A multi-scalar geographic mixed method approach to assess environmental justice issues for unregulated waste disposal sites
Topics:
Keywords: unregulated waste disposal, fire, geospatial modeling, remote sensing, community engaged participatory research, mixed-methods
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract
Authors:
Theodros Mentesinot Woldeyohannes, University of New Mexico
Daniel Beene, University of New Mexico
Joseph Hoover, University of Arizona
Yan Lin, University of New Mexico
Blair Mirka, University of New Mexico
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Abstract
Solid waste disposal remains a challenge for underserved communities throughout the United States; especially in rural and Indigenous communities. Infrastructure disparities in these communities may contribute to occurrence of unregulated waste disposal site(s) (UWDS) and regular burning of solid waste. These disposal practices contribute to disproportionate chemical exposures in underserved communities when compared to the US general population. Previous studies have documented health-hazards posed by fires at UWDS principally from public-health perspectives and questionnaire-based cohort studies. Despite the body of literature regarding health disparities resulting from exposures to UWDS, there remains limited geographical research examining UWDS fires from both environmental justice (EJ) and geospatial/GIScience perspectives. The present research seeks to examine the previously identified EJ issues associated with UWDS through a geographic mixed-methods framework, encompassing several geospatial and remote sensing methodologies. The goal is to refine our knowledge of the potential environmental/health impacts associated with UWDS through a geospatial lens. I will present a literature review, highlighting EJ issues of lacking municipal waste infrastructure in rural communities of the Intermountain West, and a novel framework that will be applied to further understand the occurrence frequency and impacts of UWDS fires in partner Indigenous communities. I will also discuss application of qualitative methods that explore community member’s lived experiences, thereby leading to more holistic knowledge of how fires at UWDS impact communities and their residents. The outcome of this research will refine our knowledge of environmental health disparities and municipal solid waste needs in underserved communities.
A multi-scalar geographic mixed method approach to assess environmental justice issues for unregulated waste disposal sites
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Paper Abstract
