What is the primary purpose of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, primarily focuses on addressing sites contaminated by hazardous substances. Its main objective is to facilitate the cleanup and remediation of historically contaminated sites, ensuring that they are made safe for public health and the environment. This involves identifying contaminated sites, assessing the risks they pose, and establishing the necessary responses to clean up those sites. The law not only provides the framework for cleanup but also holds responsible parties liable for the contamination and thus supports financial mechanisms to fund cleanups when those responsible cannot be identified or are unable to pay.

While regulation of air emissions, monitoring of surface water quality, and managing hazardous waste disposal are all critical components of environmental protection, they fall under different legislative frameworks that are not the primary focus of CERCLA. The act is specifically tailored to address the challenges posed by cleanup of contaminated land, which is pivotal in restoring ecosystems and protecting communities that are affected by hazardous waste.