Modernize Superfund NCP; expand removals; revisit PFAS CERCLA hazardous designation
Mandate pushes NCP modernization, more CERCLA removals, streamlined ARARs, groundwater policy updates for ubiquitous PFAS, revisiting PFAS hazardous-substance designation, PRP-led five-year reviews, Mountains/Deserts/Plains office for abandoned mines, and a 10-year lead cleanup plan.
Mandate
Mandate Ch. 13 (EPA) — Superfund/OLEM: revise NCP to modernize/streamline cleanup; increase CERCLA removal authority use; streamline ARAR determinations; revise groundwater cleanup regs/policies for omnipresent PFAS; revisit designation of PFAS as CERCLA hazardous substances; allow PRPs to perform five-year reviews; expand Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains; develop/execute 10-year lead cleanup plan with public benchmarks.
Undo plan
1) Keep PFAS CERCLA tools for polluter-pays cleanups with water-utility liability shields as needed.
2) Modernize NCP without weakening community protectiveness standards.
3) Fund abandoned-mine and lead cleanups with enforceable milestones.
4) Allow PRP reviews only with EPA oversight/audit.
5) Verify: site completion rates and drinking-water PFAS exposure.