CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)

Definition

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, is a federal law in the United States that provides a framework for cleaning up hazardous waste sites. It establishes liability for those responsible for the contamination and enables the government to take action to protect human health and the environment.

Related terms

Remediation: Remediation refers to the process of cleaning up or restoring contaminated sites to reduce or eliminate risks posed by pollutants. It may involve various techniques such as excavation, soil treatment, or groundwater remediation.

Brownfield: A brownfield is an abandoned or underutilized property with potential contamination from past industrial activities. Brownfield redevelopment aims to revitalize these areas while addressing any environmental concerns.

National Priorities List (NPL): The NPL is a list maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies hazardous waste sites eligible for long-term cleanup under CERCLA's Superfund program. Sites on this list are considered priorities due to their potential risks to human health and the environment.