EPA conducts and supervises investigation and cleanup actions at sites where oil or hazardous chemicals have been or may be released into the environment. Cleanup activities take place at active and abandoned waste sites, federal facilities and properties, and where any storage tanks have leaked.
Who is responsible for the cleanup of oil spills?
In the United States, depending on where the oil spill occurs, either the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency takes charge of the spill response. They, in turn, often call on other agencies (NOAA and the Fish and Wildlife Service are often called) for help and information.
Who pays for environmental cleanup?
By law, the parties responsible for the use, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances and oil are liable for costs. This liability applies to the cost of containment, cleanup, and damages resulting from a release related to their own activities.
Who is liable for environmental contamination?
Historically, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund), the owner or operator of a contaminated property could be held responsible for the property’s cleanup, based solely on their current ownership of the property .
Who is responsible by law for the costs of environmental clean up at a Superfund site contaminated with hazardous wastes?
It is codified in 42 U.S.C. Chapter 103. Also known as “ Superfund ,” CERCLA is aimed at cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous waste , as well as preventing contamination of future sites by assigning liability to parties involved. The liability requires the parties to pay damages for the clean up of the sites .
What is the most effective way to clean up an oil spill?
Dispersants and booms and skimmers are the most frequently used methods to clean up ocean oil spills.
What are the 4 major strategies for cleaning up oil spills?
- Natural Dispersal. Oil will eventually break down naturally if left alone. ...
- Dispersants. If the spill is in a tropical region, chemical dispersants are usually employed. ...
- Biological Agents. ...
- Floating Devices.
What is the brownfield cleanup program?
EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties .
How much does it cost to clean up a Superfund site?
The major negatives are the excessive time and cost related to federal Superfund remedial studies and actions. The overall program has emphasized process over cost-effective cleanup activities, with the result that the average site cleanup costs approximately $25 to $30 million .
Where does the money come from that is used to clean up spills?
One source of funds is the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, created in 1990 by Congress after the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. Most of the money in the fund comes from an 8-cent tax oil companies pay on each barrel of oil .
Who is responsible for land contamination?
Anyone who is an ‘appropriate person’ may be liable for remediation of contaminated land under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990).
Who is liable under Superfund?
There are four classes of Superfund liable parties: Current owners and operators of a facility , Past owners and operators of a facility at the time hazardous wastes were disposed, Generators and parties that arranged for the disposal or transport of the hazardous substances, and.
Why are they called Superfunds?
Superfund is the common name given to the law called the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 , or CERCLA. Superfund is also the trust fund set up by Congress to handle emergency and hazardous waste sites needing long-term cleanup.
How can plants be used to help clean up a contaminated area?
Plants can help clean up contaminants as deep as their roots can reach using natural processes to : Store the contaminants in the roots, stems, or leaves. Convert them to less harmful chemicals within the plant or, more commonly, the root zone. Convert them to vapors, which are released into the air.
Who pays for the cleanup of Superfund sites?
The law says EPA can make the people responsible for contamination pay for site studies and cleanup work. EPA negotiates with these Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) to reach an agreement. Sometimes EPA pays for the cleanup out of a pool of money called the Superfund and then tries to make PRPs pay back the costs.
Is waste a toxic?
Toxic waste, chemical waste material capable of causing death or injury to life . Waste containing dangerous pathogens, such as used syringes, is sometimes considered to be toxic waste. ... Poisoning occurs when toxic waste is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin.
