United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response
Publication No. 9375.5-10/FS
October 1990
PUBLIC AWARENESS SIGNS
AT SUPERFUND SITES
Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
Hazardous Site Control Division (OS-220)
Quick Reference Fact Sheet
INTRODUCTION
This fact sheet is designed to inform individuals involved in the Superfund program about the need to post
signs at every Superfund site. Superfund sites have been and will continue to be of interest and concern to
people in surrounding communities and to the public in general. Through the posting of signs at each site,
the Superfund program can work to promote continued interaction with communities as well as assure that
interested parties can access information or report unusual or criminal activities.
&EPA
Superfund Site
BACKGROUND
A community's reaction to the impact of a Superfund site often
depends on the amount of information they have about the site.
When information is limited, citizens may feel that the government
is unconcerned about their problems and uninterested in truly cleaning
up the contaminated area. Often sites are not identifiable as hazardous
waste sites because visibledrums have been removed or contamination
is concealed below the surface. In addition, a cleanup can be a long
and uneventful process, leaving the impression that no action is being
taken.
Many Regions and States already include the posting of a sign as
a standard task in construction specifications; however, the specific
requirements delineated below will ensure that a sign is consistently
posted at every site. In the past, similar initiatives have been
successfully implemented in other Federal programs and will also
be valuable in the Superfund program as a means to continue to build
public confidence.
SIGN REQUIREMENTS
Whenever Federal funds are used at a Superfund site, regardless of the lead, EPA now requires at
40 CFR 35.6105 (a)(2)(ii) that a sign be posted before remedial action begins. All signs should at least:
• Identify the site as an EPA Superfund project, and
• Provide a phone number for reporting criminal or suspicious activities.
The lead agency for the cleanup may post the EPA Inspector General toll-free number
(800-424-4000); however, if available, a State or Regional contact may be more appropriate.
-------
In addition to the specific items stipulated in the rule, other items may be added to the sign in order to
further a positive and growing relationship with the affected communities and the public. EPA suggests
that the following information also be included on the sign:
• EPA logo
• Name of site
• Name and number of Community Relations Coordinator
• Funding amounts and sources, including state matching funds.
•"> f §
All signs should be constructed in dimensions consistent with other EPA projects. Prominently
displayed, the sign can provide invaluable information to interested parties.
I
SUPERFUND CLEANUP
Environmental Protection Agency
Site Name
To report suspicious/criminal activities:
• U.S. EPA Hotline: 1-800-424-4000
• State Agency:
To obtain more information on this site, contact:
• EPA Community Relations Coordinator:
• State/local Community Relations
Coordinator:
Federal Government $ State and Local Governments
Sample Superfund Sign. (Depending on the lead agency and other
circumstances at the site, a sign may contain some, but not all, of the
contacts shown above.)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Regulation requirements on the posting of signs at Superfund sites can be found in
Cooperative Agreements and Superfund State Contracts for Superfund Response
Actions. 40 CFR Part 35, Subpart O.
To obtain information on the Superfund program, call the RCRA/Superfund Hotline
at (202) 382-3000 or 1-800-424-9346. For a catalog of Superfund publications,
contact the Superfund Docket and Information Center at (202) 382-6940.
------- |