Superfund Regulations

The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) defines the organizational structure and procedures for preparing for and responding to discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants in the United States. The NCP was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the congressional enactment of The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of December 11, 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986, and by section 311(d) of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

This page contains links to other EPA Web pages with simplified explanations of the Superfund regulatory process. Other links access Code of Federal Regulations that document the technical considerations and requirements of CERCLA and the NCP.

Enforcement activities related to the Superfund Division at EPA Headquarters is overseen by the Office of Site Remediation Enforcement (OSRE), a division of the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

• Office of Site Remediation Enforcement (OSRE)
  Related Information

  EPA guidance on liability, negotiations, and settlement procedures under CERCLA. Subject Listings Under Superfund Enforcement include: Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) Search and Information Requests, General and Special Notices, Remedial Investigation /Feasibility Study Issues, Settlement Issues (including Ability to Pay and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)), Liability, Consent Decree Procedures, De Minimis/De Micromis Oversight, Oversight, CERCLA Section 106 Administrative Orders, Cost Recovery (Including Bankruptcy), State Issues, and Other Guidance and Documents.

  • Superfund Cleanup Policies and Guidance

Regulations

CERCLA Overview

Provides a brief history of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. CERCLA, also known as "Superfund", was enacted by Congress. This law created a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries and provided broad Federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment.

SARA Overview

Provides a brief history of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. This amended law was enacted by Congress to revise existing provisions of CERCLA and add new authorities to the law.

NCP Overview

Provides a brief history of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The NCP was established in 1968 to protect our environment against oil spills and hazardous waste releases. Includes associated references to the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Oil Pollution Act (OPA).