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EPA ISSUES SUPERFUND RELOCATION POLICY
Release Date: 07/01/99
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1999
EPA ISSUES SUPERFUND RELOCATION POLICY
EPA issued for public comment a new relocation policy that provides direction to EPA staff on when to consider permanent relocation of residents and businesses near or on National Priorities List (NPL) Superfund sites. The “Interim Policy on the Use of Permanent Relocations as Part of Superfund Remedial Actions” outlines some of the circumstances under which permanent relocation may be considered to protect human health and the environment. EPA’s preference is to address the risks posed by the contamination by using well-designed methods of cleanup that allow people to remain safely in their homes and businesses. The primary reasons for conducting permanent relocations at Superfund sites would be to address an immediate risk to human health (where an engineering solution is not available) or where the structures (homes or businesses) are an impediment to implementing a protective cleanup. This interim policy was developed in response to a request made by the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council’s Waste and Facility Siting Subcommittee. This interim policy was developed with significant public input. EPA is seeking public comment on this interim policy and will address these comments before issuing a final policy. EPA will hold a public meeting in about six months in order to hear comments on the policy. Information about this public meeting will be announced soon. The interim policy will be published in the Federal Register soon and will be available at: https://www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfund/tools/topics/relocation or by calling the Superfund hotline at 1-800-424-9346 or 703-412-9810.
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