Individual Assignment

RUNNING HEADER: Individual Assignment

Reflection

Indiana Wesleyan University

“From 1942 to 1953, Hooker Chemical and Plastics Corporation disposed of its chemical waste by dumping it into the Love Canal or burying it in the canal's banks. Eventually, the canal was sold to the local school board, which constructed a school on part of the site. The rest of the land was sold to various development companies, which constructed single-family dwellings in the area. In 1976, after a series of storms, the buried chemicals seeped to the surface. The dangerous chemicals had disastrous effects on the neighborhood. Some mothers bore children with birth defects while others suffered miscarriages. The incidence of liver disease increased dramatically. Vegetation was destroyed and the entire area reeked with a terrible odor. Further research the situation regarding the Love Canal.“

It is obvious that dumping into the Love Canal caused a lot of damage to families, children, and residents of the area; but is Hooker Chemical and Plastics Corporation really at fault? I say no, they are not at fault. I believe this because at the time the dumping occurred, it was legal to dump into the canal. This happened at a time where the effects of waste were not studied, and it was unknown that by dumping into the canal it could potentially be dangerous to those who live in that area. Not only were the Hooker Chemical and Plastics Corporation using the Love Canal as a dumpsite; but also the City of Niagara and the the Army. Therefore, how could Hooker be the only one held responsible for the damage done by the waste?

Hooker did exercise caution when selling the land. Letting those who purchased it know