EPA's preliminary estimates of future hazardous waste cleanup costs are uncertain
This report evaluates the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Task Force preliminary study on the future resources needed to clean up the nation's worst uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. EPA's study estimates that the federal government could spend between $8.4 billion and $16 billion to clean up these sites. These estimates are based on uncertainties concerning the number of hazardous waste sites, the construction costs needed for the cleanup, and the extent that cleanup can be accomplished without using federal funds. Because of these uncertainties, GAO found that the range could be from $5.3 billion to $26 billion, which suggests a need for better data before a more useful estimate can be developed. As mandated in section 301 of the Superfund Act, EPA is currently conducting a more detailed study on cleanup costs.
- Research Organization:
- General Accounting Office, Washington, DC (USA). Resources, Community and Economic Development Div.
- OSTI ID:
- 6554573
- Report Number(s):
- GAO/RCED-84-152; ON: TI84901486
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
CLEANING
COST
DECONTAMINATION
EVALUATION
FORECASTING
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
SANITARY LANDFILLS
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT