Pollution is something that modern Americans are very familiar with. Many cities struggle with the problems created by pollution, but these problems are not limited to an urban environment. Polluted natural sites can also pose a risk to the health and safety of the American public.
The federal government recognized the importance of addressing environmental pollution by creating the Superfund.
What Is Superfund?
Cleaning up a polluted site can be challenging. It takes a lot of time and money to undo the damage done when hazardous or toxic materials are introduced into the environment. The Superfund is essentially a trust fund maintained by the government to help cover any costs associated with major environmental cleanup projects.
The Superfund is overseen by the EPA, who makes decisions regarding which sites are eligible for long-term cleanup efforts.
How Are Superfund Sites Chosen?
The EPA has a lot of discretion when it comes to determining which polluted sites will be classified as Superfund sites. A site must meet a list of criteria to be eligible for government funding during the cleanup process.
The system used by the EPA to evaluate polluted sites is referred to as the Hazard Ranking System. This system weighs critical factors like the potential release of hazardous materials from the air, surface water, or groundwater located on a site.
A numeric score is assigned based on this assessment, and the EPA uses the numeric score to rank potential Superfund sites. The sites that pose the greatest risk to public health jump to the top of the list, allowing for federally-funded cleanup projects to begin.
What Happens During a Superfund Site Cleanup?
The process of cleaning up a Superfund site is complex. Environmental experts work closely with government officials to create a cleanup plan that will eliminate any harmful substances from a Superfund site.
The goal is to return the site to its natural condition or to create a space that can be used to conduct business effectively. The methods of cleaning a Superfund site vary based on the types of hazards present on each site.
Contaminated soil may be removed so that fresh soil can be introduced on the site. Groundwater supplies can be altered to prevent contamination. Surface water can be treated to eliminate any toxins that might pose a risk to public health.
The cleanup process is unique to each Superfund site and consists of any activity needed to restore the site safely.
