Examining the Impact of Waste-to-Energy Incineration on Public Health in Florida

Keywords: Waste-to-Energy, environmental injustice, air quality, pollution
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 4

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of the effects of emissions from Waste-to-Energy incineration facilities within Florida on the public health of individuals residing near them with consideration to socioeconomic and demographic factors. Specifically, we examine the annual emissions of Nitrous Oxide (NOx) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) in comparison to permitted emission limits of these pollutants for the year 2019 for nine permitted Waste-to-Energy facilities as listed on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) website. We use the ALOHA modeling program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, to generate potential pollution impact zones for each pollutant type and facility. We then compare the socioeconomic and demographic profiles of residents inside the impact zones and the state average to investigate if there exists issues of social justice and inequality in areas exposed to the emissions. This study also references interviews conducted with waste management experts in Tampa Bay, Florida to provide additional insight into the operations of Waste-to-Energy facilities.