---
title: "What Is CERCLA? | Calibre Glossary"
description: "CERCLA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly called Superfund, gives the federal government authority to."
url: https://calibre.multisites.ai/glossary/cercla
publisher: Calibre Commercial Inspections
phone: "+1-208-305-6245"
email: Schedule@CalibreCBI.com
---

Environmental

# CERCLA

CERCLA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly called Superfund, gives the federal government authority to respond to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances.

## Why it matters

CERCLA can make current owners liable for cleanup even when they did not cause the contamination. Buyers use all appropriate inquiries to qualify for defenses. This is the main legal reason lenders and buyers order Phase I reports.

Source: [epa.gov](https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-cercla-overview)

## Where we discuss it

-   [PFAS and Phase I ESAs: What CRE Buyers Should Ask](https://calibre.multisites.ai/cre-inspector-insights/pfas-and-phase-i-esas-what-cre-buyers-should-ask)
-   [Phase I ESAs in the Inland Northwest: Which State Records Get Searched](https://calibre.multisites.ai/cre-inspector-insights/phase-1-esa-state-records-inland-northwest)
-   [The Stack Is Still Standing — A Montana Landmark](https://calibre.multisites.ai/cre-inspector-insights/the-stack-anaconda-mt)

## Ready for your next inspection?

Tell us about the property and your timeline. We will scope the right report and send a proposal.

[Request a proposal](https://calibre.multisites.ai/request-proposal) [(208) 305-6245](tel:+12083056245)