What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is a federal law that helps protect the environment and public health in California and across the nation. CERCLA was enacted in 1980 and began the federal government’s efforts to clean up areas where environmental damage has or may have occurred. Under CERCLA, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can clean up or fund the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. These sites may have been contaminated from chemical spills, uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal, or other activities. CERCLA also provides for federal financial assistance to the state to help respond to and cleanup hazardous waste sites. Additionally, CERCLA establishes liability for parties responsible for creating or releasing hazardous substances into the environment. This “Superfund” program requires liable parties to identify and pay for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. The money collected is placed in a trust fund that is used to clean up contamination caused by the parties who are responsible. CERCLA also requires the reporting of certain releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants. In the event that a hazardous substance is released into the environment, CERCLA requires the reporting of the release and the area of contamination. If a hazardous substance is found, the EPA will assess the risk to human health and the environment. After the assessment, the responsible parties will be responsible for the cleanup. In summary, CERCLA is an important federal law that helps to protect the environment and public health in California and across the nation. It provides for cleanup activities of hazardous waste sites, establishes liability for those responsible for contamination, and requires the reporting of hazardous substances that are released into the environment.

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What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

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