Environmental
CERCLA (Superfund) holds property owners liable for environmental cleanup costs:
AOnly if they caused the contamination
BRegardless of whether they caused the contamination (strict liability)✓ Correct
COnly if the cleanup cost exceeds $1 million
DOnly for commercial properties, not residential
Explanation
CERCLA imposes strict, joint, and several liability on past and present property owners and operators for cleanup costs, regardless of fault. Innocent buyers can be liable for contamination caused by prior owners.
People Also Study
Related Connecticut Questions
- CERCLA (the Superfund law) holds current property owners liable for hazardous waste cleanup even if they did not cause the contamination. This is known as:Environmental
- A Connecticut property is contaminated with PCE (perchloroethylene) from a former dry-cleaning business. Under CERCLA, who may be held liable for cleanup costs?Environmental
- Under CERCLA (Superfund), which defense might protect a Connecticut buyer from liability for pre-existing contamination on a commercial property they purchase?Environmental
- A Connecticut seller of a commercial property used for auto repair fails to disclose known contamination to the buyer. Under CERCLA, which party may be liable for cleanup?Environmental
Key Terms to Know
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.
ZoningLocal government regulations that control land use by dividing areas into zones specifying permitted uses, building sizes, and densities.
VarianceOfficial permission to use land in a way that does not conform to the applicable zoning ordinance, granted by a zoning board when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship.
Eminent DomainThe power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.
Study This Topic
Practice More Connecticut Real Estate Questions
1,500+ questions covering all exam topics. Start free — no signup required.
Take the Free Connecticut Quiz →