With lots of sites still needing cleanup, why is EPA using resources revisiting sites already cleaned up?
EPA has a commitment to protect human health and the environment at Superfund sites, now and in the future. Actions taken at sites already cleaned up are often necessary to make sure that the remedy in place is maintaining its long-term protectiveness. Actions that accommodate the return of cleaned-up sites to productive use can often make an important contribution to maintaining the integrity of the remedy, because if a site is in use the presence of the user helps to prevent or discourage prohibited and destructive activities such as midnight dumping, vandalism, or ATV racing that can damage remedial components and undermine cleanup objectives. Returning sites to productive use also can produce benefits for communities, outcomes that EPA welcomes as a matter of good public policy. The very small amount of resources EPA will expend on the sites under this Initiative are a necessary part of ensuring the long-term protectiveness of the remedies. Resources for minor changes to remedies,
