An Examination of Accidental-Release Scenarios from Chemical-Processing Sites: The Relation of Race to Distance

In: Social science quarterly, Band 83, Heft 1, S. 317-331

Abstract

This study is intended to enhance the discussion of environmental equity by offering a methodology that is based on chemical-specific risk zones that reflect inventories of chemical facilities, risk dispersion modeling, local weather conditions, & the unique chemical processes of each site. The central question concerns whether the racial makeup of a community near a chemical-processing site is characteristic of the city, county, or community as a whole. In essence, does the racial makeup of a community vary by distance from a chemical-processing facility? A comparison of the racial makeup of the community was examined for 13 chemical-processing sites submitting off-site consequence data under the Environmental Protection Agency Risk Management Plan, by clusters of the sites, & for all sites in the community. Instead of relative ratios, we look at odds ratios, comparing the odds of being African American to the odds of being non-African American at two given distance classes. Results show that as one moves further from a facility, the characteristics of the community reflect less & less the makeup near the site. The percentage of African Americans living near a chemical-processing site tends to be much higher when compared to population characteristics further from the site. The study shows that distance does make a significant difference in the racial characteristics of the population from a chemical-processing site. Using data reflecting accidental-release scenarios, weather conditions, & the chemical process from the local community provides a more realistic basis for determining vulnerability zones. 4 Tables, 3 Figures, 20 References. Adapted from the source document.