Disposing of Toxic Waste
Engineering student L. Bryan Springer has a high paying
summer job as a forklift operator. This job enables him to
attend college without having to take out any student loans. He
was now staring at a 50 gallon drum filled with used machine
coolent, wondering what he should do.
Just moments ago, Bryan's supervisor, Max Morrison, told him
to dump half of the used coolant down the drain. L. Bryan knew
the coolant was toxic, and he mentioned this to Max. But Max
was not swayed.
Max:
The toxins settle at the bottom of the drum. If you
pour out half and dilute it with tap water while you're pouring
it, there's no problem.
Byran:
I don't think that's going to work. Besides, isn't it
against the law?
Max:
Look, kid, I don't have time for chit-chat about a
bunch of silly laws. If I spent my time worrying about every
little regulation that comes along, I'd never get anything done
-- and neither will you. Common sense is my rule. I just told
you --Toxins settle at the bottom, and most of them will stay
there. We've been doing this for years, and nothing's
happened.
Byran:
You mean no one's said anything about it? That
doesn't mean the environment isn't being harmed.
Max:
You aren't one of those "environmentalists," are you?
You college guys spend too much of your time in the "ivory
tower." It's time to "get real" -- and get on with the job.
Byran:
But....
Max:
But nothing. Time to get off yours and do the job. You
know, you're very lucky to have a good paying job like this,
kid. In three months you'll be back in your cozy college.
Meanwhile, how many other college kids do you think there are
out there wondering if they'll be able to afford to go back --
kids who'd give their eye teeth to be where you are right
now.
Max then left, fully expecting L. Bryan to dump the used
coolant. As L. Bryan stared at the drum, he pondered his
options. What options do you think he has? What do you think he
should do?