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PA EPA SHARES RISKS TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Release Date: 04/17/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 1998
EPA SHARES RISKS TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

EPA recently issued a new directive to share the risk of implementing innovative remediation technologies that have potential application at the nation’s worst hazardous waste sites. Estimates of the eventual cost of cleaning up the nation’s worst hazardous waste sites highlight the need to support the development of more cost-effective cleanup technologies. Potentially Responsible Parties (PRP) often are reluctant to implement new technologies due to concerns about having to “pay twice” if the innovative approach fails to achieve the required level of cleanup. As part of the Superfund Administrative Reforms Initiative, EPA is implementing a program to share the risk of using selected innovative technologies. The purpose of this initiative is to: encourage the demonstration and use of innovative technologies; support developers promising technologies - especially small businesses, by enhancing contracting opportunities with PRPs; and encourage PRPs to assume a more active role in the development of new technologies. EPA will share up to 50 percent of the cost of the failed innovative technology if subsequent remedial action is required. Only projects conducted by non-federal PRPs are eligible for shared funding. Projects will be nominated by EPA Regional Offices. Proposals will be reviewed by a Technical Evaluation Panel comprising of EPA experts. The panel will apply criteria including the degree to which the technology or application is under-represented in EPA’s experience base and the potential for benefits across the spectrum of remediation programs if it is successful. A copy of the directive is available on the Internet at: http://clu-in.com/oswerdir.htm.

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