Definition
A Superfund is an account established by the federal government to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites when no other source of payment is available. The Superfund program, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was originally created by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. The purpose of the Superfund is to finance the remediation of contaminated sites to protect public health and the environment.
Examples
-
Love Canal, New York: One of the most infamous hazardous waste sites, which in large part led to the creation of the Superfund program. The area was contaminated due to dumped industrial waste.
-
Woburn, Massachusetts: Contamination of the local water supply due to industrial waste, which resulted in numerous health issues for residents. The site was later designated for Superfund cleanup.
-
Tar Creek, Oklahoma: Once a major mining area, it became heavily polluted with lead and zinc, resulting in significant environmental and public health issues. The Superfund was used to manage the cleanup operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Superfund program?
The Superfund program was established by the CERCLA Act of 1980 to finance the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances. The program prioritizes the remediation of sites where the responsible parties are unknown or unable to pay for the cleanup.
How is the Superfund financed?
The Superfund is financed through federal appropriations, recovered costs from responsible parties, and historical taxes on petroleum and chemical industries (though these taxes have expired and are periodically renewed by Congress).
Who is responsible for Superfund site cleanups?
The EPA is primarily responsible for managing the Superfund program, but also works with state and local agencies to address contamination issues. Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) identified by the EPA are also held liable for cleanup costs when possible.
What happens if no responsible party can be found for a contaminated site?
If no responsible party can be found, or if the parties are unable to pay, the EPA uses Superfund dollars to finance the cleanup efforts.
How does the EPA select sites for the Superfund program?
Sites are evaluated and placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) based on a scoring system that assesses the risk posed to human health and the environment.
Related Terms
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): The act that established the Superfund program, providing a federal “Superfund” to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites.
- Hazardous Substance: A material posing a potential risk to human health or the environment due to its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or toxicological properties.
- National Priorities List (NPL): The list of hazardous substance release sites in the United States identified for priority cleanup efforts under the Superfund program.
- Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs): Individuals, companies, or parties identified by the EPA as potentially responsible for contamination at a site, and potentially liable for cleanup costs.
Online References
- EPA Superfund Overview
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
- National Priorities List (NPL)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Superfund: The Political Economy of Environmental Risk” by John A. Hird
- “Managing Superfund: How Environmental Protection Agency Administrators Implement Administrative Trial Practice Techniques” by Cliff A. Meidl
- “Cleaning Up the Environment – Superfund’s Public Health Promise” by William M. Bowen
Fundamentals of Superfund: Environmental Law Basics Quiz
Thank you for delving into the critical needs and structures of the Superfund program. Keep enhancing your knowledge to support a cleaner and healthier environment!
