Program Promotes Effective Cleanups Through Voluntary Efforts
The Nebraska Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCP), formerly known as the Remedial Action Plan Monitoring Act or RAPMA, was established by the Nebraska Legislature in 1995. Recently revised and given a new name, this fee-based program is designed to promote the voluntary cleanup of contaminated properties. By encouraging voluntary action, the VCP may lead to redevelopment or reuse of property that may otherwise be regarded as a liability.
Any property owner, prospective buyer, developer, lending institution, or other entity may apply to the VCP to clean up land or water pollution. The VCP uses a streamlined, results-based approach that minimizes the number of steps in the regulatory review process and focuses on goals or objectives rather than a rigid and structured process. The entity desiring to clean up a property takes a more independent role in conducting a thorough investigation, defining the problem, and developing a plan for cleaning up the contamination. The DEQ’s role focuses on review, approval and oversight of the cleanup plan.
The streamlined, results-based approach of the VCP does not mean that investigation and cleanups are less effective than they would be under a more traditional state or federal cleanup program. All work completed under a VCP agreement must conform to state and federal environmental laws and regulations. DEQ ensures that the cleanup plan protects human health and the environment, and that cleanup goals are within the acceptable risk range of federal cleanup programs.
DEQ expects the VCP to:
Reduce health-related risks associate with contaminated property;
Facilitate faster cleanups;
Encourage redevelopment of property;
Lessen urban sprawl by promoting the reuse of commercial and industrial property; and
Conserve tax dollars and limited government resources.