Superfund: EPA Could Do More to Minimize Cleanup Delays at the Clark Fork Sites.
Abstract
This report assesses the progress and problems of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) cleanup of the Clark Fork Superfund sites in Montana. Specifically, the report discusses the (1) extent and cost of cleanup work, (2) adequacy of cleanup plans, and (3) effectiveness of EPA'S efforts to recover Superfund's cleanup costs. It also contains recommendations to the Administrator, EPA, for making improvements in each of these areas. Mining and smelting activities over the last century have contaminated land and water in western Montana's Clark Fork River Basin with hazardous wastes. Because these wastes include known or probable carcinogens that pose serious threats to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established four Superfund sites in the river basin. These four contiguous sites contain 23 operable units (contaminated areas) and encompass the largest land area of all Superfund sites. Although cleanup work has been under way at these sites since 1982, none have been completely cleaned up. Concerned over the progress being made in cleaning up the four sites, the Chairman, Subcommittee on Environmental Protection, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, requested that GAO report on the (1) extent and cost of cleanup work, (2) adequacy of cleanup plans, and (3) effectiveness of EPA'S efforts to recover cleanup costs. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA292152
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office