NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) – Hosted by CIESIN at Columbia University

Superfund Population and Locations

Introduction

Assessment of Populations in Proximity to Superfund National Priorities List Sites

In response to a request by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), CIESIN has conducted an assessment of populations living in proximity to Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) sites for the year 2000. This assessment improves on earlier studies in several key ways. First, we used the U. S. Census Grids database to determine population totals and demographic breakdowns in proximity to NPL sites. Second, we applied a methodology to eliminate the double-counting of populations in proximity of more than one NPL site. Third, our study used the “majority rule” to determine when population data should be included in the summation. Fourth, the total population in proximity to two or more Superfund sites was estimated. Finally, these analyses were conducted twice: once for populations living within a one-mile buffer, and then again for those within four miles of the site. This work was supported by NIEHS (Project Number HHSN273200800139P). Dissemination is funded under SEDAC (NASA contract number NNG08HZ11C). Please see the report (184KB) and the data generated for this assessment.

Disclaimers

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Hazardous Waste Site Polygon Data, 1996

GRASP in no way guarantees the accuracy of the boundaries and should not be held responsible in any way for products created or decisions made based on the extent of said boundaries.

U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Priorities List (NPL) Sites Point Data with CIESIN Modifications, 2008

Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system under contract to the EPA, no warranty expressed or implied is made by the EPA regarding the utility of the data on any other system, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Hazardous Waste Site Polygon Data with CIESIN Modifications, 1996

CIESIN follows procedures designed to ensure that data, information, and tools residing at CIESIN are of reasonable quality. If, despite these procedures, users encounter apparent misstatements, they should contact SEDAC User Services.