What role does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have with respect to military munitions?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a critical role in regulating the treatment, storage, and disposal of military munitions under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This regulatory framework ensures that hazardous waste management practices are followed, minimizing the potential risk to human health and the environment associated with military munitions. The RCRA establishes guidelines for how waste should be managed from its creation through its disposal, which is especially pertinent for military munitions given the hazardous nature of many chemicals involved.

In this context, the EPA is responsible for setting standards and enforcing compliance, thereby helping to ensure that military installations manage their waste properly, handle munitions safely, and mitigate environmental impacts. This includes oversight over operations that involve hazardous waste and the requirements for waste disposal, which is crucial for preventing contamination of land, air, and water.

The other options do not accurately reflect the EPA's primary role. The agency does not provide financial support for munitions activities or oversee military training operations, as these areas fall under the purview of the Department of Defense. Additionally, while the EPA might have an indirect influence on military operations through environmental regulations, it does not conduct military research and development, which is handled by defense agencies and contractors. Thus