CLU-IN Home

U.S. EPA Contaminated Site Cleanup Information (CLU-IN)


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

Global Efforts to Advance Remediation at Contaminated Sites

Overview

Technology innovation efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Superfund Program focus on advancing the state of the practice for remediation of contaminated sites. Advanced practices that are based on new or updated technologies, improved processes, and evolving science allow USEPA and other stakeholders to clean up contaminated sites in a more efficient and sustainable manner while achieving our core mission of protecting human health and the environment. Recent USEPA Superfund initiatives focus on accelerating site cleanups, optimizing performance of cleanup remedies, eliminating unnecessary use of resources, preserving water resources, and assuring remedy resilience to a changing climate.

In light of today's global economy and environment, USEPA and other agencies throughout the world recognize the need to continuously exchange information and leverage lessons learned by organizations and professionals in diverse situations. Sharing of the knowledge and experiences increases productivity within our global community and helps us collectively refine our site remediation practices in ways that address global issues such as climate change.

USEPA's Superfund Program, which focuses on the nation's contaminated sites of highest priority, continues to expand capabilities for exchanging information globally as well as domestically through online methods such as websites and Internet seminars and through periodic meetings and conferences.


Events: 2019-2020

Brownfield Redevelopment in the EU April 5, 2019: Brownfield Redevelopment in the EU. Brussels, Belgium. This conference hosted by the European Committee of the Regions promotes brownfield redevelopment as a solution to limit urban sprawl, land take and soil sealing. The conference agenda includes presentations by European, regional and local stakeholders on topics such as inspiring policies and good practices and explores the potential offered by EU funds.

Common Forum logo May 8, 2019. 5th Meeting of Soil as a Resource Working Group of the Common Forum. Lëtzebuerg, Luxembourg. Discussions focus on Land Management Assessment, Research, Knowledge Base (LANDMARK) research during 2020.

Common Forum logo May 8-10, 2019: Common Forum Springtime Meeting 2019. Lëtzebuerg, Luxembourg. The agenda addresses:

  • Background concentrations/values
  • How to strengthen European soil policy
  • Effectiveness in soil protection — how to measure success

AquaConSoil Antwerp 2019 logo May 20-24, 2019: AquaConSoil 2019. Antwerp, Belgium. This 15th International Conference on Sustainable Use and Management of Soil, Sediment and Water Resources addresses:

  • Soil and water in the digital world
  • Advances in assessment of risk and monitoring of soil, sediment and water quality
  • Diffuse and emerging contaminants in the soil sediment water system
  • Advances in remediation technologies
  • Strategies and management of contaminated land including legal, social and economic aspects
  • Land stewardship
  • Land, soil, water and sediment in the circular economy

2019 International Committee on Contaminated Land logo October 23-25, 2019: 14th Meeting of the International Committee on Contaminated Land (ICCL) 2019. Lima, Perú. Topics include:

  • Mercury contaminated sites management and the application of Minamata convention
  • Main aspects of/ How to make the risk assessment and conceptual model on contaminated sites
  • Stockholm Convention and managing POP contamination
  • Remediation of contaminated sites by heavy metals
  • Economic aspects of the management of contaminated sites: management tools, cost-benefit analysis, innovative strategies for financing

Geneva Eurosoil 2020 logo August 24-28, 2020: Eurosoil 2020. Geneva, Switzerland. The European Confederation of Soil Science Societies organizes this event to bring together leading research scientists working on soil related topics and stakeholders dealing with issues of public concern, such as soil degradation and consequences of climatic changes. The 2020 theme of "Connecting People and Soil" aligns with selected sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Top of Page