Texas Crammer Practice Exam

What term does the EPA use to describe contaminated properties where hazardous waste is located?

1. Brownfield sites

2. Superfund sites

3. Environmental hazard zones

4. Contaminated zones

The correct answer is: Superfund sites

The term used by the EPA to describe contaminated properties where hazardous waste is located is "Superfund sites." This designation comes from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), enacted in 1980, which was established to facilitate the cleanup of sites that are contaminated with hazardous substances. Superfund sites are prioritized for cleanup based on the level of environmental and health risks they pose. The Superfund program identifies these locations, assesses the contamination, and coordinates efforts to cleanup and manage the risks to the public and the environment. In contrast, brownfield sites refer to properties that may be contaminated but are less hazardous than Superfund sites, often awaiting redevelopment. While "Environmental hazard zones" and "Contaminated zones" are terms that imply areas with potential environmental risks, they do not have the specific legal meaning or the comprehensive cleanup framework associated with Superfund sites. Thus, the correct choice highlights a specific program administered by the EPA that deals with serious hazardous contamination and remediation processes.