EnvironmentalIntermediateAlabama Exam

Under CERCLA, which parties can be held liable for cleanup of a contaminated property?

AOnly the party that caused the contamination, which is broadly consistent with standard practice statewide

BCurrent owners, past owners, those who transported hazardous substances, and generators of the wasteCorrect

COnly the current property owner

DOnly federal and state government agencies

Why Current owners, past owners, those who transported hazardous substances, and generators of the waste Is Correct

Answer B: Current owners, past owners, those who transported hazardous substances, and generators of the waste

CERCLA imposes broad liability, potentially affecting current and past property owners, parties who arranged for disposal, and transporters of hazardous substances.

Exam Tip: Environmental

Environmental questions test knowledge of hazards like asbestos, lead-based paint, radon, and mold. Know the disclosure requirements and when a professional inspection is required. CERCLA liability is strict, joint, and several.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

Right of First Refusal

A contractual right giving a party the opportunity to match any offer received before the owner can accept it from a third party.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.

Zoning

Local government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.