Superfund Program
The Superfund Program is a U.S. federal initiative aimed at cleaning up hazardous waste sites that pose risks to public health and the environment. Established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980, it allows the government to identify and remediate polluted areas. The program is funded through taxes on industries that produce hazardous waste, as well as federal appropriations. It aims to restore contaminated sites to safe conditions, ensuring that communities can use the land without health concerns, and holds responsible parties accountable for cleanup costs.
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The Superfund program, established in 1980 in the United States, aims to clean up the nation’s most contaminated hazardous waste sites. Managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it identifies sites where toxic pollution has harmed the environment and public health. The program funds cleanup efforts through a trust fund, initially supported by taxes on the chemical and oil industries. Superfund addresses both immediate health risks and long-term environmental restoration, ensuring that communities can safely use their land and resources again. Its goal is to protect people and ecosystems from the dangers of hazardous waste.