Environmental Risk Reduction--Some Future Opportunities and Unsettled Issues. W. Schaub, Reston, MD; and D. Barnes, Science Advisory Board, Washington, DC
Major issues in the future for the application of environmental technologies to reduce risk were identified by a Subcommittee of the Environmental Engineering Committee as part of an Environmental Futures Project of EPA's Science Advisory Board. The Committee identified a series of issues related to environmental technology, developed and applied criteria to select four issues for in-depth examination of the issues in terms of current trends and those which may be expected in the future. Based on that analysis, opportunities were identified to avoid or mitigate adverse consequences. Current regulatory approaches were considered as barriers to promoting the use of innovative treatment technologies and clean technologies. Further, a comprehensive approach was recommended, balancing urban redevelopment needs, equity considerations, and environmental objectives, to enable the rapid conversion and redevelopment of urban lands. An EPA program was recommended to address the risks associated with natural disasters. Finally, it was recommended that the Agency identify core technical competencies required to support its programs.