When contamination of any particular site has been identified, it is possible for an individual to file a citizen’s suit under federal environmental statutes. That being said, before anything can actually be done, the polluter has to be identified, and this can be a long and expensive process. However, the government may already have identified the responsible parties by the time the individual files a citizen’s suit, and if the government has already taking action, then there is no need to file a suit.

Once the parties responsible have been identified, the government (Environmental Protection) can take action to either reimburse the cost of the clean up from them or to demand that they deal with the clean up of the contamination. However, in the case that the responsible party cannot be identified or has gone bankrupt, there is a trust fund in place that is used to bear the costs of environmental contamination clean up.

It is everyone’s responsibility to look after the environment, even though the rules and regulations are put in place by the government. If you become aware of any contamination or pollution, it is vital that you report the matter. Even if you think it may already have been reported it is always vest to report it just in case. Early action from those that are aware of contamination means that action can be taken far earlier to initiate the clean up and there is a better chance of the culprits being identified and the costs being recovered.