It published on Monday, for the first time, environmental quality standards setting acceptable limits for contaminants in soil.

NPR: Peru Declares Amazon Oil Contamination Emergency

Authorities say one reason the pollution was never addressed is that until now Peru lacked the requisite environmental quality standards.

NPR: Peru Declares Amazon Oil Contamination Emergency

The reactor, according to Petrobras, was built with technology to produce oil with low sulfur content, respecting the new environmental standards on fuel quality.

FORBES: Infrastructure Problems in Brazil: Equipment Imported by Petrobras From Italy Has Been Stuck in a Port For Over a Month

The municipalities are now looking for private help as the Environmental Protection Agency imposes standards on water quality that municipalities cannot satisfy without outside financing and expertise.

ECONOMIST: Water

The study was actually conducted in and reported on air pollution in Boston, but it pointed out that air quality levels even below current standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency still pose risks to people who breathe particulate air pollution.

FORBES: Los Angeles Pollution From Car Exhaust Is Down 98%

Air quality was addressed first as the country began implementing tighter vehicle emissions standards and new environmental regulations.

FORBES: Quenching China's Thirst For Water