Which legislation primarily addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites?

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is the primary legislation that addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Enacted in 1980, CERCLA established a federal program to identify and clean up contaminated sites, commonly referred to as Superfund sites. This law provides the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to respond to releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment.

CERCLA enables the government to take necessary actions to clean up contaminated areas and recover cleanup costs from responsible parties. It also outlines the process for site assessment, remediation, and long-term management of hazardous waste sites. The act is vital for protecting human health and the environment from the effects of hazardous waste.

In contrast, the other legislative measures mentioned focus on different aspects of environmental protection. For instance, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Clean Water Act primarily concern water quality and pollution control related to discharges into navigable waters. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 specifically addresses oil spills and mandates preparedness and response measures for oil pollution incidents. Therefore, while all these laws contribute to environmental protection, CERCLA is distinctly aimed at hazardous waste cleanup.