Increase Significantly Polluters Pay More for Cleanup of Hazardous Waste Sites Governor George E. Pataki and Attorney General Dennis C. Vacco announced today that recoveries from polluters to fund cleanup of hazardous waste sites is at its highest level ever, having increased nearly five-fold in the last three years. The State Department of Environmental Conservation and Attorney General Vacco have aggressively pursued polluters to ensure they, not taxpayers, foot the bill for cleaning up hazardous waste sites. As a result, we are cleaning up sites rapidly, collecting more money from polluters and ensuring the health and safety of our citizens. Due to our joint efforts, the State has seen record results in recovering clean-up costs, demonstrating my commitment to protecting the environment. In these instances, DEC and the Attorney General's office go to court to recover the costs incurred from the polluter.
Any money recovered is returned to the Superfund for additional clean ups.
Superfund monies also are used for site clean up where no available responsible parties exist. These recoveries help stretch Superfund dollars so that more sites can be cleaned up. DEC expects the funds to last at least through mid-calendar year 2000. A total of 314 have been fully remediated, reclassified or removed from the Superfund list. Remedial construction is under way or complete at an additional 155 sites.