Across the United States, thousands of hazardous waste sites are contaminated with chemicals that prevent the underlying groundwater from meeting drinking water standards. These include Superfund sites and other facilities that handle and dispose of hazardous waste, active and inactive dry cleaners, and leaking underground storage tanks; many are at federal facilities such as military installations. While many sites have been closed over the past 30 years through cleanup programs run by the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. EPA, and other state and federal agencies, the remaining caseload is much more difficult to address because the nature of the contamination and subsurface conditions make it difficult to achieve drinking water standards in the affected groundwater. Alternatives for Managing the Nation's Complex Contaminated Groundwater Sites estimates that at least 126,000 sites across the U.S. still have contaminated groundwater, and their closure is expected to cost at least $110 billion to $127 billion. About 10 percent of these sites are considered "complex," meaning restoration is unlikely to be achieved in the next 50 to 100 years due to technological limitations. At sites where contaminant concentrations have plateaued at levels above cleanup goals despite active efforts, the report recommends evaluating whether the sites should transition to long-term management, where risks would be monitored and harmful exposures prevented, but at reduced costs.

‘One of the greatest lessons Richard has taught me is the immense power of positive habits in shaping realities. His approach to stress management and resilience has completely transformed my life.’ - NATASHA SIDERIS, Founder and CEO of the Tashas group Stress impacts all facets of our lives and has devastating effects on the global economy, including reduced productivity and the burden it places on healthcare systems. Decades of research show that chronic stress severely compromises our physical and mental health. More recently, it has been revealed that stress can destabilise our DNA and affect our genetic integrity. This promotes many of the diseases that societies are currently grappling with and could potentially impact future generations. Yet stress has two faces: ongoing stress is one of the biggest challenges faced globally, but short intervals of stress can actually offer tremendous potential to grow, break personal barriers and excel. Turning the traditional stress paradigm on its head, The Stress Code does not advocate stress avoidance, but rather aims to create an adaptable strategy to better manage stress. Supported by extensive scientific research, the book offers readers tools and skills to help buffer the adverse effects of chronic stress, enhance functionality and health, and help us to thrive in situations of adversity. BESTSELLER NOW IN PAPERBACK