Ever heard the term "Superfund site" and wondered what it meant? In simple terms, it refers to an area of land in the United States that has been contaminated by hazardous waste and identified by the EPA as a candidate for cleanup. These sites pose a significant threat to human health and the environment.
The Superfund program, formally known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), gives the EPA the authority to clean up these contaminated sites and to force responsible parties to either perform cleanups or reimburse the government for EPA-led cleanups.
Why are Superfund sites important? They often involve abandoned or uncontrolled waste sites where improper disposal practices have led to soil, water, and air pollution. Cleaning them up protects communities from exposure to harmful substances, improves property values, and restores ecosystems. So, next time you hear about a Superfund site, remember it's about cleaning up our past mistakes for a healthier future!
