What does the acronym "SARA" stand for in environmental compliance?

The acronym "SARA" stands for the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. This legislation was enacted in 1986 and is an essential part of the Superfund program, which addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. SARA reauthorized and amended the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and introduced more stringent regulations to protect public health and the environment.

SARA emphasizes the need for community involvement in the decision-making process for site cleanups, ensuring that affected communities are informed and can participate in discussions about hazardous waste management in their area. Additionally, it established new enforcement provisions and provided funding for the cleanup of contaminated sites, highlighting the importance of emergency planning and community right-to-know legislation.

Understanding SARA is critical for those involved in environmental compliance, as it plays a significant role in shaping the policies and procedures for managing hazardous waste and safeguarding public health.