Why Historically Redlined Neighborhoods Are Especially Vulnerable to Pollution From Groundwater Flooding

06/07/26

“Why are historically redlined neighborhoods especially vulnerable to pollution from groundwater flooding?”

Redlining in the US forcibly segregated Black and Brown communities in urban areas into neighborhoods with the lowest amount of public investment. Racist municipal officials often would zone toxic industries in these neighborhoods. These industries would accumulate contaminants underground over their course of operation. Groundwater flooding releases these contaminants from the earth to the surface, harming the communities that live nearby. This is Why Historically Redlined Neighborhoods Are Especially Vulnerable to Pollution From Groundwater Flooding. Examples include West Oakland in California and Southeast Queens in New York.

Image credit: https://savesfbay.org/