xvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of • Solid Waste and Emergency Response Publication 9203.1-14FS March 1994 PB94-963237 SACM UPDATE Office of Emeigency and Remedial Response Outreach and Special Projects Staff 5201G Note From The Director On February 3, Administrator Browner announced the Agency's proposal for a reformed Superfund that is "faster, fairer, and more efficient". The heart of the new package is to speed Superfund cleanups while cutting costs. The Superfund Accelerated Cleanup Model (SACM) is consistent with the Administration's new proposal for a reformed Superfund and with the mission of the Superfund program-to protect human health and the environment As a program, we are seeing the real results of SACM through the pilots and through day-to-day management efficiencies. Headquarters has recently received a number of updates from the Regions on SACM progress and procedures. Several Regions are truly embracing and implementing a Vision of SACM that is, "one program, with all employees working together to accelerate cleanup". This bulletin is designed to keep you apprised of significant progress in SACM implementation nationwide. I commend all of you for your excellent work towards achieving our goal of full implementation of SACM this fiscal yea/. Keep up the good work!! Cross-Program Integration Several Regions have taken innovative approaches to achieving the cultural change associated with SACM and promoting cross- program integration. Region V has moved their Site Assessment Section into the Removal Branch. This has proven effective in creating one-program and has resulted in "one-door" for sites entering the Region. Region V has also rotated their removal and remedial branch chiefs to foster cross- program integration and understanding. By maximizing the combined expertise of their staff, Region V has effectively balanced their resources to assure a smooth flow of projects through the pipeline. In order to facilitate integrated site assessment, Region VIII has hired technical AARPs in their removal section to screen sites as they are discovered, make initial site visits, and make recommendations to an EPA technical body. Regions V and X have involved all staff in SACM through open meetings, workgroups, newsletters and cross- training. Many Regions have been or are currently conducting cross-program training for Site Assessment Managers, On-Scene Coordinators, and Remedial Project Managers. Regions are encouraged to continue these ty;ies of efforts. Eliminating the Backlog Regions are making significant progress in reducing the Site Inspection Prioritization (SIP) backlog. Region V has developed a process for addressing the SIP backlog intended to identify the remaining worst sites, flag environmental justice concerns, and prioritize Henry Longest ------- future site work. They have established a workgroup to provide objective criteria based on risk to establish priority among all the sites in their States. The Region expects that the States will also use this criteria, and provide the first cut at prioritizing backlogged sites so that the Region can then start with a list of the worst sites. Operating Procedures Many Regions have developed Region- specific SACM procedures that are in- synch with Headquarters guidance. Region V has developed the Regional Integrated Site Evaluation (RISE) To obtain more information on Region-specific initiatives, contact the Regional SACM coordinators: Region II Ron Borsellino (212) 264-8667 Region V Doug Ballotti (312) 886-4752 Region VIII Diane Thiel (303) 293-1282 Region X John Myer (206) 553-1271 process for screening newly discovered sites. RISE ensures that all sites enter through "one-door", and that site assessment, removal and remedial activities are integrated through a one- step screening process to address worst sites first. It establishes a chain of command and paper flow to assure appropriate coordination and management attention as a site moves through the Regional assessment process (site identification, planning and mobilization, site sampling, and reports). Region II has established a similar process to ensure cross-program coordination throughout the assessment process. Region VIII has drafted a comprehensive manual that outlines their vision for SACM and procedures for integrated assessment, priority setting, decision-making, early action and long- term action response, community involvement and enforcement. Region X has put in place a process for prioritizing potential National Priorities List sites for both Federal Facilities and non-Federal Facilities. The guidance includes: pertinent questions to ask; procedures for Regional Decision Team involvement; voting and documentation of decisions; and factors that should be considered. Communicating Successes/Lessons Learned All Regions see the value of documenting successes and lessons learned. As a pilot project, Region X created an outreach specialist position in their Superfund office to communicate the progress of Superfund, particularly SACM, to legislators, the media, publications and communities. Region V has published Superfund Accomplishments in 1993 and Region X has published Superfund Update, both intended to keep interested parties current on Regional Superfund activities and successes, including SACM. By communicating SACM successes we can show that we are making the Superfund process faster and more efficient. ------- |