Which agency oversees the Superfund program?

The agency that oversees the Superfund program is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Superfund program was established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in 1980, primarily to manage the cleanup of hazardous waste sites that pose a risk to human health and the environment. The EPA is responsible for identifying, investigating, and cleaning up these contaminated sites, and it also oversees the responsible parties involved in pollution to ensure they comply with cleanup regulations.

The EPA’s role includes evaluating site conditions and assessing risks, coordinating with state and local entities, and ensuring public involvement in the decision-making process regarding site remediation. Their expertise in environmental protection and regulation makes them uniquely suited to handle the complexities of hazardous waste management under the Superfund program.

In contrast, the other agencies mentioned do not have direct responsibility for hazardous waste cleanup. The Department of Transportation primarily deals with travel and transport regulations; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focuses on workplace safety; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is involved in disaster response and recovery efforts rather than environmental cleanup.