Final answer:
The neighbour affected by Unethical Corporation's contamination can legally seek remedies for the damage caused, including cleanup costs and possibly damages for health impacts. Their rights are supported by federal laws like RCRA and CERCLA. This situation also underscores broader concerns of environmental justice and the historic precedence of proper waste management practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rights of the neighbour in the scenario where Unethical Corporation contaminated their drinking-water supply can be substantial due to various legal protections. In the United States, victims can pursue remedies through both common law and legislative actions such as tort claims for negligence, nuisance or trespass, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs the storage, disposal, and treatment of hazardous waste. Moreover, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, empowers the EPA to clean up contaminated sites and facilitates the restitution of cleanup costs from responsible parties.
Environmental regulations are critical in ensuring harmful substances are handled correctly to protect public health. The Love Canal incident serves as a historical testament to the devastating effects of improper chemical waste storage and has led to enhanced environmental protection legislation.
Environmental concerns are not only about ecology but also encompass issues related to environmental justice, highlighting the disproportionate impact of environmental problems on marginalized communities. Areas like Flint, Michigan, and the South Bronx in New York City have experienced significant health crises due to the failure in environmental regulation, illustrating the need for rigorous oversight and adherence to safety standards.