Superfund

Under federal law, parties responsible for the release of hazardous substances are liable for damages to natural resources caused by the release. GAO reported in April 1996 on settlements for the five largest federal natural resource damage cases. (See GAO/RCED-96-71.) This follow-up report finds that settlements have been reached at an additional 62 sites as of July 1996, resulting in $33.8 million in awards to federal trustees. About 80 percent of the funds awarded had been collected. Of the collected funds, about 19 percent had been allocated for performing damage assessments, planning, or restoration. One site had been restored, and seven were in various stages of restoration. The trustees' use of the remaining 81 percent of the collected money was awaiting the completion of restoration plans or other activities, such as cleanups or settlements with other responsible parties at the same site.

GAO found that: (1) as of July 1, 1996, in addition to the settlements for the 5 largest cases, settlements had been reached at 62 sites, resulting in $33.8 million in awards to federal trustees; (2) about 80 percent of the $33.8 million awarded had been collected; (3) about 19 percent of the collected funds had been allocated for performing damage assessments, planning, or restoration; (4) one site had been restored, and seven were in various stages of restoration; and (5) the trustees' use of the remaining 81 percent of the collected funds was awaiting the completion of restoration plans or other activities, such as cleanups or settlements with other responsible parties at the same site.