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National Priorities List (NPL): A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition
Definition & Meaning
The National Priorities List (NPL) is a list maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies the most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the United States. These sites are prioritized for possible long-term cleanup actions under the Superfund program. The NPL is updated annually, and a site must be included on this list to be eligible for funding from the Superfund Trust Fund for remedial actions.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The NPL is primarily used in environmental law and public health contexts. It plays a critical role in the Superfund program, which aims to clean up hazardous waste sites that pose risks to human health and the environment. Legal practitioners may encounter the NPL when advising clients on environmental compliance, property transactions near NPL sites, or when seeking remediation funding. Users can manage some related legal processes themselves using US Legal Forms templates designed for environmental law matters.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A former industrial site in a city that has been abandoned and is leaking toxic chemicals into the groundwater may be placed on the NPL due to its potential risk to public health.
Example 2: A residential area near a closed landfill that has been found to contain hazardous materials could be prioritized for cleanup under the Superfund program if it is listed on the NPL. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute governing the NPL is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law. This law establishes the framework for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and the criteria for listing sites on the NPL.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Difference
Superfund
A federal program to clean up hazardous waste sites.
The NPL is a list of sites eligible for Superfund cleanup.
Hazard Ranking System
A method used to evaluate sites for the NPL.
The HRS score determines a site's placement on the NPL.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe your property is near or on an NPL site, consider the following steps:
Research the NPL to confirm the status of the site.
Consult with environmental law professionals for guidance on potential health risks and legal implications.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates related to environmental assessments or property transactions.
If the situation is complex, seek professional legal assistance to navigate potential liabilities.
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