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Superfund Program: Activities of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Department of Justice

RCED-99-85 Published: Mar 18, 1999. Publicly Released: Apr 08, 1999.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the use of Superfund resources by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), focusing on the: (1) amount and purpose of Superfund money provided to ATSDR for fiscal years (FY) 1996 and 1997 and the processes this agency follows to ensure that Superfund funds are used for authorized activities; (2) ways in which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses ATSDR's health consultations and assessments in making cleanup decisions for Superfund sites; and (3) amount and purpose of Superfund money provided to DOJ in fiscal years 1996 and 1997, and the processes DOJ follows to ensure that Superfund funds are used for authorized purposes.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congress should amend the requirement that ATSDR conduct a detailed health assessment at each site proposed for listing on the National Priorities List in order to provide ATSDR with more flexibility in choosing the appropriate health-related product or service that will best meet EPA's and other users' needs.
Closed – Implemented
The Conference report for EPA's FY2000 appropriations reduced ATSDR's appropriation by $6 million from its FY1999 level, and the Conference report made the legislative change GAO recommended, relieving ATSDR of the requirement of preparing health assessments for all Superfund sites.

Full Report

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Topics

Environmental monitoringFunds managementHealth hazardsIndustrial wastesInteragency relationsPublic health researchReporting requirementsToxic substancesToxic substances and disease registryWaste disposalHazardous waste sites