Answer to Question 1A residential community situated on top of a chemical waste dump began to experience serious health
issues related to leaking toxic substances. The problem became so acute that the President of the
United States declared the area a federal disaster area. This led to the evacuation and relocation of the
community and a very expensive cleanup effort. It was an important case because it prompted
Congress to enact legislation that provided money for toxic cleanup. This legislation also gave the
EPA authority to sue polluters for the cost of cleanup and relocation of victims.
Answer to Question 2The injected fluid caused earthquakes to occur. This incident demonstrated that earthquakes can be
induced by increasing fluid pressure at depth. Fluid pressure decreases shear strength in a rock mass,
so movement can occur more easily.