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Chapter 5:
Your Land

Proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste from industries and municipalities is necessary in order to protect the soil where we grow our food, where our children play, and where drinking water wells are located.

Safeguarding our land starts with being aware of the activities that can introduce toxins into the soil. Proper disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste from industries and municipalities is necessary in order to protect the soil where we grow our food, where our children play, and where drinking water wells are located. Appropriate siting of waste facilities, adequate containment measures, and consistent maintenance are all necessary to protect the land we depend on from the contaminants that pose a risk to human and environmental health.

Key Points

  • The Superfund program is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and allows EPA to clean up hazardous waste sites when the responsible party is unknown or unable to do so.

  • There are currently 10 Superfund sites in Louisiana, 6 proposed sites, and 12 that have been deleted from the National Priorities List.

  • Brownfields are typically former commercial or industrial properties, such as old gas stations or dry cleaners, that may contain hazardous substances or pollutants

  • Underground storage tanks are tanks or piping that store petroleum or other hazardous materials underground and can potentially leak overtime, threatening nearby groundwater sources.

  • Materials that are not or cannot be reused are disposed of in landfills, injections wells and various storage facilities depending on the type of waste.

  • Oilfield wastes, such as wastes from the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, are exempt from Federal hazardous waste regulations.

Be Involved

  • Be aware of any current or former Superfund sites in your area.

  • Encourage the clean-up and redevelopment of Brownfields

  • Participate in the decisions about the clean-up and redevelopment of these sites

  • Properly dispose of household materials and hazardous chemical and recycle when possible.

Chapter References