Superfund
Toxic site remediation
Superfund is a U.S. federal program that funds the cleanup of sites contaminated by hazardous waste.
Established in 1980, it targets abandoned or uncontrolled toxic dumps, holding polluters financially responsible when possible: The old chemical plant became a Superfund site.
The name comes from the large trust fund originally created to finance cleanups.
Dangerous industrial refuse
- hazardous chemicalsSubstances posing health risks
- groundwater pollutionSubsurface water made toxic
- soil contaminationToxins degrading ground quality
- PCBsBanned synthetic toxins
dioxins · heavy metals · lead · mercury · asbestos · benzene · carcinogens · pesticides
Federal environmental regulator
- environmental lawStatutes protecting natural systems
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- consent decreeCourt-approved agreement without liability admission
- feasibility studyAssessment of project practicality
public comment · community involvement · enforcement · settlement · cost recovery · federal oversight · trust fund · excise tax
Restoration of order
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
- excavationAct of unearthing
- bioremediationLiving organisms detoxify pollutants
- cappingSetting an upper limit
containment · incineration · emergency response · protective measures
Previously developed, possibly polluted land
- landfillWaste burial ground
- dumpWaste disposal site
- factoryIndustrial production facility
- smelterOre-refining plant
refinery · military base · chemical plant · abandoned property · delisting
Rebuilding an existing area
- revitalizationRestoring vigor or vitality
- reuseEmploy something again
- land reclamationCreating ground from water
- ecological recoveryNature repairing itself
habitat restoration · economic development · environmental justice · stakeholder engagement
toxic waste
Dangerous industrial refuse
- hazardous chemicalsSubstances posing health risks
- groundwater pollutionSubsurface water made toxic
- soil contaminationToxins degrading ground quality
PCBs · dioxins · heavy metals · lead · mercury · asbestos · benzene · carcinogens · pesticides · industrial waste
EPA
Federal environmental regulator
- environmental lawStatutes protecting natural systems
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- consent decreeCourt-approved agreement without liability admission
feasibility study · public comment · community involvement · enforcement · settlement · cost recovery · federal oversight · trust fund · excise tax · reauthorization
cleanup
Restoration of order
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
- excavationAct of unearthing
- bioremediationLiving organisms detoxify pollutants
capping · containment · incineration · emergency response · protective measures
brownfield
Previously developed, possibly polluted land
smelter · refinery · military base · chemical plant · abandoned property · delisting
redevelopment
Rebuilding an existing area
- revitalizationRestoring vigor or vitality
- reuseEmploy something again
- land reclamationCreating ground from water
ecological recovery · habitat restoration · economic development · environmental justice · stakeholder engagement
- Environmental Healthair pollution, water pollution, toxic exposure, hazardous waste, emissions
- Environmental LawsClean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, ESA, conservation laws
- Environmental Policyclimate policy, Clean Air Act, conservation policy, Clean Water Act, environmental regulation
- Pollution Lawair pollution, water pollution, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, EPA
- water pollutionsewage, industrial waste, contaminants, algal bloom, toxic waste
- environmental reviewsenvironmental monitoring, environmental assessment, impact report, impact statement, EPA
Superfundpristine wilderness
Unspoiled natural environment
nature preserve · national park · protected habitat · virgin land · wildlife sanctuary
- Superfund sitesCERCLA-designated contaminated areas