Timely Initiation of Responsible Party Searches, Issuance of Notice Letters, and Release of Information (Attachment XXII)

摘要

The directive re-emphasizes the importance of early identification of potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and timely issuance of notice letters for the RI/FS. These actions support the Agency's policy to secure cleanup by responsible parties in lieu of Superfund use, where such cleanup can be accomplished in a timely and effective manner. The sooner PRPs are identified and notified about their potential responsibility, the more time they have to organize themselves to assure responsibility for the RI/FS and cleanup. It also clarifies Agency policy on release of site-specific information to PRPs and others. It supplements the information release section of the Interim CERCLA Settlement Policy (December 5, 1984). The clarification is designed to facilitate information exchange in order to encourage effective negotiation and coalescing by PRPs among themselves. Effective PRP negotiations and coalescing are likely to engender effective settlement discussions with the government.