2011 - 20th Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium

Session Time : 4/12/11 10:30 AM - 4/12/11 11:45 AM

Content Area : Adult & Higher Education

Student Presenters :
Shana T. Wilson Biology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Tuere Bowles Education

Abstract Title : An Environmental Justice Case Study of the New Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant

Abstract :
Historically, throughout the United States, landfills, hazardous waste sites, and other environmental threats have been sited near low income or minority communities. The case of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) being built in New Hill, North Carolina is no different. The residents of New Hill are greatly opposed to the idea of a WWTP in their historic town. The New Hill residents believe they were targeted as a site for the WWTP because they are a minority community. Along with the WWTP, New Hill would face the added stresses of possible water contamination, changes in water quality, odors resulting from the plant, exposure to toxic substances, exposure to disease-producing microorganisms, and oxygen deficient air. This research study details the stakeholders involved, the community impact, and a host of related planning issues.