1-22. What is the National Priorities List (NPL), and how does it differ from the CERCLIS
List?
The EPA is required, by the Superfund law, to produce a list that represents those contaminated sites that
pose the greatest potential threat. This list is called the National Priorities List (NPL). The EPA also
maintains a larger list, which includes suspected sites of contamination called the CERCLIS list. The EPA
selects sites from the latter to determine those sites to be placed on the NPL.
1-23. Explain what is meant by the Product Life Cycle approach to environmental
management. Why have many corporations adopted this proactive approach?
The Product Life Cycle is a systematic approach to environmental management that examines both the
environmental and health consequences of a product. Each stage of the product's life cycle from research
& development through manufacturing and distribution to the final fate of the product after its' useful life
is over is analyzed. The consequences which result are then addressed in an integrated decision-making
process. Corporations have adopted this pro-active approach because it ensures the creation of
environmentally sound products. In addition to this, there is often a reduction in the quantity of waste
generated during production. [Note: A detailed description of Product Life Cycle Analysis may be found
in Sec. 7-3]