Who Does What

Understanding who does what can help make sense of decisions, timelines, and accountability — and help you know where to direct questions or concerns.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA is the lead federal agency responsible for overseeing Superfund cleanups.

The EPA's role includes:

• enforcing Superfund law
• overseeing investigations and cleanup work
• approving cleanup decisions
• ensuring remedies are protective of human health and the environment
• conducting Five-Year Reviews
• requiring additional action if problems are identified

Think of the EPA as the conductor of the orchestra — coordinating the process and ensuring all parts work together.

How Superfund decisions are made →

State of Montana

State agencies play an important role in Superfund cleanups, working alongside the EPA.

In Montana, this includes:

• participating in investigations
• reviewing cleanup plans
• monitoring environmental conditions
• providing local and regional expertise

The State helps ensure cleanup decisions reflect both federal standards and local conditions.

Atlantic Richfield (ARCO)

Atlantic Richfield is the responsible party for much of the historic mining contamination in the Butte–Silver Bow area.

As a responsible party, ARCO is required to:

• investigate contamination
• design and implement cleanup remedies
• fund cleanup work
• operate and maintain long-term systems
• monitor environmental conditions

ARCO performs this work under EPA oversight and in coordination with the State of Montana.

Cleanup by area →

Contractors and Technical Experts

Much of the hands-on work at Superfund sites is carried out by contractors and technical specialists.

These may include:

• engineers
• geologists
• hydrologists
• construction crews
• environmental scientists

They work on behalf of responsible parties and agencies, following approved plans and safety requirements.

Local government and communities

Local governments, such as Butte–Silver Bow County, are involved in:

• land use planning
• infrastructure coordination
• community services
• public communication

Residents, landowners, and community members also play a role by:

• participating in public meetings
• providing local knowledge
• raising concerns and questions

Community involvement helps ensure cleanup decisions are grounded in real-world conditions.

Public meetings and comment periods →

Citizens Technical Environmental Committee (CTEC)

CTEC is a citizen-focused technical committee created to help residents understand the Superfund cleanup process.

CTEC:

• does not regulate
• does not build cleanup remedies
• does not make enforcement decisions

Instead, CTEC:

• explains complex information in plain language
• helps residents navigate technical material
• provides guidance and context
• supports informed community participation

This site exists as part of that mission.

About CTEC →

Other organizations and programs

Other groups may be involved at different points, including:

• health departments
• research institutions
• nonprofit organizations
• educational programs

Some focus on health monitoring, ecological studies, public education, or recreation and amenity planning.

Each plays a role within the broader Superfund framework.

Who should I contact?