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A comparison of the CERCLA response program and the RCRA corrective action program

Journal Article · · Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials; (United States)
 [1];  [2]
  1. Argonne National Lab., Washington, DC (United States)
  2. Argonne National Lab., Lakewood, CO (United States)
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) addresses the reckless hazardous waste disposal practices of the past. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) addresses the overall management of existing and future hazardous waste handling activities. However, the corrective action authorities granted to the US Environmental Protection Agency with the passage of the most recent RCRA reauthorization statute have led to the creation of a RCRA facility site cleanup program similar to the CERCLA site cleanup program. While most private facilities typically comply with either program during the cleanup of a site, some private facilities and all federal facilities can be required to comply with both regulatory programs during site cleanup. This paper compares and contrasts the more salient aspects of the CERCLA site response program and the RCRA corrective action program. The statutory basis of each cleanup program is discussed. The CERCLA remedial investigations/feasibility program and the RCRA facility assessment/corrective measure study program are detailed. Several issues, criteria, and factors associated with each cleanup program are compared, including regulated universe, regulatory trigger, constituents of concern, programmatic goals for the selection of remedial action, cleanup goals, and natural resource damage assessments.
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5584381
Journal Information:
Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials; (United States), Journal Name: Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Materials; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN 0882-5696; ISSN HWHME
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English