A method the Superfund program uses to get Superfund sites cleaned up is by finding the companies or people responsible for contamination at a site, and negotiating with them to do the cleanup themselves, or to pay EPA or a third-party (states or other responsible parties). The Superfund law (officially the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)) provides EPA with multiple authorities to ensure cleanup and payment for cleanup.
Generally, EPA only enters into agreements regarding cleanup work at Superfund sites with potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that it believes will fulfill the terms of the agreement. EPA can also order parties to do cleanup work.
EPA oversees and monitors compliance with settlement agreements and orders issued under its various Superfund enforcement authorities to ensure that PRPs are meeting the terms of the agreements or orders. For example, if a party agrees to do certain cleanup activities, EPA will monitor that party's performance to be sure the cleanup activities are done timely and appropriately.
一般来说，EPA只与其认为符合协议条款的潜在责任方（PRP）就超级基金场地的清理工作达成协议。环保局还可以命令各方进行清理工作。
EPA监督和监督其各超级基金执行机构发布的和解协议和命令的遵守情况，以确保PRP符合协议或命令的条款。例如，如果一方同意进行某些清理活动，环保局将监督该方的表现，以确保清理活动及时、适当地进行。
