The environmental and traffic impacts of warehouses in southern California

Abstract

Economic growth over the last few decades along with increasing household consumption has led to a rapid expansion of the warehousing industry. Research has shown that warehouse facilities tend to be disproportionately sited in low-income minority communities. Warehouses can generate significant environmental externalities making the siting of warehouses a major environmental justice concern. We investigate the relationship between the warehouse activity in southern California and a range of health-based risks for communities residing nearby, after controlling for important socio-demographic characteristics. Our results reveal a significant association between warehouse activity and air pollution, noise levels and traffic collisions.