Public Lab Research note


EPA Charts and Classifies Environmental Quality By Geographic Location

by TheChessGym | August 30, 2022 13:29 30 Aug 13:29 | #34920 | #34920

The lesson today required the students to look at the Environmental Protection Agency's graphs regarding the environment in which they live. The exercise also prompted the students to view this data across the following spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere) and the designation of the quality in those respective areas. The assignment directed the participants to classify each sphere as "healthy", "moderate", or "dangerous" as specified by the EPA. Considering that the domain in which these students reside has been termed as "Cancer Alley", the charts can provide some very impactful information. One student recognized that some of the information regarding Louisiana was outdated. This prompted the group to cross-reference this dated information with more recent findings provided by Public Lab!

The EPA presented charts denoting the quality of the "atmosphere" which speaks to the quality of air we breathe in the despite the contaminants and pollutants emitted into the air by industrial plants every second. The present air quality designation of Reserve, La. was graded as "good" which has been cautiously classified as "healthy". Students were also asked to reference classifications from the EPA regarding the soil, water, and living beings' health based on the charts. Public Lab provided them with current data with which to cross-reference It should be noted that these facts were recorded as of the time of this post regarding Worldometer.info:

The current world population is 7,979,988,140 people.

The number of people with no access to a safe drinking water source is 779,541,640.

The number of deaths caused by water related diseases is 556,577 this year.


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The local water has been contaminants by people putting trash, bacteria from pet waste and aging septic tanks, and many other pollutants that can be unhealthy, which can cause health problems, illnesses, and even cancer. Businesses all over Laplace discharge water pollution. According to the EPA information, most businesses in Laplace produce hazardous waste, including car dealerships, doctors offices, gas stations, and grocery stores. The effects on the environment that these places cause include impairing local waterways and soil quality. For example, our local Walmart impairs 3 waterbodies, and has 35 hazardous waste producers within a 1 mile radius. According to the EPA website, the atmosphere in St. John Parish is in moderate condition. As of August in 2015, 71% of the parish’s air is moderate. Only about 23% of the air quality is good. A small percentage of the air is unhealthy. The emission of greenhouse gases is polluting the air quality. Many refineries populate along the river road. They contribute to air pollution the most. The risk of contracting cancer is higher than average. According to EPA, the mortality rate and birth weight of infants in St. John Parish’s biosphere is decreasing. It is called neonatal mortality. Air pollutants or toxics are also known to cause birth defects, which is all generally related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

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The earth is composed of different things water, air, land and life itself, each with its own names water is hydrosphere, air is atmosphere, land is geosphere and life are biosphere. The hydrosphere can be both danger and heathy. Everyone on earth need water to live as it is part of our body, and a way to live heathy lives, by helping your body. But if that water has been contaminants by people putting Trash, bacteria from pet waste and aging septic tanks, and many other pollutants then that water can be unhealthy, which can cause health problems illnesses and even cancer.

We can help clean the water by boiling the water, purifying it, solar purification and many more ways. Unclean water is responsible for 1.2 million deaths per year. There are 779,540,319 people without clean draining water and there need to be something done about it. According to the EPA information, most businesses in Laplace produce hazardous waste, including car dealerships, doctors offices, gas stations, and grocery stores. The effects on the environment that these places cause include impairing local waterways and soil quality. According to EPA, the mortality rate and birth weight of infants in St. John Parish’s biosphere is decreasing. It is called neonatal mortality. The low birthweight causes them to experience physical and developmental health problems and to die in the first year of life.” According to the EPA website, the atmosphere in St. John Parish is in moderate condition. As of August in 2015, 71% of the parish’s air is moderate.

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For this group assignment we are to choose out of the four spheres, and determine the condition based on the location of your choice. Geosphere is the condition of the land. Atmosphere is the condition of the air. Hydrosphere is the condition of the water. Biosphere is how the humans are affected or the life surrounding the prior three spheres. With different locations, the conditions are different, we chose the location of our school. These spheres either affect humans or the humans can affect our environment. As example, humans are constantly polluting the air with plants and littering in the ocean, etc.

The air quality is particularly moderate in Reserve, Louisiana. The pie chart on the EPA website, shows a pie chart depicting 71 percent of moderate air quality in August 2015 on the “My Air” section. The good part of the pie chart is approximately 25 percent on and the unhealthy part is about 5 percent. The hydrosphere in reserve is a little scary. 90% of the samples that was taken from Reserve water system were at or right below 0.002 mg/L of lead in the water. That was based on the EPA’s ECHO Database which means the levels of lead are 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L that is the level in which the water is not safe to drink. This means 10% of the samples that are taken from the Reserve contained more lead. Due to the plant's facilities, we are surrounded by with the chemicals that goes to waste onto our land it’s a total DANGER to our soil, our land, & our community. In the site of EPA, the link states that the hazardous waste such as liquid which we are endangered to contains properties that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health plus the environment. However, our land is not totally done for, the link also tells how to properly manage & dispose of these toxic wastes including with a chart. The toxic air pollutants that we have or suspected of causing cancer, or other serious health problems. But not all air pollutants are toxic. People should still be cautious and know what they are breathing in every day.

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For this group assignment we are to choose out of the four spheres, and determine the condition based on the location of your choice. Geosphere is the condition of the land. Atmosphere is the condition of the air. Hydrosphere is the condition of the water. Biosphere is how the humans are affected or the life surrounding the prior three spheres. With different locations, the conditions are different, we choose the location of our school. These spheres either affect humans or the humans can affect our environment. As example, humans are constantly polluting the air with plants and littering in the ocean, etc.

The air quality is particularly moderate in Reserve, Louisiana. The pie chart on the EPA website, shows a pie chart depicting 71 percent of moderate air quality in August 2015 on the “My Air” section. The good part of the pie chart is approximately 25 percent on, and the unhealthy part is about 5 percent. The hydrosphere in reserve is a little scary. 90% of the samples that was taken from Reserve water system were at or right below 0.002 mg/L of lead in the water. That was based on the EPA’s ECHO Database which means the levels of lead are 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L that is the level in which the water is not safe to drink. This means 10% of the samples that are taken from the Reserve contained more lead. Due to the plant's facilities, we are surrounded by with the chemicals that goes to waste onto our land it’s a total DANGER to our soil, our land, & our community. In the site of EPA, the link states that the hazardous waste such as liquid which we are endangered to contains properties that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health plus the environment. However, our land is not totally done for, the link also tells how to properly manage & dispose of these toxic wastes including with a chart. The toxic air pollutants that we have or suspected of causing cancer, or other serious health problems. But not all air pollutants are toxic. People should still be cautious and know what they are breathing in every day.

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Today, we had to research the four spheres of an area in Louisiana, and determine whether its safe, moderate, or unhealthy. 25.8% of the air quality is good, 71% of the air quality is moderate, and 3.2% is unhealthy, so most of the quality in Laplace is moderate. On the UV index forecast, Laplace is close to extreme UV, the highest level of UV radiation. Radon is radioactive gas, can be commonly found in homes across the U.S. and can lead to 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Laplace is in zone 3, so we are at a low risk of being exposed to radon. In conclusion, the atmosphere in Laplace is unhealthy. 39 million tons of food waste was produced in 2015 Louisiana continues to face this issue. Only 5.3 percent of this was composted from incinerators and landfills. According to EPA, they estimate that landfills and incinerators gain more food than everyday trash. In most areas in Louisiana, the streamflow of water is greater or equal to the 90th percentile. There are also some areas that are between the 75th and 89th percentile. In some areas, the water is considered above normal, while in others it is considered normal. There are a few areas near Lake Charles where the water is considered below normal. The water quality in Laplace is not ranked, but it is considered healthy. Stationary facilities are major point sources of air pollution. Toxic air pollutants put 511 million people are at risk of developing illnesses from constant exposure of toxic air.. These chemicals are suspected of causing cancer and birth defects. The five most poisonous chemicals that but people at risk being released are Ethylene Oxide, Chloroprene, Formaldehyde, Naphthalene, and Carbon Tetrachloride.

https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Embed/index.html?webmap=eca90efe0550403ba761f002626adec3&extent=-119.4778,28.0865,-67.6662,49.0487&zoom=true&previewImage=false&scale=true&legend=true&disable_scroll=false&theme=light

https://geopub.epa.gov/myem/envmap/myenv.html?minx=-90.72393&miny=29.85202&maxx=-90.27793&maxy=30.29802&ve=11,30.07502,-90.50093&pText=70068%2C%20La%20Place%2C%20Louisiana&pTheme=home

https://geopub.epa.gov/myem/envmap/myenv.html?minx=-90.72393&miny=29.85202&maxx=-90.27793&maxy=30.29802&ve=11,30.07502,-90.50093&pText=70068%2C%20La%20Place%2C%20Louisiana&pTheme=home

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25.8% of the air quality is good, 71% of the air quality is moderate, and 3.2% is unhealthy, so most of the quality in Laplace is moderate. On the UV index forecast, Laplace is close to extreme UV, the highest level of UV radiation. Radon is radioactive gas, can be commonly found in homes across the U.S. and can lead to 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Laplace is in zone 3, so we are at a low risk of being exposed to radon. In conclusion, the atmosphere in Laplace is unhealthy. (https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Embed/index.html?webmap=eca90efe0550403ba761f002626adec3&extent=-119.4778,28.0865,-67.6662,49.0487&zoom=true&previewImage=false&scale=true&legend=true&disable_scroll=false&theme=light )39 million tons of food waste was produced in 2015 Louisiana continues to face this issue. Only 5.3 percent of this was composted from incinerators and landfills. According to EPA, they estimate that landfills and incinerators gain more food than everyday trash. Currently our land's state is barely moderate. https://geopub.epa.gov/myem/envmap/myenv.html?minx=-90.72393&miny=29.85202&maxx=-90.27793&maxy=30.29802&ve=11,30.07502,-90.50093&pText=70068%2C%20La%20Place%2C%20Louisiana&pTheme=home) In most areas in Louisiana, the streamflow of water is greater or equal to the 90th percentile. There are also some areas that are between the 75th and 89th percentile. In some areas, the water is considered above normal, while in others it is considered normal. There are a few areas near Lake Charles where the water is considered below normal. The water quality in Laplace is not ranked, but it is considered healthy. Stationary facilities are major point sources of air pollution. Toxic air pollutants put 511 million people are at risk of developing illnesses from constant exposure of toxic air.. These chemicals are suspected of causing cancer and birth defects. The five most poisonous chemicals that but people at risk being released are Ethylene Oxide, Chloroprene, Formaldehyde, Naphthalene, and Carbon Tetrachloride.

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For this group assignment we are to choose out of the four spheres, and determine the condition based on the location of your choice. Geosphere is the condition of the land. Atmosphere is the condition of the air. Hydrosphere is the condition of the water. Biosphere is how the humans are affected or the life surrounding the prior three spheres. With different locations, the conditions are different, we chose the location of our school. These spheres either affect humans or the humans can affect our environment. As example, humans are constantly polluting the air with plants and littering in the ocean, etc.

The air quality is particularly moderate in Reserve, Louisiana. The pie chart on the EPA website, shows a pie chart depicting 71 percent of moderate air quality in August 2015 on the “My Air” section. The good part of the pie chart is approximately 25 percent on and the unhealthy part is about 5 percent. The hydrosphere in reserve is a little scary. 90% of the samples that was taken from Reserve water system were at or right below 0.002 mg/L of lead in the water. That was based on the EPA’s ECHO Database which means the levels of lead are 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L that is the level in which the water is not safe to drink. This means 10% of the samples that are taken from the Reserve contained more lead. Due to the plant's facilities, we are surrounded by with the chemicals that goes to waste onto our land it’s a total DANGER to our soil, our land, & our community. In the site of EPA, the link states that the hazardous waste such as liquid which we are endangered to contains properties that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health plus the environment. However, our land is not totally done for, the link also tells how to properly manage & dispose of these toxic wastes including with a chart. The toxic air pollutants that we have or suspected of causing cancer, or other serious health problems. But not all air pollutants are toxic. People should still be cautious and know what they are breathing in every day.

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For this group assignment we are to choose out of the four spheres, and determine the condition based on the location of your choice. Geosphere is the condition of the land. Atmosphere is the condition of the air. Hydrosphere is the condition of the water. Biosphere is how the humans are affected or the life surrounding the prior three spheres. With different locations, the conditions are different, we chose the location of our school. These spheres either affect humans or the humans can affect our environment. As example, humans are constantly polluting the air with plants and littering in the ocean, etc.

The air quality is particularly moderate in Reserve, Louisiana. The pie chart on the EPA website, shows a pie chart depicting 71 percent of moderate air quality in August 2015 on the “My Air” section. The good part of the pie chart is approximately 25 percent on and the unhealthy part is about 5 percent. The hydrosphere in reserve is a little scary. 90% of the samples that was taken from Reserve water system were at or right below 0.002 mg/L of lead in the water. That was based on the EPA’s ECHO Database which means the levels of lead are 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L that is the level in which the water is not safe to drink. This means 10% of the samples that are taken from the Reserve contained more lead. Due to the plant's facilities, we are surrounded by with the chemicals that goes to waste onto our land it’s a total DANGER to our soil, our land, & our community. In the site of EPA, the link states that the hazardous waste such as liquid which we are endangered to contains properties that are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health plus the environment. However, our land is not totally done for, the link also tells how to properly manage & dispose of these toxic wastes including with a chart. The toxic air pollutants that we have or suspected of causing cancer, or other serious health problems. But not all air pollutants are toxic. People should still be cautious and know what they are breathing in every day.

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According to the EPA website, the atmosphere in St. John Parish is in moderate condition. As of August in 2015, 71% of the parish’s air is moderate. Only about 23% of the air quality is good. A small percentage of the air is unhealthy. The emission of greenhouse gases is polluting the air quality. Many refineries populate along the river road. They contribute to air pollution the most. The risk of contracting cancer is relatively high. The geosphere may be moderate. St. John is a very agricultural parish. Soil quality is important for the quality of the agriculture and the ground that we live on. Our hydrosphere is unhealthy. The Mississippi River’s water is almost undrinkable without proper treatment. The river is filled with bacteria, waste, and other pollutants. The EPA website is outdated and doesn’t provide information about our land or water, but it is being impacted by human actions. Most businesses in Laplace produce hazardous waste. The local Walmart impairs 3 waterbodies. There are 35 hazardous waste producers within a 1-mile radius. Food litter is also an issue as trash and waste is not being handled properly. Our biosphere is unhealthy as well. Our area is called “Cancer Alley”. The EPA states that the mortality and birth weight of infants in St. John Parish are decreasing. Infants have a chance of experiencing health problems within their first year of life. Prematurity is also a problem related to hypertension, tobacco smoke exposure, or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy. Air pollutants are also known to cause birth defects. The quality of life in this parish is not desirable.

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I conclude that the air quality in Reserve/Edgar is Moderate. St. John Parish is one of area's that is considered to be a part of the cancer ally. Based data illustrated in the EPA public website it states that 71% of the air quality is moderate and a good quarter of the air is labelled as good. Only a small percentage of the air labelled as severe/unhealthy. The small amount of lethal air is not lethal enough but it is contingent to the environment as it is released into the atmosphere, there for I conclude that refineries' plays a crucial role on the air quality being on edge.

The biosphere is the sphere that deals with living organisms on Earth. The way this sphere is affected by this pollution because living things have to breath in the as the article says “Toxic air pollutants, or air toxics, are those pollutants known or suspected of causing cancer or other serious health problems, such as birth defects. Not all air pollutants are considered”. This could cause many problems that even include death to these living organisms that make up the biosphere. The geosphere consists of the study of things such as brownfields, being the expansion, redevelopment, or cleansing of greenspaces and working lands. According to the article “Food Waste” if we reduce wasted food in modern society 5.3% divert from landfills and incinerators for composting. Reducing wasted food is good for the economy, community, and environment. Hazardous waste and liquids from the Hydrosphere may also pollute the land and soil that crops grow on and hinder livestock. The land in the area of Louisiana is roughly moderate, but slowly approaching the threshold of dangerous if nothing is done to reduce waste and pollutants in soil. The water quality and pressure are moderate. The pressure is 75th percentile and more so its good. Most of Louisiana is blue. On the graph, there are blue dots. This indicates that it is 75th percentile or higher and this means that it is good. The data proves it all.

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According to the EPA website, the atmosphere in Saint John Parish is in a moderate condition. In August of 2015, 71% of the parish’s air quality is considered to be moderate. Only about 23% of the air quality is considered good. There is a small amount of air that is unhealthy to breathe. The emission of greenhouse gases is harming the air quality.Many refineries are located along the river road. They contribute the most to air pollution and the risk of contracting cancer is relatively high. The geosphere may be moderate in terms of its size and temperature. St. John is a parish rich in agriculture. Soil quality is important for the quality of the food we eat and the land we live on. Our hydrosphere is in poor condition.The water in the Mississippi River is unsafe to drink without proper treatment. Our biosphere is also unhealthy. Our area is called "Cancer Alley". The EPA has found that the mortality and birth weight of infants in St. John Parish are decreasing. Infants have a risk of experiencing health problems during their first year of life.

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In the atmosphere of Laplace, 25.8% of the air is classified as good, 71% is moderate, and 3.2% is unhealthy. There are many radioactive gases in the air, making it unhealthy for consumption. Laplace has a low risk of being exposed to radon because we are in zone 3. There are over 30 million tons of food waste that was produced in 2015. 5.3% was composed from landfills and incinerators.

In most areas of Louisiana, the water is considered normal, but there are some areas that are considered unhealthy. Most areas near Lake Charles have unhealthy or below normal water streamflow levels. Toxic air put many at risk. These chemicals can cause birth defects and death.

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I conclude that the air quality in Reserve/Edgar is Moderate. St. John Parish is one of area's that is considered to be a part of the cancer ally. Based data illustrated in the EPA public website it states that 71% of the air quality is moderate and a good quarter of the air is labelled as good. Only a small percentage of the air labelled as severe/unhealthy. The small amount of lethal air is not lethal enough but it is contingent to the environment as it is released into the atmosphere, there for I conclude that refineries' plays a crucial role on the air quality being on edge. The biosphere is the sphere that deals with living organisms on Earth. The way this sphere is affected by this pollution because living things have to breath in the as the article says “Toxic air pollutants, or air toxics, are those pollutants known or suspected of causing cancer or other serious health problems, such as birth defects. Not all air pollutants are considered”. This could cause many problems that even include death to these living organisms that make up the biosphere.

The geosphere consists of the study of things such as brownfields, being the expansion, redevelopment, or cleansing of greenspaces and working lands. According to the article “Food Waste” if we reduce wasted food in modern society 5.3% divert from landfills and incinerators for composting. Reducing wasted food is good for the economy, community, and environment. Hazardous waste and liquids from the Hydrosphere may also pollute the land and soil that crops grow on and hinder livestock. The land in the area of Louisiana is roughly moderate, but slowly approaching the threshold of dangerous if nothing is done to reduce waste and pollutants in soil. The water quality and pressure are moderate. The pressure is 75th percentile and more so its good. Most of Louisiana is blue. On the graph, there are blue dots. This indicates that it is 75th percentile or higher and this means that it is good. The data proves it all.

Thanks to Public Lab this was made possible.

This is the group with Suleman, Cyrel, Cayla, and Parker


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When relating to the environment there are 4 categories that make it up: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, and the geosphere. Each sphere has different quality levels that show how clean or polluted a sphere is. The quality of the air when relating to the atmosphere is good or safe. This can be seen by the Air Quality Index Basics or AQI. Next is the quality of health in the biosphere. From the chart shows the percentage of different categories of risk. 92.2% of the chart accounts for points which are stationary facilities or processes that produce air pollution. This shows that the chance of getting cancer is 329 in a million. So, the quality of health when relating to the biosphere is moderate. Following the biosphere is the hydrosphere with a dangerous water quality. According to EWQ’s Tap Water database conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database shows that water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards. But the water contained 19 total containments which is 10 more than containments that the health guidelines.

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Today in class we classified the level of safety of the 4 spheres in Laplace, Louisiana. All information/ facts were provided by the EPA

25.8% of the air quality is good, 71% of the air quality is moderate, and 3.2% is unhealthy, so most of the quality in Laplace is moderate. On the UV index forecast, Laplace is close to extreme UV, the highest level of UV radiation. Radon is radioactive gas, can be commonly found in homes across the U.S. and can lead to 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Laplace is in zone 3, so we are at a low risk of being exposed to radon. In conclusion, the atmosphere in Laplace is unhealthy. The geosphere in Laplace is dangerous. 39 million tons of food waste was produced in 2015 Louisiana continues to face this issue. Only 5.3 percent of this was composted from incinerators and landfills. According to EPA, they estimate that landfills and incinerators gain more food than everyday trash. In most areas in Louisiana, the streamflow of water is greater or equal to the 90th percentile. There are also some areas that are between the 75th and 89th percentile. In some areas, the water is considered above normal, while in others it is considered normal. There are a few areas near Lake Charles where the water is considered below normal. The water quality in Laplace is not ranked, but it is considered healthy. Stationary facilities are major point sources of air pollution. Toxic air pollutants put 511 million people are at risk of developing illnesses from constant exposure of toxic air.. These chemicals are suspected of causing cancer and birth defects. According to the EPA the five most poisonous chemicals that put people at risk are Ethylene Oxide, Chloroprene, Formaldehyde, Naphthalene, and Carbon Tetrachloride.

Gianna Williams (Group 1)

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Zip code 70776 Baton Rouge, St, Gabriel, Jacobs Drive Healthy: 32.2% Moderate: 51.6% Danger: 16.1% With the biosphere dependent on biotic and abiotic organisms that provide them with energy and nutrients, The biosphere becomes a narrow zone on the surface of the earth where soil, water, and air combine to sustain life. So, what happens when the soil, water, and air are at risk? The amount of chemicals, waste, and power plants have put Baton Rouge in danger. When atmosphere-biosphere interactions influence the health of the air we breathe rough surfaces of vegetation remove aerosols, ozone, and other reactive gases from the air through dry deposition, it causes your health to be at risk. In the time between 2014 to 2015 the air quality easily became more dangerous. In that short amount of time the air quality went from 3.20% to 16.10%. Baton Rouge known being “Cancer Alley,” has toxic air pollutants/air toxics known or suspected of causing cancer or other serious health problems, such as birth defects. The atmosphere in St. Gabriel is in danger. The advocate says the plant in St. Gabriel Clear Air Act. Even though it's an outdated chart there is 51.8% moderate air quality 32.3% is good and 16.1% of the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive group. Exposure to radon in the home is responsible for an estimated 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon is a health hazard with a simple solution. The biosphere is an important part of the water cycle because it is where all the spheres interact and work together. The hydrosphere is very moderate to dangerous. From the website you can see how there are various of dumping sites by the rivers and lakes. When the water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans becomes polluted; it can endanger wildlife, make our drinking water unsafe, and threaten the waters where we swim and fish. The EPA Region 6 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) program team works with federal, state, and local partners to develop, design, and build Louisiana coastal restoration projects. Repairing the area’s natural hydrology improved the health of existing trees by providing needed periods of flooding and drying. Due to all the pollution, the CWA (Clean Water Act) has aided to keep the pollution out the rivers and other waters to meet the clean water goal for our health, safety, and even the wildlife. Considering life exists on the ground, in the air, and in the water, the biosphere overlaps all the spheres.

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