The SUPERFUND program, officially known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), was established by the United States federal government to address the urgent need for cleanup of areas polluted with hazardous waste, especially when no other payment source is available.
Background and Historical Context
The SUPERFUND program was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980, in response to the growing public awareness and concern about the risks posed by hazardous waste sites. The fund was created after highly publicized environmental disasters, such as the Love Canal incident near Niagara Falls, New York, underscored the necessity for federally managed resources to deal with the country’s extensive pollution problems.
Key Components of SUPERFUND
Funding Mechanism
Initially, SUPERFUND was financed through a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries. Today, funding comes from general revenue and recovery of costs from responsible parties.
Cleanup Process
- Site Identification and Listing: Potential hazardous waste sites are identified and placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) based on their risk to human health and the environment.
- Assessment: An in-depth assessment is performed to determine the extent of contamination and to design appropriate cleanup strategies.
- Action: Cleanup can involve various methods like soil excavation, groundwater pumping, and treatment, or capping of waste material.
- Restoration: The final step includes restoring the site and continuing monitoring to ensure long-term safety.
Who Pays?
SUPERFUND aims to hold responsible parties liable for contamination. If parties are not found or cannot pay, the program uses federal funds to cover cleanup costs.
Examples and Case Studies
Love Canal
The Love Canal disaster in the late 1970s was a pivotal moment leading to the establishment of the SUPERFUND. Toxic waste, buried beneath a neighborhood, led to severe health issues among residents. The federal government stepped in to relocate families and remediate the site.
Times Beach
Times Beach, Missouri, is another example where the SUPERFUND was crucial. Dioxin contamination, a byproduct of waste oil sprayed to control dust on roads, led to the evacuation of the town and its subsequent remediation.
Applicability and Significance
Environmental Impact
The SUPERFUND program is crucial to mitigating environmental harm and protecting human health from hazardous waste.
Economic Impact
While expensive in the short term, effective hazardous waste site cleanups under SUPERFUND can lead to significant long-term cost savings, protect property values, and reduce health care costs.
Related Terms and Definitions
CERCLA
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the official name for SUPERFUND.
National Priorities List (NPL)
A list of sites that are deemed national priorities for environmental cleanup based on hazard ranking system scores.
Hazardous Waste
Substances that pose a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment.
FAQs
What is the goal of the SUPERFUND program?
How are sites chosen for the SUPERFUND list?
Can SUPERFUND recover costs?
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).” EPA.gov
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). “Superfund: EPA’s Estimated Costs to Remediate Existing Sites Exceed Current Funding Levels, and More Sites Are Expected to Be Added to the National Priorities List.” GAO Reports.
Summary
The SUPERFUND program embodies the federal government’s commitment to remedying environmental degradation caused by hazardous waste. By identifying, assessing, and remediating contaminated sites, the program aims to prevent further damage to human health and the environment, providing a cleaner, safer world for future generations.
