First enacted in 1980 and reauthorized in 1986, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) established a Federal program, including the "Superfund," to control and clean-up contamination of natural resources, including surface and groundwater, due to hazardous substances. Liability for damages caused by injury, destruction, or loss of natural resources was established in CERCLA, as was authorization for the Federal government to seek recovery for documented damages. A procedure known as the "Natural Resource Damage Assessment" process for documenting such injuries and losses was established. Requires NPS to inventory, register, and cleanup sites contaminated by hazardous materials. Related state and federal mandates require the NPS to remove underground storage tanks and other contaminated facilities.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (Solid Waste Disposal Act) (RCRA) (PL102-579; 42 U.S.C. 6901-6992k)
This act govres the generation, transportation, storage, and the dsiposal of current and future actively produced hazardous waste, solid waste, and the underground storage tanks. Federal agencies are subject to federal, state, and local requirements. The act authorizes a comprehensive program that regulates hazardius waste from generation to ultimate disposal (cradle to grave). Subtitle D of RCRA (Solid Waste) is regulated through state programs.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (PL 94-469; 15 USC 2601 et seq.)
Thus act regulates existing and new chemical substances and primarily applies to manufacturers, distributors, processors, and importers of chemicals. There are requirements for stock inventory, pre-manufacture notification, testing reporting, and record keeping.
Environmental Order 12088 - Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards
This order established procedures and responsibilities to ensure that all necessary actions are taken to prevent, control, and abate environmental pollution with respect to federal facilities and activities.
