In 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) placed Camp Lejeune is on the National Priorities List (NPL), commonly known as “Superfund.” Camp Lejeune was included on the list based on soil and groundwater contamination caused by historical disposal, storage, and handling of hazardous materials. Camp Lejeune has since conducted a series of environmental studies and cleanup activities under the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD) Environmental Restoration Program (ERP). The ERP follows the process and procedures set forth in two major environmental acts: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA).
The ERP consists of:
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The Installation Restoration Program (IRP), which addresses releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants that may pose risks to human health or the environment; and
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The Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP), which addresses environmental, health and safety hazards from unexploded ordnance (UXO), discarded military munitions, and munitions constituents.
The CERCLA process consists of specific steps for investigating and addressing environmental contamination.