October 8, 2004—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added two final sites and proposed 14 more sites to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). EPA’s selections were based on various factors, including: risk to human health and the environment; the need for urgent response; maintenance of a strong enforcement program; leverage of other cleanups (polluters wanting to avoid NPL listing can choose to participate in the Superfund Alternative Site cleanup program or enter into a voluntary cleanup agreement with the state); and program management and resource considerations.
There are now 1,244 final sites on the NPL, and 68 sites proposed and awaiting final agency action. For more information visit EPA/Superfund/September 23 Update.
In related brownfields news, EPA is now accepting proposals for up to $800,000 in training, research, technical assistance, and cooperative agreement grants focusing on health and environmental conditions in low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged communities unable to get alternative sources of funding for Brownfields cleanups. EPA hopes these grants will stimulate redevelopment, economic revitalization, and other beneficial reuse of land.
The deadline for proposals is November 16, 2004. The winners are expected to be named in February 2005. For more information and assistance regarding the application process, visit EPA/Brownfields/Proposal Guidelines.
