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PRP Search Manual

The Environmental Protection Agency's "PRP Search Manual" provides guidance on how to search for potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that may be liable for cleanup at a Superfund site. The manual was last updated on 9/29/2017 and gives the user historical background on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability (CERCLA) and the Superfund enforcement program.

The Manual describes the PRP search planning process, and discusses the baseline tasks and follow-up tasks recommended for assuring effective PRP searches. Procedures and information contained in the manual are based on current EPA policy and guidance.

2017 PRP Search Manual

PRP Search Manual (2017 Edition) (pdf) download print edition.

The manual, divided into four chapters and 11 appendices, is available for download in PDF format as a complete document or by individual chapter or appendix. Appendices C, D, H, and I are also available for download in Word format for ease of use.

Chapter/Appendices Download format Issued
Individual Sections of PRP Manual and Appendices
PRP Search Manual Chapter 1 - Overview of CERCLA and PRP Searches (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Chapter 2 - PRP Search Overview (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Chapter 3 - Baseline PRP Search (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Chapter 4 - Follow-up PRP Search (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Appendix A - Comptroller Policy Announcement No. 87-17 (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Appendix B - Performance Work Statement for Enforcement Support Services (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
​Edit media PRP Search Manual Appendix C - Checklist for PRP Search Tasks (docx) DOCx September 29, 2017

PRP Search Manual Appendix D - Checklist for Removal/Pre-Remedial Sites (docx)

DOCx September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Appendix E - SEMS Quick Reference Guide Party Details, Site Association & Party Search (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Appendix F - Potentially Responsible Party Internet Information Sources (PRPIIS) (pdf) PDF April 12, 2022
PRP Search Manual Appendix G - National PRP Search Enhancement Team (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017

PRP Search Manual Appendix H - Individual Ability to Pay Claim Financial Data Request Form (docx)

DOCx September 29, 2017

PRP Search Manual Appendix I - Ability to Pay Individual Request for Information (docx)

DOCx September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Appendix J - Acronyms and Abbreviations (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017
PRP Search Manual Appendix K - Glossary (pdf) PDF September 29, 2017

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Last updated on April 14, 2022
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