1-8. Why does the definition on hazardous waste specifically exclude radioactive waste?
The U. S. definition of hazardous waste excludes radioactive waste because this waste is regulated
separately under Federal law. To have two different, and at times conflicting, regulatory programs
attempting to regulate the same material could prove to be chaotic. This is the current situation at U. S.
Department of Energy facilities that have soil and ground water contaminated by "mixed wastes" (wastes
that are radioactive and also meet one of the characteristics of hazardous waste).
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1- 9. Contrast the incident at Minamata Bay with that Love Canal, noting similarities and
differences.
Similarities between the incidents at Minamata Bay and Love Canal include the fact that both
communities were unknowingly poisoned from hazardous wastes contributed by chemical plants. Also,
both events sparked awareness of the effects of environmental pollution. However, at Minamata Bay
mercury was first released directly to the bay where it settled into sediments and then bioaccumulated in
shellfish, whereas at Love Canal, the contaminants were disposed of in a landfill that later leaked,
eventually the basements of homes via underground transport. In addition, the effects at Minamata Bay
were of epidemic and tragic proportions. The effects on human health of Love Canal were gradual and not
as apparent, and are still debatable.