Final answer:
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, known as Superfund, assigns accountability for the cleanup of hazardous sites. Managed by the EPA and supported by laws like the RCRA, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act, it aims to protect public health and the environment from hazardous substances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal law that assigns accountability for the cleanup of hazardous sites in the environment is known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly referred to as Superfund. The program is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and was established to address and clean up sites contaminated with hazardous substances. Superfund sites that pose significant risks to public health and the environment are placed on the National Priorities List and are given special attention for cleanup efforts.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) complements the Superfund program by providing a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste from its creation to its disposal, a concept known as 'cradle to grave.' Additionally, the EPA also works under other important environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, which play crucial roles in maintaining and improving air and water quality standards, respectively.
Historic events like the Love Canal tragedy highlighted the need for rigorous hazardous waste site management, which ultimately led to the creation of Superfund. Even though substantial progress has been made in cleaning up many sites, continuing efforts are required to address the remaining sites that present ongoing risks to health and the environment.