CERCLIS Version 2 is an inventory of abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites across the United States, managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It contains entries for over 38,000 sites, including those listed on the National Priorities List for cleanup. The database is updated quarterly by the EPA.
Use Cases
- Analyze geographic distribution of hazardous waste sites using location data to identify regional contamination clusters.
- Track site cleanup status over time using status report fields to monitor Superfund program progress.
- Prioritize remediation efforts by cross-referencing site entries with National Priorities List (NPL) designation data.
- Model environmental risk by correlating site types (e.g., disposal vs. spill) with local demographic or environmental data.
Strengths
- Over 38,000 site entries provide broad national coverage.
- Quarterly updates by the EPA ensure relatively current information.
Limitations
- Specific data fields like contaminant types or cleanup costs are not detailed in the description.
- The decentralized data entry system may lead to regional inconsistencies in data quality.
Provenance
- Source
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
- Collection Method
- Decentralized data entry and reporting by EPA regional program offices.
- Freshness
- Updated quarterly.
- Geography
- United States.