Project Director

Ford, Dawn

Department Examiner

Schultz, Lucy

Department

Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

The concept of environmental injustice refers to the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities to environmental hazards, often resulting from the placement of industrial sites, waste facilities, or other environmentally harmful infrastructure in areas with limited political and economic power. Alton Park, a historically underserved neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee, faces elevated environmental risks due to its proximity to the South Chattanooga Lead Superfund Site and legacy industrial contamination. This study used semi-structured individual interviews to assess community awareness, perceptions, and behaviors related to environmental hazards in Alton Park. Residents generally reported some awareness of the Superfund site, though knowledge was often superficial and primarily acquired through informal sources such as neighbors, local media, or community meetings. Only a minority actively sought information or participated in community events, and many expressed uncertainties about the relationship between environmental contamination and potential health outcomes. Engagement in lead testing and preventive behaviors was limited, with barriers including lack of actionable knowledge, uncertainty about testing procedures or implications, financial and time constraints, and low perceived urgency. Residents consistently identified children as the most vulnerable population and recognized that routine activities, such as outdoor play and gardening, could increase exposure risk, while also perceiving Alton Park as disproportionately burdened compared to other neighborhoods due to older housing stock, proximity to industrial sites, and historical neglect. Participants emphasized the need for improved outreach, clear communication, and accessible testing resources. Recommendations are provided to address these issues and increase informed community engagements.

IRB Number

25-273

Degree

B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Date

5-2026

Subject

Environmental justice--Tennessee--Chattanooga; Hazardous waste sites--Tennessee--Chattanooga; Lead--Environmental aspects--Tennessee--Chattanooga

Keyword

Environmental Justice; Superfund Sites; Chattanooga; lead poisoning

Discipline

Environmental Education

Document Type

Theses

Extent

i, 30 leaves

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Download

Share

COinS