Articles

EPA Embracing Green Cleanups, Standard Forthcoming

[September 1, 2009]

While there still is limited information and guidance available regarding sustainable or “green” remediation, there is a great deal of interest in this rapidly evolving area, an Environmental Protection Agency revitalization coordinator told BNA July 28. Deborah Goldblum, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Revitalization Coordinator for EPA Region III, said the agency is embracing the notion of green cleanups fairly quickly and is looking at new ways to minimize its environmental footprint during the cleanup process, particularly in light of climate change concerns. Green Cleanup Concepts “Cleanup activities use energy, water, and natural resources to achieve cleanup objectives,” Goldblum said. Green cleanups use resources wisely and consider the big environmental picture, she explained. Specifically, the concepts of green remediation take into consideration best management practices, an environmental footprint assessment, resource efficiencies, and technology innovation, Goldblum noted. “Green cleanup concepts can be incorporated anywhere in the cleanup process, from investigation to remedy selection to remedy implementation,” she explained.  To read more download the full article above.