Hazardous Substances
EPA's Superfund Emergency Response program provides quick response to the release, or threatened release, of hazardous substances wherever and whenever they occur. It is one of two major components of the Superfund response program designed to protect human health and the environment from the multiple threats posed by hazardous substances. The program's top priorities are below:
The program is a vital part in the nation's efforts to reduce and eliminate the threats from hazardous substances releases. EPA responses to Superfund emergencies are implemented through its 10 Superfund Regions, and are characterized by a system that includes federal, state, and local cooperation, the National Response System, and between government and industry. Due to the pervasiveness of hazardous substances in our society, however, the broad range of emergencies to which EPA must respond can never be completely eliminated. The Superfund Emergency Response program is prepared to use its response authorities to their fullest extent, today and in the future, to protect the public and the environment from immediate threats posed by hazardous substances. |