# Superfund Reauthorization Bills : A Comparison of S . 1285, Subcommittee-Approved H .R. 2500, and H .R. 228 > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/crs%3A95-1129 ## Record - **Collection:** Congressional research report - **Document type:** CRS Report - **Published:** November 17, 1995 - **Citation:** 95-1129 ## Text 95-1129 ENR Superfund Reauthorization Bills : A Comparison of S . 1285, Subcommittee-Approved H .R. 2500, and H .R. 228 Mark Reisch, Coordinator Martin R . Lee, Specialist James E . McCarthy, Specialist Linda Schierow, Specialist Mary Tiemann, Specialist Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division aa as November 17, 1995 11 VAMbah" CRS IIIIIIIIIIIIII~ft!IIIIIIIII IIiIIIIIIIIIIII ' Superfund Reauthorization Bills : A Comparison of S . 1285, Subcommittee-Approved H .R. 2500, and H.R. 228 SUMMARY This report compares three comprehensive bills to amend and extend the Superfund law . Two are chairmen's bills : S. 1834, introduced by Senator Bob Smith, and H .R. 2500, introduced by Representative Michael G . Oxley, and approved November 9, 1995, by the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials of the House Commerce Committee . The third bill is H .R. 228, introduced by Representative John D . Dingell . The report divides the provisions of the bills into the following topics : community participation, environmental justice, health, State role, voluntary cleanup and brownfields, exemptions from liability for financial institutions and landholders, selection of remedial actions, liability allocations, Federal facilities, natural resources damage assessment, appropriations, miscellaneous, and amendments to the Solid Waste Disposal Act . The Environmental Insurance Resolution Fund, addressed only by H .R. 228, is discussed at the end . CONTENTS Page Community Participation 1 Environmental Justice 3 Health 5 State Role 8 Voluntary Cleanup and Brownfields 14 Exemptions from Liability for Financial Institutions and Landholders . . . . 19 Selection of Remedial Actions 23 Liability Allocations 39 Federal Facilities 54 Natural Resources Damage Assessment 63 Appropriations 65 Miscellaneous 69 Amendments to Solid Waste Disposal Act 72 Environmental Insurance Resolution Fund 77 Superfund Reauthorization Bills: A Comparison of S . 1285, Subcommittee-Approved H .R. 2500, and H .R. 228 INTRODUCTION Superfund reauthorization is perhaps the highest profile environmental legislation to be considered in the 104th Congress. The chairmen's bills are S . 1834, introduced September 29, 1995, by Senator Bob Smith, chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee's Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Control, and Risk Assessment ; and H.R . 2500, introduced October 18, 1995, by Representative Michael G . Oxley, chairman of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials . The subcommittee reported H .R. 2500 on November 9, 1995 . A third comprehensive proposal in the debate is H.R. 228, based on the bill that was reported in the last Congress by three committees, but was never debated on the floor. It was introduced by Representative John D . Dingell, the former chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, on January 4, 1995 . This report provides a section-by-section comparison of those three bills . It is generally organized according to the Senate bill . To assist the reader locate provisions of H .R. 2500, a guide to the sections is presented below . In a few instances the same provisions appear in two places . GUIDE TO SECTIONS OF H .R. 2500 Section Subject Page(s) 101 Substance profiles 5 Risk evaluations 30-31 Lead 31 Cleanup levels 23-24 Remedy selection 25-26 ARARs/Standards for contaminated water 27-28 Methods of remediation 29 Future land and water use 31 Generic (or presumptive) remedies 32 Early evaluation and phased remedial action 33 State involvement 13, 34 102 103 emedy selection Technical Assistance Grants 1 Public participation in decision-making 2 104 Community Assistance Groups 1 105 Hazard ranking 3 106 Health care for NPL communities 6 Disease registry 7 107 Determining health effects (ATSDR) 6 108 Health assessments at NPL sites (ATSDR) 6 109 Health assessments at NPL sites (ATSDR) 6 110 ATSDR outreach (education) 7 CRS-3 GUIDE TO SECTIONS OF H .R. 2500 Section Subject Page(s) 111 Delegation of ATSDR health authorities 5 ATSDR services at hazardous waste sites 6 112 Emergency removals 34 113 Hazardous substance easements on property use 36 114 Judicial review 36 115 Effective date 7 Transition rules 35 201 Reimbursement of cleanup costs for liability due to pre-1987 activities (Retroactivity) 42 202 Municipal landfill reimbursement 47 203 Contiguous properties 21 Exemptions and limitations of liability 44 Liability of common carriers 51 Triple damages 51 205 Activities contrary to law 45 206 Release of evidence of liability 50 Administrative orders 51 207 Allocation of liability 39-43, 46-48 208 Cost recovery actions 52 209 Contribution actions 52 210 Response action contractors 49-50 204 CRS-4 GUIDE TO SECTIONS OF H .R. 2500 Section Subject Page(s) 211 Waiver of eligibility requirements for de minimis parties 46 Release of evidence of liability 50 Use of annuity contracts/financial instruments 53 Cost recovery challenges 53 212 Authority to hire neutral professionals 53 213 Final covenants not to sue 53 214 Expedited settlements 46 Settlements requiring Attorney General's approval 46 215 Recycling 52 216 EPA information gathering and access 50 301 Voluntary cleanup programs 14 302 Treatment of security interest holders and fiduciaries 19-20 303 Innocent landholders 22 304 Limitation on Federal enforcement in States implementing remedial actions 13 305 Prospective purchasers and windfall liens 21 401 Natural resource damages 63-64 501 Delegation of authority to States 8-11 501(b) State cost share 10, 13 502 NPL cap 38 503 Reimbursements to State and local governments 11 1 CRS- 5 GUIDE TO SECTIONS OF H .R. 2500 Section Subject Page(s) 601 Federal facilities : transfer of authority to States 54-56 602 Use of innovative technologies at Federal facilities 58 603 Demonstration to Governor of successful remedy 58 604 Transfer of uncontaminated Federal property 58 605 Federal entities and facilities (applicability of CERCLA to) 59-60 606 Federal facility listing deferral 58 607 Federal facility listing on the NPL 58 608 Annual studies of priorities at Federal facilities 61 609 Judicial removals 62 701 Federal banking and lending agency liability 20 Definitions 68 702 Response claims procedures 68 703 Assistance for small businesses from EPA's Ombudsman 69 704 Consideration of local government cleanup priorities 69 705 Atomic Energy Act savings clause 69 706 Annual report to Congress 70 707 Disposal of real property 70 801 Oil Pollution Liability Act (OPLA) amendments 63 802 OPLA natural resource damages 63 803 OPLA damage assessment regulations 63 804 OPLA definitions 63 CRS-6 GUIDE TO SECTIONS OF H .R. 2500 Section Subject Page(s) 901 Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments 72-76 902 Underground storage tanks 76 1.001 Uses of the Fund 65-66 1002 Authorizing appropriations from general revenues 66 1011 Extension of taxes 67 CO Provision UNI PAR CP ION H.R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Community Organizations §101 amends CERCLA §117(e) . Community Response Organizations . Provides for establishing Community Response Organizations (CROs) for facilities on National Priorities List (NPL) or on State Registries if proposed for NPL . Members are appointed by Administrator . Requires EPA to inform and consult with CROs and to consider their views in developing and implementing the remedial action plan . Exempts CROs from requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA, 5 USC App . 2) . EPA provides administrative and technical services and meeting facilities for CROs . CROs and EPA inform the community at large . §104 adds new CERCLA §117(g) . Provides for establishing Community Assistance Groups (CAGs) which are similar to CROs . Requires that CAG recommendations for resource use consider cleanup criteria in §121(b) which ensure remedial action will protect human health from realistic and significant risks . Does not authorize CAGs for facilities on State Registries or exempt them from FACA . §102 adds new §117(g) . Provides for establishing Community Working Groups (CWGs) which are similar to CROs . Emphasizes how to weigh CWG views about future land use and requires that CWG recommendations consider cleanup criteria in §121(b) . Does not exempt CWGs from FACA . Citizen Information and Access Offices help Administrator select CWG members . Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) §101 adds CERCLA §117(f) . Technical Assistance Grants . Similar to current law, authorizes grants up to $50,000 for a citizen group affected by a facility on the NPL to obtain technical assistance in interpreting information . Also authorizes grants for facilities on State Registries . CROs are preferred recipients. Eliminates fund-matching requirement . Authorizes early disbursement of grant portion. Requires limits on grant duration . Limits total funding to 2% of Superfund. Prohibits use of funds to collect field data . §103 amends CERCLA §117(e) . Similar to S . 1285, except provides no authority for grants to communities near facilities on State Registries and limits total funding to $20 million annually . §101 amends §117(e) . Similar to S . 1285, except CWGs are not preferred recipients and the limit on total funding is 4% of Superfund . Also authorizes grants to nonprofit organizations and citizen groups to enhance participation in consensus-based rulemaking processes under CERCLA. §104 limits eligibility for Technical Assistance Grants (TAGS) to CAGs where they exist, CRS-2 CO Provision N AR C ON H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Public Participation in Decision Making §101 adds §117(g) . Improvement of Public Participation in the Superfund Decisionmaking Process . Provides opportunities for public participation in meetings throughout response activities, including lengthy removal actions that obviate need for long-term remedial action . Requires two-way communication of information, active solicitation of public views, and public access to all nonprivileged information relating to a facility . Directs EPA to ensure communication about risks conforms to specified standards . Requires written responses to significant concerns . §103 adds new §117(f) . Similar to S . 1285, but does not require public participation during lengthy removal actions that obviate need for long-term remedial action . §101 adds new §117(f) . Similar to S . 1285 . Citizen Information and Access Offices No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §102 adds new §117(h) . Establishes a Citizen Information and Access Office in each State to inform citizens about listed sites, the decision-making process under CERCLA, and their legal rights . Serves as an information clearinghouse and repository for facility and health data . Public Comment No comparable provisio No comparable provision . §612 reaffirms EPA's obligation to fully consider and respond to public comments . CRS-3 0 E TAL J ST C Provisio Environmental ustice H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §102 adds new §117(i) . Requires EPA study of priority setting, response actions, and public participation at sites to determine whether conduct was fair and . equitable with respect to population, race, ethnicity, and income characteristics of affected communities and to identify program areas needing improvement ; any needed improvements must be addressed . Also see §103 below on hazard ranking . azard No comparable provision . §105 amends CERCLA §105 . Requires placing the highest priority on facilities where there is actual ongoing human exposure of public health concern or demonstrated adverse health effects . §103 amends CERCLA §105, Same as H .R . 2500 . Also requires grouping of facilities that expose the same population, and considering exposures resulting from subsistence and other special resource uses . Requires evaluating 5 facilities in each EPA region in areas of environmental justice concern that are likely to warrant inclusion on the NPL . Establishes petition process to evaluate such facilities, Requires review and incorporation in the National Contingency Plan (NCP) of new procedures to conduct efficient, cost-effective, and timely remedial investigation and feasibility studies (RI/FS) . Wor er Training No comparable provisio No comparable provision . §113 authorizes an EPA demonstration program to recruit and train individuals from affected communities in remediation activities . CRS-4 N ON NT STIC H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Study of Small Disadvantaged Business Goals No comparable provision . No comparable pro 'on §620 requires EPA to study the advisability and feasibility of instituting a small disadvantaged business goal program for all Federal contracts under CERCLA, and report within a year . CRS- 5 HEALTH Provision Health Authorities Substance Profiles H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §111 amends §104(1)(15) . Authorizes ATSDR to delegate its activities to appropriate public authorities, professional associations, institutions, colleges or universities (in addition to States which currently conduct such activities) through grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts . §110 amends §104(1)(15) . Same as H .R . 2500 . Also requires consideration of educational institutions that primarily serve minorities or represent the interests of affected communities. §101 adds new §127(c) . Requires EPA and ATSDR to review the health effects values and toxicological profiles of 25 carcinogens listed in §104(i) that present the most risk at NPL sites . Within 2 years of enactment, after peer review and public comment, a final assessment of the health effects values must be published . Requires presenting and explaining plausible alternative assumptions or models. If numericall estimates of risk or health effects values are provided, requires including central estimates using the most plausible assumptions, given the weight of the scientific information available, and a range of estimates and related uncertainties . §105 amends 104(1)(3) . Directs ATSDR to prepare toxicological profiles for substances not on the priority list but which have been found at non-NPL facilities and are of critical health concern . Removes requirement for revising and republishing toxicological profiles at least every 3 years . §112 amends §111(c)(4) to authorize ATSDR provision of health services . CRS- 6 E ovision -lealth Care fo NPI, Communities ete ning ealth Effects P blic Health sessments a acilities H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . 2 8 §106 amends §104(1)(1) . Eliminates NPL community eligibility for admission to Public Health Service facilities and services, but makes exposed persons eligible for referral to accredited medical care providers. 104 amends §104(1)(1) . Same as H .R . 2500 §106 . §111 amends §104(i)(15) . Directs ATSDR to provide diagnostic services, health data registries, and preventative health education to communities at NPL sites and sites being evaluated for inclusion on the NPL . §110 amends §104(1)(15) . Same as H .R . 2500 §111, 'o. . §107 amends §104(1)(5) . Authorizes conduct of health effect studies by ATSDR directly or by cooperative agreements and grants with institutions, Requires additional studies to develop new techniques for predicting toxicity . § 06 amends §104(1)(5) . Same as H . R . 2 00, No comparable provision . §108 amends §104(1)(6) . Requires ATSDR to perform a public health assessment for each facility on the NPL and for sites proposed for the NPL, including Federal facilities . Requires the President to provide ATSDR with the necessary data and information for public health assessments prior to initiation of remedial actions . Requires community involvement in health assessments . §107 amends §104(1)(6) . Similar to H .R . 2500 §108 . No comparable pro §109 amends §104(i)(7) . Requires conduct of human health studies "of exposure or other health effects" when appropriate . §108 amends §104(1)(7) . Same as H .R . 500 §109 . CRS-7 Provision H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Education No comparable provision . §110 amends §104(1)(14) . Requires additional ATSDR outreach to nurses, medical centers, and the public addressing health effects related to exposure to hazardous substances . §109 amends §104(1)(14) . Same as H .R . 2500 . Disease Registry No comparable provision . §106 amends CERCLA § 104(1)(1) . Removes requirement for a national registry of diseases and illnesses . Specifies that the national registry of persons exposed to hazardous substances is for scientific and public health purposes . §104 amends §104(1)(1) . Same as H .R. 2500 . Effective Date No comparable provision . §115 makes title I requirements effective on the date of enactment at facilities where no final record of decision has been published . §114 makes title I requirements effective on the date of enactment, except requirements of CERCLA §117(f)(1) through (4) and §117(g)(1), as added by §§101 and 102, which become effective 180 days after enactment . CRS- 8 STATE ROLE Provision H.R.2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Delegation of Authority §201 adds a new §135 to CERCLA. §135(c) provides that on application by a State, the Administrator of EPA shall delegate 1 or more authorities with respect to 1 or more non-Federal listed facilities in the State . Applications shall identify each facility for which delegation is requested and may request delegation of one or more of 6 categories of delegable authority identified in §135(b) . §501 adds a new §131 to CERCLA. §131(a) provides that the Administrator may delegate authority to a State to take action at any or all NPL sites within the State, including Federal facilities . Delegation may be made with respect to one or more of 8 categories of authority . §201 adds a new §127 to CERCLA . Authority is not delegated . Rather, §127(a) provides that, on application by a State, the Administrator may enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a State allowing the State to take or require preremedial actions (including removal actions) and response actions, including selection and enforcement of remedial actions and the use of allocation procedures . Only non-Federally owned or operated facilities are covered under this section (although §207, described below, provides separate authority for States at Federal facility sites) . The Administrator is required to conduct a study (under §206) of the feasibility of authorizing States to use their own laws to carry out the provisions of the Act in lieu of the Federal program . Approval/Denial §135(c) . The Administrator shall approve or deny an application within 60 days of submittal if the State is authorized to administer and enforce the RCRA corrective action program, or within 120 days if it is not . An application may be denied if the State does not have adequate legal authority, financial and personnel resources, organization, or expertise . If the Administrator fails to approve or disapprove an application within the required time, an application shall be deemed approved . §131(a)(3) . Similar approval and disapproval procedures, except that the deadline for approval or disapproval is within 60 days of submittal for all States . §127(b)-(c) set forth similar requirements concerning the authorities a State must demonstrate in order to qualify for a contract or cooperative agreement . In addition, in order for a State to qualify for a contract or cooperative agreement at a facility, the State may not be a major potentially responsible party with respect to that facility . No deadline for EPA approval of State applications, except, as noted below, in the case of authority at Federal facilities . CRS- 9 STATE ROLE H.R.2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Performance of Delegatedd Authorities §135(d) . A delegated State shall have sole authority to perform a delegated authority with respect to a delegated facility, except that delegated States may also enter into agreements with political subdivisions, interstate bodies, and other delegated States for the performance of delegated authority . §131(c)(3) . The President is prohibited from taking response actions at any facility for which authority has been delegated to a State . No provision concerning State agreements with political subdivisions, interstate bodies, and other delegated States, No comparable provision . Contract Provisions No comparable provisions . No comparable provisions . §127(d)-(g) . Establishes specific provisions for State contracts and cooperative agreements with regard to selection of remedial actions, enforcement, allocation of liability, orphan shares, covenants precluding administrative and judicial actions, failure to comply with contracts or cooperative agreements, and required contract terms . Costlier Remedial Actions §135(d)(3)(B)(ii) . A delegated State may select a remedial action with a greater response cost than that which would have been chosen by the Administrator if the State pays for the difference in cost . The State shall not be entitled to seek cost recovery from any other person for the additional cost . No comparable pro No comparable provision . ion, CRS- 10 S Provision S . 1285 TE RO E H .R.2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Cost Share No comparable pro ion . §501(b) . Deletes the requirement that States provide a 50% cost share in cases where the State or a political subdivision operated the site at which a response is to be undertaken, effectively lowering the cost share requirement in these cases to 10%. Also provides that, upon receipt of a petition from a State, the Director of OMB shall establish a lower State cost share to apply in lieu of the 10% requirement, using a methodology specified in the subsection. OMB may take such action not more frequently than every 3 years. Cost share requirements shall not apply in the case of remedial actions to be taken on land held by Indian tribes . §202 . Changes the State cost share requirement for all response actions entered into after the date of enactment to 15% . Judicial Review of §106 Orders §135(d)(4) . Orders issued by delegated States under §106 of CERCLA (concerning imminent and substantial endangerment) shall be subject to judicial review . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . Delisting §135(d)(5) . Authorized States may remove all or part of a designated facility from the NPL . EPA may not relist any facility so removed . §131(b)(3) . Similar authority, but no prohibition on further Federal actions . Facilities delisted from the NPL may be relisted if cleanup is not completed in accord with the enforceable agreement, No comparable provision . §135(e) . The Administrator shall review annual certifications by the States concerning the use of funds, may seek reimursement of funds misapplied or missed, may withdraw program delegation, and may perform emergency removals in delegated States . §131(c) . Similar provisions, except for emergency removal authority . The President is specifically prohibited from taking any response or removal action at facilities where such authority has been delegated to the State . §127(g) . If a State fails to comply with a requirement of a contract or cooperative agreement, the Administrator may seek in court to ensure performance or to recover funds advanced . No prohibition on Federal actions in States with contracts or agreements. e sponsibilities and Authorities CRS- 1 STATE ROLE Provision H .R .2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Funding §135(f) . The Administrator shall provide grants to delegated States to carry out programs under this section . Nine factors to be considered in determining the amount of such grants are specified . Grant money may not be used to pay the State share of response costs required under §104(c)(3) of CERCLA . §131(d) . Similar provisions . No comparable provision, although EPA does provide funding to States under CERCLA contracts and cooperative agreements . Non-NPL Facilities §135(h) . A determination that a response action at a non-NPL facility is complete under State law is final and shall not be subject to further response action under any Federal law, unless the Administrator determines that an emergency removal is necessary . No comparable provision . No comparable Reimbursements No comparable provision . §503 . Amends §123 of CERCLA to authorize reimbursement of States up to $50,000 for expenses incurred in carrying out a removal action after the date of enactment and to add "cleanup of illicit drug laboratories" to the list of emergency response actions for which State and local governments may be reimbursed . The amounts allowed for State and local governments may not be combined for any single response action . §619 . Similar provisions . No State may receive more than $2 million per year under this section . Federal-Lead Sites No comparable provisio No comparable provision . §128(b) . Provides that the Administrator shall not delegate authority to a State in cases where EPA has served as the lead agency for a facility. o o CRS- 1 2 AT Provision S . 1285 0 H .R .2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Siting No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §203 . Effective 1 year after the date of enactment, the President shall not provide any remedial action in a State unless it submits a report describing its plans for adequate treatment, storage, and disposal capacity for hazardous waste generated within the State . State Registries No comparable pro 'oi No comparable provision . §204 requires States to establish public lists of facilities believed to present a current or potential hazard to human health or the environment due to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances, and to update them annually . Federal Facilities S 1285 does not provide for delegation o t e States of authority over response actions at Federal facilities . H .R . 2500 does not distinguish between Federal and non-Federal facilities in establishing procedures or authority for State delegation . § 0 provides separate authority for E A to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with States concerning response actions at Federal facilities, inluding authority for States to publish deadlines for completion of remedial inestigations and feasibility studies, review and select remedies, and enter into agreedepartments, agencies and ns entalities of the United States and consent decrees with other PRPs . Sets deadlines and criteria for approval or disapproval of an application, provi'ons for withdrawal of authority, and oce es for enforcement of inter-Agenc agreements and resolution of interAgency disputes between authorized States and Federal agencies, departments and instrumentalities . (continued on next page) CRS- 13 S Provision 0 H .R .2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Federal Facilities (continued from previous page) No comparable provision . §102 adds §121(o) . The President must extend to States within 50 miles of DOE facilities the same opportunity for review and comment regarding response actions that are provided to States in which the facilities are located . §205(a). Similar provision . Applies to any Federal facility, not just those of DOE, Limitation on Enforcement for States Implementing Certain Remedial Action Plans No comparable provision . §304 . Prohibits enforcement actions under CERCLA for any aspect of a remedial action being undertaken at a site pursuant to an EPA-approved State plan . State plans shall be approved unless the President finds that the State does not have the legal authority and financial and personnel resources, organization, and expertise to carry out a remedial action . Procedures are established for withdrawing approval . No comparable provision . Indian Tribes No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §205(b) . Treats Indian tribes substantially the same as States for the purposes of contracts and cooperative agreements, voluntary response actions, and involvement in the initiation, development, and selection of remedial actions. No comparable provision . §501(b) . Cost share requirements shall not apply in the case of remedial actions to be taken on land held by Indian tribes . No comparable provision . CRS- 1 4 VOLUNTARY CLEANUP AND BROWNFIELDS Provision H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Elements of Voluntary Programs §301(b) establishes a new §133 of CERCLA. EPA shall provide assistance to States to establish and expand voluntary response programs. Establishes elements of a qualifying State voluntary cleanup program . Programs must ensure that, if the person conducting a voluntary response fails to complete it, the necessary response activities are completed . § 301 (c) establishes a new §130 of CERCLA . Similar provision . §301 establishes a new §128 of CERCLA . Similar provision . Funding §301(c) . Provides that not less than 2% and not more than 5% of the amount available in the Fund for the five years after enactment shall be distributed to qualifying States for assistance in establishing and administering voluntary programs . Amounts of assistance shall be determined by the proportion of total CERCLIS sites in each State . No comparable pro §706. Authorizes not more than $20 million for each of fiscal years 1996-2000 for the purposes of technical, financial, or other assistance to States for voluntary cleanup programs . 'o . CRS- 1 5 VOLUNTARY CLEANUP AND BROWNFIELDS Provision State Certification and Annual Reporting S . 1285 No comparable provision . H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . H.R. 228 §128(d), (e), and (j) . At any time after enactment, a State may submit for review by the Administrator documents the State deems appropriate to describe its voluntary response program, together with a certification that the program is consistent with the elements set forth in §128(c) . A State voluntary response program shall be a qualified program 120 days after submittal of certification, unless the Administrator determines before that date that the State's submittal is not consistent with §128(c) . Also establishes procedures for withdrawal and reinstatement of approval . At the end of each calendar year, States with qualified programs shall report to the Administrator on the status of their programs, including a statement regarding whether the program continues to be consistent with the elements set forth in §128(e) . The Administrator shall report annually to the Congress on the status of State voluntary response programs . CRS- 1 6 0 UNTAR CL ANU Provision 0 S H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) NPL Listing No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §128(f) . No portion of a facility subject to a response action plan approved under a qualified program under this section shall be proposed for listing on the National Priorities List as long as substantial and continual response activities are being undertaken to complete the response action in a timely manner . The Administrator's ability to list on the NPL facilities that have been proposed for listing or to compel response action under §106 is not limited by this section, aivers No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §128(g) . The Administrator shall promulgate regulations under which States with qualified voluntary response programs may waive permit requirements with respect to voluntary cleanups . ect on iability No comparable provision . No comparable pro §128(h) and (k)(2) . The performance of a voluntary cleanup shall not constitute an a ission of liability . Also, this section is of intended to affect the liability of any erson or to affect other response authorities afforded under any law or regulation relating to environmental contamination, except that the successful completion of a voluntary response action under this section shall be considered as evidence that a person acquiring ownership of the facility is a bona fide prospective purchaser within the meaning of §101(39) of C C 'on CRS- 1 7 VOLU AR C Provision AND OWN S H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Compliance with NCP No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §128(i) . Voluntary response actions under qualified programs shall be presumed to be consistent with the NCP for purposes of private cost recovery claims under CERCLA, Statutory Construction No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §128(k)(1) and (3) . This section is not intended to impose any requirement on a State voluntary response program . Nothing in this section shall be construed to require any person to participate in a voluntary response program in order to qualify as a bona fide purchaser . Brownfields Defined §302 (establishes new § 134 of CERCLA) . Defines "brownfield facility" as a parcel of commercial or industrial land, the expansion or redevelopment of which is complicated by the potential presence of a hazardous substance, but excludes facilities subject to removal actions under CERCLA, facilities on the NPL, facilities subject to corrective action under RCRA, facilities being closed under RCRA, facilities subject to administrative orders or consent decrees, Federal facilities, and facilities for which cleanup assistance has been provided under the LUST Trust Fund . No comparab e pro Brownfield Cleanup Assistance Program §134(b) . The Administrator shall establish a program to provide 10-year interest-free loans to local government entities and Indian tribes for site characterization of brownfield facilities . No comparable provision . 'on. No comparable pro 'o No comparable provision . CRS- 18 VOLUNT Provision C AND B 0 IELDS H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Brownfield Funding §134(b)(3) . $15 million is authorized to be appropriated from the Fund in each of the five years after enactment for interest-free loans . No comparable pro ion . No comparable provision . Brownfield Maximum Amount §134(b)(4) . Loans per facility may not exceed $100,000 in each fiscal year, or $200,000 in total . No comparable provision . No comparable proviso Brownfield Loan Applications §134(c), Establishes requirements for loan applications and procedures for approval. No comparable provision . No comparable pro io . CRS- 19 EXEMPTIONS FROM LIABILITY FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND LANDHOLDERS Provision Treatment of Security Interest Holders and Fiduciaries (continued on next page) S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 § 303(a) . Clarifies the definition of "owner or operator" for determining cleanup liability, to more clearly exclude holders of indicia of ownership who hold such indicia primarily to protect their security interest, but do not exercise responsibility for the handling of hazardous substances on the vessel or facility. §302(a) . Similar provision . No comparable provision . §303(b) . Adds §107(n) to CERCLA to clarify that the liability of a fiduciary for a release or threatened release may not exceed the assets held by the fiduciary to indemnify the fiduciary . Also clarifies that a fiduciary shall not be liable for undertaking or directing another to undertake a response action, unless the fiduciary fails to exercise due care and the failure causes or contributes to the release of a hazardous substance . §302(b) . Adds §107(p) to CERCLA. Similar provisions . §606 clarifies that the personal obligations and liabilities of a fiduciary shall be limited to the extent to which the assets of the trust or estate are sufficient to indemnify the fiduciary, unless : 1) the obligations and liabilities would have arisen even if the person had not served as fiduciary; 2) the fiduciary's own failure to exercise due care caused or contributed to the release following establishment of the trust, estate, or fiduciary relationship; 3) the fiduciary had a role in establishing the trust, estate, or fiduciary relationship, and the trust, estate, or fiduciary relationship has no objectively reasonable purpose apart from the avoidance or limitation of liability under this Act ; or 4) the fiduciary has not complied with such other requirements as the Administrator may set forth by regulation . Also clarifies that a fiduciary shall not be personally liable for undertaking or directing another to undertake a response action under section 107(d)(1) . CRS-20 T ONS 0 AB L ovision Treatment of Security Interest Holders d Fiduciaries (continued from revious page) ede B and Le ng Agency a ity 0 C AL NS IT TIO S D 0 D RS H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §303(b) . Adds §107(o) to CERCLA to clarify that a lender's liability shall be limited to the excess of the fair market value of a vessel or facility on the date on which the liability is determined, over the fair market value on the date 180 days before the response action was initiated, if a vessel or facility was acquired through foreclosure, or is held under the terms of an extension of credit . Liability is not limited, however, if the lender causes or contributes to the threatened release of a hazardous substance. §302(b) . Adds §107(q) to CERCLA . Similar provisions, except that liability is limited to what is called "actual benefit," defined as the net gain realized on the sale of property less acquisition, holding, and disposition costs. No comparable provision . §304 . Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to provide that a Federal banking or lending agency shall not be liable under any law imposing strict liability, for the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance from a vessel or facility acquired in connection with the exercise of receivership, the provision of a loan or guarantee, or received as the result of an enforcement action, unless the Agency causes or contributes to the threatened release . Also exempts first subsequent purchasers of such vessels or facilities except in four specified circumstances. §701 amends §101(20), the definition of "owner or operator", to exclude the U .S ., any U .S . department, agency, or instrumentality, or a conservator or receiver appointed by the U .S ., if (1) the U .S . or the conservator or receiver acquires ownership in connection with the exercise of receivership or liquidation, and in connection with a seizure or forfeiture ; and (2) the U.S ., conservator, or receiver does not participate in the management of the facility operations that result in a release of hazardous substances . No comparable provision . CRS-2 1 E M IO S 0 IAB LI ovision FOR FIN C AL S U 0 S LANDHOLDERS H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Contiguous Properties §305 . A person that owns or operates real property contiguous to a vessel or facility at which there has been a release of a hazardous substance and whose property is or may be contaminated by the release shall not be considered liable under the Act . The Administrator may issue an assurance that no enforcement action will be initiated against such person and grant such person protection against a cost recovery or contribution action. §203 adds a new §107(n) to CERCLA . Similar provisions . In addition, the owner or operator of contiguous property may petition the President to exclude the property from the description of an NPL site, if the property is contaminated solely by ground water that flows under such property and is not used as a source of drinking water . §403(a) . Similar to S . 1285 . respective urchasers and dfall Liens §306 . As long as a prospective purchaser does not impede the performance of a response action or natural resource restoration and exercises appropriate care with respect to each hazardous substance found at the facility, such purchaser shall not be considered liable for the response costs . If there are unrecovered response costs, however, the United States shall have a lien on the facility or may obtain a lien on other property from the responsible party in an amount not to exceed the increase in fair market value that resulted from the response action . §305 . Similar provision . §403(a) and (b) . Similar pro io s . CRS- 2 2 EXEMPTIONS FROM LIABILITY FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND LANDHOLDERS Provision S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Innocent Landholders §307 . Requires that the standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) be used to determine whether a defendant qualifies as an innocent landholder as a result of having undertaken all appropriate inquiries into the previous ownership and use of a facility . Authorizes the Administrator of EPA to issue alternative standards and includes a list of 10 considerations to be included in such regulations . §303 . Similar provision. Contains a slightly different list of considerations to be included by the Administrator in any regulations . H.R. 228 No comparable provision . CRS-23 SELECTIO ovision 0 M D C 0 S H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) 228 Definitions for Selection of Remedy §401 adds new definitions to CERCLA §101 : "actual or planned or reasonably anticipated future use of the land and water resources" ; "significant ecosystem" ; "valuable ecosystem" ; "sustainable ecosystem"; "ecological resources" ; and "significant risk to ecological resources that are necessary to the sustainability of a significant ecosystem or valuable ecosystem" No comparable provision . No comparable Cleanup Levels §402 establishes new §121(a) and (b) . §102 replaces §121 . General Standards . §121(a)-(b) requires the President to select remedial actions needed to protect human health and the environment from realistic and significant risks through cost-effective and cost-reasonable means. Remedies must prevent actual ingestion of drinking water containing substances exceeding drinking water standards, or if no such standard exists, exceeding levels necessary to protect public health from realistic and significant risks . §501 creates new §121(d), Establishment of Protective Concentration Levels . ow §121(d)(1) . National Goals . To provide consistent and equivalent protection of health and the environment to all co munities, EPA must promulgate, through a negotiated rulemaking process, national goals that are to be applied to all remedial actions . §121(a)(1) . Most Cost-Effective Remedial Action . Requires the EPA Administrator to select a remedial action that is the most cost-effective means of achieving the goals of protecting human health and the environment . Human health is deemed to be protected if, considering the expected exposures associated with future land or water use, the remedial action achieves a residual risk from 1) exposure to carcinogenic contaminants such that cumulative lifetime additional cancer risk is in the 6 range of 104 to 10'" for the affected population, and 2) exposure from noncarcinogens does not pose an appreciable risk of deleterious effects . (continued on page) The environment is deemed to be protected if the remedial action will protect against significant risks to ecological resources needed to sustain a significant or valuable ecosystem and will not interfere with a sustainable functional ecosystem . For non-threshold carcinogens, a remedy is deemed protective if the remedy limits the lifetime additional cancer risk from exposure to hazardous substances to within the range of 10 4 to 10 -6 for the affected population, based on actual or reasonably anticipated future land, water, and other resource uses. Actual exposure data are to be used where obtainable . Where estimates are used, protective levels are to be based at the 90th percentile of the exposure probability distribution . For exposure parameters based on assumptions, the most plausible assumptions are to be used . o sion . National goals for human health must be expressed as a single numerical level for c cinogens (not a range as under cure regulations) and a single level for oncarcinogens . he national goals are to provide the ba for protective concentration levels, unless achieving the goals is technically nfeasible or unreasonably costly . §121(d)(7)(C) . The goal is to restore ground water and surface water that may used for drinking to : 1) maximum co inant levels (MCLs) or to [stricter] on-zero maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) set under the Safe DrinkWater Act (SDWA); and 2) protective co ce a io els. CRS-24 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision Cleanup Levels (continued from revious page) S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) HR. 228 medy is deemed protective to the environment if, based on future resource uses, the remedial action will protect against realistic and significant risks to resources necessary to the sustainability of a significant ecosystem . §502 amends §121(b)(4) . At a minimum, ground water remedies must prevent actual ingestion of drinking water containing substances exceeding MCLs or MCLGs, prevent exposure to any other contaminants in excess of levels necessary to protect human health, prevent impairment of Clean Water Act-designated uses, e containment . Re edial actions must meet State standards for point source discharges . CRS- 2 5 SE C 0 0 MEDIAL ACTIONS ovision S . 1285 H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 Remedy Selection Criteria §402 amends §121(a)(1)(C) . Requires EPA en selecting among alternative remeial actions to balance the following facto s effectiveness, reliability, s or acceptability to the com, an engineering practicability . §102 amends §121(d)-(f) . Directs the President to select appropriate remedial actions using a process that includes : 1) an evaluation of current and anticipated future use of land, water and other resources ; 2) a site-specific risk assessment and 3) a balancing of the following factors : effectiveness of the remedy (includng technical practicability), reliability, risks to the affected community, acceptability to the affected community, and reasonableness of costs compared to othremedial options. §502 amends §121(b) . Directs the President to select remedies that are protecve of human health and the environent and provide long-term reliability at easonable cost . Methods of remedy are o be selected using a process that : 1) considers reasonably anticipated future uses of land, and 2) prevents exposures in excess of protective concentration levels by balancing the following factors : effectiveness, long-term reliability, short-term isk, acceptability to the community, and easonableness of the cost. Other factors fo o water include timeframe, and i lementability of the remedy . §121(f)(2) Cost-Effectiveness . The Presiust demonstrate and certify that selected remedy represents a coste ective risk reduction and that the c mental cost is justified and reasonably related to the incremental risk rection benefits of the remedy . Increental costs and risk reduction benefits oat be compared among significant remedial options and quantified to the extent practicable and appropriate . The President must give preference to the option that adequately protects human health and the environment at the lowest total cost over the life-cycle of the emery. CRS-2 6 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision Technical Impracticability S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R. 228 §402 amends §121(a)(2) . §102 amends §121(f) and (j) . §502 amends §121(d) . If EPA finds that protecting human health and the environment is unreasonably costly, EPA must evaluate remedial measures that reduce risks and select a technically practicable remedial action that minimizes risk by cost-effective means . §121(f) . When identifying an appropriate remedial action, the President is to balance technical practicability as well as other factors . §121(d)(7)(C) The President may select a remedial action that does not meet the Act's water remediation goals if compliance is technically impracticable from an engineering perspective, or in certain ground water cases, achieving the goal is unreasonably costly. A finding of technical impracticability may be made based on a determination that there in no known or reasonably anticipated reliable means of achieving health and environmental protection goals at a reasonable cost . §121(j) . In evaluating remedies to be selected, the President is to make findings of technical impracticability from an engineering perspective on the basis of projections or modeling without requiring that the remedial measure first be constructed, operated and reviewed, unless projections and analysis are inadequate . To the extent practicable, the President is to make determinations of technical acticability on the basis of projections or modeling without requiring that the remedial measure under consideration be first constructed, installed, operated and reviewed, unless projections and analysis are inadequate . The President is to issue guidance for determining technical impracticability from an engineering perspective for use in selecting remedies for contaminated ground water . CRS-2 7 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision Legally Applicable, Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs) S . 1285 §402 adds new §121(a)(5) . Effectively eliminates ARARs . A remedial action does not have to meet any standard that would apply under any Federal or State law, except that where hazardous wastes are transferred off-site, such waste must go to a permitted facility under the Solid Waste Disposal Act . H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §102 amends §121 . Replaces ARARs . §121(b) . Remedies must prevent actual ingestion of drinking water containing substances exceeding drinking water standards, or if no such standard exists, exceeding levels necessary to protect public health from realistic and significant risks . §121(k) . Procedural requirements of Federal and State standards and requirements, including permitting requirements, do not apply to actions conducted onsite . §121(1) . For any facility to which they apply, standards set forth in this section generally govern cleanup, remedy selection and on-site hazardous substance management in lieu of any other Federal, State, or local standards . Air emissions or water discharges resulting from remediation technology must meet State standards unless any of 6 specified exceptions apply . §121(m) . In general, any State requirement that would effectively prohibit the land disposal of hazardous substances Statewide does not apply . H .R . 228 §501 adds new §121(d)(7), Revises ARARs . In general, remedial actions must: 1) comply with the substantive requirements of any Federal or more stringent State environmental or facility siting law ; 2) meet any stricter protective concentration levels applicable to remedial actions conducted under any State environmental law ; and 3) comply with any other State standard or requirement consistently applied to remedial actions under State law. Procedural requirements of Federal and State standards and requirements, including permitting requirements, do not apply to actions conducted onsite . Remedial actions must restore ground water and surface water that may be used for drinking water to maximum contaminant levels or non-zero maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) . For substances for which SDWA standards have not been set, protective concentration levels must meet the Act's national goals . 121(d)(8) . In general, any State requirement that would effectively prohibit the land disposal of hazardous substances Statewide does not apply . CRS-28 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision Remediation of Contaminated Water S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) .R . 228 §121(a)(4) . Requires remedial actions to protect uncontaminated ground water suitable for humans and livestock . Remedial action decisions must take into considerationn actual or planned future use, natural attenuation, and remedy selection criteria in 121(a)(1)(C) . §102 adds new §121(b) . For water that may be used for drinking water, remedies must achieve drinking water standards ; if no standard exists, remedies must achieve levels necessary to protect human health from realistic and significant risks . §501 amends §121(d)(7)(C) . Drinking water. The Act's goal is to restore any surface or ground water that may be used for drinking water to SDWA MCLs or nonzero MCLGs and to protective concentration levels for any other contaminants. There may be no presumption that water suitable for drinking by humans or livestock is the actual or planned or reasonably anticipated future use . Remedial action for protecting uncontani-, inated ground water may be based on natural attenuation or biodegradation . Remedial action for contaminated, ground water may include point-of-use treatment . §502 amends §121(b)(4) . Remedies for ground water generally must : 1) prevent actual ingestion of water containing contaminants in excess of MCLs or non-zero MCLGs ; 2) prevent exposure to any other contaminants in excess of levels necessary to protect human health, 3) prevent impairment of surface water designated uses under the Clean Water Act (unless technically impracticable) ; 4) ensure containment of source areas in ground water . Alternate concentration levels may be set if specified conditions are met (e .g, the remedial action includes monitoring, and enforceable measures to preclude human exposure from any known or projected points of entry of the ground water into surface water . Other ground water . For ground water that cannot be used for drinking water, remedial actions must attain levels appropriate for current and future use, including the use of water to which the contaminated ground water discharges . CRS-2 9 SELECTION 0 MEDIAL ACTIONS revision S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 ethods of emediation : tion Controls §402 adds §121(a)(6) . Institutional Controls . Remedial actions that use instituional and engineering controls are to be considered to be on an equal basis with other alternatives . §102 creates new §121(c) . Method of Remediation . Remedial actions may include treatment, source control, natural a uation, engineering controls, institutional controls, point of use treatment, provision of alternative water supply or other methods . No preference or bias applies to any method(s) . §502 amends §121(b) . Methods of Remediation . Remedial actions may include treatment, containment, a combin ion thereof or another method . §121(3) . Institutional Controls . Whenever a remedial action relies on land or water use restrictions, the President must spec the nature of the restrictions and may ensure that the restrictions are ncorporated into a hazardous substance asement (§104(k), see below) . §121(b)(4) Institutional Controls . Whenever a remedial action relies on restrictions on the use of land, water, or other esources to achieve protection of health and the environment, the President must specify the required restrictions including restrictions on the uses of land and surface water, and on well drilling. The strictions may be incorporated into a zardous substance easement (§104(k)) . For `hot spots' (areas of relatively high contamination within a facility that coul pose significant risks), reasonableness of cost is to be given less consideration and reatment is the preferred remedy . Interor I containment may be selected c circumstances. CRS- 30 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H.R. 228 Risk Evaluations §403 adds a new §127 . Facility-Specific Risk Evaluations . §127(a) . Use . A facility-specific risk evaluation is to be used to : identify the risks posed. by a facility ; compare the relative protectiveness of alternative potential remedies ; and demonstrate that the selected remedial action can. achieve goals . The risk evaluation must comply with principles that ensure that future land and water use is considered, and that the evaluation is scientifically objective and includes all relevant data. §101 adds a new §127. National Risk Protocol . §127(a) . Risk assessments conducted under CERCLA must provide scientifically objective and unbiased risk estimates and characterizations, distinguish scientific findings from other considerations ; a nd. be based onn relevant and current information, including epidemiological data and site-specific information . §501 . National Risk Protocol. Amends §121(d)(2) . Requires EPA to promulgate a national risk protocol for conducting CERCLA risk assessments for use in determining need for remedial action, in setting protective concentration levels (PCLs) of chemicals, and in evaluating remedial alternatives . The protocol's goal is to promote realistic risk assessments . §127(b) . Risk Evaluation Principles . Risk evaluations must be based on plausible estimates of exposure, use facility-specific data or plausible assumptions, and use all relevant and scientifically objective data available, etc . §127(c) . Risk Communication Principles . The document reporting the results of the risk evaluation must clearly explain the risks, identify the assumptions and uncertainties, present a range and distribution of risk estimates and exposures, state the size of the population at risk, and compare facility risks with other daily and regulated risks . §127(d) . Regulations . EPA must issue regulations that promote realistic risk characterization . §127(b) . Guidelines . The President must publish guidelines (after peer review and public comment) that define the use of modeling, identify criteria for selecting transport and fate models, define the use of population and individual risk estimates, define approaches for addressing cumulative risks ; establish sampling methods and data quality requirements ; and establish procedures for independent and external peer review for significant risk assessments, models or methodologies . The guidelines are to establish protective exposure levels that are set, to the extent feasible, at the 90th percentile of exposure probability distribution . §127(c) directs the President to review the health effects values of the 25 carcinogens that pose the greatest risk at NPL sites and to publish an assessment of the values. The protocol is to establish : standardized exposure scenarios for a range of land uses, and standardized methodologies for evaluating exposure pathways and developing PCLs for the 100 contaminants most often found at facilities . Standardized methodologies must include national constants for chemicals, facility-specific variables, and exposure factors . The President must conduct a risk analysis at each facility using standardized methodologies, or if not available, using facility-specific risk assessments . In developing the protocol, EPA is to identify toxicity information sources, define the use of probabilistic modeling, identify criteria for using models, define the use of high end and central exposure cases and assumptions, etc . The protocol must set guidelines for risk assessments and for setting PCLs which protect at the 90th exposure percentile of the affected population . CRS-3 1 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision S . 1285 Lead H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 §101 adds new §127(e) directing EPA to conduct a lead-in-soils policy review . §102 adds new §121(p) . In selecting remedies or predicting blood lead levels, the President may not use models concerning lead uptake unless data or projections are reconciled with empirical data from residents . Future Land and Water Use §403 adds §127(e) . As part of the facilityspecific risk evaluation prepared for use in selecting a remedy, EPA must determine the actual or planned or reasonably anticipated future use of the land and water resources at a facility by consulting the community response organization, facility owners and operators, PRPs, and local officials . §102 amends §121(d) to require that when selecting a remedy, the President must take into account the current and reasonably anticipated future uses of land, water, and other resources at a facility . A list of factors to be considered in identifying anticipated future use must generally include the following : any consensus recommendation of the Community Assistance Group and views of the affected community; historical land, water, and other resources of the facility and surrounding properties, current uses of the facility and surrounding properties, recent development patterns in the areas and population projections ; Federal, State and local land use designations or zoning; potential for economic redevelopment; and availability of alternative sources of drinking water . §502 amends §121(b) to require that when selecting a remedy, the President must take into account the reasonably anticipated future uses of land at a facility . In doing so, the President is to consider factors including: consensus recommendations of the Community Working Group (and redevelopment authority in the case of a Federal facility scheduled for closure) ; land use history of the facility and surrounding properties, and recent development patterns and population projections ; Federal or State land use designations, including parks, recharge areas designated in ground water or surface water protection plans ; current local zoning and land use plans; potential for economic redevelopment ; proximity to residences, sensitive populations or ecosystems, etc ; and property owners' plans for the facility . §121(d)(7)(C) . For contaminated ground water not used for drinking water, remedial actions must meet levels appropriate for reasonably anticipated future use of the ground water (with exceptions) . CRS-3 2 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision S . 1285 H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 Presumptive (or Generic) Remedial Actions §403 adds new §128 . Presumptive Remedial Actions . §102 adds new §121(g) . Generic Remedies . The President may establish generic remedies where demonstrated to be effective in protecting human health and the environment from realistic and significant risk in a cost-effective and costreasonable manner . Generic remedies may not be established for mining and mineral processing facilities or related areas . Generic remedies may provide for consideration of site-specific factors . §502 adds §121(b)(5) . Generic Remedies . To streamline the remedy selection process and facilitate rapid voluntary action, the President must establish (taking into account specified remedy selection factors specified) cost-effective generic remedies for categories of facilities and expedited procedures that include community involvement for selecting generic remedies . The remedy must be protective of human health and the environment at the facility and, where appropriate, may be selected without considering alternatives . §128(a) requires EPA, within 1 year, to issue a rule establishing presumptive remedial actions for common types of facilities with well understood contamination and exposure problems . §128(b) . Presumptive remedies must have been shown to be technically practicable and cost-effective methods of protecting human health and the environment . §128(c) . EPA may issue various presumptive remedial actions based on circumstances . §128(d) . Presumptive actions may include institutional and engineering controls . §402 adds §121(a)(3) . A remedial action that implements a presumptive remedial action under §128 is considered to meet the goals of protecting human health and the environment . §404 adds §129(a)(2) . EPA or a PRP may propose a presumptive remedial action for a facility after conducting a facility evaluation . However, EPA may not require a PRP to implement a presumptive remedial action . Where a generic remedy applies, the President need not perform a site specific risk assessment or evaluation of alternatives . Waiver . A party may seek a waiver from a generic remedy . CRS-3 3 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision S . 1285 H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 Remedy Selection Procedures (ResultsOriented Cleanups) §404 adds §129 . Remedial Action Planning and Implementation . §129(a) . Establishes procedures, in lieu of those under any other law, for conducting remedial investigations, feasibility studies, records of decisions, remedial designs, or remedial actions . Procedures provide for public participation . EPA is to conduct a facility evaluation to characterize the risk posed by a facility . Draft facility evaluations must be submitted to EPA for approval . EPA or a PRP must prepare and implement a remedial action plan which includes the results of a facility evaluation and a description of the facility-specific risk-based evaluation under §127 and discussion of the selected remedy . If a PRP prepares a proposed remedial action plan, the PRP must submit the plan to EPA for approval . A plan is considered approved if EPA does not disapprove the proposed plan within 90 days . §102 adds §121(h) Early Evaluation and Phased Remedial Action . §103 amends §105(b) of CERCLA . Similar to H .R . 2500 §121(h)(1) . §121(h)(1) directs the President to consider new results-oriented procedures for conducting remedial investigations and feasibility studies in an efficient, costeffective and timely manner . The President is to emphasize performance-based standards, and where appropriate, provide means to update the most practicable methods under performance-based standards. §502 adds §121(b)(4)(B) . Early Evaluation and Phased Remedial Action . §801 . Amends §105(a) of CERCLA to require the President within 180 days of enactment to revise the National Hazardous Substance Response Plan to establish results-oriented procedures for remedial actions that minimize the time required and reduce potential for exposure to hazardous substances in a cost-effective manner . The President shall, as part of the next proposed revision of the National Contingency Plan after enactment, propose, as appropriate, to incorporate the new procedures for conducting the remedial investigations and feasibility studies . §121(h)(2) . To facilitate efficient site characterization that promotes early evaluation of remedial alternatives and to prevent ground water contamination problems from worsening, the President is to ensure that hydrogeologic and contaminant-related information is collected as part of site characterization activities prior to and during remedial investigation . The President is to employ a phased approach to site characterization and remediation ; information gathered in each phase is to inform the next phase . To prevent ground water contamination from worsening, the President must ensure that hydrogeologic and contaminantrelated information needed to select final ground water remedial actions (including findings of technical impracticability) is collected as part of site characterization activities prior to and during remedial investigation . Data taken from early response actions is to be included . To the extent technically practicable, the President is to implement phased remedial actions to minimize migration of contaminated ground water . CRS- 34 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision State Involvement in Remedy Selection H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) For a discussion of the State role generally, see p . 8-13 . §102 adds §121(n) and §121(o) . §121(n) directs the President to promulgate regulations providing for meaningful State involvement in the initiation, development, and selection of remedial actions . No comparable provision . §121(o) Department of Energy Facilities . For States adjoining (i .e ., within 50 miles of) Department of Energy facilities, the President must extend the same opportunities for review and comment regarding response actions at those facilities that are provided to the States in which these facilities are located . §205(a) . Similar provision . Applies to any Federal facility, not just those of DOE . Affected States may enter into a memorandum of understanding to address issues of mutual concern . Emergency Removal Actions §803 . Increases the amount of time and money that may be spent on response actions to 2 years and $4 million (double the amounts in current law) . Allows the President to exceed these limits when to do so would be "not inconsistent with any remedial action" selected or anticipated (as opposed to "consistent with the remedial action to be taken" in current law) . §112 amends §104(c)(1) to extend emergency removal authority to 2 years and $3 million from present 1 year and $2 million . §505(a) amends §104(c)(1) to extend emergency removal authority to 2 years and $4 million from present 1 year and $2 million . §505(b) amends 120(e) to authorize removal actions that address nonemergency removal actions . CRS- 3 5 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision S . 128 .5 Transition Rules §406 adds new §131 . Transition Rules for Facilities Involved in Remedy Selection on the Date of Enactment . (a) For a facility that is the subject of a remedial investigation and feasibility study (completed or not), PRPs or EPA may choose to follow the new remedial action plan process in §129 . (b) Where a record of decision (ROD) has been signed but construction not begun, EPA or the State must, at the request of the implementer of the ROD, determine whether §127 would lead to the selection of a less costly remedy that achieves the goals of human health and environmental protection under this bill . (c) Where a ROD has been signed and construction has begun but not completed or long-term operation is expected, EPA or the State must, upon request, determine whether §127 would result in the selection of a remedy that saves at least 10% in cost and achieves health and environmental protection goals . For subsections (b) and (c), if EPA or the State does not respond within 90 days of a request, §127 will apply by default . (d) Disputes under this section will be referred to mediation . HR . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 §115 . Effective Date and Transition Rules . §507. Transition . (a) For facilities where no ROD has been published, these amendments become effective on the date of enactment . (a) This title becomes effective 180 days after enactment . After that date, remedies are to be selected in accordance with these amendments. (b) Where a ROD has been signed but the remedial action has not been completed, any person with a substantial interest at a facility, or State, or Federal official overseeing a remediation at the site may petition the President, within 270 days of enactment, for a review of the action and request an alternative remedial action consistent with these amendments . The President must select the alternative if it would result in a total life-cycle cost savings of at least $1 million and protect human health and the environment from realistic and significant risks . Opportunity for public comment is provided . Judicial Review . Negative decisions on petitions are subject to judicial review . (b) Until national goals and the national risk protocol are promulgated, the President may continue to use current regulations and guidance with regard to acceptable risk levels and risk assessments . (c) The President is not obligated to reopen a record of decision signed before the effective date of this title . If the President determines that a change to a ROD signed prior to the effective date of this title is necessary, the President may apply the rules in effect at the time the original ROD was signed . CRS- 36 S C I0 P ovision Judicial Review 0 D C 0 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §407 amends § 113(h) to provide judicial review of actions under §129(c) (i .e., facility evaluations, proposed remedial action plans, and final remedial designs which are subject to EPA review) . The court may stay the implementation of challenged actions . §114 amends §113(h) by adding to the list of actions subject to judicial review by the appropriate Federal court : any action to review a final ROD regarding the selection of a remedy . No comparable provision . (Also see Transition Rules, above .) §404 adds §129(c) to provide that EPA's approval or disapproval of a remedial action plan with an implementation cost of more than $15 million is subject to judicial review. Hazardous Substance asements on Property Use No comparable provision . §113 adds new §104(k) authorizing the President to acquire a hazardous substance easement restricting or controlling the use of land, water, or other natural resources . Provides for procedures and requirements for such easements . Easements remain enforceable for 20 years and may be renewed for additional 20-year periods . Whenever an easement is acquired, the President must record a notice of property use restriction in the local public land records. An easement remains in force until it expires by its terms or until the holder executes and records a termination and release in accordance with terms of the easement and approved by EPA . §506 . Similar amendment to H .R . 2500 except that easements remain enforceable in perpetuity, unless the holder of the easement executes and records a termination and release according to the terms of the easement and approved by EPA. CRS- 37 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision Delisting Sites from the National Priorities List (NPL) S . 1285 §405 adds new §130 . Completion of Remedial Action and Delisting . Delineates procedures and timeframe for EPA to provide notice of completion of a remedial action and debating of a facility, including a certification that the facility has met all remedial action requirements . Delisting does not affect liability allocations, cost-recovery provisions, or operation and maintenance obligations . §130(c) Release from Liability . A PRP is released from liability if the facility is available for unrestricted use and operation and maintenance is not needed . If the facility is not available for unrestricted use or operation and maintenance is required, EPA must review the status of the facility every 7 years and require additional remedial action, as needed . A facility or portion of a facility may be made available for restricted use . Revision of National Contingency Plan . §408 amends §105 to prevent EPA, when listing a site on the NPL, from including property at which no release has occurred, but to which a contaminant has migrated in ground water . This does not limit EPA's authority to obtain access such property and to undertake response actions . H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . H .R . 228 No comparable provision . CRS-38 SELECTION OF REMEDIAL ACTIONS Provision Additions to the National Priorities List S . 1285 H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 §802 . Additions. Amends §105 of CERCLA to limit additions to the NPL during each of the three 12-month periods following enactment to 30 new vessels and facilities . Additions may be made only with the concurrence of the State in which the vessel or facility is located, §502 . Amends §105 of CERCLA to provide that, after the date of enactment, the President may add no more than 30 facilities to the NPL in 1996, 25 in 1997, 20 each in 1998 and 1999, and 10 each in 2000-2002 . Additions may be made only with the concurrence of the State and local government . Relistings shall not count against the cap on additions to the NPL . No comparable provisions . Sunset. Authority to add vessels or facilities to the NPL shall terminate 3 years after enactment. Upon completion of response actions for all vessels and facilities on the NPL, the Administrator's authority shall be limited to providing a national emergency response capability, conducting R&D, providing technical assistance, and conducting oversight of grants and loans to the States. The President may not add any facility to the NPL after 12/31/02 . No comparable provisions CRS- 3 9 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision Facilities Covered by Allocation S . 1285 H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H.R. 228 §501 adds new CERCLA §132 . §132(a) defines, for purposes of §132, "allocation party' ; "allocator" ; and "mandatory allocation facility", which is a facility on the NPL that is non-federally owned, or if federally owned, has at least one non-Federal PRP . It has a record of decision (ROD) or remedial action plan approved by EPA after 6/15/95, or if approved prior to 6/15/95, construction or operation and maintenance continues after 6/15/95. §207 Adds new CERCLA §128. §128(a)(1) . EPA shall initiate the allocation process : (1) if any PRP requests it for any response action costing more than $1 million if he has incurred response costs, resolved his liability to the U .S ., or received a §106 administrative order ; and (2) at any facility with two or more PRPs for which there is a Fund reimbursable share under §128(n) . EPA y also initiate allocation at a facility involving two or more PRPs if one of them requests it, and EPA deems it appropriate . §413 adds new CERCLA §130 . §130(a) . Allocations will be performed at non-federally owned NPL facilities (1) with two or more PRPs, for which a ROD is selected after 2/3/94, or (2) for which a ROD is selected before 2/3/94, if requested by a PRP which has resolved its liability with the U .S . or is performing a remedial action under a §106 order ; or (3) at EPA's discretion, at any other facility with two or more PRPs . Excludes facilities where cost shares are already determined, and facilities where no PRP is liable for arranging for disposal, or for transporting hazardous substances . Excludes facilities where cost shares are already determined . Excludes facilities where cost shares are already determined, and facilities where all the PRPs are current or past owners or operators . §132(b) . Generally, the costs covered by an allocation are those incurred at a mandatory allocation site after 6/15/95, and those incurred at requested and permissive allocation sites . §128(a) . An allocation applies to the costs of all response actions selected after the date of enactment . §130(a) . Allocations performed pursuant to (2) or (3) above shall not be construed to require payment of an orphan share, or the conferral of reimbursement rights . §132(b) Differentiates Mandatory, Requested (by a P .RP), and Permissive (if EPA considers it appropriate) Allocations . An allocation at a mandatory facility where a ROD has been signed prior to 6/15/95, and construction or operation and maintenance continues after that date, or at a non-mandatory allocation facility, will not require payment of an orphan share (subset . 1) or reimbursement (subset . I) . CRS-4 0 OC TIONS Provision H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) oratorium on Litigation and nforcement §132(c) sets a moratorium on litigation until 120 days after the allocator's report is issued, and a moratorium on §106 administrative orders of 180 days . §128(b) . The moratorium extends for 180 days after the allocator's report for new actions, and for 90 days for pending actions and §106 administrative orders . §130(b) . The moratorium extends for 90 days after the allocator's report for new and pending actions . Allocation Process Begins ; Search for PRPs §132(d) . Initiation of allocation process . EPA shall begin the search for PRPs as soon as practicable and . will publish the list of PRPs no later than 120 days after beginning the search ; any person may submit information concerning a PRY . §128(c) . The PRP search must be initiated within 60 days of the request for allocation ; and the initial list of PRPs must be published within 120 days of beginning the search . §130(c) . The PRP search must begin within 60 days of the commencement of the remedial investigation (RI) ; any person may submit information concerning a PRP . Selection of Allocator §132(e) . PRPs and a representative of the Fund elect the allocator. The bill identifies eligible allocators and unqualified allocators ; EPA designates the allocator if PRPs do not within 60 days . §128(d)-(f) . Similar provisions §130(e) . Similar pro sions, except EPA casts a vote for each identified but insolvent party . Also, if a PRP proposes a party for the allocation process who is found by the allocator not to be liable, the party's costs of participating in the allocation process, including attorney's fees, shall be borne by the PRP . §130(c) . A party assigned a zero share by the allocator will have his costs and attorney's fees paid by the PRP who named him . §132(f) . Within 30 days of selecting the allocator, EPA will provide him and the PRPs all required and potentially relevant information about the facility and the PRPs . §132(g) . Any person may submit information about the facility and PRPs to the allocator for 60 days. CRS-4 1 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Lists of Allocation Parties, and of De Mieromis Parties §132(g) . The allocator issues the final list of allocation parties (PRPs), and a list of de micromis parties within 120 days of the publication of the initial list . The listed de micromis parties have no further liability, including liability for contribution . §128(f) . The final list of allocation parties is due within 180 days of the issuance of the initial list of PRPs . No mention of de micromis party list. §130(c) . EPA issues a preliminary list of allocation parties within 18 months of commencement of the RI, and a final list within 120 days after that . Federal, State, and Local Agencies §132(h) . Any Federal, State, or local governmental agency named as a PRP is subject to, and entitled to the benefits of the allocation process as any other allocation party is . §128(g) . Similar provisio §130(t) . Similar pro ons regarding Federal agencies only, but no specific statement about representing the Fund. EPA or the Department of Justice (DOJ) represents the Fund in the allocation proceeding. No comparable provision . Private Allocation §132(i) . Any group of PRPs may submit a binding settlement to the allocator for any response action within the scope of the proceeding if it covers 100% of the cost of the action, and does not allocate a share to a non-signatory of the settlement nor to a person in the orphan share (§132(1)) . Signatories waive the right to seek recovery of costs . §128(h) . Similar pro ion, except the Fund representative may also participate as a signatory . §130(g) . Similar to H .R . 2500 . Allocator's Powers §132jj) . The allocator has information gathering and other powers . §128(i) and (k)-(1) . Similar provisions . PRPs have a duty to respond, and face civil and criminal penalties for failure to respond fully . §130(i)-(j) . Provisions are similar to H .R . 2500. §403(c) amends CERCLA §201(a)(1), clarifying the equal application of the Act to the U .S . Government. Sovereign immupity is waived, and the payment of service charges for such things as processing permits is approved . EPA may issue §106 orders to other Federal agencies. States may impose penalties and fines on Federal agencies. Federal agencies have the right of contribution protection when they have resolved their liability . CRS-4 2 LI Provision ITY ALLOCATIONS H . R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Allocator's Final Report The allocator shall issue his report specifying PRP cost shares within 180 days after the issuance of the final list of allocation parties; EPA may grant an additional 90 days for good cause . The allocation share for each PRP shall separately state percentage shares for activity prior to and after 12/11/80 . §128(i) . Similar provision, except that allocation shares are not broken down into pre- and post-12/11/80 shares . §130(h) . Similar provisions except allocation shares are not broken down into preand post-12/11/80 shares. Retroactivity §132(7 . State and local agencies and other tax-exempt parties pay only 50% of their allocated shares for activity prior to 12/ll/80 ; the other 50% is allocated to the orphan share . §201 adds new CERCLA §112(g) . PRPs may receive a reimbursement from the Fund for 50% of cleanup costs and natural resource damages referred to in §107(a), incurred after 10/18/95 for liability due to pre-1987 activity . No comparable pro Allocation of Shares ; and Retroactive, Strict, Joint and Several Liability §132(k) . The allocator prepares a nonbinding allocation of shares based on specified equitable factors, and without regard to joint and several liability . §128(j) . Similar provision . The House bill has two additional equitable factors for owner/operators. §130(h) . Similar provisions to 5 .1285, except that §130(w) states that this section does not affect retroactive, strict, joint and several liability under this title . o CRS-4 3 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision S . 1285 H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 Orphan Share §132(1) . The orphan share consists of: (A) the shares of insolvent or defunct parties ; (B) the 50% shares of tax-exempt parties under §1320 ; and (C) the remainder of any share not paid by a party where : (i) it was an expedited settlement with a person with limited ability to pay ; (ii) it was a de minimis party ; (iii) the party's share is limited or reduced by any provision of this Act ; or (iv) the person settled with U .S . before allocation was completed . §128(n) . The "fund reimbursable share" consists of the remainder of any share not paid by a party where : (i) the party had a de minimis exemption ; (ii) the party was entitled to a reimbursement under §112(g) ; or (iii) the party was entitled to an exemption or limitation under new §107(n) . §130(h). The orphan share consists of (i) the shares of identified, but insolvent parties ; (ii) the difference between the share attributable to parties who contrib= uted MSW or sewage sludge, and the share actually assumed by them, which is limited to 10% of the response costs ; (iii) the difference between the share attributable to parties with a limited ability to pay, and the share actually assumed by them; and (iv) shares attributable to small businesses that were eligible for an expedited settlement, but to whom EPA failed to make a timely settlement offer . A share attributed to a hazardous substance that cannot be attributed to any party will be distributed [does not say if equally] among the allocation parties and the orphan share . A share attributed to a hazardous substance that cannot be attributed to any party will be distributed [does not say if equally] among the allocation parties and the orphan share . CRS- 44 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision S . 1285 xemptions an Limitations of iability §305 adds CERCLA §107(p) . Exempts the owner of property contiguous to contaminated property from liability . A may grant the owner an assurance of no enforcement, and protection against ost recovery . H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H.R. 228 §203(a) adds new CERCLA §107(n), creating exemptions and limitations of (1) Pre-1987 de minimis contributors (defined as contributing less han 1%) . (2) Municipal landfills, used oil recycling facilities, and battery ecycling facilities listed on the NPL prior to 6-15-95, except for facilities owned or operated by the U .S ., or required to have a RCRA hazardous waste ermit . (3) municipal solid waste (MSW) sewage sludge, if person is a homeowner or renter, small business, or smal non-profit organization . (4) De micromi contributors (less than 55 gallons of liquid, or 100 pounds of solids) . (5) Facilities acquired by inheritance . (6) Govern mental entity that owned the road over which hazardous substances were transported, or that granted a license to conduct business . (7) Liability limit of 10% o to al cleanup costs for MSW and sewage sludge . (8) Liability limit of fair market value or proceeds of sale for a ch itable organization receiving the y after disposal took place . (9) Co ction contractor acting on the owner's orders . (10) Property contiguous to an NPL site . §403(a) and §404(e) . Adds §107(n) creatg exemptions from liability . Similar to he House bill for items (3)-(10), except hat for item (9) the exemption applies only to small business construction conactors, as defined . Does not mention ems (1) and (2) . so has a liability exemption for a bona de prospective purchaser, and for the .S . Government when responding to a atural disaster . CRS - 4 5 IAB Provision ALLOCATIO S H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Activities Contrary to a No comparable provision . §205 adds new §313 . The exemptions and limits of liability of §107(n), and the reimbursement of §112(g) shall not apply to any person whose liability is based on an act that was illegal at the time, "illegal" meaning to have violated Federal or State law governing hazardous substances . For purposes of §107(n)(1) and §112(g), the applicable statute of limitations shall be deemed to have expired on 1/1/92 . No comparable provision . De §132(m) . The allocator shall issue a list of de minimis parties in his report (or earlier) . Within 90 days EPA shall make a settlement offer to all de minimis parties, stated in dollars, based on an estimate of total cleanup costs . A de minimis party has 60 days to accept the offer ; he would have no further liability under Federal or State law . The de minimis proceeds will be held by EPA for timely payment to the person performing the response action . As noted above, de exempt from liabili §130(c)-(d) . EPA must make a written settlement offer to de minimis parties within 12 months and 60 days after the RI has begun . If a party does not reach agreement with EPA within 60 days thereafter, he is subject to the allocation . re n ties are If a small business does not receive a settlement offer within 120 days after the required deadline, it has no further liability unless the President determines that there is just cause for the delay . CRS- 4 6 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision Expedited Settlements Settlements Requiring Attorney General's Approval Duty to Respond H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . No comparable pro sion . §132(n)-(o) . Parties have a duty to answer the allocator's requests for information . Not responding, and falsely responding carry civil and criminal penalties. §214(1)-(3) amends CERCLA §122(g) . Expedited settlements are authorized for de minimis parties (contributed less than 1% by volume) ; arrangers for transport, and transporters of MSW and sewage sludge (liability limited to 10% of total costs) ; and a natural person, small business, or municipality with a limited ability to pay. §412 amends CERCLA §122(g) . Similar provisions. §211(4) amends CERCLA §122(g) . The eligibility requirements for a de minimis party to receive an expedited settlement may be waived, §409(4) . Similar §214(4) increases the mi o of a settlement embodied in an administrative order requiring the Attorney General's prior written approval from $500,000 to $2 million . §412(4) . Similar provisio Sec . 214(5) amends CERCLA sec . 122(h) authorizing agency and department heads to settle claims for response costs, fines, civil penalties, and punitive damages under $2 million without the Attorney General's prior written approval . §412(5) amends CERCLA §122(h) authorizing agency and department heads to settle claims for fines, civil penalties, and punitive damages under $300,000, and claims for total response costs under $2 million without the Attorney General's prior written approval . §128 . Similar §130(i)-(j) . Similar provisions . o o s o sion . CRS-47 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Documents §132(p) . The allocator shall maintain a document repository ; confidentiality of documents, their discovery and admissibility, etc . §128 . Similar provisions . §130(k) . Similar provisions . Rejection of Allocator's Report §132(q)-(r) . EPA and DOJ may jointly reject an allocation report within 180 days for irrationality, or bias, etc . A second rejected allocation report concerning the same response action may be judicially reviewed . Additional rules . §128(o)-(p) . Similar provisions, except EPA and DOJ have 120 days to reject the report . §130(1)-(m) . Similar to S . 1285, but if EPA and DOJ reject a second report, the President may commence an action under §107 (liability) . Settlement Provisions; Annual Report §132(s) . Provisions of settlements based on allocations, and limits to premiums for litigation risk faced by the U.S . ; annual report to Congress on the allocation process . §128(q) . Similar provisions except no report to Congress . §130(o) and (v) . Similar provisions . Orphan Share Reimbursement §132(t) . EPA shall promptly reimburse the allocation parties for costs attributable to the orphan share . No comparable provision . §130(q)-(r) . Similar provisions . Sets a limit on orphan shares paid from the Fund of $300 million per year . Administrative Order Reimbursement §132(u) . An allocation party ordered to perform a response action is entitled to prompt reimbursement of costs in excess of his share . §128(r) . Similar provisions . §130(o) and (q) . Similar provisions . Municipal Landfill Reimbursement No comparable provision . §202(a) adds new CERCLA §112(h) . PRPs performing a response action at a municipal landfill after the date of the bill's introduction are eligible for reimbursement if they are covered by the (new) municipal landfill exemption (new §107(n)(2)) . No comparable pro §202(b) . Adds new §112(i) . Rules for Reimbursement . 'on CRS- 4 8 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Post-Settlement Litigation §132(v) . Recovering costs by EPA from allocation parties ; what costs are recoverable . §128(s) . Similar pro New Information §132(w) . New information may lead to a new allocation if certain conditions are met . §128(t) . Similar provision . §130(n) . Similar provision . Allocator's Discretion §132(x) . EPA shall not limit the allocator's discretion . §128(u) . Similar provision . §130(s) . Similar provision . Representation of United States and a State No comparable provision . No comparable provision . §130(u) . EPA, DOJ, and a delegated State have a right to participate in the allocation process . ion §130(p) . Similar provisions; also, the admissibility in court of the allocator's report . CRS-4 9 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision S . 1285 Response Action Contractors (RAC9) §502(a) amends CERCLA §101(20), definition of "owner or operator", to exclude response action contractors (RACs) . H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §210 amends CERCLA §119 . §210(d) . The liability of PACs shall be determined in accordance with §119 . §502(b)-(i) amends §119 . §502(b) . The existing exemption of RACs from liability under Federal law is extended to State law . (continued on next page) H .R . 228 §130(x) . A person who is potentially liable solely as a RAC with respect to a facility, shall not be named as an allocation party at that facility . §408 amends CERCLA §119. §408(a) . The liability of RACs shall be determined in accordance with §119 . §210(a). Similar provision, and also extends exemption to local law . However, this section does not apply if a State adopts a law concerning RAC liability after enactment of this Act . No comparable provision . Conduct of RACs will be evaluated based on standards and practices in effect at that time and place . §210(a) . Similar provision . No comparable provision . An activity performed in accordance with an EPA-approved plan is not negligence . No comparable provision . §408(b) . There is no liability for testing or implementing an alternative or innovative technology if its use is approved by EPA . §502(c) . Indemnification authority may apply to claims under Federal or State law. §210(b) . Similar provision, and also applies to local law. §408(c) . Similar provision, and indemnification authority also covers common law. §502(d) . The decision to indemnify will be based on availability of insurance . No comparable provisio §408(e). Similar provision ; and EPA will also consider the adequacy of competition in response to solicitations. §502(e) . Threatened releases may be indemnified, as well as releases . §210(c) . Similar prov o §408(d) . Similar provision . CRS- 50 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision Response Action Contractors (RACs) (continued from previous page) H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §502(f) . Indemnification covers all response actions . §210(g) . Similar provisio No comparable provision . §502(g) . Subcontractors are also included . No comparable provision . §404(e) adds CERCLA §107(o) . A small business construction contractor (as defined) shall not be liable if his activities were in accord with a contract with the owner or operator of the facility . §502(h) . Surety bond p o sion is extended beyond 12/31/95, §210(f) . Similar provision . §408(f) . The surety bond provision is extended to 12/31/99 . §502(i) . Establishes a 7-year statute of repose . §210(e) . Sets a limit of 6 years after work is completed on actions against RACs . No comparable provision . EPA's Information Gathering and Access §503(a) . Amends §104(e) to make information available to the public 14 days after it is obtained . §216 . Similar, only makes information available to the public after 45 days . No comparable pro Also applies the confidentiality requirements to contractors, and amends the general confidentiality requirement regarding information obtained by EPA, §401. Similar to H.R. 2500 . Also authorizes EPA to demand additional information, and to require the informant to certify it ; and authorizes administrative subpoenas . No Withholding Information from Congress No comparable provision . §216(d) clarifies that CERCLA §104(e) does not authorize withholding information from Congress . §401(f) . Clarifies that §104(e) does not authorize withholding information from Congress . Release of Evidence §503(b) . Amends §106(a) and §122(e)(1) to require that evidence of each element of liability is presented to PRPs . §206(a) and §211(3) . Similar provisions . §402(b) and §409(3) . Similar provisions . on CRS- 5 1 ALLOC T O S Provision Administrative Orders H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . §206(a) . Amends §106(a) . Administrative orders may not be amended by EPA unless there is a subsequent finding of imminent and substantial endangerment . §402(a) . CERCLA §106 administrative orders may be amended without a subsequent finding of imminent and substantial endangerment . §402(c) clarifies the meaning of "sufficient cause" regarding the failure to comply with a §106 administrative order . Contribution Protection §504(a) clarifies CERCLA §113(f)(2) that PRPs who have resolved their liability with the U.S, or a State are not liable for contribution claims or cost recovery No comparable pro o No comparable pro 'o (b) Writes new definitions in §101'. "allocated share", "de micromis party", "de minimis party", and "orphan share" . Religious, Charitable, Scientific, and Educational Organizations §505(a) . Amends §101(20), definition of "owner or operator", to include religious, charitable, scientific, and educational organizations. No comparable provision. §403(a) . Similar provisions . (b) Limits the liability of these organizations for a facility received as a gift to its fair market value . Common Carriers §506 . Clarifies §107(b)(3) regarding liability of common carriers . §204(b) . Similar . §404(d) . Similar provision . . Railroads §507 . Adds §107(s) to limit the liability of a railroad owner or operator of a spur track . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . Triple Damages No comparable provision . §204(a) . Clarifies triple punitive damages provision of §107(c)(3) . § 0 (c) . Similar o ion . CRS-5 2 LIABILITY ALLOCATIONS Provision H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Cost Recovery Actions No comparable provision . §208. Clarifies §113(g) concerning the period during which action may be brought for . recovery of costs : generally, within 3 years of completion of a removal action, and within 6 years of completion of a remedial action . §405, Similar o ion . Contribution Actions No comparable provision . §209 . Clarifies §113(f) concerni bution actions . §406 . Similar o ion . Recycling No comparable prov on §215 adds CERCLA §129 exempting recyclers from liability if they can make certain threshold demonstrations ; it applies to scrap paper, plastic, glass, textiles, rubber (other than whole tires), metal, and batteries . §414 adds CERCLA §129 . Similar provisions . Oversight Costs No comparable pro 'on No comparable pro 'on §404(a) directs EPA to calculate its response action oversight costs on a national basis as a percentage of total response costs ; the rate shall not exceed 10% . PRPs are liable for these costs . Pollutant and Contaminant No comparable provision . No comparable pro o §404(b) . Liability for pollutants and contaminants is identical to that for hazardous substances only if they are a danger to health, and are not associated with the production or extraction of hydrocarbons, including gas, petroleum, etc. EPA's Authority to Promulgate Regulations No comparable provision . No comparable provision . contri- §407 rewrites CERCLA §115 restating EPA's authority to promulgate regulations, and specifically affirms the validity of EPA's lender liability rule of 4/29/92 . CRS- 5 3 AB Provision ALLOC ON H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) ancial uments No comparable provision . §211 adds CERCLA §122(p) to authorize the use of annuity contracts and other financial instruments by PRPs to make payments for response costs over a period of time . No comparable provision . Cost Recovery Challenges No comparable provision . §211 adds CERCLA §122(q)-(r) permitting a PRP to challenge the cost recovery component of a settlement when a contribution action is barred, by suing EPA (or an authorized State) . An unsuccessful challenger is liable for attorney's fees . No comparable provision . Authority to Hire No comparable provision . §212 adds CERCLA §122(s) authorizing EPA to hire neutral professionals to assist in §122 settlement negotiations . §410 . Similar to H .R . 2500 . Final Covenants Not to Sue No comparable provision . §213 amends CERCLA §122(f) requiring EPA to offer final covenants not to sue to settling parties who meet defined conditions and pay a premium ; the premium may be waived or reduced for inability to pay. Discretionary covenants not to sue are also authorized, when in the public interest, in settlements that do not qualify for a final covenant . §411 . Similar to H .R . 2500 . CRS-5 4 DE Provision C S H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Transfer of uthorities §601 rewrites CERCLA §120(g) . §120(g)(1) . Defines for §120 "interagency agreement", "transfer agreement", and "transferee State" . §601 rewrites CERCLA §120(g) . No comparable provision . S ate ication §120(g)(2) . A State may apply to EPA to exercise EPA's authorities at any facility owned or operated by the U .S . in the State. H.R. 2500 does not distinguish between Federal and non-Federal facilities in establishing procedures or authority for delegation . No comparable pro o T nsfer of orities §120(g)(3) . EPA shall agree to the transfer if: (1) the State has adequate legal authority, financial and personnel resources, organization, and expertise ; (2) the State has demonstrated experience with similar authorities ; (3) the State agrees to be bound by Federal requirements of §129 governing the design and implementation of the facility evaluation, remedial action plan, and remedial design ; and (4) the State agrees to be bound by any interagency agreements (under §120) in effect at the time . If there is no interagency agreement, within 120 days the State shall agree with the agency that owns the facility on a process for resolution of any disputes regarding remedy selection . EPA shall not impose any other terms or conditions on the State . No comparable provision . §120(g)(1) . Similar o 'o CRS-5 5 FEDERAL FACILITIES Provision Effect of Transfer H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §120(g)(4) . The transfer gives the State exclusive authority to determine the manner in which those authorities are implemented . §120(g)(3) . Nothing shall affect the exercise by a State of any other authorities that may be applicable to Federal facilities in the State . Existing interagency agreements are unchanged, except for the State replacing EPA . §120(g)(2) . Similar provision . Selected Remedial Action §120(8)(5) . A remedial action selected by a transferee State is the only one required to be conducted, except for a RCRA corrective action initiated prior to enactment of this section . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . EPA Approval of State Application §120(g)(6)-(8) . EPA must act on a State's application for transfer of authority within 120 days, or it is deemed to have been granted . If an application is disapproved a second time, it is subject to judicial review . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . Withdrawal of Authorities §120(8)(9) . EPA may withdraw the transferred authorities for cause, as specified . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . State Cost Responsibility §120(g)(10) . A State may require a remedial action exceeding Federal standards if the State pays the incremental costs . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . No comparable provision . CRS- 56 D Provision ACI TIES H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Dispute Resolution and Enforcement § .120(g)(11) . A dispute over a remedial action proposed by a Federal agency shall be resolved at the final level by the agency head and the State Governor . If no agreement is reached ., the Governor shall make the final decision . An interagency agreement is enforceable in U .S . district court . The court may enforce compliance, impose civil penalties not to exceed $25,000 per day, and review a challenge by the Federal agency in accordance with §113(j) . Community Participation 120(g)(12) . If, prior to 6/15/95, a Federa gency had established a communityased advisory group for a facility, it may continue its activities, but would not be eligible for a technical assistance grant . §120(g)(1) . Similar provisions . o comparable o io H .R . 228 No comparable provision . No comparable provision . CRS- 5 7 FEDERAL FACILITIES Provision Department of orgy ronmental Cleanup Requirements S 285 §602(a) . Defines "civil or criminal sanetion", and "Department of Energy environmental cleanup requirement" for use in this section . §602(b) . Within 120 days of enactment, the Secretary of Energy, after notice and opportunity for comment by Federal, State, and local agencies, shall submit a list to Congress specifying the Dept . of Energy (DOE) environmental cleanup requirements that cannot be carried out with the funds appropriated specifically for that purpose . For FY 1997 and annually thereafter the Secretary shall provide the President information on DOE's budgetary needs, and a list of environmental cleanup requirements that cannot be met within DOE's budget request for that fiscal year, together with other information . The President shall submit that information to Congress with the annual budget request . After funds have been appropriated, DOE shall revise the list to reflect any differences between the budget request and funds appropriated . DOE Civil or Criminal Sanctions and Judicial Review §602(c) . No civil or criminal action may be sought against the U .S ., its employees, or contractors for a failure to comply with a DOE environmental cleanup requirement because of lack of funds. §602(d) . A decision by the President or DOE in preparing a list shall not be subject to judicial review . 2 00 (So co to -A o d) 228 CRS-5 8 FEDERAL FACILITIES Provision S . 1285 H .R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Innovative Technologies for Remedial Action at Federal Facilities . §603(a) adds CERCLA §311(h) . A Federal facility on the NPL may be designated by the President for research, development, and application of innovative technologies for remedial action at the facility . EPA will coordinate such activities . §602(a) adds CERCLA §311(h) . Similar provision . §603(b) amends §311(e) . The annual report to Congress shall include information on the §311(h) research activities . §602(b) amends CERCLA §311(e) . Similar provision. Federal Facility Listing on the NPI, §604 amends CERCLA §120(d) . The listing of Federal facilities on the NPL may provide notice that specified uncontaminated parcels are excluded . §607 . Similar provision . No comparable provision . Federal Facility Listing Deferral §605 amends §120(d)(3) . An appropriate factor to be taken into account in placing sites on the National Priorities List is the extent to which the Federal land-holding agency has arranged with EPA or a State to respond to the release under other legal authorities . §606 . Similar No comparable pro Transfers of Uncontaminated property §606 amends §120(h)(4)(A) . Federal property to be transferred that is identified as uncontaminated shall never have had hazardous substances or petroleum products stored upon it, instead of storage having been allowed upon it for up to a year, as present law allows . §604. Similar pro sion . §603 . Similar provision . Demonstration to Governor of Successful Remedy No comparable provision . §603 amends §120(h)(3) . With regard to a Federal facility that is not on the NPL, it must be demonstrated to the State Governor, rather than the Administrator, that the remedy is operating successfully . §602 amends §120(h)(3) . Similar provision . o ion . H.R. 228 No comparable pro on 'o CRS-59 ED Provision Agreements to Transfer by eed Applicability of CERCLA to ederal Entities and Facilities (continued on nex page) S 285 o comparable provision . No comparable o ion . tAL AC S H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . §604 adds §120(h)(5) . A U .S . agency may agree to transfer real property or facilities by deed prior to the entering of such deed . §605 rewrites CERCLA §120(a)(1) concerning the applicability of CERCLA to the U .S . government . (A)-(B) . The U .S . is subject to all Federal, State, interstate, and local substantive and procedural requirements, including administrative orders, and penalties and fines . (C) . The U .S. will pay reasonable service charges . (D) . Neither the U .S . nor its employees is immune from any process or sanction of a State or Federal court . (E) . No U .S . employee is personally liable for any civil penalty related to his official duties, but is subject to criminal sanctions . No U.S . agency is subject to criminal sanctions . (F) . The waiver of sovereign immunity does not apply to a State law applied more stringently to the U .S . than to others . (G) . This section applies only to the liability of the U .S . under §§106 and 107 . §615 similarly rewrites CERCLA §120(a)(1) . §120(a)(1)(A)-(G) are similar . CRS- 60 FEDERAL FACILITIES Provision pplicability of CERCLA to Federal Entities and Facilities (continue from previous page) S . 1285 No comparable provision . H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) H .R . 228 (H) . EPA or a delegated State may issue a §106 administrative order to any agency of any branch of the U .S . government, but it is not final until the agency has ad the opportunity to confer with the P nt or the delegated State . ( ) . EPA may issue a §106 administrative order to any agency of any branch o the U .S . government, but it is not final until the agency head has had the opporty to confer with the EPA Adminisor . Unless a previously enacted State law or State constitution requires otherwise, penalties and fines collected from the U.S . shall be used only to improve or protect the environment or to defray the costs of environmental protection or enforcement . (I) . U .S, agencies have the right to contribution protection . ( ) . Similar o §605(3) deletes §120(a)(4), which gives States authority over Federal facilities of on the National Priorities List . §6 5(3) . Similar pro 'o 'o CRS-6 1 ED C ES H .R . 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Interagency Agreements at Mixed Ownership Facilities No comparable provision . No comparable provision . Annual Studies of Environmental Priorities at Federal Facilities No comparable provision . §608 . Each Federal agency shall conduct a study each year to determine environmental management priorities at its facilities on the NPL, and report to Congress within 90 days of the enactment of its annual appropriation. The study shall not impair the agency's obligations to comply with requirements agreed to under §120, unless the requirements have been addressed or waived, without objection from the State or Federal regulating agency. §601 amends §120(e) . A Federal agency that owns or operates a facility at which it exercised no control over the activities that resulted in a release of hazardous substances is subject to the cleanup requirements of §120(e), unless it demonstrates that the agency was not the primary cause, the activities were pursuant to a statutory authority and occurred before 1976, and those responsible are financially viable and capable of performing or financing the response action . If the conditions are not met, the agency is subject to the cleanup requirements . If they are met, the agency may issue §106 orders ; if the person seeks reimbursement, the agency (not the Fund) shall pay . If the agency fails to obtain performance within 12 months, the exception provided by this paragraph is void, and the agency shall commence a remedial investigation/feasibility study within 6 months. o comparable provision, CRS-6 2 RAL ACIL Provision Judicial Removals S H.R. 2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) No comparable provision . §609 . Any action initiated in any State or local court against the U .S . regarding hazardous substances may be removed by the U .S, to the appropriate U .S . district court . H.R. 228 No comparable provision . CRS-63 NATURAL RESOURCES DAMAGE ASSESS Provision Restoration of Natural Resource amages : Definitions H .R .2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §701 amends §101 of CERCLA by defining "natural resource", "commitment for use", "baseline", "compensatory restoration", "ecological service", "primary restoration", and "restoration" . §401 amends CERCLA §107 to define "restoration", "reasonable restoration measures", "cost-effective", "cost-reasonable", "timely", and "baseline condition" . No comparable ro ion . §804 amends §1006 of the Oil Pollution Act with new definitions for "cost-effective," cost-reasonable," and "timely ." As ssing/ Me atural Resource amages §701 also amends CERCLA §107 provisions concerning the costs and damages for which a party would be liable, as well as limiting liability. §401 amends CERCLA §107 to specify covered damages, limit liability, define terms and specify damage measurement conditions . §702 amends CERCLA section 107(f)(2), specifying conditions for natural resource damage assessments, conditions for judicial review and trustee decisions . It also amends CERCLA §301 . to require that regulations be issued and specifies the contents of those regulations . §801 amends §1006 of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to ensure cost-effective restoration, rehabilitation, replacement, or acquisition of natural resources . The section would require that plans consider natural recovery as a means of natural resource restoration . §704 includes amendments relating to potential liability, statute of limitations, and the period for filing actions . §803 amends §1006(e) of the Oil Pollution Act to require the issuance of regulations by August 18, 1998, with requirements for damage assessments and the appointment of a lead trustee . §802 amends §1006(d) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to change current language to include "reasonable and necessary " costs and other changes in measurement of damages. No comparable provision . CRS- 64 N Provision Consistency Between Response and Restoration ESOU C S DAM E S SS H .R .2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) §703 amends CERCLA §107(f) to require consistency in trustee-selected restoration standards ; amends CERCLA §106(a) and §121(a) concerning limitations on response actions . No comparable provision. No comparable provision . CRS- 6 5 APPROPRIATIONS H.R.2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) Authorizing Appropriations from the Fund §901 amends CERCLA §111 to authorize appropriations from the Fund of $8 .5 billion for a 5-year period, FYs 1996 to 2000. No comparable provision . §701 amends CERCLA section 111(a) to authorize $9 .6 billion for a 6-year period, FY1995-2000 . Uses of the Fund, and Limitations No comparable provision . §1001 strikes out CERCLA §111(a)-(e), including authority to use the Fund for technical assistance grants, ATSDR activities, occupational safety and health, and worker training . It makes available, after 1/1/96, appropriated and other funds for response, removal, remediation, private response claims, acquisition, state/local costs, and contracts/cooperative agreements ; and limits natural resource damage funds to $50 million per year for FY1996-1998 and $100 million annually thereafter . §616 amends CERCLA §111(c)(12) increasing authorized funding for worker training and education grants to $30 million per year for FY1996-2000 . §1001 also limits funding for administration, oversight, support, studies, design, investigations, monitoring, assessment, evaluation, and enforcement to 25% of the total for FYs 1996-1998, and 20% for FY 1999 and thereafter . §103 authorizes $20 million per year for technical assistance grants . Uses - Orphan Share Funding §902 amends CERCLA §111 to allow payment of orphan shares as a use of the Fund . No comparable prove on §702 amends CERCLA §111 to allow payment of orphan shares as a use of the Fund . §413 adds a new §130(r) which authorizes $300 million per year for payment of orphan shares. CRS- 6 6 AP RO T O S HI.R.2500 (Subcommittee-Approved) lees - ATSDR nding §903 amends CERCLA §111 to authorize the appropriation of funds for ATSDR activities to $50 million for FYs 19962000 . §1001 strikes out CERCLA §111(c)(4) authorizing use of the Fund for ATSDR activities . §703 amends CERCLA §111 to authorize appropriations for ATSDR at $100 million annually for FYs 1996-2000 ; and $20 million for health services . Research unding §904 sets limits for FY1996-2000 of $20 million per year for alternative or innovative technologies research, development, and demonstration programs, $20 mi [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/crs%3A95-1129. Public record. Not legal advice.