Database List

Federal Databases

National Priorities List (NPL): The NPL Report is an EPA listing of the nation’s worst uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites. NPL sites are targeted for possible long-term remedial action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980. In addition, the NPL Report includes information concerning cleanup agreements between EPA and Potentially Responsible Parties (PRP’s) and any liens filed against contaminated properties.

Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS): The CERCLIS database is a comprehensive listing of known or suspected uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites. These sites have been investigated, or are currently under investigation by the Federal EPA for the release, or threatened release of hazardous substances. Once a site is placed in CERCLIS, it may be subjected to several levels of review and evaluation and ultimately placed on the National Priorities List.

No Further Remedial Action Planned Sites (NFRAP): This report, also known as the CERCLIS archive, contains information pertaining to sites which have been removed from the U.S. EPA’s CERCLIS database. NFRAP sites may be sites where, following an initial investigation, either no contamination was found, contamination was removed quickly without need for the site to be placed on the NPL, or the contamination was not serious enough to require federal Superfund action or NPL consideration.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System - Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (RCRIS-TSD): This database contains information pertaining to facilities which either treat, store, or dispose of EPA regulated hazardous waste. The following information is also included in the RCRIS-TSD Report: information pertaining to the status of facilities tracked by the RCRA Administrative Action Tracking System (RAATS), inspections and evaluations conducted by federal and state agencies, a complete listing of EPA regulated hazardous wastes which are generated or stored on-site.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System Corrective Action Sites (CORRACTS): The CORRACTS report contains information pertaining to hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (RCRA-TSDs) which have conducted, or are currently conducting, a corrective action(s) as regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The following information is included within the Report: information pertaining to the status of facilities tracked by the RCRA Administrative Action Tracking System (RAATS), inspections and evaluations conducted by federal and state agencies, all reported facility violations, the environmental statute(s) violated, and any proposed and actual penalties, a complete listing of U.S. EPA-regulated hazardous wastes which are generated or stored on-site.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System Large Quantity Generators (RCRIS-LQG): The RCRIS-LQG database contains information pertaining to facilities which either generate more than 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month or meet other applicable requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System Small Quantity Generators (RCRIS-SQG): The RCRIS-SQG database contains information pertaining to facilities which either generate between 100 kg (220 pounds) and 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month or meet other applicable requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Protective Filers, commonly called Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG’s), are facilities that have completed RCRA notification paperwork, but are not, in fact, subject to RCRA regulation.

Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS): This database is the EPA’s national computer database system that is used to store information on the sudden and/or accidental release of hazardous substances, including petroleum, into the environment. The ERNS reporting system contains preliminary information on specific release, including the spill location, the substance released and the responsible party.

Toxic Release Inventory System (TRIS): Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (also known as SARA Title III) of 1986 requires the EPA to establish an inventory of Toxic Chemicals emissions from certain facilities. Facilities subject to this reporting are required to complete a Toxic Chemical Release Form (Form R) for specified chemicals.

State Databases (vary by state)

Underground Storage Tanks (UST): This is a comprehensive listing of all registered active and inactive underground storage tanks located within the state. The UST database is compiled by the state regulatory agency.

Leaking Storage Tanks (LUST): This is a comprehensive listing of reported active and inactive leaking aboveground and underground storage tanks located within the state. The LUST database is compiled by the state regulatory agency.

State Superfund Sites (SHWS): This report contains information pertaining to a list of sites, which have been targeted by the state for investigation or remediation. This list is maintained by the state regulatory agency. These sites are reviewed for potential upgrading to CERCLIS status by the U.S. EPA.

Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP): The program was established to provide administrative, technical, and legal incentives to encourage the cleanup of contaminated sites in the state. Since future lenders and landowners receive protection from liability to the state for cleanup of sites under the Voluntary Cleanup Program, most of the constraints for completing real estate transactions at those sites are eliminated. As a result, many unused or underused properties may be restored to economically productive or community beneficial uses. After cleanup, the parties receive a certificate of completion from the state regulatory agency which states that all lenders and future landowners who are not Primary Responsible Parties (PRP’s) are released from all liability to the state.

Solid Waste Landfill Facilities (SWLF): This is the comprehensive listing of all known active and inactive landfills, as well as transfer stations and processing stations in the state.

Spills List (SPILL): This is a list maintained by the state regulatory agency of cases where emergency response is needed for cleanup of toxic substances. The environmental database review acts as an important first step in identifying potential environmental liabilities.