RiskAware

On June 12, 2020, the Concerned Citizens of Cook County took its first steps towards advocating for the well-being of the community. Initially convening as concerned citizens and community leaders on Zoom, our collective focus was to address the looming threat of a wood pellet plant planning to establish itself in Adel, approved by the Cook County Planning Commission. Recognizing the potential health hazards, especially in the context of existing challenges like the abandoned Del-Cook lumber yard, emissions from a propane tank refurbishing company, and the disruptive noise from a bitcoin mining operation, we rallied together to prevent further harm to our community. Understanding that the introduction of another polluting industry could be detrimental, we swiftly engaged in environmental justice and health advocacy. Our efforts, initially centered on preventing the wood pellet plant, evolved into a more formalized organization— the Concerned Citizens of Cook County. Since our inception, we've been committed to getting into "good trouble" by tirelessly working to ensure that the voices of our community are not only heard but also actively considered in decisions that impact our health and overall well-being.

Community organizing fosters unity among residents, enabling them to pool resources, share experiences, and amplify their voices. By collectively addressing concerns, the community gains strength in numbers, creating a more influential force in advocating for environmental justice. In response to the environmental injustices facing the Adel community, residents united to address the threat posed by a proposed wood pellet plant operated by Spectrum Energy Georgia, LLC. The campaign, spanning several months, culminated in a groundbreaking settlement achieved with the assistance of the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).

Adel, Georgia, is a charming southern town nestled in Cook County. Adel exudes a quintessential small-town charm and its historic downtown district includes quaint shops, cozy cafes, and a strong sense of community. With a rich history, friendly locals, and a deep connection to its agricultural roots, Adel embodies the heart and soul of Georgia's rural beauty.

The town of Adel bears the burden of a troubling environmental history. The timber industry, in particular, has left a stain on its past, with lingering consequences that affect residents to this day. One prominent example is the former Del-Cook Lumber Company, which once operated as a lumberyard where electrical poles were treated with harmful substances like arsenic, contaminating both our groundwater and soil. Shockingly, this contamination has never been adequately addressed, and it continues to pose a threat to the predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged community. Tragically, many residents in this area have faced cancer-related health issues, and some have tragically lost their lives due to these environmental hazards.

Pollution sources located within Adel are shown in the images below.

We calculated a cumulative impact score by adding together demographic indicators and health outcomes, then multiplying them by the addition of environmental exposures and environmental threats. The methodology for the calculation is derived from the California EnviroScreen formula for creating an environmental equity score. Indicators used in the calculation are provided in the diagram below.

The map below shows the results of the cumulative impacts analysis at the census block group level.

The computation of cumulative impacts at the block group level, incorporating data from both the EPA's EJScreen and American Forests' Tree Equity tool, reveals a concerning environmental justice scenario. The findings suggest that communities residing in these specific block groups are disproportionately burdened by the cumulative effects of multiple environmental stressors. The environmental justice implications are profound, as residents in these areas, often marginalized and with limited resources, bear a heavier burden of pollution, leading to potential adverse health outcomes and a diminished quality of life.

This underscores the urgency of addressing environmental disparities, advocating for equitable policies, and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected by the cumulative impacts of industrial activities in their communities.

In Adel, a small town grappling with environmental challenges, our project has uncovered key findings that shed light on the intersection of environmental injustice, public health, and community well-being. The clustering of polluters and heat islands in the town's center has created a landscape of environmental disparities, disproportionately affecting a community with lower socioeconomic status and limited resources. This unequal distribution of environmental burdens has not only deepened existing social disparities but also significantly impacted the daily lives of Adel's residents. The residents endure a reduced quality of life, grappling with the discomfort brought about by multiple sources of environmental degradation.

As we analyze the data, it becomes apparent that the combined challenges of heat islands and pollution create complex adaptation needs for the community. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, implementing resilience-enhancing strategies becomes crucial. Moreover, our analysis reveals that block groups housing key pollution point sources exhibit the highest cumulative impacts, with these burdens disproportionately falling on areas dominated by African American residents.

These findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions and policy measures to promote environmental justice, protect public health, and empower communities to participate actively in decision-making processes that directly impact their well-being.