ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2
Sample Answer for ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2 Included After Question
ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2
Instructions:
You have to work in the groups that you have already formed for the project. However, each individual must submit the assignment individually, in their own handwriting.
An individual’s assignment from within a groupwill be picked randomly for grading and the same grade will be assigned to the entire group for that assignment
Please note that sharing or discussing assignments with anyone outside your own group is not allowed and makes grounds for a disciplinary action.
Part A is due on Tuesday 22stNovember 2022 at 11:55 pm. There will be a 10% deduction for late submissions of Part A. Part B is due on 28thNovember 2022 at 11:55 pm. However, if you submit Part B together with Part A, by 21st November, you will get 10 bonus points. For both parts, upload the zip file containing STATA dofiles, regression outputs and the scanned handwrittenversions of your answers on LMS. Name the zip file “ID_Assignment2”
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2
Title: ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2
ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2
The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program is a valuable tool that allows citizens to better understand their exposures to toxic chemicals and has provided an impetus for businesses in their communities to reduce the amount of these materials they release into the environment. Since its inception in 1986, this voluntary public disclosure program has given people across the country the opportunity to get information previously unavailable, giving them insight into industrial facility’s activities and empowering them with knowledge to protect their health and environment. The TRI program has shown individuals how much chemical waste each individual plant produces as well as provide guidance from EPA on how industries can better mitigate long-term exposures. To further encourage reducing of toxic releases, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it will give additional incentives for early compliance or exceeding environmental cleaning parameters. This program is essential for residents living near industrial areas and serves an irreplaceable role in educational outreach throughout our nation.
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Facilities in California
California has 1,191 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) facilities than many other states in the US, but unfortunately these are all concentrated into one relatively small area of the state. This means that the amount of toxic materials released per square mile in California is comparatively high, putting it near the bottom of the rankings when all fifty-six states are taken into account. In fact, California’s ranking is 49 out of 56 based on total releases per square mile, making it abundantly clear that something needs to be done to reduce this number and make sure all Californians can live healthy lives without fear of environmental contamination. The TRI program has shown individuals how much chemical waste each individual plant produces as well as provide guidance from EPA on how industries can better mitigate long-term exposures. The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program is a valuable tool that allows citizens to better understand their exposures to toxic chemicals and has provided an impetus for businesses in their communities to reduce the amount of these materials they release into the environment.
Pounds Of Tri-listed Chemicals and Percent Of Total Production-related Waste In 2019
California is leading the way when it comes to TRI-listed chemical waste management. In comparison to the 30.7 billion pounds of TRI-listed production-related waste managed nationally, California facilities manage 288.365 million pounds. This shows that facilities in this state are doing their part to reduce harmful chemicals and pollution while maximizing efficiency. It is inspiring to see such commitment from industry leaders and stakeholders in this state towards making meaningful change and creating a sustainable future. In 2019 California managed to keep an impressive 32% of their total production-related waste out of landfills and other disposal sites. 19% of the waste was transformed into a form usable as energy, such as electricity or steam heat. Treatment came in at a close third with 35%, meaning that treated materials were used in another manner or repurposed as an alternative to disposal. Lastly, 13% was released in some way not disclosed, however these items are monitored closely for potential environmental hazards. Such efforts throughout the entire state of California show an impressive level of environmental consciousness for industries and governments alike.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual survey of Toxic Chemical Releases (TRI) in 2019, California disposed of a total of 7.2% chemical wastes in water–the lowest among the four categories–which include Land at 38.7%, Air at 18.5%, and other releases or off-site disposal at 35.6%. On a national level, 73% of total released chemicals were on land, 20 % to air, and 7% to water amounting to 3 billion lbs equivalent. The toxic releases across states varies greatly with some states making conscious efforts to improve their air and land environment while working towards decreasing their emissions into water. It is important for countries around the world to focus on curbing these impactful emissions as much as possible in order maximize sustainability efforts. California is leading the way when it comes to TRI-listed chemical waste management. In comparison to the 30.7 billion pounds of TRI-listed production-related waste managed nationally, California facilities manage 288.365 million pounds.
Top Five Chemicals Released to Air and Water in California
California has seen a significant amount of air pollution in recent years, with the top five chemicals released into the atmosphere
including styrene and ammonia at 11% and 40%, respectively. Hydrogen cyanide, certain glycol ethers and sulfuric acid contribute an additional 6%, 6% and 5%, with the remaining 32% being made up of various other chemicals. Although California is implementing policies to cut back on air pollution from mobile and stationery sources, recent statistics show that more needs to be done to combat the current situation. Signing state-wide agreements on emissions standards is a good first step in order for California to begin curbing their emissions levels and meet federal regulations. California is home to many pristine bodies of water, as well as ample sources of industrial and agricultural pollutants that harm these areas. A recent report outlined the top five substances released into California waters: Nitrate compounds, Ammonia, Zinc compounds, Nickel compounds, Cresol, and miscellaneous others. Though the presence of each compound varies across different sites, the amount of Nitrate compounds released was vastly higher (99%) compared to other chemicals. It is clear that there are still a great deal of issues plaguing our state’s waters but it is also encouraging to see how drastically these numbers have decreased over the years with awareness and stringent pollution regulations.
Source Reduction (Pollution Prevention)
Source reduction, also known as pollution prevention, is an important aspect of environmental management in California. Source reduction refers to actions taken to decrease the amount of pollution produced at its source, rather than treating or cleaning up pollution after it has been created. Some common strategies for source reduction in California include:
Good operating practices: This refers to implementing efficient and effective procedures and processes to minimize waste and pollution.
Process modifications: This involves making changes to the production process or equipment to reduce the amount of pollutants generated.
Spill and leak prevention: This includes measures to prevent accidental releases of pollutants, such as spills or leaks, and to minimize the impact of any releases that do occur (Hill et al., 2021).
Additionally, California has a unique program called California’s Pollution Prevention Program which is focused on identifying and reducing pollution at the source. Other examples of source reduction strategies include using more efficient production methods, switching to less toxic raw materials, and reducing energy consumption (Adesina, 2020).
Top Five Establishments by Total Disposal or Other Releases in California
For individuals and businesses looking to keep informed on hazardous waste disposal in the state of California, the top five establishments are a great place to start. Chemical Waste Management INT, Clean Harbors Buttonwillow LLC, Quemetco INC, Tesoro Los Angeles Refinery-Carson Operations and Martinez Refining Co LLC lead the way as responsible venues for controlled disposal of hazardous waste. Whether through total disposal or other releases into the environment, these five establishments cost-effectively handle many of the hazardous waste needs in California. Individuals and businesses should be aware of their contributions helping to fuel a better and more sustainable future for our state.
Companies in the above industries can save money and resources with careful sourced reductions. Operating practices and training, inventory and material management, material substitutions, modifications to products and processes, as well as equipment modifications are all ways to cut costs while still sustaining quality operations. By assessing their current processes with innovative methods of sourcing reduction, businesses can maximize the value of their assets with minimal disruption to their workflow. With the right analysis and implementation, these industries have ample potential for cost-reduction efficiencies under sourced reduction practices. Source reduction refers to the practice of reducing or eliminating the amount of pollutants at their source, rather than treating or cleaning up pollutants after they have been released into the environment. Source reduction is considered to be an important strategy for reducing pollution because it can prevent the creation of pollutants in the first place, rather than just addressing the symptoms of pollution. This can be more effective and cost-efficient than methods that focus on cleaning up pollutants after they have been released. Additionally, source reduction can help to conserve resources and energy and can promote sustainable development.
Green Chemistry Activities
Green chemistry is quickly becoming a vital part of our society, providing valuable innovations that replace more destructive products and processes. By developing biodegradable plastics, utilizing renewable energy sources in production, and designing safer solvents and catalysts, green chemists are no longer just working on solutions to existing problems; they are creating new standards for industry that redefine sustainability and minimize waste. This is at the core of green chemistry and a noble mission that not only benefits us today but paves the way for generations to come. Already, encouraging progress has been seen in many areas thanks to these ethical practices. Some chemicals where green chemistry activities were reported most frequently include: Ammonia, Styrene, Hydrogen Cyanide, Certain glycol ethers, and Sulfuric acid. These chemicals are in the list of top five Chemicals Released to Air and Water in California.
Frequently Reported Barriers to Source Reduction For Both Metals and Non-metals Chemicals
Source reduction for both non-metals and metals chemicals is an attractive option for companies that are looking to reduce their environmental impact, but unfortunately there are a few barriers that can make it difficult or impossible to implement certain methods (Hill et al., 2021). These barriers include lack of incentives, limited knowledge on how to properly reduce sources and resistances within the company due to cost, or opposition from employees or management. Additionally, when considering significant changes in processes and materials, the transition can often be expensive as well. While these challenges may exist, many companies have successfully reduced sources by providing financial support and incentivizing employees, updating regulations and standards as needed, and investing in research and development of alternative methods. Companies in the above industries can save money and resources with careful sourced reductions. Operating practices and training, inventory and material management, material substitutions, modifications to products and processes, as well as equipment modifications are all ways to cut costs while still sustaining quality operations.
Waste Management Trends
In California, waste management related to production has become an increasingly important topic over the past few decades. From 2003, when compared to 2019, it is evident that the trend for production-related waste management in California was decreasing over time. In alignment with this decrease, total on-site production releases within California decreased over the same period too. This suggests a positive environmental trend taking place in the state and provides a backdrop for future efforts to further minimize industrial waste release and protect both land and the environment. It is clear that California places a priority on the responsible production and management of waste. Despite its impressive rate of growth, the state has managed to produce significantly lower amounts of production-related waste and releases than the national average over the past decade. As a result, California has been able to preserve its unique landscapes and environments for generations to come. In addition, these measures have led to tangible improvements in air and water quality, providing residents with an improved standard of living. It is up to all Californians to continue these initiatives that support environmental stewardship so that future generations may enjoy these same benefits.
Additional Important National Waste Management Trends From 2007 To 2019
Increase in recycling and composting: The recycling rate in the United States has been steadily increasing, with a national recycling rate of 34.5% in 2017, up from 32.5% in 2015. Similarly, the amount of food waste being composted has been on the rise.
Growth of single-stream recycling: Single-stream recycling, in which all recyclable materials are placed in one container for collection, has become increasingly popular in recent years, making it easier for residents to recycle.
Increase in use of landfills: Despite the growth of recycling and composting, the amount of waste sent to landfills has also been on the rise, with a national landfill rate of 54.5% in 2017, up from 52.5% in 2015.
Rise of “zero waste” initiatives: In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards “zero waste” communities, in which the goal is to divert as much waste as possible from landfills through recycling, composting, and reducing consumption.
Increased emphasis on reducing plastic waste: Plastic waste has become a major environmental concern, with an increase in the use of plastic bags and plastic bottles, and an increase in plastic litter in oceans and on beaches.
ECON 330 Assignment Directions – Continue Project 2 References
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´Young, B., Ingwersen, W. W., Bergmann, M., Hernandez-Betancur, J. D., Ghosh, T., Bell, E., & Cashman, S. (2022). A system for standardizing and combining us environmental protection agency emissions and waste inventory data. Applied Sciences, 12(7), 3447. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/7/3447
´United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Factsheet for California. Retrieved from https://enviro.epa.gov/triexplorer/tri_factsheet.factsheet_forstate?pYear=2020&pstate=CA&pParent=NAT
´Adesina, A. (2020). Recent advances in the concrete industry to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. Environmental Challenges, 1, 100004. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667010020300044
´Hill, D. T., Petroni, M., & Collins, M. B. (2021). United States federal contracting and pollution prevention: how award type and facility characteristics affect adoption of source reduction techniques in four manufacturing sectors. Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability, 1(2), 025006. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2634-4505/ac1161/meta
´Hassanpouryouzband, A., Joonaki, E., Farahani, M. V., Takeya, S., Ruppel, C., Yang, J., … & Tohidi, B. (2020). Gas hydrates in sustainable chemistry. Chemical society reviews, 49(15), 5225-5309. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2020/cs/c8cs00989a