Associate Environmental Professional Certification Practice Exam

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) was passed in 1986. This legislation was an amendment to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as the Superfund law. SARA made several significant changes to the Superfund program, emphasizing the need for permanent remedies and innovative treatment technologies in addition to the previously established cleanup processes. It also established a community right-to-know provision, which requires that information about hazardous substances be made available to the public, enhancing transparency and community involvement in environmental decisions. The timing of this amendment reflects the growing awareness of environmental issues during the 1980s, as well as the need for more rigorous standards in the handling of hazardous waste sites. Understanding the historical context and the impact of SARA is crucial for grasping the evolving landscape of environmental regulation in the United States.