Program produces widespread environmental and economicbenefitsempowering states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prev
ent, assess, safely cleanup, and sustainably reuse brownfields (US EPA, 2012). They are
unsightly and they create an adverse impact on the environment. But, revitalizing these
properties helps to protect the environment, utilizes existing buildings, improves job
growth, and creates an alternative to developing greenspaces and working land (Eco
evaluator, 2013).
The accomplishments of EPA brownfields include transforming brownfields into
thriving new centers of commerce and industry; creating jobs through cleanup and reuse;
formatting innovative partnerships among federal, state, and local governments and
private-sector stakeholders like developers and lenders; training residents of brownfields
communities for high-wage environmental careers; impacting local economies positively
and improving the quality of life for neighboring communities (US EPA, 2012).
This is an example of a brownfield at a disused gasworks site after excavation, with soil
contamination from removed underground storage tanks.
References
ECO Evaluator, 2013 What Is a Brownfield?
Retrieved from http://www.ecoevaluator.com/lifestyle/green-basics/what-is-a-
brownfield.html
The link to the picture; an example of a brownfield
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Soilcontam.JPG
United States Environment Protection Agency, 2012 Brownfields and Land
Revitalization
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/index.html
Place mark E: Ship breaking
Some environmental health risks are shifting overseas, such as ship breaking. Your
textbook provides a picture and text on page 201. Be sure to turn on the Photos layer andview some of the photos along the coasts of Bangladesh and India and view the video on
the topic.
Question 5: What are the environmental health risks of ship breaking?
Environmental health risks of ship breaking include:
- Falls
- Physical injury
- Exposure to noise, heat, explosion, fire, smoke, asbestos, lead, mercury, organic
tin compounds, dioxins, chloroflorocarbons (CFCs) and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 201; OSHA, 2012)
- Chloracne, a painful and disfiguring skin lesion. (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 184)
- Increased risk of cancer because polychlorinated biphenyls is a probable
carcinogenic agent and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) a form of
dioxin which is a carcinogenic agent (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 185)
- Increased risk of falling sick due to exposure to dioxin (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 184)
- Exposure to hazardous work activities like entry into confined and enclosed
spaces and other dangerous atmospheres; removal of paints, disposal and cutting
of metal operating of powered industrial trucks; working on elevated surfaces
especially near deck openings and edges; operations involving cranes, gear and
equipment for material handling; cutting and welding operations and use of
compressed gas; activities involving scaffolds, ladders, and working services
(OSHA, 2012).
- Exposure to hazardous work conditions which include; inadequate worker
training; Lack of or improper personal protective equipment (PPE); inadequate
fire protection measures; Lack of appropriate emergency response, rescue, and
first-aid personnel and services (OSHA, 2012).
- Workers have limited access to health services, inadequate housing, welfare and
sanitary facilities (ILO, 2009).
- Ship breaking is a highly polluting industry. Large amounts of carcinogens and
toxic substances (PCBs, PVCs (Poly Vinyl Chloride), PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon), mercury, lead, isocyanates, sulfuric acid) intoxicate workers and
are dumped into the soil and coastal waters. Majority of yards have no waste
management systems or facilities to prevent pollution, ship breaking takes an
enormous toll on the surrounding environment, the local communities, fishery,
agriculture, flora and fauna causing serious environmental damage with long-term
effects for occupational, public and environmental health (ILO, 2009).
References
International Labor Organization, 2009 Ship breaking - A hazardous work
Retrieved from http://www.ilo.org/safework/areasofwork/hazardous-
work/WCMS_110335/lang--en/index.htmMaxwell N., 2009 Understanding Environmental Health "How we live in the World".
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) Fact Sheet United States
Department of Labor, 2012
Retrieved fromhttp://www.w.osha.govFOshDocFdata_MaritimeFactsFshipbreaking-
factsheet.pdf
Place mark F: Hudson Refinery Superfund Site
Go to the National Priorities List webpage at http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/ and
select the Where You Live link and then the Google Maps link on the right.
Question 6: What is Superfund? Select a proposed or final site from the map and
explain why the site is included on the National Priorities List.
Superfund is a law passed in 1980 as a Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act; a response to the problem of hazardous wastes
originating from inactive or abandoned sites. It was amended in 1986. It created
procedures to assess pollution at sites, set criteria to identify parties to be held financially
responsible for the site cleanup and established a fund to pay for cleanup if no
responsible party is identified (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 204). An area of land declared by
the United States federal government to be inhabitable, because it affects local
ecosystems or people due to extreme conditions of toxic and hazardous wastes and other
related environmental pollutants. Due to this, the area has been designated for clean-up
by the government (US EPA, 2012).
The Devil’s Swamp Lake Superfund Site
It is located near Scotlandville, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It is proposed to the
National Priority List due to release of Polychlorinated biphenyls to fisheries and
wetlands located on the site. Previously in the 1950s, it consisted of agricultural farms,
pasture land and timber land. Numerous industrial facilities were constructed around the
area in the 1960's through the 1970's (US EPA, 2012).
US EPA has conducted numerous investigations in the area. In 1985 and 1986, the
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) collected sediment samples and
fish tissue samples from Devil's Swamp Lake. LDEQ reported that these samples
contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). After the results of these analyses, LDEQ
and the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources (LDHRR) issued a fish
consumption advisory and posted warning signs around Devil's Swamp Lake.
Cleanup activities and corrective actions are being implemented with the State approval
on portions of the Rollins Outfall Ditch, up to a point where a railroad track and bridge
crosses over the old outfall ditch (US EPA, 2012).References
Maxwell N., 2009 Understanding Environmental Health "How we live in the World".
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers
United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012 National Priority List Site
Narrative for Devil's Swamp Lake
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/nar1717.htm
United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 2012 Superfund Sites Where
You Live
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/superfund/
Place mark Gs: CAFOs
Question 7: Explain the environmental health risks of CAFOs.
Environmental health risks of CAFOs
- Flooding during heavy rains contributes to an increased release of animal wastes
as well as run offs or lagoon leaks can contaminate water sources and contribute
to water borne illnesses (US EPA, 2012).
- Animal wastes contribute highly soluble nitrates to local ground water resulting in
an increased risk of methemoglobinemia and or blue baby syndrome in infants.
- CAFO wastes contributes to global climate change (Maxwell N., 2009)
- Reduced dissolved oxygen in dramatically in water due to release of large
quantities of CAFO wastes to surface waters (US EPA, 2012).
- Eutrophication, overgrowth of algae due to overload of phosphorous and nitrogen
into the aquatic system (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 235)
- Die off of aquatic animals as a result of receiving waters of CAFO wastes
becoming anaerobic (US EPA 2012).
- Inorganic arsenic leaching from waste or soil into groundwater
- Exposure to ammonia and other irritants and allergens with a subsequent increase
in risk of asthma and death from respiratory arrest (Maxwell N., pg 236; US EPA,
2012).
- Air pollution of the environment due to the odour of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide
etc (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 236)
Reference
Maxwell N., 2009 Understanding Environmental Health "How we live in the World".
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett PublishersUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 2012 How Do CAFOs
Impact the Environment?
Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/region07/water/cafo/cafo_impact_environment.htm
A recent issue in relation to CAFOs is the use of aerial surveillance by the EPA to
supposedly enforce the Clean Water Act.
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120530/NEWS01/705309904/0
http://www.1011now.com/nebraskacentralnews/home/headlines/EPA_Responds_to_Con
gressional_Delegations_Flyover_Questions_158647075.html
http://beefmagazine.com/environment/epa-flyovers-raise-questions-concerns
Question 8: What is your position on whether the EPA should use aerial surveys to
monitor CAFOs?
I support the use of aerial survey to monitor CAFOs. It is beneficial, according to
Kris Lancaster, EPA spokesman, “the agency has used aerial surveillance for nearly a
decade to verify compliance with environmental laws in impaired watersheds; the flights
have identified potential problems and, in some cases, serious contamination that were
subsequently investigated through onsite inspections.” One of its strongest points is that it
doesn’t disturb the animals in the process and it can even be done when no one is
expecting.
It is a check and balance for CAFOs, it issues penalty orders to facilities that are not
working diligently with the state to correct issues related to impairments in the water
based on discharges into a stream (Rutherford B., 2012) though no enforcement action
has ever been taken using only evidence from the flyovers (Johnson M., 2012). I
apologize that it looks into individual farmers privacy in the process but we can certainly
stop that.
References
Johnson M., 2012 Update: EPA Responds to Congressional Delegation's Flyover
Questions
Retrieved from
http://www.1011now.com/nebraskacentralnews/home/headlines/EPA_Responds_to_Con
gressional_Delegations_Flyover_Questions_158647075.html
Rutherford B., 2012 EPA Flyovers Raise Questions, Concerns
Retrieved from http://beefmagazine.com/environment/epa-flyovers-raise-questions-
concerns
Place mark H: Cargill slaughterhouseGo to the USDA Current Recall & Alerts list at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp?src_location=Con
tent&src_page=FSISRecalls.
Question 9: After perusing this list what are some of the health risks associated with
meat processing? What are the causes?
Health risks associated with meat processing
- Occupational hazards like acute injuries, lacerations from knives, slips, falls,
strains, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Exposure to zoonotic diseases
- Respiratory irritation
- Increased risk of lung cancer, oral cancer, stomach cancer amongst butchers and
meat packers.
- Food borne illnesses (Maxwell N., 2009 pg 238)
Causes of health risks associated with meat processing
Increased contamination risk is due to
- Rapid race of meat production lines results in contamination with fecal matter
- Undercooked hamburgers
- Exposure to fecal matter
- Many cows contribute to a single well mixed batch of ground beef
- Grinding meat aerates it and increase surface area available for bacterial growth
(Maxwell N., 2009 pg 238).
Respiratory irritation Increased susceptibility to death by respiratory arrest due to
- Presence of pathogens, animal dander, bits of feathers in the air at workplaces.
- Exposure to respiratory irritants like; ammonia which contains several allergens
and irritants (fecal matter, antigenic urinary proteins, animal dander, pollens,
antibiotics, pesticides), hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane (Maxwell N.,
2009 pgs 236 & 238).
Presence of manure pits
Putrid odor of CAFOs from manure, dead fish, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide (Maxwell N.,
2009 pg 236).
Routine and overuse of antibiotics.
Difficult and hazardous working environments
Slippery floors in the slaughter and meat processing industries (Maxwell N., 2009 pg
237).
Repetition, doing the same tasks over and over
Contact with infected animals (Maxwell N., pg 238 2009).
References:
Maxwell N., 2009 Understanding Environmental Health "How we live in the World".
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett PublishersPlace mark I:
According to your textbook, only .5% of US cropland was certified organic. Although
this is a small amount, whole foods, organic and natural foods, and farmers markets are a
fast growing part of the American food chain.
Question 10: According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-
food/NU00255) is eating organic better for you? What do you think?
According to Mayo Clinic, eating organic is not better for me. It is better for me to
observe food safety tips when considering my diet. These food safety tips are;
Select a variety of foods from a variety of sources.
Buy fruits and vegetables in season when possible.
Read food labels carefully.
Wash and scrub fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water
(Mayo clinic, 2012)
I will rather observe these food safety tips than eat organic. I think Mayo clinic is right.
References
Mayo Clinic, 2012 Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?
Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255You can also read
