What is the Superfund Act?

The Superfund Act is a federal law created to help clean up hazardous waste sites in the United States. It was enacted in 1980 and is also known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The purpose of the Superfund Act is to protect humans and the environment from the effects of hazardous waste. The law requires those responsible for hazardous waste sites to clean them up, or pay for someone else to do so. In California, the law is enforced by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). Under the Superfund Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies sites that need to be cleaned up, and then it begins the process of assessing the extent of the contamination. The EPA pays for the cleanup in cases where the responsible party is unable to pay for it. The EPA also sets deadlines for the responsible parties to complete the cleanup. The Superfund Act has revolutionized how hazardous waste sites are managed in California and across the U.S. It has provided increased safety for people living near contaminated sites and helped to prevent environmental damage from hazardous waste.

Related FAQs

What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)?
What is the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act?
What is environmental impact assessment?
What is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act?
What is the Superfund Act?
What is environmental site assessment?
How does environmental law protect public health?
What is the Clean Power Plan?
What is environmental law?
What are the local environmental laws?

What is the Superfund Act?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts