Did you know that there are over 14,000 toxic waste sites in Washington, most still in need of clean up?
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John,
We all deserve to live in a community where we can breathe clean air, drink clean water, and safely enjoy greenspaces, rivers, and lakes. And Tribes must be able to harvest healthy salmon, free from toxics, as they have since time immemorial.
Most of the 14,000+ toxic waste sites across Washington state still need to be cleaned up. This pollution is not just confined to industrial facilities either. Toxic waste sites exist in neighborhoods in your community and disproportionately affect people of color and Tribes. Despite this, the state’s environmental cleanup law doesn’t prioritize cleanups in the places where people like you and your neighbors live.
After nearly 30 years, the Department of Ecology is finally updating the state environmental cleanup law. The updates must include environmental justice and climate change considerations to reduce the burden on our most impacted communities.
Register here to join us for a webinar on Thursday, April 13th at 5:30 PM. We’ll discuss how to change how toxic waste sites are cleaned up, hear stories of the impact of these sites on Tribes and local communities, and learn how to make your voice heard through public comment.
The data is clear: People of color and low-income communities bear a disproportionate share of health risks from exposure to toxics. This includes increased risk for cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The environmental cleanup law doesn’t currently factor this into deciding when, and how, toxic waste sites are cleaned up. We now have an opportunity to change this. Join us on Thursday to learn how!
Thanks for all you do,
Katie Byrnes (she/her)
Toxics & Stormwater Policy Manager
Washington Conservation Action
