DA - Hazardous Materials Management Division - Site Cleanup
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Site Cleanup
Background

In August 1985, USDA initiated a nationwide inventory to determine the size and scope of existing and potential environmental problems associated with hazardous materials on USDA-managed lands and former USDA facilities. The inventory identified numerous sites involving storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. The inventory also identified thousands of potential sites with releases or potential releases of hazardous substances, including underground fuel and chemical storage tanks, abandoned mines, landfills, dumps, trespass dumps, and illegal drug lab wastes. Many of these site problems are attributable to the activity of non-USDA parties on lands under USDA jurisdiction, custody, or control. USDA aggressively employs its authorities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and related executive orders to expedite cleanups.

Appropriations

The Hazardous Materials Management Appropriation (HMMA) provides critical funding for cleanup actions. HMMA was established in 1988 to provide targeted funding for priority hazardous materials cleanup projects. USDA prioritizes cleanups to ensure that the most significant liabilities are addressed first in order to protect human health and the environment and preserve natural resources. HMMA funds are distributed annually to USDA agencies including the Forest Service, Agricultural Research Service, Farm Service Agency, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Food Safety and Inspection Service for priority projects.


Responsibilities Include:

  • Recommend policies regarding management and cleanup
  • Develop recommended annual HMMA funding priorities for Hazardous Materials Policy Council approval
  • Manage HMMA account
  • Prepare HMMA budget requests, annual performance plans, and accomplishments reports, using data submitted by the agencies
  • Provide guidance, assistance, and oversight of compliance with hazardous materials requirements by USDA programs and facilities.

Site Cleanup
Policy and Guidance
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended
Executive Order 12580 - Superfund Implementation
Executive Order 13016 - (Amendment to Executive Order No. 12580)
Resources and Tools
FS AML Program
Focus Projects
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