New York State | Citizen Guide

Environment > Air, Land and Water

Question What is the Comprehensive Environmental Remediation, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund?

Answer The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly called Superfund, was first enacted by the United States Congress in 1980. In 1986, in accordance with CERCLA laws, New York State enacted legislation which requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous chemicals and other substances that may endanger public health or the environment. The main goals of CERCLA are to establish uniform regulations regarding closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites, outline the legal and financial liability of companies and individuals responsible for the polluted sites, and to establish and oversee a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no responsible party can be identified.

Back More Info
Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Program (Superfund)
A brief definition of Superfund
URL: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8439.html