Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which Act requires the clean-up of hazardous waste dump sites threatening public health?

1. National Environmental Policy Act

2. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

3. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

4. Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act

The correct answer is: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is specifically designed to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites that pose threats to public health and the environment. This statute, enacted in 1980, empowers the federal government to respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances into the environment. CERCLA created a framework for the identification and remediation of contaminated sites through a process known as the National Priorities List (NPL), which prioritizes sites for cleanup based on the risk they pose to human health and the environment. Key elements of CERCLA include the establishment of a trust fund, known as the Superfund, to finance cleanup activities when responsible parties cannot be identified or are unwilling to clean up. Additionally, the Act holds polluters accountable for the costs associated with cleanup, reinforcing the principle that those responsible for contamination should bear the financial burden of remediation. The other acts listed have different focuses: the National Environmental Policy Act primarily addresses environmental assessment and impact statements, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act governs the management of non-hazardous and hazardous solid waste, and the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act deals with chemical emergency preparedness and community awareness regarding hazardous substances. While each plays an important role in environmental protection and public health,