Community Vulnerability Mapping Approach to Evaluate the Risk of Releases from Contaminated Sites and Waste Management Facilities due to Extreme Events
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When extreme events (extreme heat, floods, droughts, wildfires) happen, hazardous materials or contaminants may be accidentally released from sites and waste facilities creating further hazards for surrounding communities. Understanding community vulnerabilities underlies preparedness, mitigation planning, and redevelopment decisions. An indicator-based vulnerability approach helps a community’s adaptation and mitigation efforts to anticipate and manage or eliminate impacts. A multidisciplinary workgroup from across RTI, EPA’s Office of Research and Development, EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management, and EPA Regions 1 and 9; the state of Arizona; and the cities of Phoenix, Arizona, and Waterbury, Connecticut, have developed a vulnerability indicators approach that can provide information to State and local planners and decision makers who are concerned about (1) preventing accidental contaminant releases and potential negative health and environmental outcomes from identified sites and (2) prioritizing targeted mitigation, adaptation, and response strategies for their community.