Hazardous waste management #2 - Essay Example

Hazardous Waste Management-2 Hazardous Waste Management-2 Scenario The possible spilling of battery contents into the storm water system may present an environmental hazard to the area and people involved. Storm water systems are usually used as an avenue for different areas to use water for different purposes. Storm water harvesting may increase the chances of an urban environment of sustaining itself in modern times. There is an increase in the demand for readily available water, and this is one way in which different agencies are addressing the issue.

This potential pollution needs to be cleared up since the water is usually used for many purposes and any potential contamination may cause problems to residents and marine life (Debo & Reese, 2003). There are agencies that are given the responsibility of handling such situations. The city councils are government departments that have the directive of having specialists cater to these situations. Marine life is affected in the sense that, any untreated water from the storm water system is transferred to lakes, rivers, stream, or coastal water (Debo & Reese, 2003).

Challenges may arise to areas and people in these regions if they do get to use this polluted water sources. Swimming pools, fishing areas, and drinking water may be infected, and thus; all life sustained by such water may be potentially harmed. Scenario # 2 Material recovered from this site should be disposed of depending on its nature. Battery contents tend to have a high percentage of acidity. If this is exposed to the environment through the water system, there are bound to be dangerous results for all those involved (Debo & Reese, 2003).

In this case, a basic solution that can counter the effects of the acidity in the water may be appropriate. There is no perfect way or technique of disposing of the acidity. This, however, may work to decrease its impact toward the immediate environment. A city landfill will not be an appropriate avenue to dispose of this waste. There are metals that are present in the landfill and this waste is likely to corrode any of the waste present. Sulphuric acid, present in car batteries, are likely to ignite and spatter which makes this a highly dangerous reactive material.

Pouring the waste through absorbent material may not be a necessarily exceptional idea. These acids tend to react and produce fumes once in contact with different material. Specialists need to identify what is needed, and when it is needed (Debo & Reese, 2003). This may prevent further contamination of the surroundings, hence; protecting human and animal life.Scenario # 3 There are potential hazards that a high concentration of acidic material can cause to a storm water system. If this was left to take care of itself, a small number of people may be affected due to the small concentration in the water system.

The corrosive nature of the acid may lead to the severity of the situation in the area. The metal or protective cover in the storm water system may be affected, which may lead to further corrosion or contamination of the material. This may affect the water and ultimately, the people and animals that use this water (Debo & Reese, 2003).The parties that need to be notified include the people in the surrounding area. This is in order to be cautious of their water supply. Other groups that need notification about the potential dangers of this pollution are the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Quality (Debo & Reese, 2003).

There are departments in each state that respond to the potential risks that may affect an area, and are responsible for taking care of such situations. ReferenceDebo, T., & Reese, A. (2003). Municipal stormwater management. Boca Raton FL: CRC Press.