Certified Safety Professional Practice Exam

The Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 significantly impacted the trust fund established for cleaning up hazardous waste sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). One of the key aspects of SARA was the increase in the trust fund's size to $8.5 billion. This increase was intended to enhance the federal government's ability to respond to hazardous waste releases and to ensure that sufficient funds were available for effective cleanup efforts.

The amendment aimed to improve the effectiveness of the Superfund program by providing more resources, which was crucial given the challenges and complexities associated with cleaning up contaminated sites. The additional funding allowed for more extensive evaluations, quicker response times to hazardous waste sites, and supported a broader range of cleanup activities.

This growth in the trust fund size was significant as it reflected an increased commitment to environmental health and safety during a time when public awareness and concern over hazardous waste issues were rising.