Module 1.2 - A Turning Point Event for Environmental Science: Celebrating the Comeback of the Burning River, 1969-2019

1. 1. 1. Point of View

      The video focuses primarily on the points of view of people who are knowledgeable about environmental issues and experts who were either present at the task of determining how to decontaminate the Cuyahoga River or took part in the investigation of possible solutions to the problem. These people are knowledgeable on the topic of the river and its effects on its surroundings, which enables them to explain why it is important to keep the river clean and free from excessive pollution. As a result, they play a significant role in providing the perspective that is presented in the video.

      2. Purpose

      The purpose of the video was to record and recount the experiences of the people who were given the responsibility of cleaning up the river in accordance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act, which mandated the consideration of a variety of concerns relating to the quality of the water. Additionally, the video is intended to show the effects of wildlife on pollution and the importance of regulations that maintain the quality of public water sources.

      3. Questions at Issue

      It is demonstrated throughout the entirety of the video that the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was so filthy and clogged with oil that it eventually caught fire. This was the result of very little preventative action being taken to keep the river clean. Individuals that were put in charge of researching the oil and cleaning the river had to find a way to efficiently restore the river and the water supply back to what they formerly were. The groups in charge had to learn about the oil while creating an education system to allow others to learn how to handle the problem.

      4. Information

      Before the Clean Water Act was passed, there was very little technology available to clean and maintain the polluted waters caused by all of the oil. Additionally, there was no legal requirement to do so in the past due to a lack of regulations. As a consequence of this, new advancements were made, which benefited many other regions across the globe. This is because these advancements provided a greater understanding of water quality and how to clean the waters even after a significant amount of damage had been done.

      5. Interpretation and Inference

      A number of investments by companies, organizations, and communities were made to provide more positive progress for water quality. New technology was formed along with groups of people to provide advancements. 

      6. Concepts

      The video discussed several different concepts. The Oil Study Group was formed in order to research the water and oil properties since they were meant to find solutions for the river. The Clean Water Act was enacted in response to the state of the Cuyahoga River and public opinion on it, with the goal of improving water quality. The Clean Water Act resulted in a number of regulations that would alter and improve water standards globally.

      7. Assumptions

      Throughout the course of the video, a number of assumptions are made regarding the impact of the reconstructed river. Because of the river's relatively high level of cleanliness, more people are drawn to the surrounding area, which in turn increases the number of potential customers for local businesses such as restaurants. It has also improved the quality of life in the city as a result of the cleaner water, which has encouraged more people to participate in water-based activities such as canoeing, fishing, and boating. This has led to an overall improvement in the quality of life in the city. This video demonstrates that despite the significance of water quality, a large number of people continue to ignore it or take it for granted, despite the fact that it is a vital resource. 

      8. Consequences

      The river was significantly cleaner after watching the video, and its quality is being maintained under close observation. There are still future plans to add further improvements, such as removing a dam that is preventing the water quality in certain areas from meeting state standards due to the dam's blocking effect on the flow of the rivers. This is one of the examples of an improvement that is planned to be added in the future. Because of this, fish populations would be able to become more adaptable, and there would be a consistent flow of water. In addition, a comprehensive assessment of the water's quality is carried out on a yearly basis in order to monitor, among other things, any shifts or improvements in the water itself.

      References:

      Ohio EPA. “Celebrating the Comeback of the Burning River, 1969-2019.” YouTube, 2 Nov. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=18JpT61rX6A.

      

      Tillman, N. (2014). Cuyahoga River. Saving The Places We Love. Retrieved from https://savingtheplaces.com/2016/05/12/the-river-that-caught-fire-1969-and-today/.