**COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN**

**[\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Superfund Site]{.smallcaps}**

**[Anytown, State]{.smallcaps}**

**[Month Year]{.smallcaps}**

![](media/image1.png){width="2.39375in" height="2.39375in"}

**U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY**

**REGION \_\_**

[The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)]{.smallcaps}

[Superfund Community Involvement Program is committed]{.smallcaps}

[to promoting communication between citizens and the
Agency.]{.smallcaps}

[Active public involvement is crucial to the success of any public
project.]{.smallcaps}

[EPA's community involvement activities at the]{.smallcaps}

[\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Superfund Site]{.smallcaps}

[are designed to]{.smallcaps}

[Inform the public of the nature of the environmental issues associated
with the site,]{.smallcaps}

[Involve the public in the decision-making process that will affect
them,]{.smallcaps}

[Involve the public in the responses under consideration to remedy these
issues, and]{.smallcaps}

[Inform the public of the progress being made to implement the
remedy.]{.smallcaps}

**Table of Contents**

**Section** **Page**

1.0 Overview of the Community Involvement Plan [x]{.mark}

2.0 Capsule Site Description [x]{.mark}

2.1 Site History [x]{.mark}

2.2 Site Description/Location [x]{.mark}

2.3 Site Inspections and Cleanup Activities [x]{.mark}

3.0 Community Background [x]{.mark}

3.1 Community Profile [x]{.mark}

3.2 History of Community Involvement [x]{.mark}

3.3 Key Community Concerns [x]{.mark}

3.4 Response to Community Concerns [x]{.mark}

3.5 Summary of Communication Needs [x]{.mark}

4.0 EPA's Community Involvement Program [x]{.mark}

4.1 The Plan [x]{.mark}

4.2 Time Frame Summary for Community Involvement Activities [x]{.mark}

Appendices:

A EPA Regional Contacts [x]{.mark}

B Local Officials [x]{.mark}

C State Officials [x]{.mark}

D Federal Elected Officials [x]{.mark}

E [Environmental and Active Citizens Groups]{.mark} [x]{.mark}

F [Potentially Responsible Parties]{.mark} [x]{.mark}

G Media Contacts [x]{.mark}

H [Meeting Locations]{.mark} [x]{.mark}

I Repository Locations [x]{.mark}

J [Other Local Resources]{.mark} [x]{.mark}

**Section 1.0**

**Overview of the Community Involvement Plan**

EPA developed this Community Involvement Plan to facilitate two-way
communication between the community surrounding the
[(\*\*\*InsertSiteName\*\*\*)]{.mark} Superfund Site and EPA and to
encourage community involvement in site activities. EPA will utilize the
community involvement activities outlined in this plan to ensure that
residents are continuously informed and provided opportunities to be
involved.

This Community Involvement Plan addresses
[(\*\*\*InsertSiteName\*\*\*)]{.mark}'s relationship to the community
and EPA (Section 2.0), provides a background of the community (Section
3.0), presents EPA's community involvement program (Section 4.0), and
provides a listing of resources available (Appendices). EPA drew upon
several information sources to develop this plan, including community
interviews and site files. EPA's Regional Office will oversee the
implementation of the community involvement activities outlined in this
Plan.

**Section 2.0**

**Capsule Site Description**

**2.1 Site History**

1.  Detailed chronological history of Site use and ownership relevant to
    problem at hand

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1.  Hazardous wastes produced by or found at the Site

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1.  When and why EPA intervened

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1.  Community reaction to the Site

**2.2 Site Description/Location**

1.  Geographical location, size, and surroundings of Site

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1.  Site in relationship to:

homes

businesses

schools

playgrounds

lakes

streams/rivers

wetlands

parks

health facilities

wildlife species/sensitive ecological areas

1.  Maps showing location of Site within:

state

region

community

proximity to elements of concern (above)

1.  A map of the Site itself

**2.3 Site Inspections and Cleanup Activities**

2.  Type of hazardous materials present

3.  Nature of threat to human health and environment

4.  History of inspections and studies conducted

5.  Lead agency for the cleanup

**Section 3.0**

**Community Background**

**3.1 Community Profile**

1.  Description of the community that analyzes key local issues and
    interests:

Community and setting

Population and/or growth

Minorities

Businesses

Nearby regional centers

Residential groupings

Economics

School system

1.  The need for translation services, whether a second language for
    non-English speaking residents or signing for the hearing impaired

**3.2 History of Community Involvement**

1.  Community actions taken to address problems at Site

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1.  Community perceptions of previous cleanup efforts

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1.  Community perceptions of various levels of government involvement

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1.  Any active PRPs associated with Site or past Site operations

**3.3 Key Community Concerns**

1.  The analysis of major public concerns uncovered in community
    interviews

\[THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PLAN AS ALL ACTIVITIES ARE
BASED UPON IT!\]

**3.4 Response to Community Concerns**

1.  Any community involvement activities EPA undertook in direct
    response to community concerns before the CIP was prepared

**3.5 Summary of Communication Needs**

1.  Brief summary of communication needs and desires as identified by
    the community members interviewed

**Section 4.0**

**EPA's Community Involvement Program**

The overall goal of EPA's community involvement program is to promote
two-way communication between citizens and the EPA and to provide
opportunities for meaningful and active involvement by the community in
the cleanup process. EPA will implement the community involvement
activities described below. The following plan is based on the results
of the community interviews described earlier; it addresses each issue
that was identified as being important to the community.

**4.1 The Plan**

**Issue 1: [(\*\*\*InsertIssue\*\*\*)]{.mark}**

[]{.mark}

> Activity 1A: [(\*\*\*InsertActivity\*\*\*)]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

1.  Objective:

2.  Method:

3.  Timing:

[]{.mark}

> Activity 1B: [(\*\*\*InsertActivity\*\*\*)]{.mark}

1.  Objective:

2.  Method:

3.  Timing:

**Issue 2: [(\*\*\*InsertIssue\*\*\*)]{.mark}**

> Activity 2A: [(\*\*\*InsertActivity\*\*\*)]{.mark}

**Issue [X]{.mark}: Keeping the public informed and up to date.**

> Activity [X]{.mark}A: Designate an EPA Community Involvement
> Coordinator (CIC).

1.  Objective: To provide a primary liaison between the community and
    the EPA, and to ensure prompt, accurate, and consistent responses
    and information dissemination about the site. In those instances
    where EPA's CIC may be unable to provide adequate information (such
    as on technical issues), inquiries will be directed to the
    appropriate EPA contact.

2.  Method: EPA will designate an EPA CIC to handle site inquiries and
    serve as a point of contact for community members. The CIC is
    appointed by the Region \_\_ headquarters.
    [(\*\*\*InsertName\*\*\*)]{.mark} is the EPA CIC assigned to the
    site. [(S)He]{.mark} will work closely with
    [(\*\*\*InsertName\*\*\*)]{.mark}, EPA's Remedial Project Manager
    for the site.

3.  Timing: The CIC was designated on [(\*\*\*InsertDate\*\*\*)]{.mark}.

> Activity [X]{.mark}B: Prepare and distribute site fact sheets and
> technical summaries.

1.  Objective: To provide citizens with current, accurate, easy-to-read,
    easy-to-understand information about
    [(\*\*\*InsertSiteName\*\*\*)]{.mark}.

2.  Method: Fact sheets will be mailed to all parties on the site
    mailing list. In addition, copies will be available at the
    information repository and in various cooperating business locations
    in the community.

3.  Timing: EPA will prepare and distribute fact sheets [(Monthly,
    Bi-Monthly, Quarterly, as needed, or other frequency)]{.mark}

> Activity [X]{.mark}C: Involve students, parents, teachers through area
> schools.

1.  Objective: To educate faculty, students and their parents about the
    site, to invite and address their concerns regarding it, and to
    caution students about the site.

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1.  Method: Address school faculty and students through visits and
    presentations to classroom, faculty, school assembly, or other
    meetings or events. Additionally, communicate with parents through
    take-home materials provided to the students and/or by attending and
    participating in PTA meetings or events.

2.  Timing: As community concern warrants or at least every year until
    the site is closed out.

> Activity [X]{.mark}D: Provide a toll-free "800 number" for the
> community to contact EPA.

1.  Objective: To enable citizens to get the latest information
    available when they want it, rather than having to wait for a
    meeting or a fact sheet, and without incurring any cost.

2.  Method: EPA will activate the 800 number and publish it periodically
    in the local papers and in all fact sheets.

3.  Timing: The line is currently operational (1-800-533-3508).

> Activity [X]{.mark}E: Maintain a mailing list for the Site.

1.  Objective: To facilitate the distribution of site-specific
    information to everyone who needs or wants to be kept informed about
    the site.

2.  Method: EPA will create a mailing list that includes all residences
    adjacent to the site, in known or suspected paths of migration, or
    those otherwise affected by the site. EPA will also solicit
    interested parties via fact sheets, newspaper articles, public
    meetings, public availabilities, etc.

3.  Timing: EPA will begin working on this mailing list immediately and
    will review/revise it periodically to keep it current.

> Activity [X]{.mark}F: Establish and maintain Information Repositories.

1.  Objective: To provide a convenient location where residents can go
    to read and copy official documents and other pertinent information
    about the site and EPA activities.

2.  Method: The repository is a reference collection of site information
    containing the Administrative Record file, other site-specific
    information, the Community Involvement Plan, information about the
    Technical Assistance Grant program, and the general Superfund
    process. The Community Involvement Coordinator will work with a
    local contact to establish the local repository. This repository
    will be accessible to the physically challenged, will have copier
    facilities, and will be available to residents during normal
    business hours and at least some evening and/or weekend hours.
    Additional repositories may also be established, including one at
    the EPA Region \_\_ headquarters in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_,
    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

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1.  Timing: EPA established the local repository on [(\*\*\*Insert
    Date\*\*\*)]{.mark} located at
    [(\*\*\*InsertLocation\*\*\*)]{.mark}. EPA adds new documents as
    they become available.

> Activity [X]{.mark}G: Provide Site and Superfund information on the
> Internet.

1.  Objective: To provide key resources for searching and listing both
    general and specific information about Superfund and hazardous waste
    issues.

2.  Method: A Site Status Summary for this site can be found at
    http://www.epa.gov/\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ . Information about EPA and
    Superfund can be found at:

    -   EPA Headquarters: [http://www.epa.gov]{.underline}

    -   EPA Region \_\_: (\*\*\*Insert URL\*\*\*)

    -   EPA Region \_\_ (\*\*\*Insert Office Name\*\*\*): (\*\*\*Insert
        URL\*\*\*)

> The Proposed Plan and the Record of Decision (ROD) for the site will
> be placed on the internet as they are completed.

1.  Timing: Site Status Summaries are periodically updated.

> Activity [X]{.mark}H: Provide Technical Assistance Grant (TAG)
> information.

2.  Objective: To provide resources for community groups to hire
    technical advisors who can assist them in interpreting technical
    information about the site.

3.  Method: EPA will provide information about the TAG program at public
    meetings and in site fact sheets. EPA will also provide briefing
    sessions to interested groups if so requested. EPA will provide TAG
    applications to qualified groups, and will provide assistance to the
    group in completing the application.

4.  Timing: EPA will continue to promote TAGs until one is awarded.

> Activity [X]{.mark}I: Establish and maintain the Administrative
> Record.

1.  Objective: To provide residents with a paper trail of all documents,
    resources, etc. used by the Remedial Project Manager and Site Team
    in reaching all decisions about the site and its cleanup.

2.  Method: EPA will provide at least two sets of the Administrative
    Record for the site, one in the EPA Region \_\_ offices located at
    (\*\*\*Insert Address\*\*\*) and one located in the local
    Information Repository near the site.

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1.  Timing: The Administrative Record is opened as soon as site
    investigation begins and remains open until the last ROD is signed.

Activity [X]{.mark}J: Conduct special events.

2.  Objective: To educate citizens, add a sense of closure, highlight a
    major event or milestone, recognize significant citizen or PRP
    activity, etc.

3.  Method: [(\*\*\*InsertSiteSpecialEvent\*\*\*) Examples include: A
    special topic educational campaign, construction completion party,
    on-site demolitions, transitions to the next phase, etc.]{.mark}

4.  Timing:
    [(\*\*\*InsertDateofActivity,LocationandNameofEvent\*\*\*)]{.mark}

**Issue [Y]{.mark}: Provide adequate and meaningful opportunities for
community involvement.**

> Activity YA: Hold public meetings.

1.  Objective: To update the community on site developments and address
    community questions, concerns, ideas and comments.

2.  Method: Refer to Appendix XX for suggested meeting locations. EPA
    will schedule, prepare for, and attend all announced meetings. EPA
    will provide at least two weeks' notice of the scheduled meeting.
    The Regional Project Manager, Community Involvement Coordinator, and
    other appropriate EPA staff will attend.

3.  Timing: A public meeting is required during the Proposed Plan
    comment period (see below). EPA will hold other public meetings as
    appropriate.

> Activity YB: Encourage formation of a Community Advisory Group (CAG).

1.  Objective: To provide citizens with a meaningful way to become
    actively involved, and to provide the Site Team with a viable means
    of learning citizen concerns and attitudes.

2.  Method: EPA will encourage the formation of a CAG and provide
    support as appropriate to facilitate its formation. If formed, EPA
    will provide administrative support but will not be an active
    member.

3.  Timing: EPA will respond to any requests for help to form a CAG. As
    necessary, EPA will promote CAGs regularly throughout the Superfund
    process until one is formed.

Activity [Y]{.mark}C: Make informal visits to community.

1.  Objective: To help keep community members informed about the site,
    while providing EPA with feedback about site activities and the
    community's opinions.

    1.  Method: EPA will establish a presence in the community through
        informal, often unscheduled visits to talk spontaneously with
        local residents.

    2.  Timing: Throughout the entire Superfund process.

> Activity [Y]{.mark}D: Solicit comments during a Public Comment Period.

1.  Objective: To give community members an opportunity to review and
    comment on various EPA documents, especially the Proposed Plan. This
    provides the citizens with meaningful involvement in the process and
    also provides the Site Team with valuable information for use in
    making decisions.

2.  Method: EPA will announce each comment period separately.
    Announcements will appear in local newspapers and EPA fact sheets;
    they will include particulars on duration, how to make comments,
    where to submit comments, etc. EPA may solicit comments on the
    following information/draft documents: draft CIP, draft summary of
    test results (not individual tests) and initial interpretation,
    preliminary findings on the RI and a list of possible remedies
    likely to be considered, preliminary findings of the FS and a brief
    summary of the leading contender for the proposed remedy, and
    preliminary plans for implementation and construction.

3.  Timing: Comment periods will be announced as appropriate. A comment
    period is required in conjunction with the announcement of the
    Proposed Plan and will last a minimum of 30 days.

> Activity [Y]{.mark}E: Prepare and issue a Responsiveness Summary.

1.  Objective: To summarize comments received during comment periods, to
    document how the EPA has considered those comments during the
    decision-making process, and to provide responses to major comments.

2.  Method: EPA will prepare a Responsiveness Summary as a section of
    the Record of Decision. The Responsiveness Summary will include four
    sections: 1. Overview; 2. Background on Community Involvement; 3.
    Summary of comments received and Agency responses; 4. Remedial
    Design/Remedial Action concerns. All information, both technical and
    nontechnical, will be conveyed in a manner that is easily
    understood.

3.  Timing: EPA will issue the Responsiveness Summary as part of the
    Record of Decision.

> Activity [Y]{.mark}F: Revise the Community Involvement Plan (CIP).

1.  Objective: To identify and address community needs, issues, or
    concerns regarding the site or the cleanup remedy that are not
    currently addressed in this CIP.

2.  Method: The Revised CIP will update the information presented in the
    previous version of the CIP.

3.  Timing: EPA will revise the CIP as community concern warrants or at
    least every three years until the site is closed out.

**4.2 Time Frame Summary for Community Involvement Activities**

  ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------
  **ACTIVITY**                             **TIME FRAME**

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

                                           

  **Designate an EPA Community Involvement 
  Coordinator (CIC)**                      

  **Prepare and distribute site fact       
  sheets and technical summaries**         

  **Involve students, parents, teachers    **As needed, at least
  through area schools**                   annually**

  **Provide a toll‑free \"800 number\" for **Currently in operation**
  the community to contact EPA**           

  **Maintain a mailing list for the Site** **Ongoing**

  **Establish and maintain Information     **Established, update as
  Repositories**                           needed**

  **Provide Site and Superfund information **Currently available; update
  on the Internet**                        as needed**

  **Provide Technical Assistance Grant     **Ongoing**
  (TAG) information**                      

  **Establish and maintain the             **Established, update as
  Administrative Record**                  needed**

  **Conduct special events**               

  **Hold public meetings**                 

  **Encourage formation of a Community     **Ongoing**
  Advisory Group (CAG)**                   

  **Make informal visits to community**    **As needed**

  **Solicit comments during a Public       **As needed and required**
  Comment Period**                         

  **Prepare and issue a Responsiveness     **Following public comment
  Summary**                                periods**

  **Revise the Community Involvement Plan  **As needed, at least every 3
  (CIP)**                                  years**
  ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------

**Appendix A**

**EPA Regional Contacts**

[]{.mark}

[Name]{.mark}

Remedial Project Manager

U.S. EPA, Region \_\_

Address

Address

Tel:

Fax:

E-mail: [name]{.mark}\@epa.gov

[Name]{.mark}

Technical Assistance Grant Project Officer

U.S. EPA, Region \_\_

Address

Address

Tel:

Fax:

E-mail: [[name]{.mark}\@epa.gov](mailto:name@epa.gov)

[Name]{.mark}

Community Involvement Coordinator

U.S. EPA, Region \_\_

Address

Address

Tel:

Fax:

E-mail: [name]{.mark}\@epa.gov

[Name]{.mark}

Superfund Ombudsman

U.S. EPA, Region \_\_

Address

Address

Tel:

Fax:

E-mail: [[name]{.mark}\@epa.gov](mailto:name@epa.gov)

**Appendix B**

**Local Officials**

Mayor

City Council Members

Township Supervisors, etc.

Local health officials

Fire Department

Police Department

**Appendix C**

**State Officials**

**Appendix D**

**Federal Elected Officials**

**[U.S. Senate]{.underline}**

**[U.S. House of Representatives]{.underline}**

**Appendix E**

**Environmental and Active Citizens Groups**

**Appendix F**

**Potentially Responsible Parties**

**Appendix G**

**Media Contacts**

**[Television Stations:]{.underline}**

**[Radio Stations:]{.underline}**

**[Newspapers:]{.underline}**

**Appendix H**

**Meeting Locations**

**Appendix I**

**Repository Locations**

**[Local Repository:]{.underline}**

**[EPA Region \_\_ Repository:]{.underline}**

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Address

Address

Address

Tel

Hours Open to Public:

\[Day - Day\]

\[Hour - Hour\]

**Appendix J**

**Other Local Resources**