Consider this case study and write an essay that answers the questions below. Th
ID: 1885502 • Letter: C
Question
Consider this case study and write an essay that answers the questions below. The essay shou be at least three pages long (typed, double spaced, 12 point Times-Roman font, standard margins) Back in 1998, ABC manufacturing company stored its chemical waste in steel drums. Scott Lewis, who was a junior engineer employed by ABC, inspected the drums and noticed that several were leaking. He called Tom Treehorn, head of ABC's Division of Chemical Waste. Tom responded, "I'll be right over with a crew to take care of the drums." Scott pointed out that the lavw requires that a certified waste-handling company remove the leaking drums and cleanup the leakage. Tom replied, "I know, but we know how to handle this best. It might not be the letter of the law, but our handling it on-site captures the spirit of the law." Scott believed that Tom Treehorn was serious about preventing environmental problems especially those that might be caused by ABC. Still, he knew that the Environmental Protection Agency would be upset if it found out about Tom's way of dealing with the problem; and if anything went wrong, ABC could get into serious legal difficulties. After all, he thought, ABC is not a waste disposal facility. Although he wasn't sure they were doing the right thing, Scott said nothing further to Tom and helped him load the drums onto a truck. The drums were then taken by the crew (not including Scott) for disposal elsewhere on-site. There were no immediately apparent complications with the disposal It is now 2010. Tom Treehorn has retired and moved to Florida. Scott Lewis left ABC shortl after he discovered the chemical leaks in the warehouse. He is now a senior engineer in a company in a nearby city. He is startled by a front page story in the press. ABC is being chargecd with contaminating the groundwater in the community surrounding ABC·The paper claims there is substantial evidence that ABC had for years violated the law by dumping waste materials o e. Tom Trechorn is mentioned as the main person who was in charge of overseeing the handling of chemical waste during the years of most flagrant violation. Those years included the short time Scott spent at ABC. A local group of citizens has started a class action suit against ABC. Three weeks later Scott Lewis receives a letter requesting his appearance at a court hearing concerning the charges against ABC Consider these questions: 1. 2. Were Scott's actions in 1998 consistent with the NSPE Code of Ethics? What should Scott say in his testimony in the court hearing if asked if he was aware of any violations on the part of ABC? In responding to these questions cite the specific clauses of the Code of Ethics that are relevant. Indicate the clauses by number, such as, III.8.a. Often the guidance provided by the Code of Ethics does not give a clear answer. A final answer also relies on the "moral compass" of the individual making the decision. Your moral compass is your own sense of right and wrong functioning as a guide (like the needle of a compass) for morally appropriate behavior. Here is an example of one person's list of behaviors that derive from their moral compassExplanation / Answer
Chemical waste refers to the waste made from harmful chemicals which are produced by large factories. Some of these chemicals can be hazardous. Thus they have severe impact on environment and health if directly disposed on ground without treatment. The effects can be seen as short term and long term. Short term effects include water pollution,i.e. contamination of river, lake, underground water by seepage of chemicals into the water. This deteriorates the quality of water and if it used by animals or humans it can harm them severely. The long term effects includes the sign of mutations, cancer and other diseases which is caused by the effect of waste. Moreover it also effects the life of plants nearby and thus effects the ecosystem.
Improper disposal of waste of any kind has to be rectified and paid for out of the pocket of state. If we want to avoid this we must keep supporting government initiative that offers clear guidance about waste disposal to citizens. We must also support waste disposal measure that guide pharmaceutical, nuclear, imported, electronic and other forms of waste. Luckily the government is putting these measures in place in ever greater numbers. While many developed nations, especially Noth America have established organisation to combat the growing negative impact of chemical waste both in land and water. It is a paramount that company learn the proper steps for handling these waste to minimize the risk of damage and pollution to both individual and environment.
The waste generated by industries are sole responsible for the hazards occurring due to these chemicals. Each industry should work on their waste product to utilize them or to treat them to reduce their effects before being disposed.
In this case study, company ABC is sole responsible for the after effects caused by contamination of water and by company it means the senior officials who had the responsibility of disposing the waste.
Scott's action in 1998 can be seen clear as he reported the leakage of steel drums containing waste immediately to the high officials when he noticed it. Also he was not included by high officials in the crew who disposed the waste carelessly. Thus he was unaware of the waste disposal. His action can be seen consistent according to NSPE code of ethics as he reported the correct news to his officials without letting the apill of waste unaware. He kept moral pleasure ahaed of his own pleasure.
If Scott is being called for testimony he should tell the truth about the company's soft behaviour of company and Tom towards the waste management. He should narrate the incident in best possible way so that the responsible person for this hazard can be held.