Technology development for environmental problems of the Southeastern United States

The southeast has extensive natural resources, and limited population and industrial development. However it is one of the most rapidly growing regions of the USA, which leads to urban sprawl, development of wetlands and readily eroded beaches. Environmental regulations are generally at the minimum federal standard. Non-point source pollution from urban and agricultural areas and sedimentation from development threaten surface and ground water. Animal wastes from hog farms have created additional land and water contamination. Large federal energy facilities have generated extensive chemical and high-level radioactive waste (HLRW). The southeast ranks high nationally in air pollutant emissions and states are not in attainment with the new ozone standard. Urban sprawl is difficult to address technologically without regulatory intervention on local and state levels. Technologies that address animal wastes, contaminated sediments and water, coal-fired power plant air emissions, and HLRW are currently being developed and implemented with varying levels of success.