What does the acronym SARA stand for?

The acronym SARA stands for the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. This legislation, enacted in 1986, is crucial in the context of environmental law and hazardous waste cleanup. It amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which established a framework for the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances.

The Superfund program, under which SARA operates, aims to identify and remediate these hazardous waste sites to protect human health and the environment. SARA introduced significant changes by emphasizing more stringent cleanup standards, increasing state involvement in the Superfund process, and enhancing community right-to-know provisions, which allow the public access to information about hazardous substances in their communities.

Understanding SARA is essential for those involved in pest control, as it relates to managing chemicals and substances that can have significant environmental impacts. Familiarity with this legislation is vital for compliance with federal regulations and for contributing to environmental protection efforts.