ABSTRACT
In the economic and legal system of the United States, many competing interests have open access to natural resources. The uses of these common properties sometimes are incompatible. When natural resources assimilate hazardous substances, other uses may be curtailed. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), 1 the trustees of the natural resource may sue responsible parties for damages caused by release of hazardous substances.
