Birmingham, Al: Property Values And Pollution

Birmingham, Alabama, has a history of heavy industry, including coke plants, that has caused significant environmental pollution over time. The city's air quality has been a concern for residents, with levels of PM2.5 (fine inhalable particles) exceeding recommended limits and posing risks to sensitive individuals. The presence of toxic contaminants in the soil has also been an issue, leading to health concerns and environmental justice movements in the affected communities. While there have been efforts to address pollution and its impacts, the city continues to face challenges in ensuring clean air and protecting the well-being of its residents.

Birmingham's air pollution

Birmingham, Alabama, has a history of poor air quality, with levels of PM2.5—particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres—consistently exceeding the recommended limit given by the World Health Organisation. Sources of air pollution in Birmingham include vehicle emissions, construction activities, factories, and the burning of fossil fuels and stubble.

In 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began screening for air toxics—pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects—around public schools. As part of this national survey, the EPA conducted air sampling at three schools in northern Birmingham, which revealed elevated levels of hazardous air pollutants. The EPA and the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) then conducted a longer-term air toxics study in the neighbourhoods of Fairmont, Collegeville, Harriman Park, and North Birmingham. According to the EPA, the air quality levels were at the high end of the "acceptable" range for air toxics.

In 2011, the EPA found toxic contaminants leaching offsite from one of the local coke plants, leading the agency to utilise its emergency Superfund authority to address the issue. The EPA began testing more than 1,200 properties for contamination and removing and replacing soil that exceeded hazardous levels for pollutants like lead, arsenic, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This project became known as the "35th Avenue Superfund Site". The EPA identified five potentially responsible parties: Alagasco, KMAC Services, U.S. Pipe & Foundry, Walter Coke (now ERP Coke), and Drummond Company (ABC Coke).

The air pollution in Birmingham has had significant health impacts on its residents. Sensitive individuals, such as children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Health concerns raised by the community include respiratory issues, skin problems, and cancer.

To address these concerns, the EPA requested that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) assess environmental data collected from the affected neighbourhoods. The ATSDR's evaluation concluded that exposures to particulate matter in North Birmingham air in the past could have resulted in harmful effects in sensitive individuals but were unlikely to result in harmful effects in the general public. However, the ATSDR also found that long-term exposure to arsenic and lead in the soil could harm people's health, especially children.

The air pollution in Birmingham has also had economic impacts. According to Greenpeace, the current level of PM2.5 air pollution in Birmingham has cost the city's economy around US$3.3 billion so far this year. Additionally, studies have shown that proximity to landfill sites and other sources of pollution can negatively impact property values.

The impact of landfill sites on property values

Landfills are necessary for waste disposal and the cleanliness of our communities. However, they also pose significant risks to public health and the cost of living for nearby residents. The impact of landfill sites on property values is a complex issue that has been the subject of extensive research and debate.

The Negative Impact of Landfills on Property Values

Numerous studies have found that landfills can have a detrimental impact on property values, with the effect being more pronounced for properties located closer to the landfill sites. This negative impact tends to diminish with increasing distance from the landfill. For example, a study by Ready (2010) showed that landfills accepting high volumes of waste (500 tons per day or more) decreased adjacent residential property values by 12.9% on average, with a gradient of 5.9% per mile. In contrast, lower-volume landfills had a smaller impact, decreasing adjacent property values by 2.7% on average, with a gradient of 1.3% per mile.

The presence of landfill sites can also lead to a decrease in land accessibility and value. This is particularly true for properties located within a few miles of the landfill, as the negative impact tends to diminish with distance. Additionally, properties with a higher value tend to be more affected by the presence of nearby landfill sites, as the negative impact falls disproportionately on higher-valued homes.

Factors Influencing the Impact of Landfills on Property Values

The impact of landfills on property values can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of waste accepted by the landfill, the distance from the landfill, and the value of the property. Other factors that may influence the impact include the presence of additional amenities or facilities provided by developers to mitigate the negative effects of the landfill.

Case Study: Birmingham, Alabama

In Birmingham, Alabama, there have been concerns about the impact of pollution on property values, particularly in North Birmingham. The area has a history of heavy industry, including the 35th Avenue Superfund Site, which has caused significant environmental pollution. Residents have expressed worries about the potential impact on their health and well-being due to continued exposure to pollution.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been involved in assessing and addressing the pollution issues in North Birmingham. Their efforts have included air and soil sampling, which revealed elevated levels of hazardous air pollutants and toxic contaminants. The EPA has also taken steps to assess and remediate properties in the affected communities.

Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Landfills on Property Values

To mitigate the negative impact of landfills on property values, several strategies can be considered:

• Increasing the distance between residential areas and landfill sites: As mentioned earlier, the negative impact of landfills on property values tends to diminish with increasing distance. Therefore, ensuring that new landfill sites are located at a reasonable distance from residential areas can help minimize their adverse effects.
• Providing additional amenities: Developers can try to offset the negative impact of landfills on property values by providing extra facilities or amenities, such as clubhouses, children's play areas, gyms, or swimming pools.
• Improving waste management practices: Proper waste management strategies, such as waste segregation at the household level, can help reduce the negative impact of landfills on the environment and surrounding communities, thereby potentially improving property values.
• Adopting sustainable waste management approaches: Implementing sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling, pre-selection, and energy recovery, can help reduce the environmental and health impacts of landfills, which may positively influence property values.

The health impacts of pollution on Birmingham residents

Birmingham, Alabama, has a history of heavy industry, which has caused significant environmental pollution over time. The city's air quality is generally acceptable for most individuals, but sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure. These groups include children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease.

The primary causes of outdoor air pollution in Birmingham are solid and liquid particles called aerosols and gase from vehicles, construction activities, factories, burning stubble, and fossil fuels, among other sources. The main causes of indoor air pollution are harmful gases from cooking fuels, damp, mould smoke, and chemicals from cleaning materials.

In addition to respiratory issues, pollution in Birmingham has also been associated with skin issues and cancer. The risk of these health issues is particularly high for sensitive groups.

To protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution, Birmingham residents are advised to wear N95 masks when outdoors and to use air purifiers or fresh air machines indoors. Proper ventilation is also recommended when outdoor air quality is moderate.

The role of government and industry in combating pollution

The US government has taken several steps to combat pollution, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the forefront of these efforts. The EPA has conducted air sampling and soil testing in Birmingham, Alabama, to assess the levels of hazardous air pollutants and identify potential contamination issues. The EPA has also utilized its Superfund authority to address pollution in the area, proposing to add the 35th Avenue Site to the National Priorities List (NPL) to access additional funding for long-term remediation. The Superfund program allows the EPA to identify and hold liable potentially responsible parties and provides a trust fund for cleanup when no responsible party is identified.

In addition to the EPA, other government agencies have played a role in addressing pollution in Birmingham. The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) has worked with the EPA to monitor air and soil quality, while the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has been involved in the decision-making process regarding the NPL listing. The US Department of Justice has also taken legal action against individuals and companies involved in a conspiracy to thwart the EPA's cleanup efforts in Birmingham.

The state government of Alabama has also been active in addressing pollution. The Alabama Environmental Management Commission (EMC), which oversees the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), initially supported the proposal to add the 35th Avenue Site to the NPL. However, they later opposed it due to pressure from the governor, attorney general, and other state officials.

Industry has both contributed to and combated pollution in Birmingham. Two coke plants, ERP Compliant Coke (formerly Walter Coke) and ABC Coke (owned by Drummond Company), have been identified as significant sources of pollution in the area. However, ERP Coke has assumed environmental responsibilities and is working towards reducing its environmental impact. Additionally, the EPA has identified other industrial facilities as potentially responsible parties for the contamination, including the United States Pipe and Foundry Company, the Alabama Gas Company, and the Process Knowledge Corporation. These companies may be held liable for cleanup costs under the Superfund program.

Overall, the role of government and industry in combating pollution in Birmingham, Alabama, has been complex and multifaceted. While there have been efforts to address the issue, the success of these efforts has been varied, and pollution continues to affect the community.

Pollution sources and types in Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, has been facing issues with air pollution, which is detrimental to the health of its residents. The sources of this pollution vary, from industrial plants to vehicles, and the types of pollution found in the city include particle pollution and ozone pollution.

Sources of Pollution in Birmingham

The city of Birmingham has several sources of pollution, including:

• Industrial plants: Two coking plants, ABC Coke (owned by Drummond Company) and ERP Compliant Coke (formerly Walter Coke), have been identified as significant contributors to air pollution in the city.
• Vehicles: Vehicle emissions are a major source of outdoor air pollution, releasing harmful gases and solid particles into the atmosphere.
• Construction activities: Construction sites can generate dust, debris, and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution.
• Power plants: Power plants that burn fossil fuels, particularly coal-fired power plants, release pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
• Wildfires: Natural occurrences like wildfires can also contribute to air pollution by releasing smoke and other particles into the atmosphere.

Types of Pollution in Birmingham

The main types of pollution found in Birmingham are:

• Particle Pollution: Also known as particulate matter (PM), this type of pollution consists of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. These particles can include acids, organic chemicals, metals, soil, pollen, and dust. Birmingham has been ranked among the worst cities in the Southeast for particle pollution, and it continues to have some of the worst air quality in the region.
• Ozone Pollution: Ground-level ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. It is the most common air pollutant in the United States and can trigger health problems such as chest pain, coughing, and throat irritation.
• Sulfur Dioxide: Emissions from power plants, industrial processes, and transportation contribute to sulfur dioxide pollution. This pollutant can cause respiratory issues, especially for people with asthma.

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