Superfund: Number and Value of Natural Resource Damage Claims

GAO discussed the number and value of natural resource damage claims under the Superfund Program. GAO noted that: (1) 98 natural resource damage settlements had been reached as of April 1995, totalling about $106 million; (2) in comparison, responsible parties had settled Superfund cleanup agreements valued at about $10.2 billion through fiscal year 1994; (3) some outstanding cases may involve substantial sums; and (4) an uncertain number of government facilities may be subject to large damage claims, which could significantly impact the federal budget.