Environmental Risk Data Collection with Regional Environmental Council

by Laura Roberts

We are a group of students from WPI working with the Regional Environmental Council (REC), a non-profit organization located in Worcester that strives to better the lives of disadvantaged residents. The REC has two main programs, Food Justice and Environmental Health and Justice. The Environmental Health and Justice Program will be the focus of our project. We will collect data to assist them in their application for the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

To learn more about the Regional Environmental Council, visit their website www.recworcester.org

Background of Project

We will be documenting environmental hazards that exist in five of Worcester’s lowest income, and highest minority communities; Main South, Piedmont, Quinsigamond Village, Oak Hill, and Bell Hill. We will then compare the placement and density of these hazards, relative to each neighborhood, to the demographics of that neighborhood, including race, income, and education level. If these hazards are unfairly distributed in Worcester, this will support the REC’s grant application.

What is Environmental Justice?

Environmental Justice is the fair and equal distribution of environmental burdens, such as pollution and landfills.

What is an Environmental Hazard?

An Environmental Hazard is an occurrence or substance, such as pollution or toxic waste sites, which pose a threat to the health of the people and environment around them.

Student Researchers

Mike Bowen is an Aerospace Engineering major. He is a brother of the FIJI Fraternity. His hobbies include skiing and music; he has been playing guitar and drums since middle school. Mike’s favorite flavor of Jolly Rancher is Blue Raspberry.

Katie Hodge majors in Biomedical Engineering. She is the team’s designated driver, as she is the only one with a car on campus. Katie enjoys rap music and her drink of choice is Mountain Dew. Katie’s favorite flavor of Jolly Rancher is Green Apple.

David Ilacqua is a Mechanical Engineering major. He is Treasurer of WPI’s Martial Arts Club and is an avid “Tricker”. David’s favorite flavor of Jolly Rancher is Grape.

Margaret McDonough majors in Biomedical Engineering. She is a sister of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. When Margaret has time to relax she enjoys camping. Margaret’s favorite flavor of Jolly Rancher is Watermelon.