POL-405 logo
Course ID: POL - 405
May 11 - 12, 2010, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
EOS Alliance- Headquarters
650 South Orcas Street, Suite 220
Seattle, WA 98108
PHONE: (206) 762-1976 | FAX: (206) 762-1979

Instructor: Kelly Robberson, J.D.


Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Brochure PDF | Course Catalog
Description: This course provides an overview of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Liability and Compensation Act (“CERCLA”) and its associated regulations and policies. The course will familiarize participants with the components of the law itself (e.g. liability, enforcement, recovering costs, reporting, documentation, etc.), including the individual stages of the cleanup process. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and case studies participants will gain an understanding of the law and its requirements as well as the tools and resources needed during a CERCLA enforcement action. The course is intended for both governmental employees and private stakeholders, and is taught with both perspectives in mind.
Course Topics:

Day One

Background and Overview
Before CERCLA was law
- Love Canal Case Study

What are CERCLA and the Superfund
- Major Components of the Act
- Superfund: a financing mechanism for cleanup

Response Authority
- Hazardous substances
- Releases and threatened releases

Overlap with other hazardous waste laws

Liability
Potentially Responsible Parties
- Owners and Operators
- Arrangers
- Transporters
- Employees and Others

EPA's enforcement authority
- Orders
- Settlements
- Penalties
- Federal Facilities

Scope of Liability
- Strict Liability
- Defenses
- Settlements

Recovery of Cleanup Costs
- Cost Recovery
- Contribution

Day Two

Cleanup Processes
Notification
- Reporting requirements

Preliminary Assessment/ Site Inspection
- Distinguishing Emergency, Removal, and Remedial Actions

Listing Process on National Properties List
- Hazard Ranking Scores
- EPA's Superfund Alternative Approach

Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study
- Scoping
- Site Characterization
- Alternatives
- Treatability Investigations
- Detailed Analysis

Record of Decision
- Amendments
- Explanation of Significant Differences
- Publication/ Public Comment

Remedial Design/ Remedial Action

Post Cleanup
- Operation and Maintenance
- Deletion from National Priority List

Reuse of Site
- EPA's Brownfields program

Intended Audience: The course is intended for government employees, environmental contractors, facility owners and operators, land owners, environmental lawyers, and any other participants interested in the cleanup process.

Course Materials: Each participant will receive a copy of the course proceedings including notes and reference material on the first day of the course.

Self Reporting Continuing Education Units: 1.3 CEU's

Registration: $495/$395*
(*reduced tuition is available to employees of Native American tribes, government agencies, nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members).
You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976. Register Online!

What to Bring: Mechanical pencil, coffee mug and water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the prevailing weather. Coffee, tea and light snacks will be provided. We will be on our own for lunch.

About the Instructor: Kelly Robberson holds a J.D. and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oklahoma. She has focused knowledge of major federal environmental laws, environmental enforcement, administrative law, environmental toxicology, contaminant fate and transport, risk communication, and Superfund site management. Her work at the Tar Creek Superfund Site in Northeast Oklahoma included sampling and analysis of contaminants . As an intern at both the U.S. EPA Region 10 Office of Regional Counsel and at a private environmental litigation firm, she has had extensive experience with CERCLA laws, regulations, and implementation. She offers the unique perspective of having worked on both sides of the cleanup process.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.


Register Online | Directions | Accommodations | Course Brochure PDF | Course Catalog

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Northwest Environmental Training Center
A 501(c)(3) non-profit program of EOS Alliance
650 S. Orcas Street, Suite 220, Seattle, Washington 98108
Phone: (206)762-1976, Fax: (206)762-1979
www.nwetc.org