MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA)?

1. To regulate pesticide use in agriculture

2. To protect people from chemical emergencies

3. To ensure recordkeeping for employers

4. To establish training standards for pesticide applicators

The correct answer is: To protect people from chemical emergencies

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) primarily aims to enhance the federal government's ability to respond to hazardous waste sites and protect public health, particularly in the event of a chemical emergency. SARA was established as an amendment to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and introduced new provisions for addressing the needs of communities potentially affected by hazardous waste. One significant aspect of SARA is its focus on the communities surrounding Superfund sites, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in the cleanup process and ensuring that the public is informed about risks. The act also strengthens guidelines for response actions, requiring regular reviews of the cleanliness of such sites and maintaining accountability for responsible parties. In contrast, the other choices do not encapsulate the primary intent of SARA. While managing pesticide use, ensuring recordkeeping, and establishing training standards are important aspects of overall public health and safety regulation, those areas fall under different laws and regulations specific to environmental and agricultural practices rather than the direct focus of SARA, which is chiefly on hazardous waste management and emergency response.