Who did we include in the Stakeholder Analysis?
Our analysis identified four groups with interest and influence relevant to our work. These include:
A. Industry (Semiconductor Manufacturing)
B. Wastewater Management/Infrastructure
C. Citizens and Community Members or Groups
D. Environmental Interest/Advocacy Groups
We are also interested in learning more about the ethical, legal, and social Issues (ESLI) involved and thus are including discussions with several scholars and academics about what concerns are relevant from the perspective of different professions and academic disciplines and what we might learn from them about how best to conduct our work. Throughout our scientific work, we consulted with experts in the field of semiconductor manufacturing and synthetic biology.
What Did We Learn?
Background Research and Multiple Disciplinary Perspectives
In thinking about doing Human Practices work, it is important to understand the different disciplinary perspectives and methodologies available to explore how work in synthetic biology may affect the world and how the world may affect that work.
For our background research, we spoke with academics and professionals who could provide us with information about the issues and perspectives that we should be thinking about in our stakeholder analysis.
Professor of Sociology, Dr. Elizabeth Seale
We met with Dr. Elizabeth Seale, a Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York College at Oneonta, to better understand how sociologists think about the impacts of industrial development in areas like Upstate New York. Dr. Seale told us that it is important to maintain community engagement and to provide a way for their voice to be heard throughout the construction and operation of new fabs like the one Micron is building in Clay, NY. From a sociological perspective, it is important to consider: will our organism be able to keep up with production, or will it be too tempting to work/expand beyond its capacity? Dr. Seale recommended we be aware of the opposing concerns of stakeholders.
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Professor of Sociology, Dr. Alex Thomas
We met with Dr. Alex Thomas, a Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York College at Oneonta, to better understand how sociologists think about the impacts of industrial development in areas like Upstate New York. Dr. Thomas told us about the long-term ripple effect of Micron on urbanization development. The Syracuse area is about to experience a population growth that it hasn’t seen in 50 years. If future development is not accounted for, there will be an additional shortage of resources and farmland. This means that 50 years from now, there very well could be even less green space than there currently is. If there is not enough green space, wildlife, the ecosystem, and public health will all suffer.
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Bioethicist, National Institutes of Health, Dr. David Resnik
We met with Dr. David Resnik, the chief bioethicist at the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH, NIEHS), to better understand how environmentalists think about the impacts of industrial development in areas like Upstate New York. If our organism were to ever be introduced into the environment, it would affect the ecosystem. It is important that we have a failsafe switch for our organism and that the community fully understands how it would work to avoid miscommunication. Dr. Resnik directed us to view EPA regulations. We incorporated Dr. Resnik’s advice into our Implementation Plan.
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Professional Lobbyist, New York State Lobbying Firm
We contacted a Professional Lobbyist from a New York State lobbying firm to understand how to influence science policy and legislation. Due to the lobbying firm’s duties on environmental related issues, this person requested to remain unidentified, which we are respecting. We were particularly interested in discussing the “PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act”, a proposed piece of legislation important for the future of New York State. The anonymous lobbyist explained the lobbying process and how to understand where this bill was in the legislative process. We wanted to know how to most effectively influence this process and support the progression of this bill. Ultimately they suggested we canvas a larger range of state representatives with a specific focus on the New York State Assembly by mobilizing support from relevant constituents. This guidance was essential for constructing our later lobbying efforts.
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Dr. Neil Dalvie, Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School
In discussing the implementation plan for our device, we reached out to expert Neil Dalvie for more information on the large-scale use of bioreactors. Neil Dalvie, a chemical engineer and research fellow at Harvard Medical School, provided us with helpful information on the containment of our organism, and also factors to consider when upscaling.
Regarding the bioreactor, Neil stressed the importance of pH control in bioreactors and microbial processes. For tightly controlled bioreactors, he advised that strong buffers are typically used to maintain a stable pH throughout fermentation, however, less controlled systems could omit the buffer due to the cost. Our organism is designed to produce its own buffering system, therefore this will be less of a consideration for implementation. The nutrients fed to microbes can significantly alter pH, which affects the growth of these microbes. The example that Neil provided was with E. coli, which acidifies the medium with glucose but basifies it in complex media. We will want to ensure that our system provides the appropriate nutrients to provide the starting materials for the buffers it will produce. Dr. Dalvie also mentioned that pH affects metal solubility, which is important to consider when working with systems such as semiconductor waste processing and bioleaching for mining, where microbes produce acids as they dissolve ores.
He also gave us some helpful suggestions regarding starting our system in a small-scale bioreactor to work on proof-of-concept. He specifically recommended eVOLVER bioreactors, as they are designed to make sampling simple, and allow things like minerals or solid materials to remain in the system while water flows through.
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A. Industry
Dr. Christopher Borst, Vice President of Technology and Infrastructure, NY CREATES
Kassey Rydberg, Associate VP for Environmental Health and Safety, NY CREATES
Our team talked to Chris Borst, Vice President of Technology and Infrastructure, and Kassey Rydberg, Associate VP for Environmental Health and Safety at NY CREATES. NY CREATES, located in Albany, NY, is the nation’s largest and most advanced non-profit semiconductor R&D facility. This facility brings together industry leaders, academia and international partners to develop next-generation chips and chip fabrication processes. As such, they are uniquely situated to advise us on current industrial manufacturing processes, as well as the challenges posed by the new manufacturing technologies currently being developed for next generation semiconductors.
The purpose of our first interview with NY CREATES was to learn more about the process of semiconductor fabrication. We wanted to learn from industrial experts what challenges they experience so that we could design a project to support safe manufacturing practices.
The interview delves into the critical aspects of semiconductor manufacturing and emphasizes the industry's focus on environmental health, safety, and regulatory challenges. We learned that hazardous materials like strong acids and gasses are essential in producing intricate components such as transistors, necessitating rigorous safety protocols to protect workers. We also learned that waste treatment systems are designed to manage both liquid and gaseous byproducts, including dangerous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, with worker safety as a top priority.
One of the striking things we learned was that sustainability efforts have traditionally been secondary to safety concerns. That being said, the industry is moving toward eliminating harmful substances like the use of fluorocarbons in the etching process used in fabrication, as well as recycling and remediating wastes in water to improve sustainability. Additionally, the interview highlighted the challenges of real-time monitoring and adjusting treatment systems to handle contaminants like rapid pH adjustment, CMP nanoparticles, and fluorides.
Based on this interview, we decided to center our project around tackling sustainability issues experienced by chip fabs. Despite technical limitations in monitoring, the industry is committed to adapting treatment processes to meet stringent regulatory standards.
Ramin Dabiri, MBA, Senior Director of Facilities and Infrastructure , NY CREATES
Mid-way through our summer lab work, we had a follow-up meeting with NY-CREATES staff. Kassey Rydberg invited Ramin Dabiri, Senior Director of Facilities and Infrastructure to join our discussion. In this second interview, the focus was on how their development-scale fab performs liquid waste management and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. NY CREATES manages several types of liquid waste, including acidic, fluoride, and copper waste, each treated through specialized systems. Fluoride waste is treated using a precipitation process, while copper is removed through ion exchange. Both waste streams are then neutralized in an acid waste system to meet discharge limits. Hazardous solvents are collected and shipped off-site as hazardous waste, while smaller quantities are managed with lab packs categorized by hazard class. The overall cost of waste treatment is substantial, with hazardous waste management alone costing between $800,000 and $1 million annually, an amount that increases in a direct proportion to production volume.
During this follow-up meeting, we discussed specific challenges regarding pH monitoring, a key part of their waste management. They employ both continuous online probes and daily manual sampling to ensure compliance. These probes often face issues with particle buildup from fluoride precipitation, requiring regular cleaning. NY CREATES also takes steps to address novel contaminants introduced by new processes, working closely with local authorities to establish appropriate monitoring and discharge limits.
Sustainability is becoming a growing focus for NY CREATES. They are in the process of hiring a sustainability engineer who will examine both facilities and propose improvements to reduce chemical usage and enhance waste management practices. Additionally, the construction of a new 300,000-square-foot LEED-certified building on their site reflects their commitment to integrating sustainability into future projects. Despite these advancements, community outreach remains limited, with a controlled approach to public engagement due to the potential risks associated with the chemicals used in their operations.
Jim Ajello, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer for Hawaiian Electric Industries, and Current VP of Sustainability and Chief Financial Officer at Portland Electric Co
Our team interviewed Jim Ajello, former Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer for Hawaiian Electric Industries, and Current VP of Sustainability and Chief Financial Officer at Portland Electric Co. From this interview, we learned that the petrochemical and power generator industries are actively seeking solutions to minimize the environmental impacts of their work. There is a genuine desire to promote sustainability, but also an obligation to balance the need for products and the interest of investors. He also told us that it could be difficult for large-scale manufacturers to integrate new technologies into existing systems, and “If people can build in from outset we will all be better off”.
Ajello mentioned the role of the CHIPS Act in providing infrastructure support for semiconductor manufacturers by bringing up billions in investments from companies such as Tesla, Intel, and Micron. However, he pointed out that companies struggle with the integration of new technologies because of the influx of capital required, especially when it comes to heavy metal waste, which still remains a challenge. In addition, he emphasized that monitoring wastewater pH levels and making necessary adjustments are vital because many firms still lack comprehensive reclamation processes, suggesting that our device could have applications beyond semiconductor manufacturing.
We discussed how to engage corporations, and he suggested a two-pronged approach. First, we should align our technology with their sustainability goals, and second, address regulatory pressures that emerge. He shared insights on how companies genuinely do focus on sustainability and the environment, and must be mindful of profits and their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs.
Ultimately, we concluded that a thoughtful and strategic approach to our system design is important. If we understand corporate goals and the dynamics of state-by-state regulations regarding CHIP manufacturing and wastewater, we can position our technology as a vital asset for companies looking to improve their environmental impact, all while making a profit. This understanding will guide our strategy in attracting corporate sponsorship and engagement.
B. Wastewater Management
Kenneth G. Scherrieble, President of Camden Group, Inc.
Because our work could affect those downstream in the wastewater management process, we wanted to speak with experts who deal with municipal wastewater treatment in the areas around the proposed semiconductor manufacturing facilities in upstate New York to learn more about the role that monitoring and adjusting pH plays in wastewater treatment.
We contacted Kenneth G. Scherrieble, President of Camden Group, Inc., a Waste Management service in Oneida County, New York, that is located about 35 miles from the proposed Micron site and services the entire area around Syracuse, NY, and Oneida Lake.
We learned that monitoring and controlling pH is essential in different aspects of wastewater management. He indicated that wastewater treatment already uses bioreactors in some processes. By monitoring pH, facilities can determine if they are growing the correct biology to change the composition of ammonia to nitrate and whether alkalinity must be added. Mr. Scherrible told us that “if we can trigger the organisms to do that on command, that would be great. We just don’t want to interfere with making sure the process indicators don’t get lost and we lose our ability to nitrify.”
Mr. Scherrieble also explained that “In Anaerobic digestion we also use pH to know that a digester has gone sour. Honestly, if the pH has decreased, the operator has already lost the digester because they were not keeping an eye on their Alkalinity to Acid ratio. Come to think of it, if you could make an organism that produced Alkalinity, that would be of far greater value than simply adjusting pH.”
We asked Mr. Scherrieble whether, given existing practices, there were particular materials in wastewater that could be collected in better or more cost-effective ways. He replied, “We are mostly concerned with BOD/CBOD, TSS, Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Of course we are all concerned about PFOA/PFOS. We also see a great deal of TDS and salts in leachate that create havoc at the plant… If you can solve BOD/TSS/Nitrogen/P and the emerging contaminant issue along with microplastics, and endocrine disruptors, you will make a huge contribution to the well-being of the health of the aquatic ecosystem! Even if you solve 1 of them, it will be a game changer.” These comments, in addition to our communications with environmentalists, inspired our interest in PFAS remediation (discussed on our iGEM Community and Civic Engagement pages).
C. Citizens and Community Members impacted by Semiconductor Manufacturing Expansion Due to New York State Green Chips Act
In our initial stakeholder analysis, we identified community members affected by the expansion of semiconductor manufacturing in New York State as a high interest but low influence group that needed to be included in our work. Identifying individuals or groups that could potentially represent such a diverse community without biasing our research was a challenge, and thus we rejected our initial plans to conduct a community survey. We solved this by reviewing and classifying public comments submitted to the U.S. Army Corps regarding the proposed fab location in Clay, NY.
According to the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, the U.S. Army Corps is required to “to determine if their proposed actions have significant environmental effects and to consider the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions.” (NEPA). We reviewed all public comments submitted to the U.S. Army Corps regarding the proposed development of the semiconductor fab in Clay, NY and categorized them according to seven comment types. While the affected community’s concerns and attitudes toward the development of semiconductor manufacturing in their community ranged over a number of considerations, we learned that, overwhelmingly, the most commonly cited concerns were related to potential chemical exposure and environmental pollution.
D. Environmental Advocacy/Interest Groups
Dr. Donald Hughes, Ph.D., P.E. Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry. Volunteer of Northern and Central New York Sierra Club.
The team met with Dr. Donald Hughes, a chemist with the Northern and Central New York Sierra Club. During this meeting, we talked about some of the environmental impacts anticipated from the building of the new semiconductor fab in Clay, NY. Dr. Hughes discussed the resource impact (specifically water and energy) that will be required by the plant. We learned that water from Lake Superior will be transported to the Clay site and that processing the amount of wastewater will be a challenge. The Seneca River, which runs through Clay, will receive much of the effluent. This river feeds into Lake Ontario, so any unremediated water will spread and filter into our drinking water.
When we asked Dr. Hughes about the environmental impact of acidic or alkaline water in these water bodies, he informed us that this is not the most significant chemical concern for the surrounding community, as pH of industrial waste is currently regulated by law. Instead, he informed us that fabs are major producers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily. They accumulate in the environment, and current technologies are not capable of removing these chemicals once they are released. Although the biological dangers of PFAS are well-known, (1,2) emissions of PFAS are poorly regulated at both the state and federal levels. This inspired us to investigate existing PFAS regulations and to search for ways to incorporate a way to remediate PFAS into our devices.
Dr. Hughes also provided us with some helpful feedback regarding our project. With regard to the implementation of our device, he suggested that it would be best to place our device at the fab and not the wastewater treatment plant. His reasons behind this were that treating water at the source would reduce the dilution, mixing, and spread of chemical contaminants, making remediation easier. Dr. Hughes also recommended we request discharge permits from semiconductor manufacturing plants to see which chemicals and in what quantity they are being released into the environment.
References
1. Fenton, Suzanne E et al. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research.” Environmental toxicology and chemistry vol. 40,3 (2021): 606-630. doi:10.1002/etc.4890
2. Androulakakis, Andreas et. al. “Current progress in the environmental analysis of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)” Environmental Science: Advances vol 1 (2022): 1, 705-724.
3. Citizens Guide to Nepa. NEPA | National Environmental Policy Act - Citizens Guide to NEPA. (n.d.). https://ceq.doe.gov/get-involved/citizens_guide_to_nepa.html