ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the reader with general guidance on the types of issues addressed under the major environmental laws and federal regulations, and to provide Internet addresses for state regulatory agencies from which their requirements can be obtained. An environmental law is first introduced as a bill to the US House of Representatives or the US Senate. The bill is then passed on to a committee where it undergoes a detailed evaluation. A range of treatment alternatives should be considered. The range should vary primarily in the extent to which the alternatives rely on long-term management. The upper bound of the range should be an alternative that would eliminate the need for any long-term management, while the lower bound should consist of an alternative that involves little or no treatment, such as no-action, or long-term monitoring. To ensure the protection of workers in hazardous environments, a health and safety program must be implemented.
