Recent trends in hazardous waste management: removal actions

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6946292

MacDonell, M M; Peterson, J M; Beskid, N J

In response to the release or threat of release of hazardous substances from contaminated sites across the United States, there has been a recent trend toward implementing removal actions. Removal actions may be conducted as part of cleanup activities at waste sites ranging from illegal dump sites to sites on the national Priorities List of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The scope of removal actions can range from very limited actions to full-scale excavation and treatment operations, depending on the nature of the needed response. In all cases, the removal must be consistent with the final remedial action at the site and must contribute to the efficient performance of that remedial action. Historically, removal actions have been carried out in response to time-critical emergencies where it can be shown that there exists an imminent and substantial danger to public health or the environment. However, recent guidance from the EPA has supported implementation of removal actions at sites that do not pose such an immediate threat. Non-time-critical actions are being taken, where appropriate, to effect cleanup in a more cost-effective and timely manner than would otherwise be possible (e.g., if tied to the record of decision for the final remedial action). The increased emphasis on removal actions is reflected in recent legislation, in regulations that are currently being drafted, and in EPA directives. This paper discusses the relationship of removal actions to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the current and proposed revisions of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, and recent EPA policy and directives.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6946292
• Report Number(s): CONF-8805103-4; ON: DE88012068
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
LEGAL ASPECTS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
REMOVAL
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTE MANAGEMENT