Superfund Interesting Essay Topic Ideas

What is Superfund? Superfund is a program in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that works to clean up hazardous sites, or ‘Superfund’ sites The program was established in 1980 in response to the growing number of abandoned and contaminated industrial sites throughout the country. It is funded by the federal government and provides cleanup grants to state and local governments, as well as to private citizens. When an individual or state identifies a hazardous site, they can apply to the EPA for Superfund status. If approved, the site is listed on the National Priorities List (NPL), which catalogues all sites eligible for Superfund clean-up grants. The EPA then assesses the site to determine the extent of the damage and formulates a plan to clean up the site and restore it to pre-contamination levels. Superfund is a useful program for restoring and protecting the environment, as it provides grants for clean-up and restoration of hazardous sites, protecting the public from exposure to the toxic materials. The program also helps to reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or polluting the water table. Five Best Examples of Superfund Sites 1. The Iron Mountain Mine in California is a former iron mine which was listed on the EPA Superfund list in 1983 after it was revealed that acidic and heavy metal runoff from the mine had polluted local streams, destroying fish habitats and threatening drinking water sources. The EPA is currently working to contain and remediate the mine to prevent further contamination. 2. The Grundy County Superfund Site in Indiana was added to the NPL in 1983 after it was found to be contaminated with volatile organic compounds, petroleum products, and heavy metals. The EPA is currently in the process of cleaning up surface soil and ground water in the area, in addition to restoring the contaminated wetland. 3. The Chambers County Superfund Site in Texas is made up of several former industrial sites which were contaminated with volatile organic compounds, petroleum products, heavy metals, and PCBs. The EPA is currently working to contain and remediate the site, as well as restore habitats damaged by the contamination. 4. The Onondaga Lake Superfund Site in New York is an urban beach that was added to the NPL in 1994 after it was found to be contaminated with a variety of hazardous materials, including mercury, lead, and PCBs. The EPA is currently working to clean up and restore the lake, as well as restore habitats damaged by the contamination. 5. The Passaic River Superfund Site in New Jersey is a river basin contaminated with a variety of hazardous materials such as mercury, lead, PCBs, and dioxins. The EPA is currently in the process of cleaning the river, restoring habitats, and protecting the health of people and wildlife in the area. Superfund sites can be dangerous to human health and the environment. However, with the help of the EPA and Superfund, these sites can be cleaned up and restored, protecting the public and the environment.