THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA OR SUPERFUND)

legislation passed in 1980 and amended in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA); provides for short-term actions called removal actions in response to accidents and improper handling of hazardous materials which pose an immediate threat to human health and safety. It also provides for long-term actions called remedial actions for cleanups of other sites which pose no immediate threat to public safety.