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The Superfund Process

The Superfund process is a comprehensive, multi-phase approach designed to identify, assess, and remediate hazardous waste sites to protect human health and the environment. Administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the process ensures that contaminated sites are thoroughly evaluated and cleaned up.

Superfund Expectations from the National Contingency Plan (NCP)

The NCP outlines the federal government's approach to hazardous substance releases and spills. Key expectations include:

  • Restoration of Groundwater: Ensuring that contaminated groundwater is restored beneficial uses within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Active Remedies: Implementing treatment and engineering controls rather than relying solely on Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) and Institutional Controls (ICs).
  • Comprehensive Cleanup: Addressing all aspects of contamination to prevent future risks.

Key Phases of the Superfund Process

  1. Site Assessment
    • Preliminary Assessment (PA): Gathering historical and available information to evaluate potential threats.
    • Site Inspection (SI): Testing air, surface water, groundwater, sediment, and soil to determine the presence of hazardous substances.
    • Community Involvement Plan Development: A template to promote public participation and share information among concerned parties.
  1. Site Characterization
    • Remedial Investigation (RI): Conducting detailed studies to assess the nature and extent of contamination in various environmental media.
    • Baseline Risk Assessment: Evaluating potential risks to human health and the environment.
    • Feasibility Study (FS): Analyzing potential cleanup alternatives and assessing their effectiveness, implementability, and cost.
  2. Remedy Decision
    • Proposed Plan: Presenting the preferred cleanup alternative to the public for review and comment.
    • Record of Decision (ROD): Issuing a ROD that outlines the selected cleanup remedy.
  3. Remedial Design/Action
    • Developing detailed plans and implementing the chosen remedy.
  4. Long-Term Stewardship/Operation & Maintenance
    • Post-Construction Care
    • Monitoring and maintaining the site to ensure the remedy remains effective and protective.
    • Environmental covenants
  5. Five Year Reviews
    • The CERCLA five-year review process evaluates the effectiveness of remedial actions at sites where hazardous substances remain, ensuring ongoing protection of human health and the environment.
  6. Remedy Modification
    • Adjusting the remedy as necessary based on protectiveness determinations.
    • Completed via memo to the file, explanation of significant difference, or ROD amendment.
  7. Site Deletion
    • Removing the site from the National Priorities List (NPL) once cleanup goals are achieved.