A Primer on Industrial Environmental Impact

There are many reasons why an industry may choose to locate in a place and as many reasons why a community, region, or state may support or oppose an industry’s sitting decision. Environmental considerations are one such factor that may eliminate an otherwise attractive site. Today, site selection from an industry’s perspective involves trade-offs among economic return, amenity benefits, and environmental costs.

This is an essential and thorough study of industrial environmental impact. The environmental impact of industries ranges from minor changes in the appearance of the landscape to the discharge of hazardous substances into the water and air. This volumedetails the impacts, provides guidance on how to determine their extent, and directs the reader to whom they can contact for technical and legal help.

This volume devotes four comprehensive chapters to impacts of major concern: noise, water, air, and solid waste. The water and air chapters discuss physical science, legal, and economic concerns. The noise chapter focuses on noise from plant operations, truck transportation, and construction. The volume also contains a checklist of twenty-two general and thirty-eight more specific questions to help determine if concern is warranted. This book should be read by industrialists, environmentalists, policy makers, and citizens alike.