The Social Impact of the Duwamish Superfund Site

Last summer this blog covered the ecological issues facing the Duwamish River. A few weeks ago, an article was published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and InvestigateWest detailing the social aspect of the environmental problems of the Duwamish and how the pollution and degradation is affecting the surrounding communities of Georgetown, South Park, and Beacon Hill.

Seattle Pacific University's Climate Action Plan

Continuing the thread of discussion on environmental justice, consider this: industrialized nations, accounting for 20% of the world's population, produce 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Moreover, developing nations experience the first and worst effects of climate related disasters. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that, "While climate change is global, its negative impacts are more severely felt by poor people and poor countries. They are more vulnerable because of their high dependence on natural resources and limited capacity to cope with climate variability and extremes."

International Day of Prayer for Creation

Renewal, a Christian creation-care organization, is sponsoring the 2011 International Day of Prayer for Creation. This year's theme is "Prayer for Environmental Justice", and is focused on environmental justices issues around the world. You can sign up to do a campus-wide event, or participate in an interactive prayer meeting online. The event takes place on February 2, from 5:00 to 5:45 pm.

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

King delivers his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. (Photo credit unkown)

On Monday, our nation celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King's life demonstrated that peace and tolerance can triumph over hate and injustice, and can serve to correct social wrongs. On this holiday, we are reminded of his heroic devotion to equality, justice, and unity.

In the spirit of Dr. King, it seems appropriate to talk about an issue that has stemmed from King's movement. The term "environmental justice" did not become popular until the 1980s, but the movement's roots stem from King's legacy.

Duwamish River - the Superfund Site in Our Own Backyard

Due to industrial contamination in the 20th century, the lower five miles of the Duwamish River was designated as a superfund site by the United States Environmental Agency. Boeing's Plant 2, visible at lower right on the north bank of the river on both sides of the South Park Bridge, is a heavily contaminated site. (November 21, 2007) Paul Joseph Brown/Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Duwamish River is a lifeline for the Seattle area. As the lone river flowing through the city, the Duwamish serves as a huge resource for the community. Unfortunately, the river has historically been used as a dumping grounds for the city's industry and commerce. Appointed an EPA superfund site in 2001, the Duwamish carries a swath of contaminants, including PCBs, Mercury, and Phalites, accumulated over years of pollution. It continues to be used for storm water runoff for much of the city.