Designation:E2790−11StandardGuideforIdentifyingandComplyingWithContinuingObligations1ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2790;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginaladoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscriptepsilon(´)indicatesaneditorialchangesincethelastrevisionorreapproval.1.Scope1.1Purpose—Thepurposeofthisguideistoprovideinformationandguidance2relatedtotheprocessofidentifyingandfulfillingcontinuingobligations3atcommercialrealestate,andforestlandandruralproperty,withrespecttohazardoussubstanceswithinthescopeoftheComprehensiveEnviron-mentalResponse,CompensationandLiabilityAct(CERCLA)(42U.S.C.§9601etseq.)aswellaspetroleumproducts(collectivelyhereafterchemicalsofconcern).Assuch,thisguide’sprimarypurposeistoprovideinformationandguid-anceaboutproceduresthat,ifcompleted,wouldhelpuserstosatisfycontinuingobligationsapplicabletotheinnocentlandowner,thecontiguouspropertyowner(CPO),andthebonafideprospectivepurchaser(BFPP)protectionsfromCERCLAliability(hereinafter,collectivelyreferredtoasthe“LandownerLiabilityProtections,”or“LLPs”)(seeLegalAppendixX1.1toX1.3foranoutlineofCERCLA’sliabilityanddefenseprovisions).1.1.1ContinuingObligations—Subsequenttopropertyacquisition,theSmallBusinessLiabilityReliefandBrown-fieldsRevitalizationActof2002(the“BrownfieldsAmendments”),whichamendedCERCLA,requirespersons(abroadtermmeanttocoverindividuals,companies,governmentagencies,andotherentities)seekingtomaintainLLPstoestablish,byapreponderanceoftheevidence,fulfillmentofcertaincontinuingobligations.ThecontinuingobligationssetforthintheBrownfieldsAmendmentsinclude:(1)complyingwithanylanduserestrictionsestablishedorrelieduponinconnectionwitharesponseactionataproperty;(2)notimpedingtheeffectivenessorintegrityofanyinstitutionalcontrolsemployedatapropertyinconnectionwitharesponseaction;(3)takingreasonablestepswithrespecttoreleasesofhazardoussubstances,includingstoppingcon...
