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Superfund & Green Remediation
In the Superfund Program
Green remediation is the practice of considering all environmental effects of remedy implementation and incorporating options to minimize the environmental footprints of cleanup actions.
Since its inception in 1980, the Superfund Program has made considerable progress toward cleaning up hazardous waste sites and responding to emergencies involving hazardous substances. Today, we recognize that cleanup activities associated with investigation and remediation of hazardous waste sites may be sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, diesel emissions, air pollutants, and other emissions. Much can be done to reduce the energy use and improve the environmental performance of Superfund activities.
Making each Superfund cleanup “greener”
The Superfund Program strives to protect human health and the environment by cleaning up contaminated sites; however, cleanup activities use energy, water, and materials resources to achieve a site's cleanup objectives. The process of cleanup therefore creates an environmental “footprint” of its own. Green remediation strategies can help minimize the footprint and ensure a protective remedy within the Superfund statutory and regulatory framework, as established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.
Developing a plan for greener Superfund cleanups across the nation
EPA's Superfund Green Remediation Strategy sets out current plans of the Superfund Remedial Program to reduce GHG emissions and other negative environmental impacts that might occur during remediation of a hazardous waste site or non-time critical removal action. The strategy outlines 46 specific action items aligned with 10 key actions. Many of the strategic recommendations can be addressed through policy and guidance development, resource development, and a series of near-term initiatives such as:
- Launching a pilot project to test incorporating green remediation considerations into remedy optimization evaluations by fiscal year 2010
- Considering ways to reduce the use of natural resources and energy during remedial actions and when developing cleanup alternatives
- Integrating clean, renewable, and innovative energy sources and advanced diesel technologies (such as diesel particulate filters and alternative fuels) and encouraging operational practices (such as engine idle reduction practices) to minimize total emissions
- Including language in statements of work for Fund-lead remedial and removal action and PRP-lead remedial design and remedial action contracts that identifies use of green remediation practices and requires separate reports for energy/fuel usage and costs, and
- Helping communities establish networks and training programs that enable local workers (including minority and low-income populations) to gain proficiency in expertise needed for green cleanups, such as energy efficiency auditing and renewable energy applications.
Read the August 2009 Superfund Green Remediation Strategy (PDF) (28 pp, 268K, About PDF)
To ensure a robust strategy, EPA solicited initial comments (PDF) (2 pp, 373K, About PDF) from Superfund stakeholders. The Agency received extensive comments, and is now using the feedback to further focus the strategic areas and identify appropriate and relevant tools to implement green remediation practices. EPA anticipates release of an updated Superfund Green Remediation Strategy in 2010. The Agency appreciated the initial feedback and welcomes additional comments from stakeholders.
Understand the basics in EPA's Green Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices into Remediation of Contaminated Sites (PDF) (56 pp, 813K, About PDF)