Superfund and groundwater remediation:Another perspective

A previous paper by Travis and Doty had made 6 policy recommendations for groundwater remediation at Superfund sites. These were: early action; reduction of contaminant mass and the containment of plumes of pollution; emphasis on control of contaminants at sites; priority to aquifers of high quality and use; admission that aquifer restoration was unachievable; and the abandonment of chemical specific clean-up goals. In fact, the first 4 recommendations were either explicit or implied in Superfund policy, as demonstrated by several decisions. The last 2 were unacceptable because they would cause the abandonment of reasonable regulatory goals and reduce the incentive to improve remediation techniques. Where total clean-up proved impossible, a waiver could be granted to regularize the position and avoid excessive expenditure.