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RCRA
The Resource Conservation and Recovery act was passed by Congress. -
Lois Gibbs
Gibbs discovered that the health issues affecting her children and neighbors were due to 21,000 tons of buried chemical waste, now known as the Love Canal. She led her community to fight against local, state, and federal governments. This lead to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s “Superfund”. After receiving letters from people all over the world Gibbs created the now, Center for Health, Environment, and Justice to provide assistance around the nation. -
Regulations Published in Federal Register
The first regulations are published. Established cradle to grave management system, identification, generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes are all controlled now. -
Solid Waste Amendments
Evil and Bentsen amendments exempted specific mining wastes from regulation until more research could be conducted. -
Used Oil Recycling Act
Passed by Congress, and requires the EPA to address the hazards of used oil and properly manage and dispose of it. -
Hazardous Waste Tank Regulations
16 states in the United States were authorized by the EPA to manage their own RCRA programs. -
Amendments
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) passed by congress. -
Corrective Action Program
A program launched by the EPA. Allows the RCRA to identify facilities and clean them up. -
Landfill Closures
Landfills and surface impoundments filled with hazardous waste that did not follow the groundwater requirements were forced to close. -
The California List
A second list of hazardous wastes was made effective, prohibiting the land disposal of certain liquid hazardous wastes. -
Degradable Plastic Ring Carriers Act
Requires plastic ring carriers to be made of naturally degradable materials. -
Ajka Alumina Plant Accident
A reservoir in Hungary cracked open, releasing 1.1m cubic meters of poisonous red sludge. The sludge, which is the product of aluminum extraction, flooded villages, killing 10 and injuring 150 people. The flood wiped out all life in nearby rivers and spread a total of 15 sq miles. The MAL plant director and 14 other employees were acquitted of charges of negligence, waste management violations, and damages to the environment.