Liability - Exemptions

This category includes documents that discuss the various exemptions to CERCLA liability that are available.

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PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA - (4/19/24) Memorandum provides direction about how the EPA will exercise its enforcement discretion under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) in matters involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/pfas-enforcement-discretion-and-settlement-policy-under-cercla (PDF 375K)

Agreement with Third-Parties to Support the Cleanup and Reuse at Sites on the Superfund National Priorities List - (4/17/18) Memorandum encourages Regions to consider more frequent use of site-specific agreements with third parties at sites on the Superfund National Priorities List. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/third-party-agreements-support-cleanup-and-reuse-superfund-npl-sites (PDF 1201K)

Enforcement Discretion Guidance Regarding the Affiliation Language of CERCLA's Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser and Contiguous Property Owner Liability Protections - (9/21/11) Memorandum assists EPA personnel in, on site-specific basis, exercising the Agency's enforcement discretion regarding the affiliation language contained in the Superfund statute. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-affiliation-language-cerclas-bfpp-and-cpo-liability-protections (PDF 180 K)

CERCLA Lender Liability Exemption: Updated Questions and Answer - (7/1/07) Updated fact sheet highlights the main rules and EPA policy governing CERCLA environmental liability for secured creditors (lenders) for the cleanup of contaminated property. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/fact-sheet-updated-questions-and-answers-cercla-lender-liability-exemption (PDF 62 KB)

Model Application/Information Request for the Service Station Dealer Exemption under Section 114(c) of CERCLA - (11/8/04) Transmittal memorandum and model language document application/information request for service station dealers exemption under CERCLA https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/model-applicationinformation-request-service-station-dealer-exemption-under-cercla (PDF 55 K)

Interim Guidance on the Municipal Solid Waste Exemption Under CERCLA Section 107(p) - (8/20/03) This interim guidance discusses CERCLA section 107(p) and identifies some factors EPA and DOJ will consider in exercising enforcement discretion with MSW generators at NPL sites. Supplements the 12/6/1989 and 2/5/1998 municipal settlement policy documents. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/interim-guidance-municipal-solid-waste-exemption-under-superfund (PDF 1,334K)

Revised Settlement Policy and Contribution Waiver Language Regarding Exempt De Micromis and Non-Exempt De Micromis Parties - (11/6/02) Memo transmits revised policy & model contribution waiver language re new Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act. Includes 5 attachments of model language. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-settlement-policy-contribution-waiver-language-regarding-de-micromis-parties (PDF 480 KB)

Superfund Recycling Equity Act of 1999: Factors to Consider in a CERCLA Enforcement Case - (8/31/02) Guidance addresses some of the key factors the Agency may consider, and has been developed in the exercise of the Agency's enforcement discretion. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-superfund-recycling-equity-act-exemption-factors (PDF 178 K)

Use of CERCLA Section 114(c) Service Station Dealers Exemption - (5/31/02) Interim final policy providing a brief description of the service station dealer exemption under CERCLA for accepting used motor oil from do-it-yourselfer recyclers. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-superfunds-service-station-dealers-exemption (PDF 997 KB)

Municipal Immunity from CERCLA Liability for Property Acquired through Involuntary State Action - (10/20/95) Memorandum sets forth EPA and DOJ policy regarding the government's enforcement of CERCLA against lenders and against government entities that acquire property involuntarily. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-municipal-immunity-cercla-liability-property-acquired-through-involuntary-state (PDF 279 KB)

Scope of the CERCLA Petroleum Exclusion Under Sections 101(14) and 104(a)(2) - (7/31/87) Memorandum discusses whether contaminants in used oil or any other petroleum substance are within CERCLA's petroleum exclusion. https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-scope-cercla-petroleum-exclusion (PDF 497 KB)

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