EPA
ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE
UPDATES
DECEMBER 2001
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 1
1 Congress Street, Suite 1100
BOSTON, MA 02114-2023
November 2,2001
2001 REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE
EPA New England issued a revised EPA New England Regional Policy on Environmental Justice
on October 1,2001. This revised Policy serves to strengthen our already strong commitment to
environmental justice(EJ) by linking it with the Regional planning process and by recognizing the
need to reach out even more to rural as well as urban areas. As part of the Region's continuing
effort to institutionalize EJ, Region 1 issued its Environmental Justice Action Plan for Fiscal
Years 2001 and 2002 on October 1,2001. The Action Plan is comprised of six independent
strategies: Communication, External Stakeholder Engagement, Mapping, Organizational
Engagement, Training, and Evaluation. The ultimate success of the Action Plan hinges on an
implementation approach which is integrated and seamless. The synergy that can result from an
implementation strategy which is integrated and well timed will be a major focus of the Region as
it carries out this Action Plan.
NEJAC MEETING POLICY ISSUE ACTIVITIES
Water Quality, Fish Consumption & Environmental Justice
Select Activities & Projects in EPA New England
Do's and Don'ts for the Woonasquatucket River
Providence, North Providence, Johnston, and Smithfield, Rhode Island
Key Partners . Northern Rhode Island Conservation District, Audubon Society of Rhode Island,
Save the Bay, The Providence Plan, Rhode Island Department of Health, Club Neopolsi
Creations, and EPA-New England's Urban Environmental Initiative (UEI).
The Woonasquatucket River, which flows 18 miles from North Smithfield to Upper Narragansett
Bay, is a focal point of Rhode Island's urban revitalization efforts, particularly in downtown
Providence where the river is the centerpiece for the nationally-acclaimed Waterfire shows. In
August 1998, the river received national recognition and distinction when it was recognized as an
American Heritage River. The upper section of the Woonasquatucket is relatively pristine and
rural but the urban portion of the river below the Smithfield town line has been polluted with
sewage and industrial waste for more than a century, EPA-New England has been actively
involved with the Woonasquatucket River since 1996, when the agency's Urban Environmental
Initiative (UEI) first learned that urban residents were subsistence fishing and eel trapping in parts
of the river. Subsequent EPA-sponsored sampling efforts revealed dioxin contamination in the
lower river, which led to a "catch and release" fish advisory that has been in place since fall 1996.
EPA is now working with state and local partners to determine the extent of the dioxin
contamination and how it should be cleaned up.
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A group of over thirty non-profit organizations and the UEI joined forces in 1998 to create a
Health and Education Subcommittee of the Urban Rivers Team to educate local residents about
appropriate "Do's and Don'ts" for the Woonasquatucket River based on data findings and public
health risks. The group designed a multi-lingual education and outreach program including
brochures, presentations, take home information, and a train the trainers program to share public
health and safety messages to residents in along and near the Woonasqautucket River in
Providence, North Providence, Johnston, and Smithfield. In order to reach the diverse, cultural
populations in this target area, brochures and materials were designed using visual drawings and
minimizing text. All text and materials were translated into English, Spanish, Portuguese,
Hmong, Laotian, Cambodian, and Vietnamese.
Distribution of the multi-lingual materials has been targeted and focused. An initial door to door
campaign reached 10,000 residents during a single day of community service coordinated by the
Americorps program. The Northern Rhode Island Conservation District has taken the lead
introducing this curriculum directly into the classrooms of elementary schools in Providence,
North, Providence, Johnston, and Smithfield. To date over 500 students have been reached and
plans continue this year to reach even greater numbers in the classroom. A broad set of
community partners has also been trained to share the presentation and materials in each
community through the following organizations: town council meetings, churches, community
centers & clubs, environmental groups, community-based organizations, day care centers, local
business, adjacent residents, housing and retirement complexes, local government, and the media
Chelsea Creek Community Based Comparative Risk Assessment
East Boston and Chelsea, Massachusetts
Key Partners: Neighborhood of Affordable Housing, Chelsea Greenspace & Recreation
Committee, Chelsea Human Services Collaborative, Chelsea Creek Action Group, Greater Boston
Urban Resources Partnership, and East Boston Ecumenical Community Council, and EPA-New
England's Urban Environmental Initiative (UEI).
The communities of Chelsea and East Boston are joined by the Chelsea River (the Creek), the
body of water that flows through the Mystic River Watershed and discharges into the Boston
Inner Harbor. While the Creek has the potential to serve as a natural resource to these two highly
urbanized communities, it has instead been designated as the port of entry for industrial and
commercial enterprises and offers no public access or green space. The multitude of industrial
uses along the Creek include petroleum storage and transportation, asphalt storage tanks a multi-
ton salt pile, satellite parking areas, and intensive vehicular traffic related both to transportation of
goods and the operation of Logan Airport. In addition, there are numerous hazardous waste sites
along the Creek and abandoned or neglected lots.
Residents have long felt that this concentration of environmental and public health problems is
disproportionate and the cumulative impacts on local resident health a grave concern. Community
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organizations such as Chelsea Green Space and Recreation Committee and the Neighborhood of
Affordable Housing have addressed some of these challenges in the past, and came together in
1997 as the Chelsea Creek Action Group to specifically address environmental issues related to
the Creek. The Chelsea Creek Community Based Comparative Risk Assessment (CCRA) was
developed in order to involve and inform residents about environmental issues, gather information
on the various environmental impacts, and determine priorities to be addressed both by the
community and by related State and Federal agencies.
The goals of this project are to select target issues which were of importance to the community,
determine what data was available regarding the risks to environmental and public health, and
make information on these issues available to the public. The community organizations and
residents will then use the information to determine where their attention should be focused. The
six issues that were selected by a nearly year long community process for inclusion in the risk
assessment were: water quality, air quality, green/open space, noise, traffic, and asthma. The final
report is expected to be complete in March 2002.
The water quality chapter of the report includes a review of files available through the EPA, the
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Massachusetts Water Resources
Authority has shown that there has been very little data gathered on Creek pollutant levels. In the
last decade, there has been only one sampling location along the Creek used to assess and monitor
the Creek's water quality. Samples are taken at two depths and analyzed for bacteria counts,
dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, and turbidity. There is no on-going sampling program to
monitor the presence of PAHs or heavy metals in spite of the heavy industrial presence. Since
some PAHs are classified as probable carcinogens, the lack of data is problematic. Review of the
data indicates that the Chelsea Creek does not meet Clean Water Act standards for surface water
quality for pathogens, oil and grease, dissolved oxygen, unionized ammonia, turbidity, and taste,
odor, and color.
The greatest concern emerging from this effort is that there is a lack of information to fully
understand the extent of water contamination in the Chelsea Creek. Without this information, it is
very difficult to identify the greatest public health risks facing citizens. There is currently no
official community access to the Creek; the number of area residents who might be using the
Creek for recreational or subsistence fishing is unknown, but it is most likely small. However, it is
a goal of residents to be able to utilize the Creek as a recreational area. Before this can happen,
increased sampling will be needed to ensure that any public use of the Creek is safe.
Water Quality and the New England Tribes
The New England Tribes are very concerned about the high cancer rates among their Tribal
members and are focusing study efforts to determine the level of biaccumulalive toxins impacting
Tribal natural resources. Since the New England Tribes are riverine and coastal Tribes they are
very concerned about water quality and the risk to the health of their Tribal members from
ingesting contaminated fish.
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Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring has been the primary focus for the New England Tribes. Six of the Nine
Federally Recognized Tribes have acquired TAS for funding water quality monitoring and
assessment activities. In FYOO, the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribe received approval for
federal funds in less than three months due to the Tribal/EPA collaborative effort. These federal
funds have enabled the tribes to build tribal water quality monitoring programs that collect data
and assess the risk to the tribe and ecosystem. One example of an exemplary Water Quality
monitoring program is the Penobscot Nation's water quality monitoring program. For example, in
addition to entering into an MOU with the State of Maine DEP to collect data for the State's
305(b) report, the Tribal Natural Resource Department is also assessing episodic algae blooms in
the Penobscot River; collecting nutrient, chlorophyll, transparency, dissolved oxygen, and other
relevant data to quantify occurrence and severity of blooms as they occur, and conducting benthic
macroinvertebrate sampling to determine compliance of specific river segments and tributaries
with state aquatic life criteria.
The following is a short summary of the studies currently under way to determine the amount of
pollution that is impacting Indian Country in New England:
1997 Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe toxic monitoring study to identify base line data of
the levels of dioxin and thirteen priority pollutant metals in five marine species
consumed by tribal members. The Tribe is in the process of evaluating the data and
determining the level of risk that currently exist for tribal consumption of these species.
1999 BIA lead study to determine the levels of dioxin in sediment and fish tissue of the.
Penobscot River. Data is currently being validated by EPA Region 1. A health
consultation by ATSDR will be conducted and EPA will be reviewing the health
consultation and coordinating the ecological risk assessment through EPA region l's
laboratory.
1999 Passamaquoddy Tribes and Penobscot Nation collaborated to conduct a study of the
Moose and deer liver for cadmium and heavy metals. EPA requested that the EPA
laboratory assist to evaluate the livers for PBT's. The livers are currently at EPA's
OPPTS Atlanta Laboratory for analysis.
2001 Maliseet Tribe is conducting a study of fish to determine the level of mercury in fish to
evaluate the level of risk to tribal members from consuming fish.
2002 Wampanoag Tribe in Martha's vineyard is also conducting a study of dioxin in fish and
shellfish to determine the level of risk to tribal members from consuming marine fish and
shellfish.
EPA is also conducting a CERCLA PA/SI at Lincoln Pulp and Paper based on a request from
BIA to investigate whether the Lincoln Mill is a potential source for contamination in the
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Penobscot River. Data collected during the previously mentioned BIA study will be
incorporated into the PA/SI to determine the eligibility for listing the LP&P facility on the NPL.
In addition to these studies, the New England Tribes are evaluating the impact of toxics to tribal
resources from air deposition. Below is a summary of that work.
Air Toxins Monitoring
Within a three year period, the Regional Indian Air Workgroup, a tribal regional collaboration,
has identified data gaps for air contaminants deposited in Indian Country in New England. Three
air toxins monitors (improved PM) have been strategically distributed in Indian Country in New
England to the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in northern Maine, the Penobscot Nation in central
Maine, and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head in southern Massachusetts. This initiative will
allow the tribes to become part of the national air monitoring data base and provide invaluable
data concerning air pollutant impacts to New England's tribal ecosystems. This has been a
collaborative effort between the New England tribes, EPA head quarters and Regional staff and
the National Park Service.
The Regional Indian Air Workgroup has targeted air deposition and mercury as areas of concern
for the New England tribes. By targeting mercury, the New England Regional Indian Air Work
Group developed the following study procedure for accessing ride: 1) A model QAPP for fish
tissue testing; 2) A model fish consumption survey; 3) Model air monitoring programs; 4)
incorporation of data into the national database; 5) A model for coordination with other agencies
for technical assistance throughout the project; and 6) Developing model assessment and risk
communication strategies. In addition, two acid rain monitoring sites have been approved and one
mercury monitor site has been approved. This monitor should be online by spring.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL
List of Current or Past Penobscot River Projects as of March 28.2000 bv the Federal
Partners
US Army Corps of Engineers
USACE is evaluating Water Management issues under the authority of our Flood Plain
Management program for the East Branch of the Penobscot River for the Penobscot Indian
Nation.
The USACE is examining dredging alternatives for navigation improvement into the entire
Penobscot River. At this time at least maintaining the existing federal navigation channel is being
studied.
Fish and Wildlife Service Activities with Penobscot Indian Nation
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Regulatory Programs: Work cooperatively with PIN on hydroelectric project licensing on
Penobscot River; provide guidance on FERC regulatory process and technical issues, such as fish
passage; work cooperatively with tribal biologists and DOI legal counsel to develop
recommendations that are protective of PIN interests.
Coordinate with tribal staff on contaminant related investigations and share information on
consultations with other federal agencies, including the preparation of a formal biological opinion
on the effects of paper mill discharges on bald eagles. Assist tribe in carrying out contaminant
surveys on Penobscot River.
Land Management Assistance: Work cooperatively with tribal staff and provide guidance on how
best to protect wildlife populations and habitats on PIN lands, including whitetail deer, beaver,
bald eagles, and wetlands. Consult with tribe under the Endangered Species Act to ensure that
forest management practices do not adversely affect listed and proposed species.
Fisheries Assistance: Implement a cooperative agreement with the PIN and state covering
restoration of American shad to the Penobscot River; participate with PIN and state on Maine
Atlantic Salmon Technical Advisory Committee; work with tribe and other interests on restoring
or enhancing populations of Atlantic salmon and other species, including American eel.
Training and Education: Participate in Native American Fish and Wildlife Society meetings, and
share information on FWS activities and projects. Assist with Atlantic salmon educational effort
(Fish Friends) in PIN schools; employ PIN University of Maine Student at Sunkhaze Meadows
National Wildlife Refuge in cooperative education program (ultimately will lead to permanent
employment of student with FWS).
Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affiurs has brought together agencies including the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the University of Maine Water
Research Institute (WRI) in an effort to collect information regarding the occurrence, distribution,
and ecological and human health risks associated with dioxins, furans, and PCBs in fish and
sediment in the Penobscot River. The study area encompasses the Penobscot River main channel
from the Milford Dam impoundment in Old Town to Grindstone, Maine. Concentrations of
dioxins and furans in the riverbed sediment has been quantified to a limited degree through a
sampling study conducted in this area in 1995 by the Penobscot Indian Nation, Department of
Natural Resources. In addition, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP)
presently T™»"*ains several fish sampling stations in the study area as part of their statewide dioxin
program. The USGS, Water Resources Division, is conducting the fieldwork for this project and
compiling a report of the data collected. The fieldwork consists of a geophysical survey of
sediments in the riverbed to identify areas of fine-grain sediment deposition, and the subsequent
collection offish tissues and fine-grained surficial sediment samples to be analyzed for dioxins,
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furans, and PCBs. The University of Maine WRI will perform all sample analyses. EPA risk
assessors will use the collected data to assess human health and ecological risk.
The status of the project is that sediments and fish samples were collected in October 1999,
samples will be analyzed by U of Maine, EPA New England with assistance from ESAT will
validate the data. EPA will conduct a screening level ecological risk assessment with ESAT
assistance. EPA is estimating that all being completed by late fell 2000. EPA risk assessors are
involved in data collection efforts to ensure that data collected is usable for a human health
evaluation
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
ATSDR agreed to provide a health consultation on the evaluation of fish data based on fish
consumption rates of the Penobscot Tribal community.
In this initial health consultation, ATSDR agreed to focus on the fish sampling and analysis data
for dioxins.
ATSDR expects to discuss with the Penobscot Environmental Office a draft of the HC in early
Spring and hopes to release the consult in early summer.
In the future, ATSDR will look at data on the other environmental contaminants in fish as an
additional health consultation. The specifics for this second evaluation will be discussed with the
Tribe once the first consultation is completed.
US Environmental Protection Agency
"Monitoring of dioxins and furans in the food chain of Penobscot River bald eagles following
discharge by Lincoln Pulp and Paper Company."
The project's scope of work addresses the following objectives: a monitoring program to evaluate
levels and effects of dioxins and furans in the Penobscot River and in the bald eagles' food chain
resulting from production and process changes by LPP. Research will also be conducted related
to potential mercury contamination in the area. When the study is completed, the differences in
levels above and below LPP will be assessed to determine any differences in contaminant levels
between two fish species—white suckers and small mouth bass.
BIA's request to list the Penobscot River as a CERCLIS site.
On April 22,1999 the Bureau of Indian Affair's (BIA), on behalf of the Penobscot Indian Nation
(PIN), submitted a written request for EPA New England (EPA) to investigate contamination of
the Penobscot River south of Lincoln, Maine. In his letter Franklin Keel, Director of BIA's
Eastern Area Office identified the Lincoln Pulp & Paper Mill (LP&P) located in Lincoln, Maine as
a potential source of contamination On June 21,1999 EPA initiated a combined Preliminary
Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI) of LP&P. Sampling (conducted on November 8-10,1999)
related to LP&P currently consists of the following:
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13 Groundwater Samples
21 Soil Samples
26 Sediment Samples
3 Ash Samples
2 Effluent Sample
34 Quality Assurance/Performance Evaluation Samples
Although individual sample analysis may vaiy, samples will be analyzed for volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) (including coplanar PCBs), dioxin/furans, metals (including mercury), and
cyanide. EPA is currently awaiting final validated data for these samples and is working on
resolving a number of issues that have been raised by the Penobscot Nation.
EPA is funding many of the Water Quality Projects listed by the Tribe below.
Natural Resources Conservation Service in Maine
Environmental Quality Incentives Project in Alderstream Township. NRCS has provided, and will
continue to provide, technical assistance on several conservation practices; i.e., wooden bridges,
road ditches, road culverts, rock aprons, and rock waterways.
The Grist Mill Dam was removed on Souadabscook Stream, a tributary of the Penobscot River In
addition, the Recreational Area Dam on Souadabscook Stream was breached and the Upper Grist
Mill Dam was removed. The Souadabscook Stream is the historic fishing waters of the Penobscot
Indian Nation, and is known to them as the "river of many fishes". The dam removals lead to the
restoration of anadromous fish habitat in this large drainage area.
The Penobscot Indian Nation has a seat at the table at State Technical Committee meetings
A Penobscot Indian Nation representative is a member of the State Outreach Committee.
The Local Food and Agriculture Council in Penobscot County has developed an Outreach Plan, in
which providing outreach and service to the Penobscot Indian Nation is included.
A tribal liaison has been established with the tribe. They are working together on tribal
employment, enhancing technical services, improving program deliveries, etc.
NRCS has offered to provide a presence at tribal headquarters on a part-time basis.
The Maine Rural Development Council is working with the tribe. Meetings have been held on
improving government services, and a trip to the tribal headquarters was by the Council.
The Penobscot Indian Nation was the location for an NRCS All Employees Meeting in 1998
Members of the tribe educated NRCS on Native American cultures.
NRCS has provided technical and financial assistance to the Penobscot Riverkeepers. whose coal is
to deliver soil and water education programs to community members, students teachers, and th*
Penobscot Indian Youth program. This education effort teaches the basics of waterand its
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importance in the culture and heritage of Maine, the Penobscot River, and the Penobscot Indian
Nation.
Through the NRCS Tribal Apprenticeship Program, funds were obtained to hire one Penobscot
Tribal Member for temporary employment in the Bangor Field Office.
The Penobscot Nation was an active participant in the Locally Led Conservation effort.
The Penobscot Nation participated in the NRCS sponsored Forest Field Day. Penobscot Nation
member Theresa Hoffinan provided informational materials on Maine made Native American
baskets.
The Penobscot Nation has received over $600,000.00 through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program administered by NRCS. These conservation dollars are being used to improve
wildlife habitat, improve logging road stream crossings, reduce road ditch erosion by installing
BMP's, and replace a water control structure to enhance the functions and value of a large wetland
system
The Penobscot Nation was very active this past summer with the installation of conservation
practices on over 54,000 acres of trust land through the EQIP. Over $195,000.00 of conservation
dollars have been spent to meet the number one goal for the management of these trust lands,
which is to preserve water quality and the long-term productivity of the forest. These trust lands
are located in several different major watersheds of the State. With their rich forest and water
resources, they are extremely important to the Penobscots for hunting, fishing, camping and as a
source of income through timber harvesting.
NRCS is continuing to work with the Penobscot Nation and other Maine Tribes in propagating and
cultivating brown ash for future basket making. In recent years the quality of potential basket ash
has been on an alarming decline. Since then, seeds have been collected and tested for viability at
NRCS's Plant Material Center in New York. The ultimate goal is to have nursery stock available
for the tribes.
Developed and hosted a timber bridge workshop. The U.S. Forest Service, Maine Forest Service,
Penobscot Indian Nation and the Passamaquoddy Indian Nation participated.
The Bangor Field Office staff and the Penobscot County Soil & Water Conservation District
participated in a special tour and historical overview of the Penobscot Nation. The purpose of this
tour was to provide awareness training to all of the field office staff.
NRCS and the Penobscot Nation collaborated on developing and filming a national civil rights
training video, which was filmed on Indian Island. Penobscot Nation Tribal members and NRCS
staff were both interviewed and included in the video.
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ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROBLEMS
One of EPA New England's highest and most challenging priorities is to promote Environmental
Justice (EJ) to ensure that the citizens of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, and Vermont all enjoy an equal measure of environmental protection. EPA New
England acknowledges that, notwithstanding differences in race, color, national origin, and income,
everyone strives for a better quality of life, including a safer and healthier living environment for
their family, community, and future generations. EPA New England also recognizes that it must
increase its involvement and attention to minority and low-income communities in its decision-
making processes. Many of these communities may not have the access or resources to get their
concerns addressed, even when they suffer a disproportionate impact from environmental pollution
or threats to public health.
In January 1993, EPA New England became the first EPA Regional office to issue an
Environmental Equity policy to address what is now commonly referred to as EJ. Since then, the
Region has made a significant amount of progress to address and respond to EJ issues and concerns
by making fundamental changes in the way our everyday work is carried out. By taking a more
proactive approach, we have been able to foster strong partnerships with New England citizens to
identify and resolve many of the environmental concerns which most impact their quality of life and
health.
EPA New England is working to make sure that EJ considerations are factored into the
environmental decisions we make, programs we implement, and projects and initiatives we
undertake. Clearly, our staff needs a keen understanding of EJ in order to connect how their work
helps to ensure that all citizens in New England receive fair and equal environmental protection.
To accomplish this goal, the Region is revising and reissuing as part of our Action Plan the
Regional Environmental Justice Policy. As further evidence of that commitment, the Office
Directors established the Environmental Justice Council, charged with the responsibility of
developing EJ policy, guidance, and implementation strategies to institutionalize EJ activities
throughout the Regional Office.
The top priority has been to develop an EJ Action Plan for fiscal years 2001-2002 and beyond,
which reflects our ongoing and future efforts to:
Educate and train our staff to increase their knowledge and understanding of EJ and provide
them with new tools to identify EJ communities and to factor EJ into their everyday work;
Engage principal partners such as community-based organizations, public health organizations,
and federal, state and local governments, to broaden our efforts to understand, identify, and
resolve EJ issues and concerns;
Meaningfully involve our community partners as early as possible in the Region's
environmental decision-making;
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Increase communication about EJ with both internal staff and outside stakeholders by use of
the internet and other traditional communication tools, highlighting EJ-related activities and
success stories and other relevant information;
Develop and provide program-specific EJ guidance to all Regional program offices, in priority
areas such as: Enforcement and Inspections, Permitting, Performance Partnership Agreements,
State Delegations, and Public Participation;
Create an inventory of ongoing and existing EJ projects, programs, initiatives and activities,
and house them in a user-friendly data base accessible to all Regional staff;
Include EJ in the annual strategic planning process for fiscal year 2002 and beyond; and
Evaluate the effectiveness of our institutionalization efforts and continuously improve on our
successes.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND TRAINING INITIATIVES
Public Participation
Region 1 has issued the Environmental Justice Action Plan for Fiscal Years 2001 and 2002. A
part of our Action Plan is the Communication Strategy. The goal is to effectively convey
information about EJ issues, policies, programs, and results to the widest audience possible,
including the public, state and local governments, and EPA staff.
Region 1 will accomplish this goal by:
Reaching a wide audience a combination of media, including the web and more traditional
tools, will be used to inform stakeholders and EPA Staff about EJ activities.
Enhancing the EPA New England EJ website by adding links to related sites and increasing
content regarding EPA policies, guidance and supporting information, as well as specific EJ
programs and contacts.
Highlighting success stories about EJ programs, including grants and various other initiatives
on the web.
Region I has instituted a quarterly Environmental Justice Newsletter, entitled EJ News. The
purpose of the newsletter is to inform our external stakeholders and EPA staff about new regional
and national policy developments, environmental justice programs (such as grants), additional
environmental justice resources, and areas of environmental justice success. The first newsletter
was issued on November 1,2001.
Training
Region 1 has issued the Environmental Justice Action Plan for Fiscal Years 2001 and 2002. A
part of our Action Plan is the Training Strategy. The goal is to increase understanding and
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awareness of Environmental Justice by EPA and State staff. The Training Workgroup will
develop a plan to roll out the EJ Fundamentals Workshop to EPA New England staff and will
partner with State agencies in New England to assist in the roll out to State staff. A first step in
this process will be conducting a Pilot "Fundamentals of Environmental Justice Workshop in
October, 2001, which will be attended by EPA staff, State agencies, industry, and various
community groups in New England. The purpose of this pilot is to test the training curriculum
before a variety of audiences for clarity, substance, effectiveness, and appropriateness.
Once the workshop is finalized, a plan will be developed to train EPA staff and begin a dialogue
with the States aimed towards bringing the training to them. The Training Workgroup will
identify a small number of EPA staff who will attend the annual EJ Training Collaborative's Train
the Trainer Institute, a week long workshop in November, 2001. Staff attending the Institute will
become the cadre of trainers who will provide high quality EJ training in New England that is
consistent in content and presentation.
Regional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program
In an effort to provide more meaningful community involvement in controversial cleanup
decisions, our Regional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program has helped to convene
public processes aimed at providing citizens' with relevant information and ensuring that their
concerns are being heard and responded to. We are currently funding the services of neutral
facilitators to promote honest, constructive dialogue relating to citizens' concerns at various sites
across New England, including the Elizabeth Mine Site in Strafford, VT; the South Weymouth
Naval Air Station restoration project in South Weymouth, MA; the GE-Pittsfield Site in Pittsfield,
MA; and the Raymark Site in Stratford, CT.
OUTREACH INITIATIVES
External Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
EPA Region 1 has issued the Environmental Justice Action Plan for Fiscal Years 2001 and 2002.
A part of our Action Plan is the External Stakeholder Engagement Strategy. The goal of this
strategy is to educate and change behavior and actions to ensure that Environmental Justice is an
integral part of our external partners' roles and responsibilities. The action items for this strategy
are to communicate a consistent, ongoing message to all external partners; build and enhance
partnerships with Regional environmental agencies, local municipal and community groups, state
public health agencies and selected federal partners; and continue to evaluate and update our EJ
inventory of projects and contacts with our partners and continue to strengthen the relationship
with these partners and look for opportunities to broaden our partnership role.
Jobs For Youth - Boston. Inc.
Success in Brownfields Environmental Job Training Pilot Program
Lynn, MA / Somerville, MA
(June 20,2001)
In 1998, Jobs For Youth-Boston, Inc. (JFY) was awarded $200,000 to develop and imptonymt a
Brownfields Environmental Job Training Pilot Program. JFY is Boston's largest workforce
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development resource and one of it's oldest. Their mission is to provide low-skilled, low-income
youth and adults with skills to become economically productive. The Program was implemented
over two years. Two cycles of environmental training were offered each year on procedures for
handling and removing hazardous substances. The training included sampling, analysis, and site
remediation through the use of innovative technologies. JFY's program provided a
comprehensive educational program in both technical expertise as well as professional and life
skill development to residents living in communities impacted by brownfields.
JFY partnered with two Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot cities in Boston
metropolitan area, Lynn and Somerviile. Other stakeholders that helped make JFY's job training
program so successful, were UMASS Lowell / The New England Consortium, UMASS Boston,
and Suffolk University. These stakeholders worked with JFY to develop the curriculum as well
as to provide educators and facilities for the Program.
Of 43 participants who completed the Brownfields Environmental Job Training program, 100%
were employed upon graduation. The average starting wage for graduates was $26,311. Prior to
entering the program, many participants were unemployed, underemployed, welfare-to-work, or
otherwise disadvantaged. Upon completion of the program, participants are employed full-time
and earning living wages with full benefits. Many participants will have opportunities through
their employers for further education. Some graduates reported the desire and means to earn an
Associates or Bachelors degree based on the skills and confidence gained through their experience
with JFY.
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES, ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE, AND COMMUNITY
ASSESSMENT
EPA Region 1 has issued the Environmental Justice Action Plan for Fiscal Years 2001 and 2002.
A part of our Action Plan is the Evaluation Strategy. The goal of this strategy is to assess the
impact and effectiveness of implementation of the EJ Action Plan, in terms of changing
organizational culture and institutionalizing the environmental justice principle throughout EPA
New England.
This strategy is intended to provide an overall evaluation of the success the Region has achieved
in its implementation of the EJ Action Plan. To do this evaluation we will develop a set of
measures that address the issue of institutionalization and culture change.
TARGETING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND EXPOSURE STUDIES
Asthma Regional Coordinating Council
Regional Asthma Action Plan
May 30,2001
In May 2000 the regional administrators of HHS, EPA and HUD hosted a summit of New
England Commissioners of Environment, Public Health, Housing and Education to address this
challenge. The Summit attendees called for three priority actions to address asthma: the
Page 13 of 14
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establishment of a regional coordinating council; the launching of a regional asthma tracking
initiative; and the creation of guidance for the design, renovation and maintenance of asthma
friendly schools and homes.
This Asthma Action Plan identifies four targeted areas for action to address the environmental
aspects of the asthma epidemic that are within the control or influence of Council members.
Surveillance, Outreach and Education, Exposure Reduction in Homes and Schools, and Exposure
Reduction in the Community form the four broad areas for action, with 12 specific action items.
Action items are designed to allow individual states the greatest flexibility in designing the means
of achieving action items. It is anticipated that individual states and the federal agencies will
experiment and innovate to meet these policy targets. We expect to gain from this process better
policies and programs for asthma and to rapidly share and implement the best policy and
programming throughout the region.
Guiding Principles of the Asthma Action Plan:
Coordination of the efforts of the New England States is necessary for effective response to the
asthma epidemic.
In order to protect human health, action should be taken as early as possible, even where the precise
benefit of our actions for asthma may be unknown so long as the action is reasonably likely to
reduce the impact of asthma on children and families and holds general public health benefit.
When costs are incurred by one sector for benefits generally attributed to another sector, Council
members will seek to support an appropriate allocation of funding and recognition across sectors.
Public sector programs will be targeted first in implementing this action plan.
We will maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of government resources by experimenting with
interagency policy and programming that is responsive to the needs of children and families with
asthma.
We will add to the understanding of Asthma in New England through evaluation of the efficacy and
cost effectiveness of our policy and programmatic actions.
While this Council does not focus on medical management issues we will coordinate closely with
colleagues who do and specifically with the New England Managed Care Public Health Collaborative
to ensure our actions are integrated and mutually supportive.
Page 14 of 14
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION II
date. October 23, 2001
subject: Region 2 Activities Update for the 17th NEJAC Meeting
from: Terry M. Wesley, Environmental Justice Coordinator //signed//
Office of the Regional Administrator
TO: Marva E. King, NEJAC Program Manager
Office of Environmental Justice (2201 A)
This memorandum serves as Region 2's response in providing a list of regional activities
associated with the following National Environmental justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) policy
statement issue: "Is there a relationship between water quality, fish consumption and
environmental justice? "
For your reference, the following regional activities involve several 'Superfund' sites which are
located in New York State. Further, for purposes of identification, these activities should be
captured under the report heading of: (1) NEJAC meeting policy issue activities, as noted in
the OEJ Biennial Report format.
EPA's Proposed Hudson River Clean-up Plan
On Wednesday, August 1,2001, Administrator Christie Whitman circulated for
interagency review a draft proposal to clean up PCB pollution from the upper Hudson
River. The Hudson River PCB site includes, approximately, a 200-mile stretch of the
river from Hudson Falls to the Battery in New York City. More specifically, 40 miles of
the upper portion of the river is under consideration for remediation. It is estimated that
the General Electric Co. had discharged, over a period of several decades, between
209,000 and 1.3 million pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the river from
two capacitor manufacturing plants located in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, New York.
Previous studies had identified 40 hot spots in the Upper Hudson, which are defined as
locales with sediments contaminated with greater than 50 parts per million (ppm) of
PCBs.
Remediation of PCB contaminated sediment of the St. Lawrence River
The Region continued clean-up activities at the 270-acre General Motors (Central
Foundry Division) she as well as cleanup of the PCB contaminated sediment of the St.
Lawrence River system. The site is bordered by the St. Lawrence River, the St. Regis
Mohawk Nation, the Raquette River, and the Reynolds Metals Company. There are
approximately 4,000 Mohawks living in the adjacent territory referred to as Akwesasne.
The City of Cornwall, Ontario, with approximately 50,000 residents, is 2 miles north
across the river, while the Village of Massena, with a population of 13,000, is located 7
miles to the east. The clean-up plan was designed with the consideration of fish
consumption by the local population. By dredging 23,000 tons ofPCB-contaxninated
sediments from the St. Lawrence River system, the potential for continued contamination
of edible fish and wildlife is reduced.
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Reynolds Metals Company Site
The 1,600- acre Reynolds Metals Company facility has been an active aluminum
production plant since 1958. As a result of production activities and plant expansion,
various types of industrial waste were disposed throughout the facility. Currently, major
areas of contamination on the facility are being investigated and remediated under the
authority of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Located in close proximity to the GM Massena site, the Reynolds facility is approximately
one mile upriver from the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Reservation, Akwesasne. The
Reynolds facility is bordered on the north by the St. Lawrence River and on the south by
the Raquette River. In addition to contamination throughout the facility, Reynolds also
discharged contaminants to the St. Lawrence River through four permitted outfalls. As a
result of these discharges, sediments in the St. Lawrence River adjacent to the Reynolds
facility have been contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), aluminum, furans,
and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Dredging and remedial activities are underway
to achieve the lowest possible levels.
San Jose Lagoon (Puerto Rico)
Screening data on fish tissue metal contaminants collected by the University of Puerto
Rico suggests contamination of fish and shellfish with very high concentrations of lead. Fish and
crabs from the Lagoon are consumed by local people, including children. Further, a large portion
of the area is considered economically stressed. Consequently, for some people, fish and crabs
captured from San Jose Lagoon may be a subsistence source of food.
As part of an ongoing regional effort, fish and crabs were collected from four areas in the
San Jose Lagoon. Targeted fish species (striped and yellow mojarra, and snook) are those
generally desired for human consumption. Fish and crabs were submitted for laboratory analysis
of metals, pesticides, dioxins/furans, PAHs, and PCBs. Chemical contaminant data will be used
to evaluate human health risks from consumption, and to develop risk based human health
consumption advisories. Project will be used to build capacity among agencies in Puerto Rico for
development of risk based human health fish/shellfish consumption advisories.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please feel free to contact me at (212) 637-5027,
or via e-mail at wesley.terry@epa.gov.
cc: Mustafa Ali, OEJ
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE GRANT RECIPIENTS FOR FY 2001
Atlantic States Legal Foundation (2001) $10,000
Syracuse, NY
The goal of this project is to organize an environmental justice committee representing ethnic
minority communities in Onondaga County for whom English is not their primary language (e.g.
Spanish, Albanian, Asian ,and Russian). The Environmental Justice Committee will be educated
on what environmental and health information is available and how to disseminate it to minority
populations. Examples of information valuable includes lead paint inventory (GIS mapped),
TRI, Onondaga Lake fish advisory, and other information regarding identified Superfiind sites
and subsites in the County.
Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment, Inc. (2001) $20,000
Hogansburg, NY
The ATFE proposes to build upon existing partnerships that will enable them to collect, analyze
and consolidate data on both contaminant levels and cultural use areas using GIS mapping. The
target audience for this work includes their existing partners: ATFE members, a community
advisory group which consists of health care providers, educators, environmental programs and
cultural institutions in Akwesasne that continue to participate in cultural activities. The ATFE
expects by the end of the grant to develop an atlas which will visually show levels of
contaminants and their overlap with traditional cultural use areas and to conduct a series of
meetings that will communicate the findings of this project to interested community members.
American Littoral Society (2001) $10,000
Washington Crossing, PA
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN)will provide subsistence anglers in Camden, New
Jersey a comprehensive Delaware River Watershed Toxic Fish Alert. The fish advisory will
detail risk, provide information on toxins, explain how contamination occurs, and provide
information on steps that can be taken to reduce exposure to contaminants. DRN will seek out
and identify alternative means for communicating with subsistence anglers which may include
posters/signage, community events, and direct contact.
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West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT) (2001)
New York, NY
$10,000
WE ACT in partnership with the Healthy Schools Network, plans to work with four schools in
Harlem and Washington Heights to empower parents to protect their children from
environmental health threats in schools. Commonly found health threats in schools included
inadequate fresh air, carbon monoxide, irritant dusts, poisonous molds, volatile organic
compounds formaldehyde and pesticides. WE ACT and Healthy Schools Network will use
"Tools for Schools" kits provided by EPA Region 2 to work with parent/youth teams to prioritize
what environmental solutions need to be implemented.
Chinese Progressive Association (2001)
New York, NY
Lead Poisoning Prevention/Asthma/Air Pollution
$14,000
The Chinese Progressive Association will target the Chinese community in Manhattan's
Chinatown and Lower East Side. They plan to focus on increasing awareness on the connection
between health and the environment in a linguistically and culturally appropriate way. The
environmental focus will be asthma and lead poisoning. CPA will conduct community
workshops targeting tenant associations, community groups, senior centers, day care centers and
churches.
UPROSE (2001) $14,000
Brooklyn, NY
UPROSE will educate parents, senior citizens, and other adults about the environmental justice
issues that are currently impacting their community. The Sunset Park community in Brooklyn is
predominantly Latino and houses numerous industrial users, former industrial sites, solid waste
transfer stations, auto salvaging operations as well as other industries. UPROSE will conduct
targeted outreach to community groups and community based organizations in the area including
churches, hospitals, schools and senior citizen centers. The purpose of which is to enhance
community understanding of environmental and public health information systems and generate
information on pollution in the community.
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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION III
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE
AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
EPA Region III:
Consists of the States of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia; in
addition to the District of Columbia. There are several large urban areas in the Region including:
Baltimore, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Wilmington, and Richmond. There
are no federally recognized tribes in Region III, however there are several state recognized tribes
in Virginia.
The demographic information for EPA Region III is as follows:
Total Population 25,917,014
White 20,879,030
Black/African American 3,970,832
Native American 50,478
SUMMARY OF CURRENT AND HISTORICAL MAJOR REGION III
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES
2. Environmental Justice at the Federal Level
AN EPA REGION 3 INITIATIVE TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FURTHER DAMAGE TO
PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT POTENTIALLY PUT AT RISK BY THE
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A USPS REGIONAL POST OFFICE IN
PHILADELPHIA'S EASTWICK COMMUNITY
In August 1999 EPA initiated community involvement implementation in Eastwick as required by
its Superfund actions at the Lower Darby Creek Area As part of its community relations assessment
BACKGROUND
Other
Asian
Hispanic
Total Minority
% Minority
Under Poverty
% Under Poverty
16,716
449,741
550,217
5,037,984
19%
2,778,130
11%
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the Region 3 Superfund program found that the portion of the site located in the Eastwick section
of Philadelphia had an African American population that surpassed the Pennsylvania population
percentage an thus raised the sensitivity for potential Environmental Justice (EJ). The EJ concerns
alerted the Site Team to the possibility of a potential for an excess burden of threats to public health
and the environment. For this reason, enhanced community involvement lead to observations and
actions that revealed deep community concern for, and perceptions of excessive public health and
environmental threats.
The Region 3 Lower Darby Creek Area NPL site team attended Philadelphia Mayor John Street's
Eastwick neighborhood meeting in early 2000. We were there to hear the major issues of community
concern. This meeting was part of an initiative by the new mayor to focus on improving the quality
of life in Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Over 300 attended the 8:00 P.M. meeting that lasted well
beyond 11:00 P.M. We learned that the planned construction of a regional post office was the
biggest concern in the community. It was stated that the future regional post office would bring
1,200 truck trips (600 in & 600 out) into the Eastwick community. The Eastwick residents were
outraged that they were now going to be further burdened by the air polluting emissions, noise and
heavy truck traffic that the regional post office would bring to their community.
The community expressed further outrage at their U.S. Congressman, Bob Brady. Brady had run on
the promise that he would fight the building of the regional post office. The post office was a done
deal before Brady took his oath of office. He could do nothing, and the people that elected him were
outraged.
Romona McQueen, EPA Region 3 Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Coordinator, has
informed me of the four minority businesses that obtained natural gas retail franchises from the
federal government to provide fuel for government vehicles. These businesses were identified by
the Philadelphia African American Chamber of. For many years, the federal government has
expressed and promoted the idea of alternative fuel use by its own vehicles. However, the adoption
of natural gas vehicle fuel has been extremely slow. An agreement by the Postal Service to use
natural gas in its vehicles servicing the proposed Philadelphia Regional Post Office at Eastwick will
create a demand for vehicular natural gas fuel, thus creating a meaningful market for these minority
franchises.
The USPS has already entered into an agreement in New York City's South Bronx to refit all of the
vehicles at its regional post office to natural gas use. By replicating such an agreement at Eastwick
Regional Post Office in Philadelphia, the EPA will accomplish the following:
1. Prevention of further deterioration of air quality in Philadelphia's Eastwick community.
2. At no cost to tax payers, contribute to the development of small/minority businesses.
3 Provide locally elected officials the opportunity to do support a positive environmental
issue.
4.Stimulate similar programs on a national basis.
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3. Addressing Environmental Justice Problems
Annual All States Environmental Justice Meetings
The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice has held an Annual All States
Environmental Justice Meeting with the states in EPA Region III (Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia) for the past three years. These
meetings serve as an opportunity for education, information transfer, brainstorming, and partnership
building with respect to environmental justice. Each year, one of the states in the Region volunteers
to host the meeting, and all of the partners share in agenda development.
Our first meeting was hosted by the state of Maryland. Guest presenters at that meeting included
Arthur Ray of MDE, Deohn Ferris, and Charles Lee. The second meeting was hosted by the state
of Pennsylvania. Ann Goode and Jerry Baiter were among the guest presenters at that meeting. One
significant outcome of these earlier meetings was the establishment of a monthly Environmental
Justice Conference Call with the states in Region III which has been conducted on an on-going basis
for the last three years, and the establishment of a cooperative model for addressing Environmental
Justice concerns first worked out through the efforts of OECEJ and Arthur Ray of MDE three years
ago.
This past summer, the state of Virginia hosted our annual meeting. The state of Virginia and the
state Redevelopment Authority made presentations on their environmental justice efforts. This was
followed by presentations by Jerry Baiter and Charles Lee. Mr. Baiter who is one of the attorneys
working on the Saint Lawrence Cement case, provided insight on that matter, as well as some
information and interpretation of the Sandoval case, and an overview of the Chester case for those
in attendance. Charles Lee, of EPA's Office of Environmental Justice made a presentation on the
Inter-Agency Working Group and his collaborative model. Additional discussion was held on the
development of Regional Listening Sessions, state-EPA interactions, key cases in the Region,
outreach and education to the states in the Region, and cooperation in addressing environmental
justice issues of concern. As an outcome of the meeting, all of the states and EPA agreed that we
would like to hold these meetings twice per year rather than once because they are seen as being
useful and informative by all the partners. The states felt that the wealth of information shared at
the meetings and the guest presenters were of significant help as they move forward with their
programs in their states.
King William Reservoir, King William County, Virginia
The Regional Raw Water Study Group (RRWSG), a consortium of local governments on Virginia's
Lower Peninsula, are proposing the construction of a dam, fresh water reservoir, and a pumping
station in rural King William County, Virginia. The dam would create a 1,500 acre reservoir on
Cohoke Creek by pumping water from the Mattaponi River. The proposed project may ipipact the
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social structure and sense of community of the Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian
tribes. The reservoir would be located between the tribes' reservations. Construction of the
reservoir and it's potential secondary impacts such as residential development, raise issues related
to the preservation of the cultural, spiritual and archaeological integrity of the tribes. The project
will result in the loss of 437 acres of wetlands in the Cohoke Mill Creek watershed. The
construction of the reservoir will take place within the three mile buffer zone of the Mattaponi Indian
Reservation. The tribes opposition relies, in part, on a state recognized treaty which does not allow
any encroachment within a 3 mile radius of the reservation. The tribes are contending that if the
reservoir is allowed they will lose a vital part of their cultural heritage. The Mattaponi maintain that
the reservoir will threaten their historical use of the river and the land within the Cohoke watershed.
Both tribes rely heavily on the land and water as a source of food, economic benefit and spiritual
identity.
The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), according to a July 1997 letter prepared by EPA
Region III, did not contain a full and complete analysis of the impact of the reservoir's construction
on the environmental justice communities in the area in accordance with the President's Executive
Order on Environmental Justice (EO 12898) or a valid wetlands replacement plan. As a result, EPA
requested that the Norfolk District of the Army Corps of Engineers require a supplement to the FEIS
focusing on the wetland mitigation issues and the Native American cultural issues. EPA believes
that 120 acres of wetlands to be mitigated remain outstanding. A study on the cultural impact to the
tribes identified impacted resources, however, RRWSG contended that the report was biased and had
asked for an independent review of the report. EPA Region III continues to stress the need to consult
with and recognize the concerns of the Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi and Pamunkey tribes as. well
as the African American community within the area of concern and has been working with the Army
Corps to educate them on this issue. Five "water needs" studies have now been completed four of
which were independent of RRWSG. All of the studies, except the one performed by RRWSG,
conclude that the water need has been overestimated, therefore, the project as currently proposed
is unnecessary. The last independent water needs study, performed by Independent Water Resources
(IWR), reached the same conclusions about the area's water needs as the other reports showing that
the RRWSG water need projections are inaccurate. On June 4, 1999, the Army Corps issued a
preliminary decision to deny the Clean Water Act §404 Permit on the basis of the lack of a
demonstrated need to destroy 437 acres of wetlands as well as the cumulative adverse environmental
impact of the project, particularly the potential for a disproportionately high adverse effect to an
American Indian minority population. The Army Corps is facing stiff political opposition in
defending their decision. The Army Corps had extended the public comment period to July 16,1999
concerning their decision to deny the permit. On December 17, 1999, the Army Corps met with
RRWSG to discuss the IWG report. Also, as of October 2000, the Army Corps is standing by it's
initial decision to deny the Permit. EPA has a limited role, at this time, because EPA is not formally
involved in the NEPA process. The Army Corps final permit decision may not take place until the
end of2000 or early 2001. If the Army Corps (Norfolk) Record of Decision indicates denial of the
permit, the case will be elevated to the North Atlantic Division of the Army Corps because of
Governor Gilmore's opposition to the preliminary denial of the permit. During August 2000, the
RRWSG met with the Regional Administrator and presented their argument that the reservoir is
necessary and that studies to the contrary are in error. RRWSG followed up this meeting with a
letter to the Regional Administrator reiterating their position.
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On February 8, 2000, the Mattaponi tribe lost their appeal challenging the Virginia State Water
Board permit. The Virginia Court of Appeals ruled that the Mattaponi tribe lacks standing to appeal
the state permit. The court ruled that the tribe failed to make a case that the state permit violates a
17th century peace treaty between Virginia and the tribe. This ruling upheld a Newport News Circuit
Court decision. A Record of Decision was recently put forth for comment. The comment period on
the ROD has recently closed.
EPA Region Ill's current Director of the Office of Enforcement,Compliance and Environmental
Justice (OECEJ) has been involved with this project since 1992. During that time, and continuing
to this day, OECEJ has continued to educate the Corps as to the environmental justice sensitivities
of the situation. OECEJ met with the involved Corps representatives at the Corps Headquarters, and
met with the Corps' Norfolk District Office Commander, as well as numerous times with the Corps'
Norfolk attorney assigned to the project. OECEJ remains immersed in this project.
Bio-Oxidation, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
An Environmental Justice crisis was averted, during the summer of 1998, when Bio-Oxidation, Inc.
withdrew their permit application for the construction of what would have been the largest
infectious medical waste autoclave facility in the country in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The facility
would have been built in a low income Hispanic and African American community without the
community's health and quality of living concerns adequately addressed. The operation of the
facility would have greatly increased truck traffic in the area around the plant but also would have
increased traffic in an African American neighborhood across town where the partially treated wastes
would have been trucked from the Bio-Oxidation facility to the Harrisburg Incinerator for final
incineration. Neither community had their concerns adequately addressed by the state or by Bio-
Oxidation. In fact, the Harrisburg Housing Authority had granted a variance to allow the facility to
be built in close proximity to public housing units without properly notifying their sister federal
agency (HUD). The regional HUD Office contacted EPA Region III, requesting information and
insight on Environmental Justice, Title VI, and the specifics of the Bio-Oxidation, Inc. situation.
The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice held lengthy discussions with
HUD concerning these issues, providing information, historic?! background, and other consultation.
HUD expressed its concerns regarding the proposed project to the local housing authority, and began
its own investigation of the situation. EPA Region III met early on in the permit siting process with
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to discuss the potential
environmental justice issues they would face as the permitting agency should they approve the siting
and permitting of the Bio-Oxidation facility. As a result of an educated public protest and media
attention, and early discussions between EPA and PADEP, Bio-Oxidation withdrew their permit
application. This was seen as a major victory for the communities which would have been
disproportionally affected by the construction of the infectious waste facility.
King and Queen County, Virginia
A controversy has erupted in King and Queen County, Virginia where the Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality has approved a landfill expansion for Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) over
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the objections of local residents. The residents contend that the landfill expansion threatens Dragon
Run Swamp and a church and graveyard founded by former slaves 128 years ago. The landfill
expansion, if completed as currently designed, would destroy the aesthetic setting of the church. The
landfill expansion would increase the height of the landfill from 230 feet above sea level to 474 feet
which would tower over the church and cemetery and disrespect the African American cultural
attachments to the church and graveyard. Additionally, the expansion would fill in approximately
7 acres of wetlands, however, BFI would create 27 acres of wetlands that would drain into Dragon
Creek as well as to place 72 acres of stream-side forest in preservation easements, as well as creating
a trust fund up to $150,000 to protect Dragon Run. The Second Mount Olive Baptist Church has
asked the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to comment on their eligibility to qualify for
a Federal Register of Historic Places. The Army Corps of Engineers is required by law to assess
the impacts of permit requests on property deemed eligible for the National Historic Register. EPA
Region III is keeping a close eye on the proceedings to ensure that the environmental justice concerns
of the African American community are addressed in accordance with the President's Executive
Order on Environmental Justice.
Abex Superfund Site, Portsmouth, Virginia
The Abex Corporation Superfund site is located in the eastern section of Portsmouth. Virginia, and
c^twsMOunT a two-acre^property containing a former brcss and^bronze foundry The=
^gest residential "eaimi5^
TXa of the Washington Par, Pu^Hou,nS Project which is home to^_ y^O
Z Walton Park Housing Project and other residential areas. All excavated areas were filled
with clean soils and revegetated. Additional soils were removed from these areas after the Remedial
instigation/Feasibility Study in 1992 determined that lead contam.nat.on *11 existed m the oh
the Abex property. Demolition of the foundry buildings and five homes was completed
£m ^™ol. some of the residents of the Washington Park Project and the
surrounding homes weie temporarily relocated. The major issue is Aat the Washington Park
residents allege that the selected clean-up remedy for the site, being implemented by PneumoAbex
Corporation "knowingly, willfully, purposefully and effectively reestablishes, recreates and
exacerbates 'the conditions originally imposed by the policies and practices of de jure segregation."
The Washington Park Residents filed a Title VI civil rights complaint against EPA, the City of
Portsmouth Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and Pneumo Abex Corporation
ritine the above reasons. The United States attempted to have the complaint dismissed by the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division, however, on
n ber 1 1998, the Court denied the United States' Motion to Dismiss the civil rights complaint.
Thfunited States appealed the decision. In early 2000, the Federal Judge on the case gave
liminary approval to a settlement agreement calling for demolishing the Washington Park
Pre . proiect and relocating its citizens. The agreement may be finalized after a 45 day comment
•^d and fairness hearing scheduled for mid-April 2000. EPA approved the remedy for the site
^dhas argued that the remedy is protective and does not discriminate against the residents of
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Washington Park. During January, 1999, EPA and Pnuemo-Abex began the temporary residential
relocation of the first group of Washington Park residents for the remedial action at the site
(residents were previously relocated for the purpose of removing soil contamination "hot spots").
These relocations have since been completed. Also, the temporary residential relocations for
heating duct cleaning in the Washington Park Housing Development were completed in February
2000. The ductwork was cleaned in 160 residential units where unacceptable concentrations of lead
were detected. Soil removal in the adjacent private neighborhood is also progressing. The results
of blood analysis, from samples taken from a number of Washington Park residents, did not detect
lead above the health based concentration.
The site is one of the more complex sites in the Region. Concerns about elevated blood lead levels
in children lead Region III to bring in both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to provide information, consultation, and
support regarding lead poisoning and other public health issues. ATSDR and CDC participated with
the EPA in a series of public meetings and information sessions held for the residents. These
agencies reviewed and assessed blood lead test results which were collected and analyzed by the
Commonwealth of Virginia. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), was
brought into the case, by EPA, first because of questions regarding permanent relocation of
Washington Park residents, then because of temporary housing issues, and finally because of
renewed concern for permanent relocation. HUD has now assumed the lead on the relocation issue.
The Army Corps of Engineers (COE) assisted EPA with the temporary relocation of residents during
the remedial cleanup of the site, including finding lodging for the residents during their temporary
relocation. The Department of Justice has provided significant legal assistance during the hearing
process. The complex nature of this site makes it clear that the engagement and involvement of all
the appropriate Federal partners is vital in addressing issues which EPA has neither the expertise or
legal authority to address.
Bartram Gardens
The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice became engaged in discussions
with various representatives of City of Philadelphia government, citizens groups and organizations
in the area surrounding Bartram Gardens, local politicians, and the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Quality regarding the issuance of a setback waiver for the Philadelphia Waste
Services Construction Debris Recovery Center in the Bartram Gardens area.
We learned through discussions with stakeholders in the Bartram Gardens area that there were a
number of issues of concern in the community relating to the issuance of a waiver of the 300 yard
setback requirement for the Philadelphia Waste Services facility permit. These issues included: truck
traffic, stress to community infrastructure (truck traffic on local streets and bridges), impacts on area
businesses, public safety concerns, access to public parks, mobile source air emissions, and various
quality of life issues.
The facility would have brought as many as 375 additional trucks per day into a community that
already has a trash transfer station and other construction debris recovery facilities. In addition, it
was noted that there were significant concerns related to infrastructure in the area. Streets, bridges,
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and other infrastructure could be seen «o already-be unde,considerable stress, and would have been
even more seriously stressed by the additional truck traffic.
j w, Jtv of an action under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, if the
The community suggested e p y ted They felt that the granting of the waiver
waiver of the set back recrement vere o ^ ^
would have allowed for • £ back onOO yards for facilities such
In other words, since stat p q ^ ^ ^ was ,ess than 300 yards from Bartram
^T'theTdS formal garden'and park in the US), no permit could be granted without a waiver.
• , u p ADFP the City and representatives of the company regarding the
v^ious^ss^es! and conducted tours of the area in order that the various stakeholders would have the
opportunity to gain insight.
Ultimately, the city of Philadelphia denied the waiver and the state then denied the permit.
Logan Homes, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 „„9n is a primarily African American residential neighborhood located inNorth Philadelphia. Fifty
ap y neighborhood were built upon filled in sections of Wingohocking Creek.
Xtftehomes, as a result of the underlying creek, began to shift and sink
wnderinemany oTthe homes inhabitable. The City of Philadelphia tore down a number of these
u Hiirine the 1990's in a 17 block area. Logan residents and community activists remained
concerned about a potential lead hazard from the fill which the city used to fill in the lots. Also, a
w;«i wri hazard may exist due to the tearing down of these older homes which contained lead
mint As a result of the community's concern, during 1999, EPA Region Ill's Superfund Removal
Rranch took soil samples from 230 locations in the 17 block area. The results showed 6 areas having
1 vated levels of lead in the soil. EPA is currently working with Philadelphia's Health Risk
Management Department to address those areas of concern. Tentative plans call for the
contaminated soil to be removed, the areas leveled with clean fill and grass planted to prevent
rosion During October ?Q00, EPA and the City of Philadelphia entered into a Memorandum of
Agreement in which the City agreed to perform the necessary removal activities at the Site. In
October 2000, EPA began reviewing the City of Philadelphia's Response Action Plan (RAP) for the
removal activities. Once the RAP was approved by EPA, the City began the removal activities at
the site The Philadelphia Health Department offered free blood lead screening to all young children
inLogan. The removal activity was completed in the spring of 2001.
Wagners Point, Baltimore, Maryland
W eners Point is a highly industrialized peninsula located in the Southeast portion of Baltimore on
th Patapsco River. Located on the "Point" are 14 facilities including fuel transfer terminals as well
chemical manufacturers. What makes this industrial area unique is the inclusion of a residential
r income neighborhood of approximately 90 homes in the middle of the industrial complex. The
dents contend that they are subject to all sorts of industrial insults 24 hours a day. A
predominately African American housing project was relocated out of the Point several years ago,
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however, a small pocket of mainly low income working class white residents remained wedged
between the industrial facilities. A small pocket of African American residents remain in the
Fairfield section of Wagners Point as well. Three explosions occurred in the Point from December
1997 to October 1998. The October 1998 explosion at the CondeaVista Chemical Company brought
the residential issues to the forefront. Relocation of the remaining residents is apriority. Currently,
the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and HUD are attempting to locate the funds to move
the residents. Some of the facilities on Wagners Point may assist with the relocation. However, the
residents of Fairfield have not yet been included in the relocation negotiations. As a result of the
explosion EPA Region III (OECEJ) and Maryland cooperated on a joint strategy to inspect the
facilities to ensure their safe operation and adherence to the pertinent environmental requirements.
During the spring and summer of 1999, EPA and MDE jointly inspected four facilities in Wagners
Point (Citgo Petroleum, Rhodea, Atotech, and Delta Chemicals). An agreement with the residents
was reached during the summer of2000, in which the residents of Wagner's Point were bought out
and relocated. Funding for the buyouts came from the City of Baltimore, with other assistance
coming from HUD, the state of Maryland and local chemical industry partners. The relocations were
completed by the end of 2000. Demolition of the homes began in 2001 and should be nearing
completion. The city will be expanding a waste treatment facility located in the area once the area
is cleared of residences.
Lower Darby Creek, Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania
On June 14,2001, the Lower Darby Creek Area Site was added to the Superfund National Priorities
List (NPL). The site is located in Delaware and Philadelphia Counties, Pennsylvania. The site
follows the flow of Darby Creek and its confluence with Cobbs Creek, includes Clearview Landfill,
Folcroft and Folcroft Annex landfills, and the flow into the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
An EPA site investigation has found contamination in Darby Creek and at the three landfills that
qualify the site for listing on the NPL. Now that the site has been placed on the NPL the funds are
available to for a Remedial Investigation. The three landfills are the probable sources of the creek
contamination.
This area came into environmental justice focus in October 1999 after the Hurricane Floyd caused
massive flooding in the neighborhood adjacent to Clearview Landfill known as Eastwick. Although
the two-county (Philadelphia and Delaware counties), nine-municipality site does not meet Region
3's EJ criteria when taken as a whole, the Eastwick neighborhood, the only impacted neighborhood
located in Philadelphia does. Eastwick is also the only instance where residences are located within
the "footprint" of a component (Clearview Landfill) of the site. Eastwick is an integrated working
class neighborhood. Eastwick residents believe that the flood waters carried contaminants into their
homes which affected the health of the residents. Philadelphia did not ask for, or receive FEMA,
or EPA support during the Hurricane Floyd disaster. Delaware County did request and receive
federal emergency assistance.
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Many Eastwick residents believe that the Clearview Landfill is a major source the contamination
which they believe is present in their community. EPA addressed this concern by conducting a
focused site investigation of the property contiguous to the Clearview Landfill and certain public and
residential properties that were believed to have been contaminated by landfill runoff during the
flood. The Eastwick community was actively involved in determining the area to be sampled and
was kept informed throughout the investigation. EPA found contamination, but not at levels high
enough to authorize a cleanup under any of the available programs. EPA will focus on this area as
part of the NPL Remedial.
As a result of public health concerns in Eastwick, EPA has entered into a contract with the
University of Pennsylvania to conduct a limited, community based public health study of Eastwick.
The results of this exercise are expected in during the second quarter of this fiscal year.
In addressing this site, EPA is the lead agency in coordinating an EJ based effort in Eastwick that
includes: The City of Philadelphia; the State of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection; FEMA; Delaware County; the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife; and the
Citizens of Lower Darby Creek Area.
LTV Steel Company, Inc./Sun Coal and Coke Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sun Coal and Coke Company ("Sun") has submitted a permit application to construct and operate
a new coke facility in the Hazelwood section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. LTV Steel Company had
previously operated a coke plant at the site until the spring of 1998. Coke had been produced at this
site since the turn of the century. At the time LTV ceased operating the facility, EPA Region III had
an outstanding enforcement action against LTV for violating the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards under the Clean Air Act. The Sun permit application seeks to emit the same levels of
pollutants as the old LTV coke plant. A local citizen s group, Citizens Helping Our Community
("CHOC") has requested that EPA investigate the failure of the permit application to comply with
the rules and regulations of Article XXI of the Allegheny County Health Department's air
regulations and LTV's collusion with Sun to circumvent environmental protection and Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964. CHOC is requesting that EPA investigate the permitting process and
enforce compliance with the Clean Air Act and Title VI to "prohibit the perpetuation of unjustified
discriminatory effects upon the Hazelwood community." EPA received this request in late
December 1998 and has not yet acted upon the request. A legislative prohibition does not allow EPA
to pursue this matter using the Interim Guidance for investigating Title IV complaints. As of
January 2000, Sun Coal and Coke Company has decided not to pursue the construction of the new
Coke facility, however, CHOC continues to use this issue as their poster child to fight environmental
injustices throughout Pennsylvania. In 2001, the company filed for bankruptcy. The facility is now
closed.
Passyunk Homes, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Passyunk Homes was a low income housing project located in South Philadelphia Thenrmv«v
is owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA). PHA received funding to nuLglTtte
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homes from the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Approximately
one million gallons of petroleum sits on top of the groundwater beneath the Passyunk Homes, Sun
Oil Company and the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP). DSCP is a federal facility
which is operated by the Defense Logistics Agency. The oil plume was caused by past industrial
practices in the area. Sun Oil Company, DSCP and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection (PADEP) signed an Agreement in 1997 whereby DSCP and Sun Oil would jointly
remediate the oil plume beneath South Philadelphia. Sun Oil is also required by a 1993 Order with
PADEP to address addtional oil plumes beneath the nearby refinery. The Agreement between
DSCP, Sun Oil and PADEP expired on August 1, 1999, however, the removal of the oil from the
groundwater continues under a PADEP Order issued to DSCP, the U.S. Army, and the Defense
Logistics Agency. The military has appealed the PADEP Order. PHA and HUD were concerned
about petroleum vapors and any potential health affects on the Passyunk Home residents, and the fact
that the Agreement had expired during the summer of 1999. PHA had a stake in the oil recovery
project because of the potential health affects on the residents and the fact that the hydrocarbon
recovery system is located on PHA property.
OECEJ was involved in discussions with PHA and HUD to ensure that the environmental justice
concerns of the residents were addressed. The Passyunk Homes were located in an area which
showered environmental stresses upon the residents. OECEJ wanted to ensure that the oil recovery
project did not increase the environmental stressors on the residents of the homes. During the
summer of 2000, PHA and HUD completed the closure of the homes and the relocation of all the
residents. The oil recovery project has drawn considerable Congressional interest.
Soil Remediation Services, Inc., Chester, Pennsylvania
The most widely publicized Environmental Justice issue in Region III was a lawsuit brought by the
Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCL) in 1996 against the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The lawsuit alleged that PADEP
disproportionally impacted the predominately poor and African American residents of Chester by
permitting a large number of waste treatment and waste handling facilities in Chester. Chester has
a minority population of approximately 70 percent The lawsuit was brought under Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 alleging discriminating use of federal funds. Soil Remediation Services,
Inc. (SRS) applied for a permit in Chester with PADEP to process contaminated soils. This facility
if permitted would have resulted in 9 of the 11 permitted waste handling facilities in Delaware
County being located in Chester. The citizens alleged that the cumulative affect of the citing of a
large number of waste facilities in Chester violates Title VI. The U.S. District Court tossed out the
suit, ruling it could not go forward because residents alleged only a discriminatory effect, not
discriminatory intent. That ruling was later reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third
Circuit, giving the residents the right to sue. Pennsylvania, fearing other suits, sought to have it
heard by the United States Supreme Court. However, before the Supreme Court could rule on the
merits of the lawsuit, SRS withdrew their permit application. CRCL then argued that because SRS
withdrew their permit application there was no longer a "case in controversy" as required, therefore,
the lawsuit was moot. The Supreme Court agreed ruling that the suit was moot because there was
no longer a "case in controversy", however, the Supreme Court upheld the decision initially made
by the U.S. District Court. Even though CRCL was defeated, they continue to stay in the forefront
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on the environmental issues facing Chester. EPA Region III communicates regularly with CRCL
to address their concerns.
Former Nansemond Ordnance Deport, Suffolk, Virginia
The Former Nansemond Ordnance Deport is located in Suffolk, Virginia, near the northwestern end
of State Route 135. The site encompasses 975 acres and is bordered by the James River and the
Nansemond River. The use of the property before 1917 is not known, however, local historians
claim that the Confederate Army had an artillery battery on the site during the Civil War. During
the next 50 years the site was used by the Department of the Army as an ordnance depot and the U.S.
Navy as a Marine Corps Supply Forwarding Annex. In June 1960, the facility was declared excess
by the Navy and was split up into a number of parcels, some of which were sold to private parties,
and designated for a variety of uses. The site was placed on the NPL in early 2000. However, EPA
work at the site had commenced years earlier. EPA performed a removal assessment of the
beachfront area in 1995 to remediate buried live ordnance. Additional EPA investigations
uncovered more live ordnance. During intrusive work, in 1999, to remove the buried live ordnance
from the beachfront area ,the workers unearthed the remains of what appeared to be a member of the
Nansemond Indian tribe. Because of this issue and other historical issues surrounding the
remediation of the site, the Virginia State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) wrote to the Region
III Regional Administrator requesting that all work at the site stop until compliance issues with the
National Historic Preservation Act have been discussed. As a result of these events, Region III has
committed itself to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the Virginia State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO), the Army Corps of Engineers, and other consulting parties to cover
all site activities. OECEJ is committed to meeting with the appropriate Indian entities to address
their environmental justice concerns such as arrangements to recover ancestral remains and cultural
artifacts that may be unearthed during intrusive work at the site.
4. Public Participation and Training Initiatives
See "Annual All States Environmental Justice Meetings" above.
This forum is used for Environmental Justice Training among the states in EPA Region III
6. Assessment Methodologies, Assessment Guidance, and Community
Assessments\7. Targeting, Environmental Health, and Exposure Studies
BALTIMORE URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE
The Baltimore Urban Environmental Initiative is a major project being conducted in Baltimore in
cooperation with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the Baltimore City Health
Department, and the Baltimore City Planning Department. This project is a cooperative effort beine
conducted to identify and rank areas of disproportionate risk in the City for purposes of
implementing risk reduction, pollution prevention, public awareness and other activities to
effectively eliminate, or at least minimize these risks. A two track approach was taken in order to
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achieve these goals. An action oriented Short-Term Track, and a Long-Term Track which
incorporates risk screening and the development of focus groups to achieve project goals. In the
Short-Term Track grants awarded to the City of Baltimore and MDE have lead to the development
of a number of projects designed to address environmental concerns in the areas of Lead, Hazardous
Materials Incidents, Indoor Air Quality, Fish Consumption/Toxins in the Harbor, Ground Level
Ozone Pollution, and Air Toxins. Initiatives in these environmental areas of concern have provided:
•Lead awareness and lead hazard reduction training and education to residents living in areas at high-
risk for lead-based paint exposure in Baltimore City by providing more than 5000 lead-dust cleaning
kits and appropriate training to area citizens. Two lead education and awareness videos were
provided to health care agencies in all 24 Maryland subdivisions. These videos continue to be used
for educational purposes in the health clinics around the state.
•Training was provided to Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning workers in the Baltimore City
Public Schools that helped to improve indoor air quality in the schools by improving the efficiency
and operation of school heating and cooling systems. This training was followed by a pilot study
in several area schools. After the pilot, the program was expanded across the city, and is currently
being implemented throughout the school system.
•A system for inventorying and maintaining a hazardous waste database for businesses in Baltimore
City was developed in conjunction with the Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore City
Departments of Health and Planning, MDE, and regional personnel.
•Funding provided by Region III allowed MDE to develop an Ozone Pollution program for citizens
which utilizes an ozone pollution map which is broadcasted by WJZ TV-13 in Baltimore and WRC
TV-4 in Washington, DC as a part of its weather forecast, to provide at-risk citizens with information
that will allow them to take appropriate action during days on which ozone levels are high.
•Grant funds provided to MDE also allowed for the development of a comprehensive fish
consumption survey of subsistence fishermen in Baltimore Harbor. The survey data, collected by
MDE through the cooperative efforts of Sojourner Douglass College and the University of Mary land
at Baltimore's Environmental Justice Project, are being used to develop education and outreach
strategies for the area regarding subsistence fishing and fish consumption, as well as to provide valid
fish consumption data for risk estimates.
Chester, Pennsylvania Environmental Risk Study
Chester, Pennsylvania is located approximately 15 miles south of Philadelphia and rests along the
Delaware River. Chester has a minority population of approximately 70 percent. Chester has the
highest concentration of industrial facilities in Pennsylvania including two oil refineries, a large
medical waste facility and other medical waste type facilities. Chester is also the home of the
Delaware County wastewater treatment plant and a large trash to steam facility. Residents of
Chester have long been concerned about the health effects of living and working among toxic
substances. Chester has the highest infant mortality rate coupled with the lowest birth rate in the
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state. Chester is the poorest community in Delaware County. During 1995, EPA Region III
completed the Chester Risk Assessment Project as part of an initiative with the Commonwealth o
Pennsylvania to study environmental risks, health, and regulatory issues in Chester. While the intent
of the Risk Assessment was to provide a complete "cumulative risk study" utilizing exposure data
for all environmental media and exposure pathways, the actual report is more of an Aggregated is
Study due to the largely unknown nature of the interrelated exposures. However, the findings of
the report were alarming. Blood lead in Chester children is unacceptably high with 60 /o of the
children's blood levels above the Center for Disease Control's recommended maximum level. Both
cancer and non-cancer risks from the pollution sources at locations in Chester exceed what EPA
believes are acceptable. The report found that air emissions from facilities m and around Chester
provide a large component of the cancer and non-cancer risk to the citizens of Chester.
In response to these findings, EPA recommended the implementation of aggressive lead paint
abatement programs in Chester and that sources of air emissions which impact the areas of the city
with unacceptable high risk should be targeted for compliance inspections and any necessary
enforcement actions. Also, a voluntary emission reduction program should be instituted to obtain
additional emissions reductions from facilities which provide the most emissions m the areas of
highest risk. The Chester Implementation Workgroup, made up of representatives from the
stakeholder groups in Chester, has been set up to address issues identified by the community relating
to health, quality of life and land use. Representatives from 30 different Federal, State, County or
City Agencies/Departments, and citizens groups participated in this workgroup. The workgroup
distilled the 50 problem areas identified into four or five key areas which predominantly impact the
children and youth of the City of Chester. The first area to be addressed was the reduction of
children's blood lead levels. EPA, HUD, CDC, HHS, and ATSDR participated in planning and
strategy sessions along with the Health Department of the.City of^Chester-andI the^Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania The City of Chester obtained additional funding for its Childhood Lead Poisoning
Program from the CDC and Delaware County, PA. Additionally, the City of Chester's Health
Department developed a priority targets list based upon the information contained in the risk study
report The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice has provided the partners
with insights and perspectives on risk assessment, community and stakeholder involvement, public
participation, and various aspects of environmental justice including; historical perspectives, trends,
models, and strategy development. A Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), as a result of an
EPA enforcement action taken in Chester, was undertaken. The SEP was administrated by Chester
Residents Concerned for Quality Living. The project has now been terminated.
South/Southwest Philadelphia Environmental Health Characterization Study
In December 1994, Region III provided funds to Johns Hopkins University (JHU) to conduct a two
year environmental and health characterization study of South/Southwest Philadelphia. The Study
was initiated in response to community concerns that their community was being unduly burdened
with industrial and commercial establishments and, therefore, the health of the residents of the
community was being placed at risk. The implementation of the study served as a coalescing
mechanism and brought together diverse community groups to form a Citizens Advisory Committee
(CAC). It also brought together the three levels of government, federal, state and local, responsible
for the maintenance of the environment in Philadelphia and the academic community which served
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as a Science Advisory Board. The Study was completed and the results presented to the community.
The study, while it put forth recommendations, did not make a direct link between environmental
exposures and the health of the residents. Such a link could not be scientifically determined in such
an environmentally diverse and large study area. However, the study did present recommendations
such as increasing the links between the community, industry, academia and government as well as
filling in the gaps in the understanding of community exposures by developing strategies to measure
the level of key pollutants in the environment. The citizens of the study area continue to request that
EPA address the environmental concerns in the area, specifically, potential air emissions from the
numerous auto repair body shops located in South Philadelphia. Diisocyanates, an air emission from
auto repair shops, are one of the main pollutants of concern to the South Philadelphia residents.
Johns Hopkins University and ATSDR had recommended that further study be conducted on the
potential impact of diisocyanates on the community. The partners associated with this effort continue
to work together cooperatively on issues of concern in and around the study area, and the City of
Philadelphia has established an Ad Hoc Air Advisory Committee as a result of the study. This
committee continues to meet and address issues raised by the study.
GIS Demographic Mapper
This user friendly GIS mapping tool developed by EPA Region III in 1996 continues to be refined.
This Arc View-based screening tool provides vital demographic information for any area in question,
and allows the user to better understand and characterize areas of concern. Presentations on the
mapper and its various applications in the environmental justice arena have been made for the states
of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania; the cities of Philadelphia and Wilmington; EPA Region
VII, FLETC, and the Republic of South Africa. Copies of the application were requested by the
Department of the Interior which has in turn forwarded the application to other federal agencies for
evaluation and comment.
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program: Fiscal Year 2001
WASHINGTON, DC
Grant Number EQ 030247
Washington Very Special Arts
1100 16,h Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Title: WVSA's "Get the Lead Out" Project $14,985
Washington Very Special Arts - $ 14,985 competitively awarded Environmental Justice Small Grant.
Grantee Contact: L. Lawrence Riccio, 1100 16,h Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 261
0217.
WVSA arts connection serves the Washington DC area as an arts-in-education organization
providing educational arts programs to children and youth with special needs. Childhood lead
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poisoning continues to be a problem in Washington DC and WVSA plans to provide an arts-based
approach to educate the public in childhood lead poisoning prevention. Low-income youth ages 14-
25 will develop colorful posters with easy to read and act upon lead poisoning prevention messages.
The posters will be placed in up to 50 DC healthcare facilities and WVSA arts connection's Website
with links to relevant sites.
PENNSYLVANIA
Grant Number EQ 030253
The Village of Arts & Humanities
2544 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19133
Title: The Camac Area Greening Project $15,000
The Village of Am & Humanities - $10,044 competitively aw^ded Enviromnenal Justice Small
Grant. Grantee Contact: Lily Yeh, 2544 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19133, (215) 225-
9305.
The 15-vear old Village of Arts and Humanities proposes to transform a two-block area of having
7 vacant lots into green spaces with trees, shrubs, and flowers and mduce indigenous vegetation
Lwth The North Philadelphia region is primarily African- American with an average income of
110 000 The program will aid in enhancing air quality (trees) and water quality (runoff), education
rf ^proximately 150 residents on local ecology, pollution prevention, pollution-related health
issues, and watershed awareness.
VIRGINIA
Grant Number EQ 030255
White Rock Hill Neighborhood Council, Inc.
2101 Grace Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Title: Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 515,000
„ . D„ , Hi„ Neiohborhood Council, Inc. - $15,000 competitively awarded Environmental
Sto Smdl o"am. See Contact: Gail B. Jackson, 2101 Grace Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504,
(804)384-6112.
sal targets a low income inner city neighborhood in Virginia for lead poisoning prevention
This propo ^ lea^ hazards. The project involves neighborhood residents training and educating
andreme ia ^ ^ families about childhood lead poisoning, and to expand upon and
other neig remediation efforts that have already been established and implemented. The
follow-up on forms 0f interaction, education, and communication to fulfill its goals. This
project ^ses a jong_term economic development plan for the community that incorporates
S&MobandlifeskiH,
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PENNSYLVANIA
Grant Number EQ 030258
AMD & ART, Inc.
411 Third Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15906
Title: Addressing Environmental Justice Issues in Rural Appalachian, Coal Impacted Shade
Creek Watershed $15,000
AMD & ART, Inc. - $15,000 competitively awarded Environmental Justice Small Grant. Grantee
Contact: Ellen Micoli, 411 Third Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906, (814) 539-5357.
This project intends to facilitate communication and coordination among local stakeholders
regarding environmental, economic, and social health issues of a previous coal mining community
in Somerset County, PA. They hope to facilitate cooperation among community members,
government, and the private sector by providing a series of meetings, discussion forums, work shops,
and training sessions, which is an extension of the education and outreach started by the Brownfields
project and the Shade Creek Watershed Association. The goal is to stimulate environmental cleanup,
economic growth, and opportunities for commercial business, recreational areas, and acid mine
drainage treatment systems, by means of creating well-informed local leaders and cooperation of
local businesses.
PENNSYLVANIA
Grant Number EQ 030260
Clean Water Fund
1201 Chestnut Street, Suite 602
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Title: Toxic Chemical Monitoring and Education Project $10,015
Clean Water Fund -11*9,015 competitively awarded Environmental Justice Small Grant. Grantee
Contact: Robert Wendelgass, 1201 Chestnut Street, Suite 602, Philadelphia, PA 19107, (215) 640-
8800.
Summary
The Clean Water Fund seeks to work with the Community/Labor Refinery Tracking Committee
(CLRTC) to train South and Southwest Philadelphia residents in proximity to Sunoco how to
conduct ambient air sampling tests. Ambient air samples taken from these neighborhoods will be
analyzed by a certified laboratory. Results will be presented to the public and discussed with city
officials. Their plan also includes organizing community forums to educate the residents about
pollution and its health effects. The outreach portion of the project will utilize the broad spectrum
of member organizations, multimedia, and personal contact to solicit participation in the exercises.
CLRTC, an association of civic and community groups in South and Southwest Philadelphia, will
directly oversee the project, effectively serving nearly 82,000 residents in seven communities.
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MARYLAND
Grant Number EQ 030261
Park-Reist Corridor Coalition
3901-03 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Title: ALERT: Asthma and Lead Education Readiness Training $15,000
Park-Reist Corridor Coalition - $ 15,000 competitively awarded Environmental Justice Small Grant.
Grantee Contact: Henri Thompson, 3901-03 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, (410)
542-2934.
The program focuses on educating approximately 100 teenage mothers from low-income, inner-city
Baltimore neighborhoods on the dangers of lead poisoning and asthma. It intends to hold monthly
meetings with stakeholders to assist in training and to supplement this training with teaching the
teenage mothers to use internet resources regarding asthma and lead poisoning.
VIRGINIA
Grant Number EQ 030265
Vietnamese Community Southeastern of Virginia, Inc.
535 Rogers Avenue
Hampton, VA 23664
Title: Community Health Awareness Project $15,000
Vietnamese Community Southeastern of Virginia, Inc. - $15,000 competitively awarded
Environmental Justice Small Grant. Grantee Contact: Khanh Tran, 535 Rogers Avenue, Hampton,
VA 23664, (757) 223-6787.
The project targets Vietnamese refugees in Hampton Roads, VA who are low income and live in old
buildings, subject to high levels of carbon monoxide and lead. Many of these refugees were part of
the Humanitarian Operation program for resettling former political prisoners. The project's goals
are to raise health risk awareness, identify and assess pollution sources, and recruit and train
environmental and health community advocates. The goals will be met by health advocate training,
information workshops held at local organizations, a Vietnamese-language newsletter mailed to the
specific families, and flyers/brochures.
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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COUNCIL
UPDATES
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, REGION 4
October 31,2001
ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROBLEMS
EPA Enters Settlement with Conbraco Industries Inc., for Cleanup of Sites in
North Carolina and South Carolina
Impact: On October 24,2001, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4 signed a
Final Administrative Order On Consent (AOC) with Conbraco Industries, Inc. (Conbraco) in
Pageland, South Carolina and Matthews in North Carolina. The AOC was issued pursuant to
Sections 3013 and 7003 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The AOC
requires Conbraco to perform Site Assessments and Site Remediations where appropriate at nine
locations in South Carolina and at seven locations in North Carolina. None of these locations are
owned by Conbraco.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES: In September of2000, in anticipation of the litigation
referral, EPA, Region 4 conducted an analysis to determine whether Conbraco's Pageland, South
Carolina facility was located in an area that was an "Environmental Justice" community. EPA
found that the area within three miles of the Pageland facility to be populated with about 148
persons per square mile; within three miles of the facility, 31% of the population are below the
poverty level and 36% are minorities. Although education is not a direct factor for EPA's
assessment of the Environmental Justice Policy, EPA does consider this statistic important in the
overall environmental justice assessment. Ninety-three percent of the population within a three
mile radius of the facility did not completed high school. Based upon this analysis, EPA
determined that the Pageland site might present environmental justice issues and that appropriate
consideration would be given to address community concerns, as any might arise, durirg the
settlement process.
Prior to finalising the AOC, as discussed above, the document was made available for a thirty day
public comment period in both South Carolina and North Carolina. No comments were received.
The document was signed and made final by EPA on October 24,2001.
Background: Conbraco is in the brass manufacturing business. Its brass casting operations
produce approximately six to eight tons of waste sand per day. High levels of lead and copper are
present in the waste sands. Conbraco's past disposal practices included improperly disposing of
waste sands on the ground. This practice lead to the issuance of the AOC discussed above.
Additionally, in September 2000, EPA, Region 4 sent a litigation referral to the Department of
Justice which recommended issuance of a complaint under Section 3008(a) of RCRA to
Conbraco. The complaint has not yet been filed. The violations which will be alleged in the
complaint arose out of a Compliance Evaluation Inspection performed by EPA and the South
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Carolina Department of Environmental Control at the Respondent's Pageland, South Carolina
facility in Aprill998. Included was housekeeping violations and improper disposal of waste sands
on Conbraco's property.
Contacts: Debra S. Benjamin, Associate Regional Counsel, (404) 562-9561
David Langston, Senior Enforcement Specialist, (404) 562-8588
EPA Settles Action Against Lee Brass Company, Inc. Located in Anniston,
Alabama Environmental Justice Community
Impact: On September 26,2001, the Department of Justice (DOJ) lodged a Consent Decree
(CD) with the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama to settle the
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) RCRA 3008(a) case against Lee Brass Company, Inc.;
a facility located in Anniston Alabama. Since the city of Anniston Alabama and environs are an
environmental justice community, EPA Region 4 made pro-active efforts during the extensive
negotiations to structure the CD in a manner that would best benefit the community and to
conduct significant community outreach activities upon lodging. The Consent Decree requires the
facility, a brass foundry, to pay a monetary penalty of $350,000. The CD also requires injunctive
relief including full RCRA closure of an on-site Sand Reclamation Unit, corrective action on all
facility SWMUs, and an extensive facility-wide audit. The State of Alabama, as co-plaintiff with
the United States of America through EPA Region 4, has also signed the Consent Decree. .
Background: The violations at the Lee Brass facility involved illegal treatment of hazardous
waste foundry sand in the facility's Sand Reclamation Unit (SRU) without a permit, illegal storage
of the sand, Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) violations, preparedness and prevention violations,
training violations which included failure to maintain job titles or conduct training of employees
handling hazardous waste, and violations for mismanagement of containers including open,
improperly marked, and unlabeled containers. In addition, Lee Brass was selling and donating its
thermally treated foundry sand to landscaping companies and school playgrounds in the
surrounding environmental justice community. This sand fails to meet LDR lead standards and
was well above EPA's lead risk-based levels. (Because of the imminent and substantial
endangerment posed by the dispersed sand, EPA issued a separate RCRA 7003 order requiring
the facility to locate and cleanup the contaminated sand).
During lengthy settlement negotiations, the Region 4 Enforcement Team worked with the
regional Waste Management environmental justice staff and the State of Alabama who proposed
several Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs) for the proposed Consent Decree. The
proposed SEPs were structured around the effects of lead in the community, especially on
children. The SEPs, totaled $75,000, were entitled, "Protecting Children's Health and Reducing
Lead Exposure." They proposed activities related to the health issues of prevention and
assessment from exposure to lead from uncontrolled actual or potential lead exposure from
releases to surface soil and exposure to lead-based paint. Targeted communities were in Calhoun
County (particularly Oxford, Jacksonville, and Anniston) and limited areas of Talladega County
as well as other actual or potential localities that may have received donated or sold reclaimed
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foundry sand (potentially contaminated with lead) from Lee Brass Company, Inc.
Some of these residential areas were already within the boundaries of the Anniston PCB
Superfund Site and the Anniston Lead Superfund Site. More specifically, the draft SEP proposal
included: (a) health assessment, (b) blood lead level screenings, (c) health education, and (d)
public notice. Although the regional team made significant progress in working together to
achieve its desired results, the fecility chose to pay the United States a larger penalty of $350,000
after the parties could not mutually agree upon an appropriate environmental justice SEPs.
Once the settlement was lodged in the District Court, pro-active outreach efforts continued. To
insure that community groups in Anniston were notified of the proposed settlement and to
increase their understanding of its conditions, on September 28,2001, Region 4's Waste
Management Division's environmental justice staff mailed an information packet to the
community which included an EPA press release and a copy of the Consent Decree. The enclosed
materials described the facts of the case, compliance measures under RCRA, and the civil
penalty. The materials also included a notice that a public comment period would run 30 days
from publication in the Federal Register. On October 24,2001, the regional environmental justice
staff sent a second letter to the community which described the comment process and notifyed
them that the CD was published in the Federal Register on October 15,2001.
Contact: Cathy Winokur, Associate Regional Counsel
Office of RCRA & Federal Facilities, (404) 562-9569
Brian Hottzclaw, Environmental Justice Technical Advisor, (404) 562-8684
City of Atlanta Combined Sewer Overflow
Impact: The Environmental Justice/Community Liaison (EJ/CL) Staff Office facilitated four
meetings with citizens, environmental groups, Federal, State, and City officials in Atlanta, Georgia
to discuss the City of Atlanta Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) Remedial Measures Report.
The meetings enhanced public participation, by enabling environmental justice community
stakeholders an opportunity to discuss environmental justice and technical concerns about the
City's CSO Remedial Measure Report. As a result of the concerns raised by environmental
justice coalition, EPA issued conditional approval to the City, requiring additional activities to
address community concerns. The City
Background: The City of Atlanta was sued by the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers
Organization in 1995 for water quality violations. The CSO treatment facilities were built to
remove some pollutants from the combined sewage overflows that enter streams when it rains.
This was accomplished through methods such as screening, storage and disinfection. These
methods did improve the quality of the waterflow discharge into streams. However, the methods
did not meet water quality standards. The City of Atlanta agreed to a consent decree in 1998.
The consent decree directed Atlanta to evaluate and implement short and long-term plans for
eliminating water quality violations related to CSOs. The long-term improvements, outlined in a
CSO Remedial Measures Plan and authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Region 4, and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), are to be completed by
November 2007.
The Remedial Measure Report was submitted for approval to the EPA and Georgia EPD on
April 1,2001. The Remedial Measure Report lists three options: A, B, and C. The City
proposed option C as its preferred option. Under option C, the City plans to separate
approximately 27% of the combined sewer area, approximate^ 3,295 square miles of the total
12,200 square miles combined area, and store and treat the remaining combined wastewater and
storm water, using two underground tunnels which direct the wastewater/storm water to wet
weather treatment facilities. Local citizens were concerned with environmental justice and
technical elements mentioned in option C. The environmental justice concern was that the City's
proposal did not meet the objectives of Executive Order 12898 Specifically, environmental justice
stakeholders asserted that the proposed alternative(location and discharge of CSO facilities)
posed a disproportionate risk to low income and minority communities. They were also concerned
with public participation efforts and affcrdability analysis done by the City. The three significant
technical issues of concern were toxicology/toxicological impact, storm water /sewer combination
verses separation, and ground water contamination concerns due to selection of tunnel
technology.
Preliminary environmental justice analyses on locations of CSO facility discharges in Atlanta
demonstrated that at least two-thirds (2/3) of the locations where the violations occurred were in
areas with minority populations exceeding 50%. The analyses also revealed that most of the CSO
facilities are located in densely populated communities with minority populations ranging from
82% to 100%. Nevertheless, EPA found that even if there are adverse impacts, the proposed
remedial measures will clearly lead to a decrease in adverse impacts in the areas of concern.
Additionally, the City agreed to move one of the propsed CSO locations out of the impacted
community. The issue of affordability is still under review by EPA.
There were disagreements in the meetings on the issue of treating sewage with chlorine and the
toxicological impact chlorine could have on receiving water bodies. Chlorine remains one of the
most effective methods in treating sewage and minimizing toxicology and toxfcolouical imnact^ to
receiving water bodies. However, chlorine disinfection or some other alternative disinfetinn wili
most likely be required in order to meet the Georgia Water Quality Standards which
limits on fecal coliform in the CSO discharges. The citizens' concern with storm wat«
combination/ separation, and ground water contamination due to selection of tunnel t h
was precedential. According to the citizens, the tunnels will rupture over tin*, o . ecta^k)8y
of groundwater, As a result of citizens, concerns with possible ground water P^ution
City will undertake a detailed geotechnical investigation of the proposed tunnel
City's investigation will include an analysis of the potential for infiltration and -vfiw" v v
will be used in determining the need, type, and extent of tunnel liner necessary f^protmb^f
ground wstct.
The meetings, facilitated by Region 4 s Environmental Justice/Community Liaison Staff Office,
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allowed citizens to discuss environmental justice and technical concerns with the CSO proposed
option C. This collaborative effort resulted in a consensus on the City's preferred proposal option
plan C, and demonstrated that citizens' involvement can contribute to the protection of public
health, ground water and surface water.
Contact: Gwendolyn Fitz-Henley, Associate Regional Counsel, (404) 562-9675
Cynthia Peurifby, Acting Manager, Environmental Justice/Community
Liaison Staff Office
Elvie L. Barlow, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Justice/Community Liaison
Staff Office, (404) 562-9650
ALABAMA - Anniston, PCB and Lead Superfund Sites; Solutia RCRA Facility
Impact:
During FY 2001, nine facilities in Anniston, Alabama received multimedia inspections by
Region 4 and the State of Alabama- These inspections reviewed the operational procedures of
the air, water, and hazardous waste management to determine whether the facilities were
operating in compliance with their permits. As a result of these inspections, many issues were
resolved concerning such things as storm water runoff, air releases, and the management of
hazardous waste on site. The Anniston community will remain a high priority for Region 4.
Other Activities:
Community Center
Region 4 continues its funding and management of the Community Relations Center (CRC) in
Anniston, Alabama which serves as a base for joint information, data management, and site
access agreement activities. Most of the activities in Region 4 are undertaken in partnership with
multiple agencies (ATSDR, ADEM, ADPH, and Emory University). Because of the multiple
ongoing activities under RCRA, Superfund, TSCA, and health related programs, over the past
year, efforts have been made towards sampling and characterizing widespread residential
properties that may present a threat to human health and the environment.
Emory University Pediatry Environmental Health Specialty Unit
Emory University Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit is an EPA funded project primary
purpose was to discuss the concept of a program of early detection and intervention for pediatric
developmental, cognitive, and behavioral disorders, with key stakeholders in Anniston.
Grants
Brownfields Assessment Grant
The City of Anniston was awarded a Brownfields Assessment Grant in the amount of $200,000 in April
2000. The city has sponsored two Brownfields' public meetings in which Brownfields specialists and
Region 4 staff participated. In September 2001, the County submitted a workplan for their Superfund
Initiative Redevelopment Grant ($100,000).
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Environmental Justice Small Grant
The community group, Community Against Pollution, in Anniston, Alabama was awarded an
Environmental Justice Small Grant in the amount of $20,000 for Fiscal year 2001. Their project
"Protecting Children's Health and Reducing Lead Exposure and Poisoning" will address the protection
of children's health and prevention of exposure and poisoning from exposure to lead by uncontrolled lead
releases to surface soil, and lead based paint. This grant was funded under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 311(c).
Background: Anniston, Alabama is an Environmental Justice Community. On December 31,
1998, the EPA Administrator received a letter from the West Anniston Environmental Justice
Task Force, now know as Citizens Against Pollution (CAP), asking for EPA action in regard to
PCB contamination in their community. Region 4 responded to the request from the community
by investigating the elevated levels of PCBs and other contaminants; these superfund sites are
mostly comprised of off-site contamination of lead and PCBs in west Anniston. EPA's Superfund
program has conducted many removal activities in the community. Additionally, EPA has been
negotiating a comprehensive cleanup order with the potentially responsible party to further
delineate the problems and conduct a cleanup. The environmental issues are regulated under
CERCLA, RCRA and TSCA.
CONTACTS: Angela Leach, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8561
Brian Holtzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst, (404) 562-8684
David Abbott, Environmental Engineer, (404) 562-9631
Gloria Love, Small Grants Project Officer, (404) 562-9672
Florida - Edgewater, Royal Oaks Drums Superfund Site
Impact: In 2001, the Emergency Response Branch identified buried drums and completed a
removal action of over 200 drums. In October 2001, EPA began additional removal action
activities which included the temporary relocation of residents whose houses are located in or
near planned work areas as well as continued sampling end disposal activities.
Background: The Royal Oaks Drums Superfund Site is an eight acre residential tract located
within a manufactured housing community called Royal Oaks. The complex was sited on top of a
former borrow pit. This is a relatively new site this year that is regulated under Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Contact: Sherryl Carbonaro, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8611
Georgia - Fort Valley, Woolfolk Chemical Works Facility Superfund Site
Impact: Community involvement activities continue to be conducted throughout the remedial
process. An Alliance Group continues to provide a positive forum for all involved to discuss and
address cleanup issues on behalf of public health, protection of the environment and the local
economy; approximately 34 meetings have been held. The Alliance Group meets monthly and
consists of a diverse representation from the City, County, Utilities Commission, Woolfolk
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Citizens Response Group, citizens, businesses, and State and federal agencies and an annual
Region 4 Community Involvement Conference was held in 2001.
Background: The Woolfolk Chemical Works Superfund site is a former pesticides production
facility within a potential environmental justice area. Presently, EPA is conducting remedial
design sampling activities (e.g. soils sediments, groundwater, and commercial dust wipes).
Contacts: Charles King Remedial, Project Manager, (404) 562-8684
Angela Leach, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8561
Kentucky - Martin County, Martin County Corporation Coal (Mccc) Slurry
Spill Site
Impact: EPA, Region 4 continues to provide oversight on an enforcement order under the
Clean Water Act authority with reference to Superfund cost recoveiy. Technical oversight and
community involvement is being accomplished by the Water and Waste Divisions in Region 4.
Over the past month, EPA, Region 4 and Headquarters have been working with the community to
create a Community Advisory Group (CAG).
Background: On Wednesday October 11,2000, a coal slurry impoundment owned and
operated by the Martin County Coal Corporation had a sudden breach and released an estimated
250 million gallons of waste materials including coal mine fine refuse slurry, sediments, and other
materials. The release occurred when an abandoned mine shaft collapsed under and adjacent to
the refuse impoundment. The spilled waste material entered both the Wolf Creek and Rockcastle
Creek watersheds. The spill has been described as one of the South's worst environmental
disasters. The slurry left fish, turtles, snakes, and other aquatic species smothered as the slurry
covered the bottoms of the streams and rivers and extended out into the adjacent flood plain.
Prior to the release, the water and coal wastes were contained in a 72 acre impoundment that was
about 220 feet deep in places. The impoundment held 2.3 billion gallons of slurry. Response
workers were able to stop the breach and contain the spill slurry after an estimated 250 million
gallons were released. Multiple agencies are responding to this site in addition to Region 4 (e.g.,
ATSDR; EPA, Region 3's Water Program; Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Department of
Fish and Wildlife Resources, West Virginia, Department of Environmental Protection, West
Virginia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of
Reclamation).
Contacts: Eric Somerville, Environmental Protection Specialist, (404) 562-9414
Sherryl Carbonaro, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8611
Brian Holtzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst
(404)562-8684
North Carolina - Warren County, Warren County PCB Landfill
Impact: Region 4's Waste Management Division awarded the Warren Family Institute in
Warrenton, North Carolina an Environmental Justice Outreach Grant, titled "Community
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Outreach and Environmental Justice" in the amount $40,000 and a Job Training Grant, titled
"Environmental Jobs Training' in the amount of $135,276. The Job Training Grant will be a
collaborative effort between the Warren Family Institute, Vance-Granville Community College,
the Warren County Community Advisory Board, the North Carolina Employment Security
Commission, the Kittrell Jobs Corps Center, the Warren County Board of Commissioners, the
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Warren County
Department of Social Services, the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments, and IT Corporation. Both
grants were discretionary and competitive.
Region 4 participated in an awards ceremony, to celebration these awards, which was hosted by
the Grantee on October 15, 2001, in Warrenton, North Carolina. North Carolina's
Congresswoman Eva Clayton's Office kicked off the event.
BACKGROUND: The area is well known for its watershed event in the environmental justice movement in
the 1980's, whereby hundreds of residents and civil rights leaders protested the siting of the PCB landfill.
Since early 2001, the state of North Carolina has committed $13.4 million to detoxify this landfill; EPA is
providing approximately $600,000 of in kind services from its SITE and NRMRL
CONTACT: Brian Hohzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst, (404) 562-8684
Kathleen Curry, Environmental Jobs Training Grants Specialist, (404) 562-8660
Gloria Love, Environmental Justice Grants Coordinator, (404) 562-9672
South Carolina - Spartanburg, Arkwright Landfill and IMC Fertilizer
Superfund Sites
lMPACT:lMPACT: EPA Region 4 continues to support community-based efforts in Spartanburg,
SC on behalf of the Federal Interagency EJ Demonstration Pilot Project, called "Cleanup and
Revitalization through Collaborative Partnerships, Arkwright and Forest Park Community."
This pilot involves over forty (40) partnering organizations, including neighborhood and
community non-profit organizations, local governments, business and industry representatives,
federal and state representatives. EPA is directly involved in addressing two Superfiind-caliber
sites, the Arkwight Dump Site and the IMC Site.
EPA's Superfund remedial process, superfund redevelopment activities and Brownfields site
assessment are major components of addressing community concerns and making their
revitilization plans a reality. The pilot includes or several major components, including
Redevelopment Design and Brownfields; Remediation; Public Safety, Education, Life Skills;
Health; Transportation; Green Infrastructure; and Housing. Current highlights on recent 2001
work include. 1) Cost Recovery management/staff is continuing to engage in a pilot process with
the city and now other parties to conduct a joint potentially responsible party (PRP) search on the
Arkwright Landfill Site; 2) EJ staff recently assisted EPA HQ in conducting its Case
Study/Evaluation of the Demonstration Project (14 interviews conducted); 3) The core group of
Waste EJ staff; ReGenesis, City and County officials coordinated the Oct 22 Forum meeting and
just completed an extensive Outline Document for the Demonstration Project (ee cover* th»
seven (7); 4) EPA EJ staff and management continue to serve in a &cilitation role betweai
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Rhodia, ReGenesis, and the mediator (Tim Fields, MNG). This conflict resolution activity has
been ongoing since spring of2001. EJ staff processed a request by Re-Genesis for EPA to share
a worst/alternative-case chemical accident analysis on Rhodia. 5) Submitted a Spartanburg Work
Group request to ATSDR for enhanced public participation (e.g., public input, draft, public
comments) for the current Health Consultation request on off-site sampling results. 6) In Spring
of2001, EPA announced that the .County of Spartanburg would receive a Brownfields
Assessment grant ($200,000). The area will also benefit from a Brownfields Cleanup Revolving
Loan Fund Pilot ($1,350,000) just awarded to the State of South Carolina (Coalition with
Department of Health and Environmental Control) on behalf of eight municipalities. 7) In mid-
May, Re-Genesis participated in a national forum sponsored by the International City/County
Management Association (ICMA), in which the Spartanburg redevelopment project was
showcased. 8) EJ, EJ/CLP and CIC staff continue to provide supporting activities to the
community and our remediation program, which includes ensuring public input in this cleanup
process involving two adjacent Superfund Sites.
Background: The City of Spartanburg, South Carolina has a population of43,687.
Approximately 53 percent of the population is white and 46 percent is African American. The
target area —Arkwright/Forest Park on the south side of the city—has a 96 percent African
American population. The target community is within a one-quarter-mile radius of two
Superfund sites. The two national priority list (NPL) caliber sites are the IMC Fertilizer and
Arkwright refill Superfund Sites. Other local areas of community concern include an
abandoned textile mill, an operating chemical plant, two dumps, and several suspected illegal
disposal areas. These properties have brought concerns about public safety, blight, health, and
the environment for some time. The area has not enjoyed any substantial commercial
development for years, and the vast majority of normal retail needs are not within close proximity.
This targeted redevelopment area is one of fifteen National EJ Demonstration Projects in the
country (selected in May, 2000).
Contacts: Brian Holtzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst,
(404) 562-8684
La Tonya Spencer, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8463
Cynthia Peurifoy, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-9649
Rosalind Brown, Chie£ Economic Redevelopment and
Community Involvement Branch, (404) 562-8633
Tennessee - Oak Ridge, Department of Energy - Oak Ridge, Tn Facility
Impact: EPA conducted three public meetings in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on
September 10-11,2001. The purpose of the meetings were to explain EPA rationale for
conducting this study; address comments from the community; and define the respective roles in
conducting off-site sampling.
EPA's primary oversight role included the re-sampling of20% often locations which were
identified in the previous U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) study on May 18- 27,1998, analyze
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for a full range of contaminants which included 26 which were not analyzed in the DOE, and
determine the source of uranium as either enrichment (e.g., Y-12, etc.) or general atmospheric
fell-out.
Background: The community which is located in close proximity to the DOE Y-12 nuclear
weapons plant is primarily a minority community and the only residential community to any DOE
site in the country. The results of this oversight sampling event for off-site property will likely
effect plans for more widespread off-she sampling in the local area.
Contacts: Brian Holtzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst,
(404) 562-8684
Cheryl Walker-Smith, Remedial Project Manager, (404) 562-8519
Tennessee - College Grove, College Grove Battery Chip Superfund Site
Impact: As a result of sampling activities for lead, approximately 60 out of 100 residential
properties have been excavated, backfilled and targeted for clean up. The treatment of excavated
hazardous soil and debris began on March 6,2001 and ended on May 2,2001. The treatment will
resume when sufficient quantities are stockpiled.
Background: This is a superfund site with lead contamination.
Contacts: Sherryl Carbonaro, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8611
Rick Jardine, Remedial Project Manager, (404) 562-8764
Georgia - Fort Valley, Woolfolk Chemical Works Facility Superfund Site
Impact: Community involvement activities continue to be conducted throughout the remedial
process. An Alliance Group continues to provide a positive forum for all involved to.discuss and
address cleanup issues on behalf of public health, protection of the environment, and the local
economy approximately 34 meetings have been held and consists of diverse representatives from
city, County, community groups, citizens, businesses, and state and federal agencies.
Background: The Woolfolk Chemical Works Superfimd site is a former pesticides production
facility within a potential environmental justice area. Presently, the EPA is conducting remedial
design sampling activities (e.g. soils sediments, groundwater and commercial dust wipes).
Contacts: Charles King Remedial, Project Manager, (404) 562-8684
Angela Leach, Community Involvement Coordinator, (404) 562-8561
Fish Tissue Monitoring in the Yazoo Delta Region of Mississippi
Impact: The Mississippi Fish Tissue Task Force recommended a regional advisory for the Delta,
rather than a patchwork of discrete advisories for each of the 10 sites. On June 26 2001
Mississippi Department of Environment and Quality (MDEQ) issued an advisory for the Delta
region of Mississippi This advisory recommends that people limit the amount of carp buffiilo
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gar, and large catfish (catfish larger than 22") they eat to no more than two meals per month.
This advisory applies to the entire Delta from Memphis to Vicksbuxg from the Mississippi River
Levee on the west to the bluff hills on the East. This includes all natural waters including lakes,
rivers, bayous, and sloughs. In addition, for Roebuck Lake, only, the advisory recommends that
people not eat buffalo at all from this lake in Leflore County. Consequently, in August 2001,
MDWFP issued a commercial fishing ban for Roebuck Lake
Background: The Delta is a region recognized as an Environmental Justice area due to
poverty levels and racial makeup. The Delta is also characterized as having a substantial
recreational and subsistence fishing population. In 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) was made aware of information from the USGS that indicated elevated levels of DDT and
toxaphene in fish tissue in the Yazoo Delta. Consequently, EPA informed the MDEQ and
requested that that fish advisories be posted in areas of concern in the Delta. MDEQ responded
with questions about the manner in which the USGS data were collected and requested additional
time to collect confirmation samples. Therefore, EPA issued a grant to MDEQ for the purpose
of collecting and analyzing fish tissue in the Delta for DDT and toxaphene and further conditioned
the grant on MDEQ using EPA's risk based fish advisory protocol. EPA, Region 4 received the
analytical results of the sampling on 12/11/2000. Initial review of the data indicated several areas
which may need advisories for DDT and/or toxaphene based on MDEQ s risk based cut points.
These areas included Steel Bayou, Wolf Lake, Lake Roebuck, Moon Lake, Yazoo River at
Sidion, Sunflower River, Cassidy Bayou, and Deer Creek
Contact: Joel Hansel Fish Advisory Coordinator, (404) 562-9274
Richton Environmental Investigation Site , , c .
Impact: The Science and Ecosystem Support Division (SESD) conducted an Envronmental
Investication (EI) in Perry County, Mississippi in support of the Water Management and
E7™— A^Su,ty Division's programs. TV El tavoived coUec.mg potobie ™«=r
samples from the town of Richton's water supply system, Ae Perry'Count,-. water supp*
the McSwain Community, and the New A; A presentation of
theEUindfogs was given to the community. There has been congressmnalmterestrntlmstte.
Contact: Louis Salguero, Environmental Engineer, (706) 355-8732
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Anniston Pcb and Lead Site
Impact: In support of the Regional Emergency Response program, the Science and Ecosytem
Support Division (SESD) collected soil samples in the Anniston, Alabama area to characterize
PCB and lead contamination levels. Approximately 54 PCB samples were collected from 25
residential properties. In support of the Administrative Order on Consent issued for the Anniston
PCB Site, SESD has conducted numerous overviews of the Solutia's sampling activities.
Approximately 272 samples were collected from 134 residential and public properties. Samples
were screened using an XRF and samples above a set level were sent to a laboratory for metals
analyses. This has resulted in the identification of several residential properties containing
elevated levels of lead.
BACKGROUND: The Solutia facility has two landfills which contain PCB's from past production
processes. Contamination in the community area was being investigated and clean up work is
continuing.
Contact: Tim Simpson, Environmental Scientist, (706) 355-8736
Rome Pcb Site
Impact: In support of the Regional Emergency Response program, Science and Ecosytem
Support Division (SESD) collected soil samples in Rome, Georgia to characterize PCB and
metals
contamination levels. Approximately 43 samples for PCB analyses were collected from residential
and public properties (including several schools and a public park). In order to fill data gaps, 16
samples were collected for metals analyses. EPA identified several areas containing elevated
levels of PCBs. The GE facility conducted additional PCB testing in areas identified with elevated
levels of PCBs and is conducting a removal at Tolbert Park and a ditch behind West Central
Elementary.
Background: The facility at one time used PCB's. Contamination in the community area was
being investigated and clean up work is continuing.
Contact: Tim Simpson, Environmental Scientist, (706) 355-8736
City of Atlanta Combined Sewer Overflow
Impact: The Environmental Justice/Community Liaison (EJ/CL) Staff Office fecilitated four
meetings with Citizens, Environmental Groups, Federal, State, and the City of Atlanta officials to
discuss the City of Atlanta's Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) Remedial Measures Report.
The meetings allowed stakeholders an opportunity to discuss environmental justice and technical
concerns with the City's CSO Remedial Measure Report. The overall objective of the meetings
was to allow citizens to be involved in the City's development and selection process for the CSO
Remedial Measure Report.
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Background: The City of Atlanta was sued by the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeepers
Organization in 1995 for water quality violations. The CSO treatment facilities were built to
remove some pollutants from the combined sewage overflows that enter streams when it rain
This was accomplished through methods such as screening, storage, and disinfection. These
methods did improve the quality of the waterflow discharge into streams. However, the methods
did not meet water quality standards. The City of Atlanta agreed to a consent decree in 1998.
The consent decree directed Atlanta to evaluate and implement short and long-term plans for
eliminating water quality violations related to CSOs. The long-term improvements, outlined in a
CSO Remedial Measures Plan and authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
Region 4, and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), are to be completed by
November 2007.
The Remedial Measure Report was submitted for approval to the EPA and Georgia EPD on April
1,2001. The Remedial Measure Report lists three options: A, B, and C. The City proposed
option C as its preferred option. Under option C, the City plans to separate approximately 27%
of the combined sewer area, approximately 3,295 square miles of the total 12,200 square miles
combined area, and store and treat the remaining combined wastewater and storm water, using
two underground tunnels which direct the wastewater/storm water to wet weather treatment
facilities. Local citizens were concerned with environmental justice and technical elements
mentioned in option C. The environmental justice concern was that the City's proposal does not
meet the objectives of Executive Order 12898 which included public participation and
affordability. The three significant technical issues of concern: (1) toxicology/toxicological
impact, (2) storm water combination/separation, and (3) ground water concerns due to selection
of tunnel technology.
The consensus in the meetings was that most of the activities will take place in minority and low-
income communities. Preliminary environmental justice analyses on locations of CSO facility
discharges in Atlanta demonstrated that at least two-thirds (2/3) of the locations where the
violations occurred, were in areas with minority populations exceeding 50%. The analyses also
revealed that most of the CSO facilities are located in densely populated communities with
minority populations ranging from 82% to 100%. Nevertheless, the consensus was that even if
there are adverse impacts, the proposed remedial measures will clearly lead to a decrease in
adverse impacts in the areas of concern. The issue of affordability is unresolved.
There were disagreements in the meetings on the issue of treating sewage with chlorine and the
toxicological impact chlorine could have on receiving water bodies. Chlorine remains one of the
most effective methods in treating sewage and minimizing toxicology and toxicological impacts to
receiving water bodies. However, chlorine disinfection or some other alternative disinfection will
most likely be required in order to meet the Georgia Water Quality Standards which establishes
limits on fecal coliform in the CSO discharges. The citizens' concern with storm water
combination/ separation, and ground water contamination due to selection of tunnel technology
was precedential. According to the citizens, the tunnels will rupture over time causing pollution
of groundwater. As a result of citizens, concerns with possible ground water contamination, the
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City will undertake a detailed geotechnical investigation of the proposed tunnel routes. The
City's investigation will include an analysis of the potential for infiltration and exfiltration which
will be used in determining the need, type, and extent of tunnel liner necessary for protection of
ground water.
The meetings facilited by the EJ/CL Staff Office, allowed citizens to discuss environmental justice
and technical concerns with the CSO proposed option C. This collaborative effort resulted in a
consensus on the City's preferred proposal option plan C, and demonstrated that citizens'
involvement can contribute to the protection of public health, ground water and surface water.
CONTACT: Elvie L. Barlow, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Justice/Community Liaison
Staff Office, (404) 562-9650
Macon Mississippi - Field Sampling Investigation
Impact: The Environmental Justice/Community Liaison Staff Office received a complaint from
Mr. Curtis Nicholson concerning wastewater discharges from Boral Bricks Inc., in Macon
Mississippi, During the week of July 23, 2001, EPA conducted a sampling investigation of
Mr.Curtis Nicholson's property located in Macon, Mississippi to determine if Boral Bricks
contaminated his property via wastewater discharges.
Background: In response, staff from EPA, Region 4, Waste Division, and Science and
Ecosystems Support Division (SESD), field screened soil and sediment samples from property
belonging to Mr. Curtis Nicholson using a portable X-Ray Flourescent (XRF) instrument. A total
often (10) samples were collected and sent to the SESD Laboratory to be analyzed for the
complete Target Analyze List elements (metals analysis) to verify field screening. The analytes of
interest were lead and arsenic. The laboration results did not exceed action levels.
Contact: Elvie L. Barlow, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Justice/Community
Liaison Staff Office, (404) 562-9650
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND TRAINING INITIATIVES
Teachers Environmental Institute (TEl)
IlUPACT*
R cion 4's Waste Management Division in collaboration with Spebnan, College in Atlanta,
Georgia held a Teachers Environmental Institute (Institute) on June 25-29,2001, in Atlanta,
Georgia The Institute included a site tour to the Anniston Lead and PCB Sites in Alabama.
FJ staff worked with Spelman College staff to plan for a 5-day TEI (funded by an EPA Waste
p«- oram erant) in Atlanta from June 25 - June 29. On the first day, EJ staff will help coordinate
asitetour to the Anniston Lead and PCB Sites in Alabama.
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Background: The Teachers Environmental Institutes have been fiinded by Region 4's Waste
Management Division's discretionary grants. In the past few years, EPA staff and Universities,
with EPA grants, coordinated these events to provide grade school educators with environmental
and environmental justice education, knowledge, and skills. Hundreds of teachers and thousands
of students have been positively affected in many environmental justice communities.
Contacts: Margaret Crowe, Waste Training Coordinator, (404) 562-8687
National Environmental Justice Training Collaborative
Impact: Over the past year, Region 4's Waste Management Division's environmental justice
staff and other regional environmental justice team members have continued to participate in
numerous planning and development of the Environmental Justice Training Collaborative (EJTC).
The training collaborative has had a variety of members from state governments, non-profits,
other Federal agencies, and EPA. Several members of the regional environmental justice team
assisted in supporting the Atlanta pilot which was held on October 9-10,2001. The focused, of
the pilot, was to gain industry and community feedback on the design of the training pilot.
Background: The Environmental Justice Training Collaborative (Collaborative) works in
collaboration with stakeholders to develop and present high quality environmental justice training.
Initiated by the regional Offices of the Environmental Protection Agency as a means of sharing
environnxaital juste training, experience, expertise, and resources, the Collaborative is evolving
into a voluntary, multi-stakeholder network comprised of other federal agencies,
states, tribes, community-based groups, and acadetma. The Collaborative uses innovative
approaches to build knowledge and share expertise onissues^ofawironmental justice to promote
its integration into policies, programs and activities. ^ CoM»rahve isa national network of
EPA MS and others working together to develop emnronmeMal juste education Mob and to
enhance the abilities of staff to meet critical needs for mfbrmaton and dialogue to advance
environmental justice. The goals of the Collabomnve are to Mp entamce the capacity of all
stakeholder!- fa) identifr and address issues of environmental justice, (b) to communicate with
™ («) » «v=r high-quality environmental juste Wining.
Conta^. Eddie Wright, Environmental Justice Coordinator, (404) 562-8669
Contacts. ^ E^nmental Justice Program Technical Analyst
(404) 562-8684
National Meeting of EPA Risk j^SSwoA^d^wfEPA's
Impact: Ik Office oi
Headquarters and regional . j. 3 2001. The goal was to instruct risk assessors
an annual meeting in dfaruptors (e.g. PCBs, dioxins, etc.) to
how to best communicate & jgodc uWic meeting which utilized the background of
during a mock pubBe meeting and break-out work session.
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Page 16 of 23
Background: This EPA-based network meets on an annual basis to share scientific advances,
policies, and best practice approaches to risk assessment.
Contacts: Elmer Akin, Chief, Office of Technical Assessment, (404) 562-8634
Brian Holtzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst
(404) 562-8684
OUTREACH INITIATIVES
Citizens guide on Risk Assessments and Public Health Assessments
Impact: This document (under construction) exemplifies the intent to explore ways for the
public health and environmental agencies to work together to better to their mutual benefit and to
the public's benefit—improve communication, coordination, understanding. The EPA Waste
Mgt. Div. (Cook, leader) continues to engage a multi-stakeholder workgroup in an effort to
complete this community guidebook to clearly describe risk assessments, health assessments and
community involvement. Recently, EJ Waste staff and GA EPD staff wrote a new section called,
"Community Involvement in RAs and PHAs and made suggestions for improvement on the Risk
Assessment Section.
Background: This guide is a spin-off from the 3-day retreat of ATSDR, EPA, four state
environmental and four state health agencies (under MO As with ATSDR) in the spring, 2001.
Contacts: Michelle Cook, Special Projects, (404) 562-8674
Brian Holtzclaw, Environmental Justice Program Technical Analyst
(404) 562-8684
People of Color/Disenfranchised Communities (POC/DC) Environmental Health
Network
Impact: Region 4's Waste Management's environmental justice staff continued to participate in
an Agency partnership process (EPA OSWER, EPA Region 4, DOE, CDC, ATSDR, NIOSH,
NCEH). EJ Waste staff helped coordinate a face-to-face meeting in December, 2000. Over the
past 2 years, the voice of the POC/DC Network helped lead to the establishment of the NEJAC
Working Group on Federal Facilities. EJ staff reserved monthly teleconference calls over the
majority of the year and helped facilitate them. A special Agency call was held regarding the level
of CDC's involvement in May 2001. In response to an inquiry from POC/DC on Oak Ridge
DOE Site off-site sampling issues, EJ staff coordinated a special call between EPA DOE Section
management and Oak Ridge community group representatives in May 2001 Currentlv pnr/nr
activities have been placed on hold. y uuut
BACKGROUND: This national community-based network is organized around health issues
regarding DOE nuclear weapons-related sites, as well as DOD sites.
CONTACT: Bri^o^l^nvironn,^ Justice Program ^
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TARGETING. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. AND EXPOSURE STUDIES
Pediatric Environmental Health Speciality Unit (PEHSU) at Emory University
Impact: The EPA Project Manager in the Waste Division over the PEHSU continues to be
engaged with various programs on the assigned project work for Emory University to educate
local physicians and refine a thought piece on community health needs. The targeted communities
of the PEHSU are currently the Anniston, Alabama's PCB Site, Lead Site, and the GE PCB
Site/Facility in Rome, Georgia which is supported by the Georgia Environmental Protection
Division's funds. Refer to the Site-Specific Section on Anniston for further details on activities
related to the pediatric early detection and intervention proposal. The proposal was community-
driven and is entitled, "A Legacy of Toxic Exposures, A Future of Child Health, Anniston,
Alabama: A Concept Paper for Discussion."
Background: In 1998, ATSDR in collaboration with the Association of Occupational and
Environmental Clinics (AOEC), developed the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
(PEHSU) Program as a national resource for pediatricians, other health care providers, federal
state and local health staff, and the public. The objectives: (1) reduce environmental health
threats to children, (2) improve access to expertise in pediatric environmental medicine, (3)
strengthen public health prevention capacity. From ATSDR's perspective, the key focus areas of
the units are medical education and training, telephone consultation, and clinical specialty referral
for children who may have been exposed to environmental hazards. Five of these units, including
the Southeast Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit in Atlanta, Georgia are currently
operating in the United States. The Southeast PEHSU links the Department of Environmental
and Occupational Health in the Rollins School of Public Health, the Department of Pediatrics in
the School of Medicine, the Georgia Poison Center, the Marcus Institute, and a variety of Emory
affiliated clinical facilities, including Children's Health Care of Atlanta and the Hughes Spalding
Children's Hospital. Refer to http://www.marcus.org/pehsu.htm. EJ staff attend the quarterly
meeting updates on progress being made.
Contact: Dee Rodgers-Smith, Waste Division Special Assistant, (404) 562-8688
Region 4
FY 2001 Small Grant Profile Information
Alabama
Community Against Pollution ($20,000)
Children's Health & Reducing Lead Exposure & Poisoning: This project
will address protecting children's health and prevention of exposure
and poisoning from exposure to lead by uncontrolled lead releases to
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surface soil, as well as lead-based paint. The project proposes to: (1).
Utilize soil samples and blood level testing collected by government
agencies. (2). Analyze and interpret data and present the results to the
community. (3). Establish and maintain an accurate and reliable
database of resources for community uses. (4). Form a working
network of community organizations, local, state, and federal
governments, and other agencies regarding lead poisoning and
exposure prevention.
Statute: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), Section 311(c)
Village Creek Human & Environmental Justice Society ($14,995)
Birmingham, AL
Village Creek Environmental Justice Project: This project will address the polluted
water which overflows into the neighborhoods, and solid waste
products in Village Creek. The project will: (1). Present two initial
awareness workshops for the community. (2). Conduct bimonthly
forums with community, government, business, industry for the
betterment of the Village Creek watershed. (3). Develop video
presentation and brochure concerning issues in the Village Creek
watershed. (4). Complete a Village Creek education map.
Statutes: Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3) and Solid Waste Disposal Act,
Section 8001(a)
Florida
Bethune Village Community Ctr. ( $19,726)
Daytona Beach, FL
Research and Evaluate Lead Concerns for Bethune Village: The proposed project
will evaluate the existence of lead in the environment of the Bethune
Village community. The operation of the project will occur in a series
of tasks as follows: (1). The project will perform an evaluation of the
potential occurrence of lead in the homes and yards of the residents
(2). Take lead samples at six locations and perform analysis (3)
Conduct community meetings on results of samples findings present
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reports and plans for future operations.
Statute: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), Section 311(c)
Le'Azon Technology Institute ($15,000)
Clearwater, FL
The "Access to Information" project will provide North Greenwood residents with
tools to understand environmental and health impacts of brownfields on
their daily lives. The tools are: (1). Develop a brownfields web site
with Internet connections which will present difference perspectives on
the environment, community and public health. (2). Provide computers
in three locations that will be accessible to the community. (3). Create
a tradition and electronic newsletter to get the information to the
public. (4). Coordinate with the City of Clearwater to sponsor
workshops to inform and market the web site, newsletters and provide
information on the brownfields community. (5). Visit cities and towns
with communities similar to North Greenwood to observe and learn
about the methods they used to address environmental justice in their
neighborhoods.
Statutes: Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3) and Solid Waste Disposal Act,
Section 8001(a)
Smith-Williams Service Center Foundation ($15,000)
Tallahassee, FL
The project is to develop an environmental education/awareness program in the
Bond Community Environmental Partnership: This community was a
vibrant working class neighborhood and is now characterized as
declining. The project will focus on human health risks, trash/illegal
dumping and solid waste disposal. The project proposes to: (1).
Promote/ encourage the community's capacity to address its own
environmental concerns through education and training. (2). Develop a
quarterly newsletter. (3). Develop a strong network in the community
by building good working relationships with participating governments.
(4). Serve as a pilot program for the development of a citywide illegal
dumping task force.
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Statutes: Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3) and Solid Waste Disposal Act,
Section 8001(a)
Kentucky
West Jefferson Co. Community ($15,000)
Louisville, KY
Risk Assessment/Risk Mgt. Education Outreach: The project will address the West
Jefferson County residents' concern regarding the potential health
threats from air pollutants. The purpose of this project is to develop an
outreach strategy to present, inform and teach the community of the
findings of the air toxics study. The project will: (1). Develop a risk
management plan in collaboration with representatives from the
community, University of Louisville, local governments and medical
professionals. (2). Develop and maintain an Internet web site regarding
the study. (3). Prepare a video that would explain all aspects of the air
toxic study.
Statutes: Clean Air Act, Section 103(b)(3) and Toxic Substances Control Act,
Section 10(a).
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Page 21 of 23
Mississippi
Mississippi 20/20 Network, Inc. ($15,000)
Jackson, MS
Student Raising Health Standard at School by Discovering Sub-Standard Threats:
The purpose is the creation of a student-driven process that will make
campuses a model of health and safety. The project will also, motivate
students to becoming "organizers" of health and safety in their homes
and neighborhoods. The project will focus on the five worst
environmental threats to children's health (lead, air pollution, pesticide,
tobacco smoke and drinking water contamination).
Statutes: Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3) and Solid Waste Disposal Act,
Section 8001(a)
North Carolina
Shaw University ($20,000)
Raleigh, NC
Center for Environmental Justice Education and Research: Shaw University
proposes to enhance the role of the Environmental Justice Education
and Research Center to better address the disproportionate share of the
negative environmental consequences, which result from lack of
education, knowledge, and awareness of environmental justice issues
and concerns. The Center proposes to engage high school and college
age students in research activities that respond to community, and
environmental justice issues affecting Raleigh citizens.
Statute: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), Section 311(c)
Warren Family Institute, Inc. ($40,000)
Warrenton, NC
The Warren Family Institute, Inc. will work with the Warren County PCB Citizens
Advisory Board to address community information and needs
surrounding the entire process of detoxifying and redeveloping the
PCB landfill site. This will include interfacing with the Job Training
Pilot activities to assure representative participation from residents of
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Page 22 of 23
the neighborhoods adjacent to the landfill; addressing health and safety
concerns of those residents; and developing and implementing
environmental information activities about PCBs, dioxins and other
local environmental concerns.
Statute: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), Section 311(c)
West End Revitalization Assoc. ($15,000)
Mebane, NC
Failing Septic Systems and No Water/Sewer Services: The Project Objectives are:
(1). Conduct educational workshops for residents in the target area.
(2). Support activities of planning, funding, and installation of
water/sewer services for the long-term public health and safety of
current and future residents.
Statutes: Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3), Safe Drinking Water Act, Section
1442(b)(3), Solid Waste Disposal Act, Section 8001(a) and Clear Air
Act, Section 103(bX3)
South Carolina
Union Heights Community Council ($15,000)
North Charleston, SC
Children Learning about the Environment and their Neighborhood (CLEAN): The
project proposes to involve the youth of the Union Heights community
in helping to create a safer and healthier environmental in their
neighborhood. Substandard houses in the community have been
demolished. The demolition of these houses has made a negative
impact on the community, because the lots have become a magnet for
trash, illegal dumping and overgrown landscaping. Project CLEAN
will involve the youth of Union Heights in: (1). Improving the
appearance of 66 vacant lots. (2). Developing a pollution prevention
strategy to help keeps the lots clean and safe. (3) Conducting
environmental awareness workshops.
Statutes: Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3) and Solid re-
section 8001(a) Waste DlsPosal Act
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Tennessee
Alton Park/Piney Wood Neighborhood Imp. ($20,000)
Chattanooga, TN
Community Building Initiative for the Alton Park/Piney Woods Neighborhoods: The
environmental justice issues to be addressed by this project are: (1).
The daily contamination created by operating industries, abandoned
commercial and industries properties. (2). Conduct
research and monitor activities relating to indoor/outdoor toxic substance in and
around the community. (3). Conduct community meeting to inform the
community, so that they can fully participate at the decision-making
table.
Statute: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), Section 311 (c)
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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 5
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE UPDATE
DECEMBER 2001
The U.S. EPA Region 5 is comprised of the six States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and is home to diverse and numerous urban, industrial, and rural
areas. The demographic makeup of the Region is even more diverse with representatives from
all races and ethnic groups, including 33 federally recognized Tribes, and a broad spectrum of
income levels.
Region 5 is committed to promoting and supporting equitable environmental protection
and has been involved in addressing environmental injustice for several years. Region 5 intends
to continue its pursuit of environmental justice and has identified environmental justice as one of
its priorities.
In October 1995, Region 5 formed the Environmental Justice Regional Team (EJRT)
whose mission is to "...assist the Region in the reduction of disproportionate risks to human
health and the environment and to promote equal environmental protection for all by:
coordinating environmental justice activities among all divisions and offices; providing advice
and consultation to the Region and other stakeholders on environmental justice issues; and
developing and providing tools to facilitate the incorporation of environmental justice principles
into regional policies and programs For more information on Region 5 environmental justice
activities contact Karla L. Owens, Environmental Justice Regional Team Manager, via phone:
312-886-5993; fax: 312-886-2737; or E-mail: owens.karla@epa.gov.
Region 5 has established its goal for environmental justice as "Ensure that all Region 5
citizens are protected from disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards and have
adequate opportunity to participate in environmental processes This update provides an
overview of some of the activities Region 5 has undertaken toward achieving its goal.
KEY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES/INITIATIVES/STRATEGIES:
Protecting Children's Health and Reducing Lead Exposure through Collaborative
Partnerships - A collaborative partnership will seek to protect children's health by reducing lead
exposure in East St. Louis, IL and the St. Clair County Region. Lead poisoning is an especially
devastating problem in East St. Louis, where children have been tested for rates four times the
national average. This collaboration consists of St. Mary's Hospital, Neighbors United for
Progress, Illinois Department of Public Health, St. Clair County (Intergovermental Grants
Department), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Army Corps of
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Engineers, and the U.S. EPA. It will target environmental justice areas for outreach, screening,
testing and housing rehabilitation. Through this collaborative effort, the groups will be able to
avoid redundancy and maximize the use of grant dollars.
Region 5 U.S. EPA & State EJ Contacts - Quarterly, EJ Contacts from U.S. EPA Region 5 and
States participate in a joint conference call. The purpose of these calls is to discuss current EJ
related issues, share information, and identify areas for joint collaboration.
Region 5 Environmental Justice Stakeholder Partnership Network - Region 5 is in the
process of planning a forum for environmental justice stakeholders in Milwaukee, WI. The
purpose of the forum is to provide environmental educations, assist in developing and enhancing
community capacity, facilitate the development of local partnerships, provide tools to help
communities, and attempt to alleviate environmental inequities. Region 5 is working
collaboratively with Milwaukee local government and community groups in planning this event
Michigan Asthma Strategic Planning Initiative (MASPI) - Region 5 along with State and
local health and environmental agencies, the American Lung Association, asthma coalitions
health care providers and managed care organizations, universities and community groups are
collaborating to in the MASPI. The goal of MASPI is to develop a blueprint for the State to
collaborate on a long-term strategy to reduce Michigan's asthma burden. This will include-
setting a collective direction for public and private action; mobilizing broader commitment and
resources; and creating a sound basis for decision-making and resource allocation
National Environmental Justice Training Collaborative - Summer 2001, Region 5 hosted
workshop of the National Environmental Justice Training Collaborative. This work h &
attended by Federal, State, and local government employees as well as business and co^ W3S
groups. The workshop was a "train-the-trainer" session for attendees so they can lat rmmU"!ty
environmental justice training to their constituencies. provi e
Chicago Cumulative Risk Initiative - In response to a Chicago Legal Clinic Prtiti* a-
1996 on behalf of 11 community advocacy groups, U.S. EPA began the Chim™ r ° ! m
Risk Initiative (CCRI). This effort is designed to identify and address issues of U"! ive
environmental loading and health risks from multiple sources in Coot rn„„h ! ,1Ve
County, Indiana, U>0lt C°Unt5'- and Lake
Several useful tools will be developed from this initiative with inDut from
stakeholders as well as the regulatory stakeholders, including Federal Stat* * a t C0JTimun,t>'
groups. One of the tools to be developed will be an environmental loadines nr!fi
summarizes all available multimedia data, including emissions and ambient 1;W ,
profile is currently undergoing peer-review. In addition, a user-friendlv ^ k . loadings
developed that will facilitate integration of available environmental data for tot *
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The partnership is also developing a Cumulative Risk Screening tool that will focus on air
sources only. This cumulative risk screening tool will evaluate environmental databases of both
air emissions and ambient air data, along with toxicity weighting factors, to identify areas
characterized by high hazard. The screening tool will also consider available health data in order
to identify susceptible populations, focusing on children, especially those with asthma, elevated
blood lead concentrations or leukemia. This cumulative risk screening document will tentatively
be available for peer-review by the end of Calendar Year 2000.
The stakeholders are also currently developing communication, outreach and utilization
strategies for the tools developed by the initiative.
Southeast Michigan Initiative (SEMI) Environmental Forum - The Southeast Michigan
Environmental Forum was hosted by the Arabic Community Center for Economic and Social
Services (ACCESS) new community center in Dearborn. The agenda focused on efforts by
community groups and organizations.
ACCESS, provided an update of the EPA funded community air pollution health assessment they
have conducted in collaboration with the University of Michigan School of Public Health. The
Southeast Michigan Council of Occupational Health and Safety (SEMCOSH) did a presentation
on their lead abatement project "Lead Busters" that they are implementing in environmental
justice areas to eliminate lead exposures to children.
U.S. EPA Region 5's Gateway Team Hosts Sustainable Growth Meeting in the Metro East
Region - U.S. EPA hosted another meeting of the Metro-East Sustainable Growth Resources
Group in East St. Louis. The Metro East Sustainable Growth Resources Group is an established
volunteer organization comprised of local, state and federal organizations and entities committed
to creating and maintaining a sustainable environment and community. Its membership
represents a range of perspectives associated with sustainable growth. Its mission is to gather,
develop, and disseminate information regarding growth issues in the Metro East, Illinois area.
The group's charge is comprised of three key emphasis areas: (1) Illinois Growth Task
Force/Initiati/e, (2) public education and (3) planning in order to create more sustainable and
liveable communities. The Sustainable Growth Resources Group was initiated due to the urban
sprawl related challenges surfacing in the Metro East region including traffic congestion, city
center decay, loss of open spaces and natural areas, and financial strain due to infrastructure
costs. These issues are typical of problems arising in many other communities. Another
recurring and severe problem in the Metro East region is stormwater and resulting flooding that
affects many of the communities in the region. With support from several groups, the Gateway
Team initiated and coordinates the group's logistics and meetings through professional
facilitation experts.
The group focused on two possible action items that would work towards promoting sustainable
growth in the area: the creation of a directional document which will provide a sustainable
growth vision for Metro East and the compilation of local geographic data for the purpose of
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creating a regional map illustrating past, present, and future land-use. The group also discussed
their charge to become more familiar and active with the Illinois Growth Task Force, which has
occurred The group was selected to receive one of the twelve public member committee slots on
the Governor's Growth Task Force. The public member spot will allow the Metro East region to
become more visible and vocal in discussing recommendations for how to best manage urban
snrawl issues in Illinois. The public member selection also raises the awareness of the Metro
East Sustainable Resources Group and the desire within the Metro East region to tackle urban
sprawl issues and to create a more sustainable environment. Information about the meetings is
posted on the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/region5/gateway.
Tiiinnic FPA and U S. EPA host Citizens Meeting to Discuss Supplemental Environmental
Projects in the Greater Chicago Area - Representatives of IEPA and U.S. EPA hosted a
meeting with approximately 20 representatives of environmental groups to discuss supplemental
enviromnental projects (SEPs), and the development of a SEP bank related to enforcement cases
in the Greater Chicago area. Citizens for a Better Environment did a tremendous job in
contacting environmental groups, and encouraging attendance. After providing some
background information regarding SEPs, including the federal SEP policy, and responding to
questions, the group brainstormed on developing SEP projects. The agencies committed to
circulating a list of project ideas for development by environmental groups. The meeting was
well received by the groups in attendance. A similar meeting is planned for municipal
representatives.
EPA St. Louis' Teams Decide to Host Joint Web Page - The St. Louis (Gateway) Teams in
both Region 5 and Region 7 recently agreed to host a joint Internet Web Page. Since both
Regions cover environmental issues in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, it was decided that it
would be better for the public if information concerning these issues could be found in one
location on the Internet. The two Teams are currently making plans to unite their information in
the near future, and then go out into the St. Louis community in order to teach groups how to
access it through the Internet. The Web Page can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/region5/gateway.
Good Neighbors United Initiative Meeting: This initiative primarily involves Wayne County,
grass roots citizens groups, U.S. EPA, and local industry all working together to improve the
quality of life in southwest Detroit and nearby suburbs. Various environmental issues are being
tackled, including odors, street dust, brownfields, and illegal dumping.
New Heights Recovery & Power, Ford Heights, IL - Owners of the facility have applied to the
State for two minor source permits (for the tire burning boiler and a cryogenic crumb rubber
facility). Members of the affected community have formally requested Region 5 to actively
participate in the Illinois' permitting process for this facility. Region 5 has also been asked to
conduct an environmental justice analysis. The basis for their request are their concerns related
to the demographics of Ford Heights and to the possibility of a cumulative impact of the New
Heights facility in combination with other local sources.
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Region 5's permitting staff are already reviewing the permits drafted by Illinois EPA and will
continue to provide comments on enhancing public participation and on strengthening permit
conditions as appropriate. Region 5 also plans to review the demographics and sources of
potential exposure surrounding the facility. This will help the Region provide appropriate
comments to Illinois EPA on any permit they draft and their response to public comments.
Grant Writing Tutorial Software - The Region 5 EJRT has identified community groups as an
audience in need of better grant-writing skills, and often those with the greatest need for
assistance and lack the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain it. In July 1998 Region 5
released on CD-ROM and Internet, an interactive software program to walk the user through the
grant-writing process and help him/her learn to write more competitive grants. The program
includes detailed information and tips on writing a grant proposal; how to complete a grant
application package; program-specific sections on the EJ, EJ Through Pollution Prevention, and
Environmental Education grant programs; examples of good, complete grant packages;
references; a glossary of terms; resources and contacts; and a mock grant-writing activity where
the user is able to compare their results to a successful grant application. The completed program
can be downloaded from the Internet at www. eva. eov/seahome. An update to the software is
planned for FY2001.
Superfund Jobs Training Initiative - The Superfund Jobs Training Initiative completed another
session in Region 5 at the Dutch Boy Landfill Site in Chicago, IL. This Initiative was made
possible through a grant program from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and was the result of collaboration between
the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences (NIEHS), DePaul University, and a number of community training partners.
The success of the program was based on the wisdom and foresight of Dr. James Kinard and Dr.
John Huenefeld, educators at DePaul University, and EPA staff. Through the partnerships and
diligent efforts, twenty-eight students received specialized training including: 40-hour
HAZWOPER certification, Lead and Asbestos Worker training, Superfund Regulatory
Overview, Hazardous Site Cleanup Simulations, Critical Thinking and Employability Skills
Development, and Life Skills Training (i.e. conflict resolution, team building, self esteem, job
readiness, logical reasoning, environmental vocabulary development). The trainees will be
licensed in the State of Illinois (and in Indiana by reciprocity) as asbestos abatement workers and
lead abatement workers. This multiple licensing will enhance each trainee's employability and
regularity of work.
The Dutch Boy Superfand Site consists of an approximately 5.2 acre vacant property located on
the south side of Chicago. NL Industries formerly owned the property, operating a facility that
manufactured lead-based paints. Much of the property consists of cement-paved yard areas, with
sporadic areas of open soil and vegetation. In March 1996, EPA issued a Unilateral
Administrative Order requiring NL Industries to investigate site-related contamination and to
conduct appropriate removal activities (including the excavation and cleanup of lead
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contaminated soil). The students trained in the Initiative were ethnic minorities between the ages
of 18-25 years. After training was completed, EPA and DePaul University hosted a job fair for
trainees to provide an opportunity for the qualified community residents to meet and interact with
local contractors. This real-life simulated training prepared the students not only for an
opportunity to secure jobs in the environmental field, but also provided a decided advantage to
persevere in all aspects of their lives.
Detroit Coke and Brownfield Redevelopment - The Detroit Coke facility is located in an
environmental justice community at the confluence of the Detroit and Rouge rivers in Detroit.
The Detroit Coke site, now owned by Allied-Signal Corp., produced waste ammonia liquor that
was disposed of into three on-site hazardous waste underground injection control (UIC) wells.
In September 1990, the facility closed down.
The City proposes relocating cement silos to the Detroit Coke site. Further redevelopment of the
site has been proposed by Minergy, LLC which is considering building a cogeneration plant on
the site that would take waste gases from National Steel and sludge from the Detroit Wastewater
Treatment Plant. The EPA has the lead for corrective action through corrective action
requirements in the Federal UIC permits, but the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) will be taking over the lead for corrective action.
The MDEQ has completed a State-funded facility investigation which shows extensive soil and
ground water contamination. The EPA and MDEQ have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding to facilitate transfer of corrective action lead to the State. Allied-Signal has
developed a conceptual site remediation plan. The City and Minergy are negotiating a contract
for the wastewater treatment sludge.
If redevelopment occurs as planned, this site will be an example of a successful brownfield
redevelopment in an EJ community.
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2001 REGION 6 NEJAC UPDATES
I. NEJAC Meeting Policy Issues Activities
Angelina River. Texas
The Angelina River in east Texas feeds into Lake Sam Rayburn, a popular recreational reservoir for
both anglers and other outdoor recreationist. Donohue Industries operates a paper mill near Lufkin, Texas
which discharges its wastewater into the Angelina River immediately above the reservoir. The Lufkin
Community is a predominantly low income community with a high unemployment rate in comparison to
state averages. Discharges from the mill have impacted both the River and the reservoir and have been a
major source of contention for local residents and particularly fisherman in the area. EPA recently issued an
Administrative order to Donohue Industries which will require the company to spend millions of dollars on
additional wastewater treatment technology in order to comply with the Clean Water Act. In addition, the
company also volunteered to undertake several environmental projects, valued at more than $1 million
dollars to benefit the area including a regional habitat assessment, a fish study, county septic system
improvements and fishery management assessment and stocking.
EPA Region 6'» translation F.PA brochure entitled "Should I Eat the Fish I Catch"
In July of last year, EPA Region 6 met with residents from the Houston Vietnamese community to
discuss their concerns about local environmental issues and public health impacts. This group represents the
largest and most under served Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) sub-population in Houston.
For this meeting we had translated a number of EPA brochures into Vietnamese, including the "Should I Eat
the Fish I CatchFish has traditionally been the main dish of the majority of AAPIs' meals. Many
Vietnamese who are new immigrants to this country, may be unaware of the existence of fish consumption
advisories issued by state and local health agencies. The consumption of contaminated, noncommercially-
caught fish may expose them to chemical pollutants such as mercury. This brochure will be a valuable tool
for protecting the health of the AAPI community.
Fish Tissue Sampling in San Antonio River, Texas • j •«. r- v. l o *
The Region funded a special study to assess risk associated with fish consumption m the San Antonio
River South of San Antonio. The grant recipient is the Texas Department of Health. The river around
Elmendorf TX was a potential concern for pesticides based on results from EPA's National Bioaccumulation
Study conducted in the mid to late 1980s. The follow-up effort included additional sampling of edible fish
tissue in multiple locations to screen for risk. However the results of the study did not indicate that risk was
high enough to warrant issuance of a fish consumption advisory.
Fish Tissue Sampling i" Clear I.ake, Texas , • n i u t tu
EPA utilized Children's initiative funding to conduct seafood sampling in Clear Lake, Texas. The
funding was awarded to the Texas Department of Health to conduct the sampling and sample analysis. This
project was one component of a seafood risk study of the entire Galveston Bay system^ Other components
were funded through other means, but the results from all sampling are being utilized for decision making
concerning the need to issue fish consumption advisories applicable to children and the general population.
The study targeted recreational fish species and blue crab. The area was of particular interest since it has one
of the largest concentrations ofmarinas on the Gulf coast. Tnbutyl tin and other butyl tins weremcludedir
a broad parameter coverage to address possible risks associated with this anti-foulmg agent. Results did not
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indicate a significant incremental risk to children or the general population, thus there was no need to issue
an advisory. The Galveston Bay Estuary Program is ensuring that results of this project are available via its
web site.
East Texas Mercury in Fish Project
Utilizing Regional discretionary funds awarded to the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission, a study of mercury in fish from 12 lakes in east Texas was conducted. East Texas is an area
found to have elevated bioaccumulation of mercury in some lakes and bayous. This study targeted selected
lakes to determine if bioaccumulation of mercury represents a human health risk to those who may consume
the fish. In addition the study included sampling of the water column, bottom sediments and red cedar (tree)
cores. This study was very beneficial in the state's understanding of the distribution of mercury in state
waters. One lake sampled had highly elevated mercury levels in edible tissue. The Texas Department of
Health conducted additional followup analyses and issued a fish consumption advisory for that lake.
Mercury sampling in east Texas is continuing and several agencies in Texas are coordinating to monitor
mercury in unsampled lakes to obtain baseline data for risk screening. Texas agencies have also been
coordinating with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to compare data collected on
interstate waters.
I. Environmental Justice at the Federal Level
Region 6 Environmental Stakeholders Meeting
Region 6 is in the early planning stages for developing a Region 6 Environmental Stakeholders
meeting. The meeting will focus on a variety of key areas including environmental justice. Region 6 Office
of Environmental Justice staff will initiate a dialogue with Region 6 stakeholders in the near future to plan
this meeting for early, 2002.
Region 6 F..T Implementation Strategy Tinder Development
Region 6 is nearing the end of the process for developing a Regional EJ Implementation Strategy.
Once completed, the Regional plan will consist of approaches currently in use as well as those planned for
implementation. Region 6 has a number of practices already being implemented to address EJ such as the
EJ Index Methodology; facilitation and utilization of multi-stakeholder panel processes in EJ communities;
providing materials in languages utilized by the community, enhanced community outreach and public
participant and bucket brigade funding assistance. These approaches and others will be documented in the
Regional EJ Implementation Plan for the reference and use of managers and staff to address EJ on an
ongoing basis.
FPA Regjnn ti's Participation in the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Initiative
On June 6 of this year, EPA Region 6 volunteered to serve as a facilitator to bring together Federal,
state, and local governments to discuss interagency coordination to address the unmet needs of the Asian-
American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the Houston area. As a result, we formed the AAPI
Network in Houston which consists of representatives from most government agencies. By creating
stakeholder networks in areas most in need, Region 6 will effectively implement its programs and activities
affecting AAPIs. Community partnerships, economic opportunities, education pipeline, employment and
professional advancement will be the focus of this initiative.
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At the request of the Vietnamese community in Houston, EPA Region 6 is currently taking the lead in
addressing the hazards of indoor air pollutants and other toxic chemicals that many nail salon workers are
exposed to daily. A Vietnamese Translation Team is working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help
them review the work of their contractor. This team will also be working on translating the EPA brochure
entitled "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home," as requested by EPA's OPPT Office. Another
activity involves promoting the pilot Pen-Pals Partners for the Environment Program to AAPI populated
schools in the area. Next year, EPA Region 6 will be conducting a grant writing workshop to the AAPI
community and hosting a community fair to inform them about the Initiative, EPA programs and services
available to them.
Calcasieu Activities
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana citizens and local government have been working collaboratively with the
EPA, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
(LDHH), and several other local and federal agencies to address the environmental and health needs of this
community. In addition, on November 13, 2001, the LDEQ will hold the first meeting of the Calcasieu
Community Environmental and Public Health Forum. The meeting will be held at the Stokes Auditorium in
Hardner Hall on the McNeese University campus. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. The following efforts have
occurred as part of the Region 6 Multimedia Calcasieu Initiative.
Calcasieu Estuarv
The analysis of the fish samples collected as part of the Phase II Calcasieu Estuary field work were
completed in early October 2001. EPA released the new data at a public meeting in Lake Charles on October
23, 2001. EPA is working with PPG and their contractors supporting the fish collection and analysis PPG
assumed responsibility for this phase of the work and worked in conjunction with EPA to collect and analyze
all the data for Phase II. EPA released the Problem Formulation document for the Ecological Risk
Assessment in October and the Remedial Investigation Report in January 2002.
Water
The Water Quality Protection Division has received draft portions of the Calcasieu Estuary Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), including write-ups on the ambient data assessment, toxicity identification
results, and model selection report. The contractor is in the process of setting up the model as a component
of the TMDLs development. Draft TMDLs are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
£EG. INDUSTRIES. Lake Charles. LA Consolidated Test Burn Plan Approval
On May 2,2001, the LDEQ and EPA Region 6 signed a joint approval letter to PPG, Industries, Lake
Charles, LA for its "Consolidated Trial Burn Plan for Incinerator Units 1 and 2 and Number 3 HaJogen Acid
Furnace Unit (HAF)". A joint Public Notice and Press Release were also issued on May 4,2001, by the
LDEQ announcing the approval of the plan, and the time of the beginning of the test burn which began on
May 16,2001. The test took about three weeks to complete. The approved plan marks the culmination of a
concerted effort between LDEQ, EPA, PPG and its contractors to devise a detailed test plan that would
accomplish three purposes. First, the plan includes testing requirements for PPG's two incinerators and the
Number 3 halogen acid furnace (HAF) to be used in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act re-
pennitting process by LDEQ. Second, the plan incorporates requirements for a polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCB) test for the re-authorization of the Number 3 HAF unit, and for processing a new request from PPG
for approval of the two incinerators for PCB disposal. Third, the plan incorporates a risk burn plan based
upon EPA's Human Health Risk Assessment Protocol (HHRAP) that will provide important additional
technical information to LDEQ and EPA in order to ensure safe operating limits in any permits issued.
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EPA's risk assessment evaluates impact to human health based on long term normal operating conditions. A
key component of the trial burn is to test actual stack emissions (including dioxin) in order to assess potential
risk impacts. Results from the trial burn are expected in October of 2001. The trial burn report was
submitted in October 2001 to the regulatory agencies. LDEQ and EPA are currently evaluating the quality of
the data in order to make a determination on the report results.
Calcasieu Parish Air Monitoring
The Calcasieu Parish Air Monitoring project is being funded by EPA, LDEQ and local industries
Five sites were selected for air sampling. These include Lighthouse Lane, Vinton, Westlake Mossville and
Bayou D'lnde. Sampling for Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) and Dioxin began in the month of January
2001 for all locations except for Mossville. The Mossville site was ready for sampling in the month of June
2001. Sampling events for dioxin will occur every other month for a duration of one year. Sampling for
VOCs occurs every sixth day at each site and will continue for a duration of three years. The results of the
analysis are posted on LDEQ's web site at www.dea.state.la.us/evaliiation/calpa^iA.i/;^^fY An
annual report of findings will be prepared and shared with the citizens. Data received so far does nnt
Louisiana Annual Ambient Air Quality Standard.
NPDES Permitting - Calcasieu Parish
NPDES Permits Branch staff continues to participate on the R6 workgroup (air, water sunerfund
enforcement and environmental justice) with citizens in Calcasieu Parish in bimonthly conference calls to
address community concerns about existing environmental issues in Mossville such as effluent testing
Sixteen facilities have been identified for dioxin testing to determine if Louisiana Pollution TWharw
Elimination System (LDPES) permit limitations are necessary.
Region 6 NPDES Permits Branch is assisting the LDEQ in preparing LPDES permits as Dart of a backlog
reduction effort. Several of the LPDES permits prepared by R« staff are located in the cLasieu River Basin
and will result in more stringent and enforceable permits.
Mossville Conference Calls
At stakeholder request, EPA and ATSDR, sponsor separate bimonthlv „ •,
Mossville Environmental Action Now, Inc. (M.E.A.N), and their associates to discussTtatufof
environmental and health issues of interest to the Calcasieu Parish EJ community
Calcasieu Health & Medical Symposium
To address the potential impacts of environmental releases to human h wu
and medical practitioners will be conducted in Lake Charles, Louisiana 2007 if * Symposium for health
environmental toxicology, environmental exposures, basic environmental i» . ,0rmatl0n on basic
childhood exposures, and screening tools will be shared and discussed C industrial controls,
(CME) credit will also be available. This effort will set the foundation fnrH Medical Education
and health/medical practitioners in Louisiana. ollaboration between the EPA
Community Outreach Grants
Two community environmental organizations in Calcasieu Parish r . ¦ ,
Environmental Action Now (CLEAN) and the Mossville Environ.™,,* >^ lcasieu Lea8ue for
both awarded grants last year to monitor air quality in the Parish CLFA w°n N°W ^MEAN)'Inc' were
monitoring and sample analysis. Samples will be analyzed in th, pd a » W3S awarded 8rant funds for &
y cu m »e tPA, Region 6, Houston Lab. This effort
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was extended for further monitoring this year. All sampling data will be sent to CLEAN and will also be
used within the Regional office as appropriate. MEAN will also continue its Bucket Brigade grant activity
this year. Samples have been taken and results will be submitted this fiscal year.
M.E.A.N., Inc. was also recently awarded a $20,000 grant as part of Region 6's EJ Small Grant
Program to execute a community outreach and environmental information campaign. The grant will also
support development and execution of a Community Health Needs Survey and establishment of a
neighborhood environmental information and resource center.
Assistance to ATSDR AND LPEO on Calcasieu Issues
On March 29, 2001, the EPA Region 6 Multimedia Planning and Permitting Division assisted LDEQ
in briefing representatives of the ATSDR as they began an investigation of possible health effects from
releases of EDC to shallow ground water in the vicinity of the Mossville community of Calcasieu Parish
LDEQ and EPA provided reports and historical knowledge of the contaminant releases, and technical
assistance to the ATSDR. ATSDR will evaluate possible exposures to the community which may have
occurred. After determining possible exposure pathways, ATSDR will then determine whether additional
exploration of health effects is warranted with respect to ground water and EDC contamination near the
community. EPA and LDEQ will continue to cooperate in a technical assistance role, as needed, to provide
accurate and complete information.
Drinking Water Monitoring in Calcasieu Parish
The LDHH continues drinking water monitoring in a number of areas within Calcasieu Parish
Louisiana which includes Mossville, a minority community of approximately 2000 residents. Two rounds of
sampling are conducted during the summer and fall at selected public water supply systems in other
surrounding areas for volatile organic compounds. Based on the results of the sampling during calendar year
2000, the water was determined to be safe. There were no exceedances of the maximum contaminant level
(MCL) standards. The drinking water sampling continued during 2001. A monitoring event is scheduled for
November 2001. Sampling is expected to continue through the fall of 2002. The sampling is funded under a
$19,240 grant awarded in September 1999 to LDHH.
Underground Injection Class V Well Survey in Calcasieu Parish
(This is a parish-wide project and not specific to Mossville)
The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR) is in the process of conducting a Class V
well study of small businesses and industries in Calcasieu Parish. Class V wells are injection wells that are
typically shallow disposal systems that allow a variety of fluids to be placed below the land surface into or
above underground sources of drinking water. The survey will determine the Global Positioning System
locations for all domestic, public, private and irrigation wells located in the parish. By performing these
activities, the EPA hopes to determine the potential for shallow ground water contamination through the
operation of Class V wells to dispose of small volumes of hazardous or non-hazardous wastes. The LDNR
entered a contract to conduct the surveys in fiscal year (FY) 2000 and at the end of FY 01, the surveys are
approximately 50 percent complete. The surveys are expected to be completed by the end of FY 02. This
work is funded under a $25,000 grant to the LDNR that was awarded in September 1999.
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III. Addressing Environmental Justice Problems
Cesar Chavez. High School (CCHS). Houston, TX
Cesar Chavez High School (CCHS) was built in East Houston in 2000 in close proximity (1/4 mi.) to
four grandfathered chemical manufacturing facilities and near (1-1/4 mi.) the Geneva Industries Superfund
Site. The school is located on a two-lane roadway (Galveston Highway) carrying significant industrial truck
traffic and across the highway from an active railroad right of way. The school was built using funds
generated from a tax increment reinvestment district (TID) created in 1997 after failure of HISD bond
election in 1996. A similar TID was simultaneously created to fund a school in West Houston which is
described as located at a site unimpacted by stressors similar to CCHS. Stakeholders believe that the
students and staff at CCHS will be disproportionately impacted by environmental contamination generated
by nearby industrial and transportation activity. On 5/23/00, UCER requested that EPA conduct a risk
assessment on the CCHS site. By letter dated 8/8/00, EPA responded that risk assessment was not
appropriate and recommended an alternate collaborative process which would involve development of a
qualitative conceptual model.
EPA has conducted a series of meetings with community stakeholders during which community activists,
business leaders, school district officials, government representatives, and elected officials qualitatively
identified concerns and issues regarding environmental health and safety of students and staff at CCHS. The
first "scoping" phase is complete (see meeting minutes included in briefing package) and the implementation
or "empowerment" phase is currently underway. At a meeting on 2/16/01, the stakeholders decided that they
would organize six workgroups operating under the charge of a steering committee. These workgroups are
working to develop recommendations for mitigating risk to students and staff in the following general areas:
Emergency Preparedness and Response, Air Quality, Water Discharges, Pedestrian Access, and Pipeline
Safety.
Vinvl Chloride Contamination of Drinking Water at Myrtle Grove Trailer Park in Plaquemine. LA
The EPA Region 6 is involved in an effort to determine the source of vinyl chloride contamination of
drinking water at the Myrtle Grove Trailer Park in Plaquemine, LA, which was discovered by LDHH.
LDEQ is investigating to determine the nature and extent of the contamination, and the source. Dow
Chemical has also taken the initiative voluntarily, to investigate its property as a potential source of the
contamination. LDEQ has requested assistance from national experts from EPA's R.S. Kerr Lab in Ada,
OK, due to the complexity of the assessment and the possible degradation of contaminants. More time will
be required to complete the assessment and it may not be possible to identify a source due to the hydro
geologic setting (e.g., changing ground water gradients and flow directions, and the flushing and "smearing"
effects of the Mississippi River on contaminants in the Plaquemine Aquifer).
Region 6 facilitated the contact of the Myrtle Grove community leaders with the Technical Outreach
to Communities (TOSC), an EPA funded outreach effort based at Louisiana State University. The TOSC
group performs technical assistance to communities in Regions 4 and 6. The aim of the technical assistance
is to help the community better understand the site characterization process and sampling results around the
Myrtle Grove community. ATSDR has recently been petitioned by the environmental group LEAN to
conduct a health assessment, and we will be cooperating with ATSDR by providing available data on ground
water contamination as found by LDEQ and from the nearby Dow hazardous waste facility.
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The company expedited the hook up of Myrtle Grove Trailer Park water system with the
Plaquemine's municipal water system has been completed. After the hook up, tests of trailer park's water
showed no contamination. Because of the serious health threats from vinyl chloride in drinking water
LDHH plans to provide medical assistance and screenings for the trailer park residents.
On-going meetings continue to be held with the officials of LDHH, LEAN, EPA and local citizens to
discuss cooperation, analytical data verification, data reporting into SDWIS (Safe Drinking Water
Information System), and prevention of such mishaps in the future.
US/Mexico Border
A bilingual environmental education campaign was developed to promote awareness and education
that will lead to water-wise lifestyles. In addition, the project provides greater understanding of the Paso del
Norte region's surface and groundwater situation. The Outreach Team in the Water Quality Protection
Division, along with a multi-media workgroup, created this bilingual environmental educational campaign.
More 10,000 children interacted with the puppets and puppeteers who came from area youth leaders in El
Paso, TX, Ciudad Juarez, MX, and Las Cruces, NM. The volunteers' enthusiasm to carry on similar
outreach efforts in their community displays the success of this campaign.
NPDES Permitting - Albuquerque MS4
NPDES Permits Branch staff drafted the City of Albuquerque Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) permit. One of the biggest outfalls addressed in the permit discharges to Pueblo of Sandia waters
which required additional conditions to protect it. R6 staff kept constant communication and information
sharing with Pueblo of Sandia officials in order to address their concerns. A public meeting is scheduled for
November, 2001.
Implementation of Environmental Justice in EPA-assisted Water and Wastewater Infrastructures
Construction Program
The Region 6 Assistance Programs Branch has incorporated the Environmental Justice goals into the
Water Quality Protection Division's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to ensure that
disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority and low-income
communities are identified and addressed. The Region 6 Environmental Justice Index Methodology using
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps, census demographic data and the Human Risk Index has been
used to mathematically rank EPA-assisted drinking water and wastewater treatment project sites. All five
Region 6 states and the Regional staff who are responsible for Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF
programs have been trained on EJ as it relates to the NEPA process. As of this date, the Assistance
Programs Branch has produced more than 300 EJ Index Maps for more than 60 project sites and has provided
these maps to the grant and loan recipients.
Kellv Air Force Base (KAFB)
The Kelly Air Force Base (KAFB) was targeted for base realignment and closure. All corrective
action activities (i.e., investigations and remediation) are being conducted under a RCRA permit issued by
the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in June 1998. The KAFB has developed
six remedy alternatives for the shallow groundwater contamination based on community input. A San
Antonio city council consultant provided comments on the off-site remediation strategies. The selection of a
strategy for the off-site contamination will be submitted to the regulators in December.
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The EPA's Office of Civil Rights has made a final acceptance/rejection of the citizens' complaint
submitted April 20,1999 alleging violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, by the
TNRCC. This complaint is currently being investigated by the EPA Title VI task force.
Mexican President Vicente Fox announced that KellyUSA (the former KAFB) will be the site of
Mexico's second North American trade center, providing a distribution point for Mexican products in the
United States and Canada.
The ATSDR released the results of the East Kelly Public Health Assessment and health consultations
investigating the potential health effects in neighborhoods north and southeast of Kelly AFB. ATSDR
determined that current levels of contaminants associated with KAFB are not likely to cause adverse health
effects.
KSR SiiDerfund Site. Pallas. Texas
EPA Region 6 has completed cleanup activities at the former RSR smelter facility located in an EJ
community in west Dallas. The cleanup included demolition and removal of the 300-foot smelter stack that
represented a negative symbol to the minority community for many years and that the community regards as
contributing to many of its health problems. The cleanup removed all structures from the site and removed
one to 2 feet of contaminated soil and covered the entire site with clean soil. The site will be available for
productive redevelopment with input from the community.
West Corpus Christi Landfills
The Region 6 Superfund program conducted a combined Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection (PA/SI) at
the West Corpus Christi (combined) landfill site which includes the Greenwood and Chula Vista landfills.
Based on all the information currently available to the EPA, including that provided by the Texas Natural
Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), Superfund Site Assessment personnel concluded that the
Corpus Christi Landfill site does not meet the criteria required for a remedial response action under the
federal Superfund program. Of course this would not preclude any future actions by the State or other federal
programs.
Suzie Canales of Citizens for Environmental Justice (CFEJ) has lodged exceptions to the conclusion drawn
by Region 6 and continues to advocate for an independent assessment for the health impacts of the landfills
on the community. CFEJ has advocated for a more comprehensive characterization of the Greenwood and
Chula Vista landfills located in this predominantly Hispanic residential community as she claims that
historical releases from the landfill are responsible for allegedly high incidences of cancer and birth defects
in the zip code area. An unofficial review of cancer data by CFEJ consultant Puentes, Inc., concluded that
incidences of certain cancer in the area ranks among the highest in Texas for certain cancers. The Cancer
Registry reports for Nueces County disputes this assertion. Bob Martin, OSWER Ombudsman, and Ron
Wilson, ATSDR Ombudsman is actively involved in assisting to resolve the conflicting issues. Region 6 has
been tasked to develop a process for assessing all environmental and health data for Corpus Christi as well as
other heavily industrial areas in Texas to determine if targeted enforcement and outreach efforts similar to
the Calcasieu Initiative are warranted. OEJ at the request of the Superfund Ombudsman is also involved in an
independent information gathering effort to integrate key environmental indicators for Nueces and San
Patricio Counties to evaluate the environmental impact of these stressors on the population.
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CFEJ is currently seeking funding through congressional inquiries and other means to have Puentes, Inc. to
conduct an independent study of the West Corpus landfills as she claims that EPA's PA/SI was incomplete.
OEJ has presented to CFEJ an opportunity to petition for EPA-sponsored technical services under the TOSC
program. Terms of services are currently being negotiated. In addition, OEJ is conducting monthly
conference calls with CFEJ to assist it in building capacity.
IV. Public Participation and Training Initiatives
EJ Training Collaborative - Region 6 Support/Participation:
Region 6 continues its active participation in the activities of the EJ Training Collaborative both in staff and
monetary support. Two of the six national training pilots were hosted by Region 6. The first pilot targeted
community groups and state government; the second session focused on tribes and land managers. Both
pilots were held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September and October 2001, respectively. Training
participants in each session were very receptive to the training and offered much valuable feedback that will
be used in refining the training materials and presentation.
International Border Workshop for Hazardous Materials
Outreach and compliance monitoring initiatives have been sponsored along the border to ensure safe
management of hazardous waste. Several training initiatives have been conducted along the border include a
recent two day workshop sponsored by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, EPA, and
other State and Local government agencies in El Paso, TX. The Workshop was available for freight
forwarders, custom brokers, warehouse operators, transporters, and shippers located along the border of
Texas in order to help them learn about the proper storage and transport requirements dealing with hazardous
substances. EPA representatives provided presentations on transporting and shipping requirements, common
violations found during warehouse inspections, and liability issues concerning abandoned products and
abandoned hazardous waste.
V. Outreach Initiatives
Sunnlementfll Environmental Projects Outr^aefl Initiative
The EPA Region 6 Office, has introduced its new Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP)
Homepage as part of our Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division Website A SEP is an
environmental project that a violator voluntarily agrees to perform as part of the settlement of an enforcement
action. The Website allows the public an opportunity to provide ideas for possible SEPs to then-
communities Ultimately, the Website will be used as a bank to share newSEP ideas withm EPA, states, and
industry The Website includes an explanation of SEPs, success stories of SEPs the SEP Bank, and a SEP
Idea Foim The bank can be used as a quick reference for creative SEP ideas during the negotiations
process with industiy. The Website can be located at www.epa.gov/region6/sep.
The ^eadquarter^'office of Atmospheric Programs initiated a sun safety programcalled "SunWise." Schools
throughout the nation were invited to volunteer to be "SunWise" schools. SunW.se schools agree to
implement a variety of measures to protect students from utoaviolet sun rays. Some agree to have then
students wear hats, build canopies, and other measures to reduce exposure to sun. Runn Elementary, Roma
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ISD and Vilas Elementary School along the border, have signed up to participate in this program. The
regional office will work with the community to conduct outreach on the program to encourage other schools
to participate.
EPA Authorization of Cherokee Nation Lead-Based Paint Activities Training & Certification
Program
On October 15, 2001, EPA Region 6, authorized the Cherokee Nation's Lead-Based Paint Activities Training
and Certification program, to implement and enforce a Tribal lead-based paint activities training and
certification program in lieu of the Federal program on Cherokee Nation Tribal Trust lands in Oklahoma.
The Cherokee Nation will administer and enforce training and certification requirements, training program
accreditation requirements, and work practice standards for lead-based paint activities in target housing and
child-occupied facilities under Section 402 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The Cherokee
Nation of Oklahoma is the first Tribe in Region 6 to apply for and receive authorization.
Healthy Environments and Living Places for Kids (HELP for Kids)
Help for Kids is a community-based children's health project that centers around training residents to
perform indoor environmental assessments of homes, home-based day care, and schools. Indoor
environmental risks that children are exposed to are identified, and recommendations are made for risk
reduction. All environmental media are included; however, the project centers on issues that are within the
control of the caregiver. Environmental risks to be evaluated include lead-based paint, radon, environmental
tobacco smoke, pesticides, carbon monoxide, hazardous household chemicals, and asthma triggers. On
October 25, the Toxics Section hosted a training session for the Wyndott Nation of Oklahoma. Additional
training sessions will be held for EJ communities throughout FY02.
Environmental Champions Public Education Campaign
The "Environmental Champions" campaign was a year-long partnership with KGTB-TV, Harlingen,
Texas designed to provide positive & helpful environmental information to the lower Rio Grande Valley
community through the combined use of broadcast television and community engagement. EPA was one of
several partners in this effort. The project included on-air public service/awareness announcements, monthly
news stories, weekly weather-related environmental reports, and school and community activities. Region 6
proved to be a significant player in this project by provided cross-media news-story suggestions and
participating in long-range strategic sessions with station management. KGTB-TV found the project to be
highly successful in furthering a public-service presence in their broadcast area. Public response has been so
positive that the station has extended the project indefinitely, is broadening their staff allocation devoted to
environmental issues, and is spreading the concept to sister-stations in other markets.
Video on Rural Community Projects
A new video production has been completed which explores sound approaches to environmental
problem-solving in small communities. The 20-minute video highlights projects in Ft. Towson,
Tishomingo, and Bromide, Oklahoma. It discusses the challenges addressed in each community, the
inclusive process which has enabled innovative solutions, and results for both the community and the
environment. The piece focuses on real-life project dynamics and features interviews with local citizens and
officials as well as state environmental managers and staff. The video is slated for use in small communities
to help foster other successful collaborative projects.
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Project Del Rio Data Interpretation and Land Use
On May 7, 2001, a $20,000 grant was awarded for a Project Del Rio Data Interpretation and Land Use
project. The project was designed by Project Del Rio, Las Cruces, New Mexico as an educational project to
help area students better understand the factors that can affect water quality monitoring activities. A key
aspect of the project is to increase the students' ability to interpret water quality data and determine how the .
parameters relate to each other and how they may indicate impacts of land use activities. Students under the
guidance of teachers and resource professionals can learn to interpret data and possibly set up monitoring
projects to investigate specific questions. Some of the educational tools that were developed as a part of this
grant included: land use interpretation workshops involving resource professionals where specific land use
issues and the potential influence on water quality issues can be discussed; classroom resources such as
power point presentations that help students better see the interrelationships of the parameters; Graphics and
land use maps; guidelines and assessment tools to help evaluate the process. This project was completed in
September 2001. Some of the educational tools developed as a part of this project are already being used by
teachers and students.
VI. Assessment Methodologies. Guidance, and Community Assessment
No New Information Submitted for FY 2001
VII. Targeting. Environmental Health, and Exposure Studies
Houston Citizen Air Monitoring Project
On October 16,2001, a meeting was held in Houston to form a partnership between citizens and the
U S Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, and Harris
County Pollution Control. Several members of the Hispanic community were in attendance, their primary
concern being air quality issues relating to the Caesar Chavez High School. Houston area citizens will be
provided Summa canisters and Tedlar bags for use in hazardous air pollutant sampling activities. The EPA
Houston Laboratory will provide analytical services for these samples. Two workgroups will be formed, one
concerned with air sampling, and the other will focus on information and education relating to air quality,
permitting, and enforcement. Additional conference calls and meetings will be held to move this program
forward.
Region 6 NEJAC Update - 10/13/2001
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RFGION 7 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICF VISION
»• Meaningful involvement of low income and minority
populations in our decision making processes;
»• Greater understanding of environmental and health related
issues at the community level;
~ Ability to identify, address, track, and measure Region 7's
progress towards ensuring environmental justice at sites
located in low income and minority communities; and
~ Collaboration with federal, state, and local governments,
community organizations, academic institutions and other
stakeholders to ensure environmental justice.
EPA Region 7 EJ Program Contacts:
Althea Moses, EJ Program Manager, 913-551-7649
Debbie Bishop, 913-551 -7529
Monica Espinosa, 913-551-7058
Daphne King, 913-55 ?-7815
Dorothy Posey, 913-551-7601
Lori Walker, 913-551-7926
IOWA * KANSAS * MISSOURI * NEBRASKA
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
SUMMARY OF REGION 7 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACTIVITIES
1. NEJAC meeting policy issue activities "Water Quality, Fish Consumption, & EJ"
Drinking Water Compliance
Haywood City, MO
Region 7's EJ Program in collaboration with EPA's Water, Wetlands, and
Pesticides Division (WWPD) began working with MDNR and local agencies
within the community of Haywood City, Missouri, regarding safe drinking water
and compliance assistance processes. Haywood City was presented a grant from
the Missouri Department of Economic Development for $295,450 to construct a
new well. The EJ Program continues to work with the state and local partners to
address issues of safe drinking water for this community.
N. Lilbourn, MO
The village of North Lilbourn, Missouri along with neighboring communities,
Lilbourn and Howardville, are small rural agricultural communities located in the
Bootheel region of Missouri. A majority of towns' residents work on the farms or
other agricultural businesses in the surrounding area. These towns do not have the
types of businesses or industiy established which might make them sustainable,
and are characterized by gross poverty and substandard housing conditions.
Despite continual efforts, and some successes to provide basic services for
residents of these communities, a number of environmental threats exist due to the
lack of funds available to adequately maintain homes and town infrastructures.
Potential environmental issues include inadequate water and wastewater treatment
and water contamination from fertilizers and pesticides. (See section on
addressing Environmental Justice Problems for more information)
2. Environmental Justice at the Federal Level
2nd Annual Federal Partners Meeting
EPA Region 7 held its 2nd Annual Federal Partners Meeting on October 2, 2001 at the
Regional office in Kansas City. The Federal Partners meeting is an opportunity for
regional federal agencies with commitments to addressing Environmental Justice to meet
and discuss Environmental Justice issues facing each agency. The meeting is also a
valuable tool for each agency as we move forward in understanding and addressing areas
of Environmental Justice in that we become better coordinated in our efforts to meet the
needs of our regional stakeholders. Discussion topics included current Environmental
Justice cases around the region and opportunities for better communication and
collaboration. We also decided to meet twice a year instead of once a year in order to be
more proactive.
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
3. Addressing Environmental Justice Problems
• Currently tracking several Environmental Justice issues within the region.
Issues include: Washington County Landfill; John Garland Park; Omaha Lead Site;
Haywood City.
Washington County Landfill
The community has raised concerns that they have been targeted due to income
for the siting of the facility, that the decision-making process has been unfair, and
that they suffer from a disparate environmental burden. The team addressing this
concern include staff from Office of Regional Counsel (CNSL), Air, RCRA, and
Toxics Division (ARTD), Office of External Programs (OEP), and the
Enforcement Coordination Office (ECO). Fact-finding regarding the Washington
County Landfill continues. Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
staff provided EJ staff with a copy of the permit application and other
correspondence regarding the proposed landfill. Next steps include review of all
material gathered from the community organization, Safe Handling of Wastes
Managed Environmentally (SHOW-ME), and MDNR, conducting a community
assessment based on demographics, health, and environmental data, a site visit,
and a stakeholders meeting with MDNR, SHOW-ME, and EPA.
John Garland Park
Brownfields, OEP, and EJ staff attended a community meeting hosted by the Oak
Grove Neighborhood Association on Monday, October 23,2001. The meeting
was well attended by local residents as well as representatives of the Wyandotte
County Unified Government, Kansas Department of Health & Environment, City
of Kansas City, Missouri, and local churches. Presentations were given to address
"the way landfills work," monitoring of ground water and gas over the past six
years, the proposed greenhouse, EPA's brownfields program, and EPA's
commitment to ensuring environmental justice. The next community meeting has
been set for Monday, November 19,2001, at 6:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church
in Kansas City, KS. Regional staff are planning a coordination meeting before the
next staff meeting to discuss ways the region can support this community.
EJ in Omaha, Nebraska
The EJ Program conducted a community involvement study in Omaha, Nebraska.
A series of three interview trips to Omaha, NE, meeting with community
members from North Omaha (predominately African-American), South Omaha
(large Hispanic population), and tribal representative from the Omaha Tribe of
Nebraska and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
The study was conducted in response to environmental justice concerns being
raised during a meeting in September 2000, regarding lead contamination. The
basic information being sought during the study was feedback regarding past EPA
activities and suggestions for ways to improve community involvement. The
information from the study was used to improve community involvement in
Superfund, Lead enforcement, and community-based environmental protection
work.
Haywood City, MO
Region 7's EJ Program in collaboration with EPA's Water, Wetlands, and
Pestcicides Division (WWPD) began working with MDNR and local agencies
within the community of Haywood City, Missouri, regarding safe drinking water
and compliance assistance processes. Haywood City was presented a grant from
the Missouri Department of Economic Development for $295,450 to construct a
new well. The EJ Program continues to work with the state and local partners to
address issues of safe drinking water for this community.
Brownfields/EJ Coordination
The Brownfields program of EPA Region 7 has included environmental justice in its
strategic plan. Activities discussed including an EJ presentation in the spring
Brownfields workshop with all of the regional showcase communities, EJ assessment of
all showcase communities, and partnering on one new showcase community (Waterloo is
being considered due to the allegations of racial discrimination in 1999). Next steps
include presenting the proposed activities to Brownfields and EJ staff as well as briefing
management.
New Madrid County EJ Initiative Update
EJ staff and the board of directors from the Great Rivers Alliance of Natural Resource
Districts conducted a site review of the activities EPA and NRCS are supporting in New
Madrid County, MO. The projects reviewed were the New Madrid County Child Health
Champion Campaign pilot, the North Lilbourn recycling project, the North Lilbourn
energy conservation and home weatherization project, and the farmers' cooperative.
The Child Health Champion Campaign is winding down. Individual
household visits are being made to all homes of small children to provide a
lead cleaning kit and lead education information.
The North Lilbourn recycling project is no longer a plan but an action: the
community lead, Maiy Evans, has set up a scale, received donations of a
trailer to conduct business transactions and a large container to receive
products, has identified a market for aluminum, and is currently accepting
aluminum and newspaper. Her first load of aluminum was 2,000 pounds.
• The energy conservation and home weatherization project has 10
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
community participants who are learning home weatherization techniques
and how to identify and use materials which conserve energy in basic
carpentry. The trainer on this project is a local carpenter from
Howardville, MO. Four of the ten participants have found jobs as a result
of their training.
• The fanners' cooperative has resulted in a contract with Schnooks grocery
store. During our tour, the crop of sweet potatoes was being harvested.
All of the projects in New Madrid County are doing very well; the benefits to the
communities exceed our expectations. The results of our work go beyond the number of
children tested for lead or the number of homes weatherized - we are also seeing the
development of leadership skills and job skills by community members.
UPDATE: EJ Federal Interagency Action Agenda Case Study
The New Madrid County Child Health Champion Demonstration Pilot Project was chosen
as a case study for the Federal EJ Interagency Action Agenda. The case study will include
review of planning and organizational practices which may aid future projects which
involve collaboration between federal agencies. Representatives from EPA Headquarters
met with EPA EJ staff and traveled to New Madrid County, MO to conduct interviews with
community members who worked directly on the project.
Medical Waste Incinerator, Jan 2001
EJ Program staff, Kimberly Hill, attended a Public Hearing regarding a Title V permit for
Stericylce, a medical waste incinerator in St. Louis, MO. More than 75 people attended the
hearing to oppose a medical waste incinerator in North St. Louis. Attendees included
several environmental groups and environmental justice advocates; Dr. Mark Mitchell, a
public health physician and director of a nationwide organization, Healthcare Without
Harm; Dr. Dan Berg, a local public health physician; several environmental attorneys;
students from the Washington University (WU) Environmental Clinic; Alderman Freeman
Bosley, Sr.; and local citizens. The incinerator has been operating under a St. Louis City
construction permit for more than ten years and is currently being considered by MDNR for
a Title V permit. Those opposing the incinerator were concerned about the facility's
frequent alliance on the bypass stack and environmental justice implications. Several
attendees suggested that the facility consider autoclaving its waste. Many citizens were
concerned that the incinerator was first sited in St. Louis County but was turned away
because incinerators are not allowed in St. Louis County. Alderman Bosley presented
legislation that he drafted for the City of St. Louis that will prevent incinerators built in
neighborhoods without their consent. The meeting was facilitated by Randy Raymond,
MDNR.
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
4. Public Participation and Training Initiatives
• Community Stakeholders Meeting
The EPA Region 7 EJ Program will host a community stakeholders meeting on November
7, 2001 to receive public comment on the draft Regional EJ Guidance and Policy
document. The stakeholders meeting will allow regional environmental justice
stakeholders the opportunity to voice their comments on how EPA Region 7 does business
in their communities. Following the stakeholders meeting, the document will go into a 30-
day public comment period, beginning November 15, 2001, to receive additional comments
and feedback.
Federal Transit Authority EJ Workshop
EJ staff participated in an EJ Workshop conducted by Federal Transit Authority (FTA) staff
on Wednesday, October 12,2000. The trainers were specialists in the fields of public
involvement and planning, an attorney (currently acting as a civil rights officer and Title
VI team leader) and a planning specialist from the Chicago office. The training included
applying EJ and Title VI, Transportation Planning and EJ/Title VI Requirements, Service
Equity, and Tools and Resources. The experience of sitting in on another organization's EJ
training gave staff an opportunity to see other presentation styles, and other methods of
presenting awareness and approach information to a technical audience. Attendees
included staff from Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), Kansas Department
of Transportation (KDOT), Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), Federal Transit
Authority (FTA), Federal Highway Administration and other local transportation planning
entities. EPA's invitation was a result of the EJ partnering efforts within the last year
EJ Grants Workshop 2000
The Environmental Justice Grants Workshop for the Class of 2000 was held November 16
17,2000. Nine grant projects were represented at the workshop that included presentations
by the EJ Program staff. The second day of the workshop concentrated on grants
administration, fiscal responsibility, and project management. Workshop materials
sent to those grantees that were not able to attend. S Were
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
5. Outreach Initiatives
• Minority Scientist Showcase, Jan 2001
The EJ Program participated in the Minority Scientist Showcase at the St. Louis Science
Center over the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday weekend. This is the 8th year the showcase
has been held over the King holiday weekend, and has become an anticipated event for area
youth. This year's event featured radio, television and printed media coverage. More than
4,000 youth attended the event. The showcase is an opportunity for area scientists to share
the values and rewards of their careers; encourage proper academic preparation; challenge,
inspire and motivate by personal example; and most importantly, break down racial, gender
and occupational stereotypes and barriers in science fields.
• EJ Small Grants Availability Session, Feb 2001
In anticipation of the 2001 EJ Small Grants year, the EJ Program held a Small Grants
Availability Session on February 12,2001. During this availability session, potential EJ
Small Grants applicants can conference call with EJ Program staff as well as staff from
Grants Administration.
EJ Small Grantee Support, March 2001
D.R.E.A.M. Center Lunch & Learn: EJ Program staff attended the D.R.E.A.M. Center's
Lunch & Learn on Wednesday, March 28,2001. The D.R.E.A.M Center is a FY 2000 EJ
Small Grants awardee. Marty Kraft of Heartland All Species Project facilitated
environmental curriculum to a GED, an adult education program. This was a good
experience as EJ staff were able to meet with a current grantee and learn about the issues
they face in their community as well as the activities and steps they are taking to improve
their neighborhood and local community.
St. Louis Association of Community Organizations, April 2001
The EJ program was among the staff which supported the sixth annual conference
sponsored by the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations and St. Louis
Community College. The EJ program participated on a panel which discussed community
empowerment, environmental awareness, and decision-making. Information was provided
regarding the Agency's EJ program, FOIA, EPCRA, Title VI, and steps for community
organizing. Other panel participants law students from Washington University's
Environmental Law Clinic, and Kathy Andria, an environmental activist who has been
involved with several sites in Region 5. Other EPA programs supporting the event were
CBEP, EPCRA, and Lead.
• Mayor's Summit on Race Relations, April 2001
EJ Intern Debbie Bishop has been finalizing panelist details for the EJ Discussion Session
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
for Friday's Mayor's Summit on Race Relations. The Mayor's Summit on Race Relations
was held April 20, 2001 in Kansas City, MO. The objective of the Mayor's Summit was to
explore national, state, regional and community-based policies and strategies for improving
race relations and creating a more inclusive society. The day's events featured KCMO
Mayor Kay Barnes and several workshop breakout sessions throughout the day. EPA
Region 7 and the EJ Program worked to bring three panelists to the Summit, to speak on
the Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income and Minority Populations regarding Asthma,
Cancer, and Lead. The panelists of this particular discussion, respectively include: 1)
Erika Jones of Children's Mercy Hospital, and an EJ Small Grants grantee; 2) Stan Cowen
of Missouri's Department of Health; and 3) Sam Umsheid of the Unified Government of
Wyandotte County with Althea Moses acting as the moderator.
In addition to the panelist discussions, the EJ Program, in coordination with the Black
Employment Program (BEP) & Hispanic Employment Program (HEP) - sponsored a booth
to serve as an information and issue point of contact for the public. The booth featured
information regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, community handbooks, EJ
Fact Sheets, and other publications specific to other environmental media. The Mayor's
Summit on Race Relations is sponsored by The Office of the Mayor, City of Kansas City,
Missouri; Department of Housing & Urban Development; Human Relations Departments,
City of Kansas City, Missouri; Urban League of Greater Kansas City; AARP; NAACP;
EPA; and Project Equality.
• Latino Civil Rights Summit, April 2001
EJ Program staff participated in the Latino Civil Rights Summit on April 27, 2001. The EJ
Program invited three speakers to serve on a panel entitled, "How the Environment Affects
Your Health and Community." Speakers for the event include Gabriella Kusko of
Children's Mercy Hospital, Sam Umsheid of the Unified Government of Wyandotte
County, and Denise Jordan-Izaguirre of ASTDR. A booth sponsored by EJ, BEP and HEP
will serve as an information and issue point of contact for the public. The booth will have
information such as Community-Right-to-Know and the Toxic Release Inventory and also
Special Emphasis Program information.
• Family First, May 2001
The EJ program along with the (Black Employment Program) BEP lead program and others
supported the Family First event sponsored by HUD from May 21 thru May 24 2001
There was a different theme each night: Monday, May 21 Family Resources: Life Skill
Training, SavingsCampaign, Resume Building, Job Fair [EPA display featured
environmental careers]; Tuesday, May 22 Healthy Habits: Health Education Seminar
Nutrition, Exercise and Stress Relief Techniques [EPA display featured children's health
info.]; Wednesday, May 23 Housing: Minor Home Repair Workshops, Lending Trans and
Lead Paint Screenings [EPA display featured lead and healthy homes information]- and
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
Thursday, May 24 Our Voice: The Political Climate, Meet with Legislative
Representatives, Voter Registration, and The Election Process [EPA display featured
environmental justice and community involvement information].
State Environmental Educators Roundtable (SEER), May 2001
The EJ program participated in a discussion with the SEER on Monday May 21, 2001 to
discuss environmental justice in environment-based education. SEER has piloted an
environment-based approach in schools across the country with successful outcomes such
as improved reading skills, improved math skills, and greater knowledge of science. The
group is interested in targeting environmental justice communities with this approach.
There was enthusiasm for the idea but the need for more research. The roundtable was
attended by state department of education staff from Minnesota, Maryland, Iowa,
California, Texas, and Massachusetts.
Brownfields/Environmental Justice, May 2001
Environmental Justice staff participated in the annual Brownfields All-Pilot Forum on May
30, 2001, in Des Moines, IA. A brief presentation was given in which environmental
justice was defined, the responsibilities of all Brownfields pilots to address EJ was
reviewed, and guidelines to assist pilot project staff in addressing EJ were discussed. EJ
maps were created and distributed for each pilot showing demographics, NPDES,
CERCLA, RCRA., TRI, and AIR permitted facilities. The maps were created to stimulate
dialogue and begin the process of identifying ways to ensure fair treatment and meaningful
community involvement in their work. EJ and Brownfields staff have committed to
working with each pilot to assess EJ plans and their progress in carrying out those plans.
Waterloo, IA, has been identified as a pilot in which there will be an EJ focus.
Missouri Waste Control Coalition EJ Session, July 2001
The EJ Program hosted a session at the Missouri Waste Control Coalition's annual meeting,
July 9,2001, entitled, "Public Participation - The Impact of Environmental Justice on the
Waste Industry." The session included panelists representing regulators (MDNR), business
and industry (Allied Waste), and community (East Meyer Community, Inc). There was
good attendance with diverse representation and spirited discussion. The level of interest
and the quality of discussion indicated that the session was worthwhile and future
opportunities such as this should be pursued.
CMSU Community Awareness Week, Sept 2001
The EJ Program participated in Community Awareness week at Central Missouri State
University in Warrensburg, MO, by conducting an EJ discussion on Friday, September 21,
2001. The EJ discussion was well attended by faculty and students from the social science,
environmental science, and engineering programs.
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
New Region 7 Environmental Justice Program Web Site
www.epa.gov/regionO 7/specinit/ej
The EJ Program launched its newly designed web site that features information on regional
Environmental Justice Program objectives that include: Internal Implementation;
Coordination with States & Tribal Nations; Coordination with Federal Partners; Public
Outreach and Education; Liaison to HQ and Other Stakeholders; and Grants information.
The new website provides the public a more comprehensive view of Region 7's EJ Program
and EJ resources. The address for the site is: www.epa.gov/region07/specinit/ej
• 10th Annual Missouri Black Expo, Aug 2001
EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program attended the 10lh Annual Missouri Black
Expo in St. Louis, Missouri. The EJ Program also sponsored an informational booth along
the theme of "Know Your Rights" where we were able to do outreach to the St. Louis
community and beyond on issues such as environmental justice and civil rights,
environmental health issues, informational resources, and community organizing. The
Missouri Black Expo annually attracts over 75,000 African-American citizens and
consumers. In addition to sponsoring a booth, the EJ Program was invited to participate in
the Youth Program which was attended by over 200 area youth. The EJ Program presented
information to area youth through the "You Are A Scientist" presentation which highlights
African-American contributions and achievements to the field of science and technology.
• Fiesta La Hispana, Oct 2001
EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program assisted the Hispanic Employment Program
in its efforts to reach out to the Hispanic population of the greater Kansas City area. The
three issues that EPA choose to do outreach on included: lead awareness, Environmental
Justice, and pesticides.
• Environmental Justice Resource Centers
The EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program is in the beginning phases of
coordinating with two regional universities in assisting them in creating Environmental
Justice Resource Centers. The two universities are Lincoln University in Jefferson City,
Missouri and Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. The EJ Resource
Centers will be modeled after existing EJ Resources centers and tailored to accommodate
the needs of the university and the community.
6. Assessment Methodologies, Assessment Guidance, and Commnnity Assessment,
EJ Guidance and Policy Development
phase of creating Regional ^eg^he
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
document is to help regional staff understand, recognize, and address areas of potential
environmental justice issues and cases. The guide will focus on function and usability in order to
provide staff an effective and efficient tool in identifying areas where environmental justice can
be better incorporated into their daily work.
In addition to holding three focus group sessions with the region, the EJ Program will also
invite the community to a stakeholders meeting on November 7, 2001, to provide input.
The draft guidance and policy will begin an open public comment period beginning
November 15 through October 15,2001. This comment period will allow internal and
external stakeholders the opportunity to review and provide meaningful involvement in the
development of the guidance and policy which will directly affect the way EPA Region 7
addresses Environmental Justice. The Region has a goal to complete the Interim EJ
Guidance and Policy by early calendar year 2002.
7. Targeting, Environmental Health, and Exposure Studies
Ponca Tribe EJ Housing Assessments: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has asked for
assistance from the EJ program in completing a HUD housing assessment (the housing
assessment form has an EJ question). The EJ program has completed mappmg assessment
of 14 properties located in 5 different municipalities mNetaska. Of the 14, only one of
the nrooerties appears to have potential EJ concerns. The EJ program has committed to
conL the programs to identity the specific sites and the potential harms they may present
to residents.
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EPA Region 7 Environmental Justice Program: Accomplishments & Updates, Winter 2001
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM - 2001
Grant Recipient Contact
Information
Funding
Project Description
Associated Youth Services
Kansas City, KS
$15,000
Brownfields/Landfill
Barton County Health
Department
Lamar, MO 64759
$14,298
Lead compliance and education.
Heart of America
Family Services
Kansas City, KS
$14,825
Environmental toxins on brain development in
children.
Iowa Citizens for
Community
Improvement
Des Moines, IA 50311
$15,000
Research sources of pollution.
Junior College District of the
Mineral Area, MO
Park Hill, MO 63601
$12,300
Public policy group dedicated to education, open
communication, and community problem solving.
Metropolitan Energy
Center
Kansas City, MO 64109
$14,954
Residential energy efficiency management and
improvement techniques.
Operation SafeStreet
St. Louis, MO
$15,000
Integrate environmental justice issues in
environmental planning solutions.
St. Louis Medical Waste
Incinerator Group
St. Louis, MO
$14,500
Train a core of neighborhood outreach leaders in
the science and law of medical incineration,
environmental networking, and grass-roots
organizing.
Sunflower Community
Action
Wichita, KS 67214
$15,000
Neighborhood leaders will be trained by public
health officials to inform their neighbors about
the dangers of lead and indoor air quality.
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REPORT TO THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
ADVISORY COUNCIL
USEPA REGION 8
October 2001
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Justice Program in Region 8 is in the Office of Enforcement,
Compliance and Environmental Justice. The Program has 6.5 staff who manage a wide range of
activities, including grants, training, program integration, site-specific consultation, research, and
outreach. Currently, the Program also has an employee from the Legal Enforcement Program on
detail for one to two years to coordinate the Northeast Denver Environmental Initiative.
Region 8 covers six states in the Rocky Mountain area: North Dakota, South Dakota,
Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. These states are predominantly rural with low
populations densities over a large land base. According to the 1990 Census, minority population
varies from a high of 19% in Colorado to a low of 6% in North Dakota. Low-income
populations range from a high of 16% in North Dakota to a low of 11 % in Utah. The Region
has 28 Indian tribes and large areas in reservation lands.
WATER QUALITY, FISH CONSUMPTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Cheyenne River Basin Pilot. EPA initiated the Cheyenne River Basin Pilot to address risk
management and health impacts from mercury levels in fish in the Cheyenne River adjacent to
the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. It is believed that the mercury is due to
over a century of mining 100 miles upstream in Lead and Deadwood, South Dakota. Initial fish
tissue analyses for several years indicated high concentrations of total mercury bioaccumulating
in targeted fish species that subsistence fishermen were collecting. A survey was done last winter
of a representative population on the Reservation to determine the amount of fish that people
were eating. Results of that survey indicated that the population may be at risk from eating fish.
A fish advisory was issued for the Reservation boundaries of Lake Oahe which suggested that
young people, the elderly, and women of child bearing years should reduce their fish intake per
month. More fish collection data is taking place to determine if there is a correlation between fish
age, size, target species, and mercury concentration so that the Tribe may revise its fish advisory.
EPA has loaned the Tribe equipment to analyze fish tissue in-house. This equipment will
measure total mercury to 1 ppm and can only be used to measure mercury concentrations in fish
tissue. The Tribe will receive additional software which will measure down to 0.1 ppm allowing
the tribe to analyze sediment and water samples for total mercury, reducing the need for
laboratory costs. EPA is considering further environmental sampling in 2002 to characterize the
extent and consider what clean up steps might be feasible. Contact: David Ordway, 303/312-
6557
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL
Native American Sacred Lands Forum. EPA Region 8 Environmental Justice and American
Indian Special Emphasis program staff, together with the following project partners: Natural
Resources Law Center (CU Boulder), Native American Law Students Association, the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation, the American Indian Program Council, the Seventh Generation
Fund, and the Sacred Land Film Project, held a two-day Native American Sacred Lands
Forum in Boulder and Denver, Colorado, on October 9 and 10,2001. The purpose of the Forum
was to develop recommendations for a strategy to improve the protection of sacred lands.
Attendees of the Forum included tribes from several EPA regions, federal and state agencies,
academia, grassroots organizations and the media. Panelists included Vernon Masayesva, former
Hopi Chairman and Director of Black Mesa Trust; Charles Wilkinson, C.U. law professor;
Pemina Yellow Bird, North Dakota Intertribal Reinternment Committee; Patricia Parker,
National Park Service; and Jim Pace, US Department of the Interior, Office of the American
Indian Trust. The Natural Resources Law Center will produce proceedings of the Forum which
will be distributed to Forum participants and others. The partnership and Forum were spurred by
the release of the film, In the Light of Reverence, which debuted nationally on August 14, on the
PBS series, Point of View. The film tells the stories of three tribes and the places they care for:
the Lakota at Devils Tower in Wyoming, the Hopi in the Four Corners area of the Southwest, and
the Wintu at Mt. Shasta in California. The Forum featured two public screenings of the film.
Contact: Deldi Reyes, (303) 312-6055
COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE UNDER NEPA
Missouri River. EPA EJ staff continues to work extensively with tribal stakeholders impacted
by the management of the Missouri River by the US Army Corps of Engineers. As part of the
NEPA process focusing on an update of how the Missouri River is managed, EPA was
represented at a meeting hosted by the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe which focused on cultural
resource protection in the Basin. The meeting was attended by tribal elders, citizens, and cultural
resource coordinators of five tribes within the Basin. EJ staff has also recruited a representative
of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to EPA's Missouri River team; worked wuh
Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition as a project officer; reviewed and provided extensive
comments on preliminary chapters of the Revised DEIS, conveyed concerns in writing to NEPA
reviewers and directly to USACE project staff. Contact: Deldi Reyes (303) 312-6055
Weatherman Draw. EPA Region 8 staff reviewed an Environmental Assessment (EA) on a
proposed exploration well for oil and gas development on BLM managed lands in south-central
Montana. Staff researched the issue with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
reviewed the EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) and the State Director's Review.
Concerns about the significance of the impacts to this unique complex of Native American rock
art and environmental justice were included in EPA's letter to the BLM, which pointed out the
need for an EIS on the project. Contact: Deldi Reyes (303) 312-6055
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ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PROBLEMS
Northeast Denver Environmental Initiative. Northeast Denver is home to a half dozen distinct
community groups, which are predominantly low-income and people of color, living amidst more
than 300 environmentally-regulated facilities. The area is bisected by two interstate highways
and several rail lines. The EJ Program formed a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary partnership to
address community concerns regarding potentially harmful health and environmental
consequences of the industrial and transportation infrastructure.
The challenge of this project is to see if we can make a difference in the environment of
these neighborhoods in the Denver urban core through application of available tools and
capabilities In acknowledgment of the limitations of enforcement authorities to address all the
environmental and health issues in the initiative area, we seek to explore how resources from
pollution prevention, brownfields, research organizations, health and transportation agencies, and
local community and nonprofit groups can be used to address the problems.
What has the initiative achieved in the last two years? The Program has met with and
received positive support from the Federal Highway Administration, Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment, Colorado Department of Transportation, City/County of Denver,
Tri-County Health Department, Commerce City, Region 8 program staff, and several community
and nonprofit organizations. It has improved communications between these organizations and
highlighted the need for coordinated and multimedia approaches. EPA developed a database
within the regional enforcement tracking system to track regulatory actons. For the past two
inspection seasons, EPA, the State, and local governments have focused their enforcement
• .u • v The Program has recently obtained the assistance for 1-2 years of
resources in the initiative area, i ne rrugimn i j /
, . v,;nV.iv skilled in mediation and conflict resolution. We intend to
extend ftrSaship to include federal health agencies and local research universities to assure
"hente^h. Contact. E.is.b.,1. Evans. 303/3,2-6053
Migrant Farm Worker Drinking Water Project. This project strives to bring together farm
workers environmental and community groups, and government agencies to work
coI£raS"™.o identify the location and assess the safety of dnnlcmg water sources for mrgrant
farm worker communities in Colorado.
.—srssECtss ~ •
their working environments. of contaminants may affect drinking water sources
migrant farm worker commum ' h sohates and other pesticides from agricultural runoff,
m these communities mcludmg:org P ^ ^ lead ^ biological contaminants resulting
chemicals from nearby industrytootle ^ sewer lines. Drinkillg water sources for
from structural sources, such as defective p g , thev ari
migrant farm worker camps are I^addWon^lufHothe fon^ble'nature^of
1 growers who maintain camps arc reluctant to participle in Safe
Drinking Water Act regulatory requirements.
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Region 8 has built an interagency coalition to address this serious health problem. It has
arranged to have Department of Labor inspectors trained to assist in water sampling efforts, and
arranged for sampling assistance from the south Adams Water and Sanitation District. The
Program has leveraged resources by combing regional and headquarters funding with that from
the Salud Family Health Center to support student interns who collected critical samples and
helped to build the largest database of migrant farm worker camps of any organization in
Colorado. While the number of samples collected in 2001 was quite limited, the results showed
some type of concern, e.g., total coliform, elevated nitrates. The Region facilitated the
participation of the Colorado Rural Water Association to provide free technical consultation and
assistance to growers and contractors on water systems in the camps. Contact: Elisabeth Evans,
303/312-6053
Pueblo Chemical Depot. The Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) is an Army repository for
chemical munitions. The base, east of Pueblo, Colorado, is currently being decommissioned
under the Base Relocation and Closure Act (BRAC). More than 700,000 rounds containing a
mustard agent are stored at the base. These munitions are slated for destruction over the next
several years. PCD is near two small communities with large Hispanic populations. One of
these communities is being impacted by off-site migration of explosives moving in ground water
and affecting the community's drinking water. Additionally, the two communities are concerned
with the proposed destruction of the chemical munitions. The communities are concerned that
the Army will choose incineration as the destruction method for the mustard agent.
The Region 8 EJ program was asked to respond to the community's concerns. We began
by working with the staff of the Hazardous Materials Branch of the State of Colorado to address
those concerns. We conducted an EJ Workshop for the regulators and the regulated agencies.
(See further description below under "Public Participation and Training Initiatives.") The
followup to that Workshop is one (or more) workshops for the members of the community to
explore the basic principles and tools of EJ. Contact: Michael Wenstrom (303) 312-7009
Rocky Mountain Steel Mill. Rocky Mountain Steel Mill in Pueblo. CnlnrarU w i
vuwiauu, ivegion 8 program staff, the Diocese of Puebl
indthe community to find answers to this situation. (See the discussion on air modeling unde
Tareetins Environmental Health, and Exposure Studies" below) Contact: Michael Wensti
303)312-7009
. The Hamilton Suns
The facility handles
micals have migratei
Mack residential art
al of concern is 1,1.
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ground water, as a vapor, through soil into buildings. EPA classifies 1,1-DCE as a possible
cancer-causing chemical. In August 2000, EPA and the Hamilton Sunstrand reached an
agreement to conduct an environmental investigation and cleanup activities at the facility, nearby
neighborhood, and other offsite areas. The main issue relates to the potential migration of
chemicals from ground water into indoor residential air.
Of 72 homes tested to date, one has exceeded EPA 's interim permissible.level for volatile
organic compounds. However, 42 of the homes exceeded a more stringent level offered by
Hamilton Sunstrand, and the company has begun installing ventilation systems (similar to those
that eliminate radon) in those homes. Contact: Michael Wenstrom (303) 312-7009
VB 170 NPL Site. Elevated levels of soil arsenic and lead were discovered in five
neighborhoods in north Denver: The Superfund Program investigated the situation and proposed
the area for the National Priorities List. To assure citizen involvement at this sue, EPA
organized a "Working Group" of citizen representatives, industry and government. The Working
Group focuses on involvement of all partners in decision-making and actions at this site. The
whole group meets monthly to make recommendations for scope of investigations, rev,ew results
of investigations, and assist with such activities as obtaining site access for residential soil
sampling Subsets of this group meet regularly to address health concerns, commumty issues,
and technical aspects of the investigations in greater concentration.
In the oast vear Region 8 completed its research on the risk of the levels of lead and
? j • Hnor dusts In March 2001, EPA presented this information to
arsenic in residential soils and in-door ausis». «« » ;. nnt fr ...
the VRT70 Workine Group It appears that the greatest risk to children is not from the metals in
the VB170 Working Group. u
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and local governments, religious organizations and academic institutions were invited to attend
these free workshops held in Montana, Colorado and Utah. Contact: Nancy Reisb at 303/312-
6040
Pueblo Chemical Depot. On July 11 the Region 8 EJ program hosted a workshop to address
how EJ could be applied to the NEPA, corrective action, and permitting (air and RCRA)
activities at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. Attending were more than fifty regulators, members of
regulated agencies and EPA staff. Attendees included representatives from the PCD
environmental staff, the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA) program, U.S.
Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Program Manager for Chemical
Demilitarization (PMCD) US Army Environmental Center, USACE, Rocky Mountain Arsenal,
and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Issues addressed included the
basics of EJ, NEPA, current legal issues of the applicability of EJ to the air and RCRA activities,
and community concerns regarding chemical destruction of munitions and waste-related
problems. Contact: Michael Wenstrom (303) 312-7009
Cultural Resources and EJ Training. EPA Region 8 Environmental Justice staff are working
on a project supported by the Department of Energy and R8 environmental priorities funding to
develop a training module on environmental justice and cultural resources. Initial efforts are
underway to build a working group composed of federal agencies, including the Advisory
Council on Historic Preservation, academics, tribal traditional practitioners and advocates to
inform the curriculum development process. In part, the project builds on recommendations
made by participants of the American Indian and Alaskan Native Environmental Justice
Roundtable (Albuquerque, 2000). Contact: Deldi Reyes (303) 312-6055
CAA Title V Citizen Participation Workshop. Under the CAA, major air emissions sources
are required to obtain a Title V permit and apply for renewal of those permits every five years.
EPA is sponsoring public participation workshops for Title V around the country. The Region 8
EJ Program worked closely with the Air Program staff to plan the meeting for citizen
participation in the Workshop. At the daylong meeting, EJ personnel facilitated a discussion of
EJ principles as they apply to the Title V permitting process, looked at current Civil Rights Act
Title VI court decisions as they might apply to major sources of air emissions and used a case
study to illustrate how communities can successfully impact the Title V permitting process.
Contact: Michael Wenstrom (303) 312-7009
Environmental Justice Workshop. Together with EPA Region 6, Region 8 staff provided
environmental justice training to the participants of the 2001 annual environmental conference
for Department of Interior employees, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Region 8 staff also
provided EJ training to the Denver office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Contact: Deldi
Reyes (303) 312-6055
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OUTREACH INITIATIVES
Environmental Justice 2001 Brownbag Series. The Region hosted three presentations as part
of its Environmental Justice Brownbag Series this year with six different EPA programs
cosponsoring the events. The first brown bag presentation was actually part of an environmental
justice conference sponsored by the Natural Resources Law Center, University of Boulder. The
presentations are as follows:
Tribal Environmental Issues
Tom Goldtooth, Indigenous Environmental Network
Co-sponsored by the American Indian Special Emphasis Program
Health Disparities
Jill Hunsaker, Health Disparities Workgroup, Colorado Department of Health and
Environment
Cosponsored by the Ag-Advisory Team, the Pesticides Program, and the
Hispanic Employment Program
Wind Power in Indian Country
Bob Gough, Intertribal Council on Utility Policy
Cosponsored by the Air Program, Tribal Assistance Program, and American Indian
Special Emphasis Program
~ Th(,Pmaram serviced booths at a Children's Health Fair, Migrant Farm
Community events. The Program serv event
Workers Fair, Colorado Health Disparities Forum,
• J- CI information bulletin, was mailed in the summer of 2001 to the
Speaking engagements. «
external speaking and outreach requests including uic
University of Colorado, Environmental Racism class
Environmental Council of States (ECOS), national meeting
University of Colorado, Graduate School of Nursing
Regis College, Women of Spirit Week
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Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Organizations
(ASTSWMO) Federal Facilities Conference
Colorado Health Disparities Forum Contact: Jean Belille, 303/312-6556
TARGETING, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, AND EXPOSURE STUDIES
Targeting for Enforcement Activities. The EJ Program provided guidance for targeting
inspections on the basis of environmental justice to the Technical Enforcement Program in
Region 8. This effort was designed to meet the requirements of the FY02 Memorandum of
Agreement between Region 8 and the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. The
EJ Program developed a preliminary screening tool based on county data within each state in the
Region. The screening tool ranked the "potential" for environmental justice in each county based
upon four categories of data: percentage low-income, percentage minority, the number of
regulated facilities, and Toxic Release Inventory data. For a county to be flagged as one of
potential EJ concern, the county must be at the top of at least three of four data categories. The
top ten counties in each category were compared. The counties that met at least three of the four
data categories were included in a document which was given to the Technical Enforcement
Program. Contact: Nancy Reish, 303/312-6040
Air Exposure Modeling at the Rocky Mountain Steel Mill. The Rocky Mountain Steel Mill
has operated in Pueblo, Colorado, for more than a century. Recently, the steelworkers' union
shared some pertinent information about potential harmful environmental exposures. The
information was the result of a screening level risk assessment that the State had prepared for two
electric arc furnaces. The EJ Program requested further modeling of the data to determine the
risk to residential areas adjacent to the facility. The result of this modeling raises significant
questions about the health impacts of current emissions. These results suggest that a more
definitive investigation is warranted. The EJ Program has requested further environmental
sampling from the State and EPA RCRA, Air and Superfund Programs, as well as funding from
OECA for air sampling. Contact: Elisabeth Evans, 303/312-6053
Groundwater Plume Study in metro Denver. Contaminated groundwater plumes from various
hazardous waste sites in the South Platte watershed flow generally north/northeast beneath the
Denver metropolitan area. Contaminants from several of these plumes have migrated through
the soils into residential areas, both homes and apartment buildings (see Hamilton Sunstrand
description above), and required active treatment to dissipate. Because of the proximity of
environmental justice areas to hazardous waste sites, the Program requested a delineation of the
plumes and an analysis of the potential health impacts. The information was provided and
presented to Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and local government and political officials
Contact: Elisabeth Evans, 303/312-6053
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GIS activities. We continue to refine and adjust our ArcView GIS EJ program to better meet the
needs of requesters. Over the past year, we have received requests from all over the United
States regarding the use of GIS in determining EJ areas, from within the Region 8 states for GIS
maps with reports, and from internal EPA programs for GIS maps with reports to assist in
planning and targeting many program activities. The Region 8 EJ web site generates a number of
external requests for maps and information. Our GIS EJ program also provides support for other
projects, such as mapping the locations of migrant farm worker camps in Colorado. Contact:
Nancy Reish, 303/312-6040
GIS Blood Lead Project. The EJ Program, in partnership with the Lead Program and the GIS
Program is developing a project to utilize GIS applications to identify environmental justice
areas of concern for the Superfund program and to include children's blood lead levels from the
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. A student intern will research and plot
the EJ/Superfiind/blood lead data. The student will prepare a report on the results of the study.
Contact: Nancy Reish, 303/312-6040
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Environmental Justice through Pollution. Northeast Metro Pollution Prevention Alliance
received a $75,000 grant to reduce particulate matter from diesel engines in several communities
in northeast Denver through education on the economics and environmental benefits of
maintenance of diesel fleets, as well as assistance to conduct maintenance. Contact: Jean
Belille, 303/312-6556
Environmental Justice Small Grants. These seven grants were awarded in FY 01:
• Environmental Learning for Kids. 15 youth from a low-income neighborhood of Denver
will participate in a variety of environmental justice issues through education activities,
such as producing workshops, bilingual fact sheets and a newsletter, designed to reach out
to local small businesses and community.
Ute Conservation Corps. Young adults from the Northern Ute Tribe will conduct water
quality testing and lakeside rehabilitation in two wilderness areas in northern Colorado.
They will receive accreditation through the Colorado Mountain Collage. These youth
will receive employment and education while promoting land stewardship.
Fort Relknan Imfon Community. The Tribe will participate in several federal
workgroups involved with NEPA processes for the Zortman-Landusky mine reclamation
and Montana Air national Guard base. The Tribe will also use a variety of
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communication tools - press, meetings, seminars, written materials - with their
community to assure informed decision-making.
Eastern Plains Resource conservation and Development Area. Ground water, the major
source of drinking water for rural and municipal residents, is seriously contaminated .
The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Municipal and Rural Water Supply System and the
Dry Prairie Rural Water Authority will provide public information and capacity building
to encourage residents to switch to this other water source, rather than relying on private
wells.
Utah Society of Environmental Education. The project will address health concerns
raised by the processing of tires in one of Salt Lake's lowest income communities, by
evaluating the impact and educating residents to become involved with air quality issues.
Wyoming Energy Council. Community groups will assist low-income families,
especially with young children and the elderly, on addressing poor indoor air quality and
storage of hazardous wastes.
Northern Aranaho Tribe. The Tribe will develop historic and archaeological preservation
guidelines for public and private entities constructing water systems for drinking and
irrigation on the reservation. Tribal members believe that environmental justice not only
includes the right to clean air, water, and soil, but also to the recovery and preservation of
historical objects that may be uncovered during environmental construction activity.
Contact: Nancy Reish, 303/312-6040
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Region 9 Update for the NEJAC Seattle Meeting Binder
Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy. Region 9 completed an environmental justice
enforcement strategy as the first step in integrating environmental justice into the Region's
enforcement activities. Targeting inspections and utilizing Supplemental Environmental Projects
have been highlighted as potential means to apply an environmental justice enforcement strategy.
For FY 2000, the Region focused on environmental justice communities in the Los Angeles area.
Three (3) communities have been identified (South Central Los Angeles, East Los Angeles,
Southeast Los Angeles.) Each media division has developed an environmental justice
enforcement work plan for environmental justice communities in Los Angeles. The
environmental justice enforcement work plans include the participation of state, county and local
agencies in the implementation of enforcement related efforts.
Federal Regional Council. The Region 9 Federal Regional Council (FRC) is a partnership
between the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, Department of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior, Department
of Transportation, Department of Energy, EPA, and others. The FRC consists of three (3)
committees: (1) Pacific Island, (2) Tribal, and (3) Border. The FRC purpose is to address the
persistent problems in impoverished areas throughout the region. Region 9 chairs the Border
Committee and the East Palo Alto Subcommittee. The FRC has adopted two (2) geographic
focus areas: North Richmond and East Palo Alto, and has established two (2) task forces, one for
each community. The East Palo Alto task force focuses on directing federal attention toward
issues such as redevelopment, crime, and transportation. Currently the FRC meets bi-monthly
with the local government to discuss these issues and to try to match need with resources.
Through the efforts of the FRC, many sites have been cleaned up, training and employment
opportunities have increased, transportation services have improved, and community
redevelopment projects have been initiated. These successes are due to the partnerships that have
been developed between the Federal, state, county, and local agencies, as well as the private
sector.
Barrio Logan. Bairio Logan, a low-income, Latino community in San Diego, borders an
industrialized section of the San Diego Bay and is considered by many to be one of the most
polluted communities in the County. Barrio Logan is surrounded by fceways, and is subject to
the annual release of three million pounds of toxic air polluter, from mtduple small mdustnal
sources. The respiratory health hazard index for the Barno Logan area ts 100-200 tunes above
acceptable levels, and up to 20 percent of children in the area suffer fomsevere breathing
problems. Despite this, there were no air monitors to the area to assess the extent of the atr
pollution.
The Region 9 Environmental Justice program has helped initiate a national environmental
justice demonstration pilot project in Barrio Logan. Thts ptlot, which focuses on mr momtonng,
was selected by a multi-ageLy national panel as a project
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facilitated dispute resolution process, twenty community, business, academic and governmental
organizations formally agreed to form a partnership. These organizations agreed on three goals:
(1) Reduce exposure of residents to air pollution, (2) Reduce incompatible land uses in Barrio
Logan and Logan Heights, and (3) Improve children's health by improving the ambient
environment, as well as reducing exposure of children to health risks within the home, schools,
and the community. The project partners have agreed that their efforts will be action- oriented
and focus on solving problems.
Support for Border Communities. To increase awareness of environmental justice outside of
the Agency, Region 9 has worked closely with communities in the Border Region (San Diego,
Tijuana, Ensenada, El Paso-Cuidad Juarez, Nogales, AZ, Douglas, AZ). Region 9 continues to
conduct regular face-to-face meetings with various community groups, to discuss environmental
justice concerns. Grants have been awarded to two organizations working on environmental
justice issues in the Border Region. The Imperial Valley College Project New River/New Hope
is an environmental education project, and the Tucson, Arizona BorderLinks project Developing
Grassroots Leaders in Response to Cross Border Environmental Crisis focuses on the
development of women's leadership.
EPA Training Collaborative. Region 9 has provided leadership and funding for the
Environmental Justice Training Collaborative, an innovative, multi-stakeholder effort to deliver
high quality and nationally consistent environmental justice training. Region 9 Environmental
Justice staff serve on the management team of the current curriculum development phase of the
Collaborative and have been key to developing the Collaborative's budgets, management
structure and organizational plan. The Collaborative also serves as a central networking and
information dissemination hub for states and tribes, EPA, other Federal agencies, community
groups, academics, and increasingly industry. Thus far membership include all ten EPA regions,
headquarters offices, and eight states (including, California, New York, and New Hampshire),
among others.
Alternative Dispute Resolution. For much of the past year, the Environmental Justice Team
has tried to initiate possible resolution of two Title VI complaints in Region 9. In both cases all
parties appear to be willing to enter an Alternative Dispute Resolution process. It is important to
note that Region 9 is likely the most progressive region in trying to use ADR to resolve
complaints. Region 9 is the first region to use ADR to reduce the Title VI complaint backlog.
The two most promising complaints for resolution through ADR are the Chester Street Block
Club Association complaint, filed by residents of West Oakland, CA during the construction of
the Cypress Freeway and the Californians for Renewable Energy (CARE) complaint filed by
residents of Pittsburg, CA and members of its school board. All parties are still interested in
Alternative Dispute Resolution. We hope to initiate ADR in the CARE complaint in October
2001 and in West Oakland by the end of calendar year 2001.
Environmental Justice Support to the State of California. The Cross Media Division
finalized an Interpersonal Government Act (IPA) action to assign a member of EPA's
Environmental Justice Team to the California Environmental Protection Agency. This EPA staff
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person will be the Assistant Secretary for Environmental Justice with the goal of developing the
State of California's Environmental Justice program.
To increase Region 9 capacity and the States capacity to include an
environmental justice analysis into every aspect of our work, we
are developing a GIS desktop tool. To assure that this tool meets
the needs of the majority of our programs we have established an
EJGIS Consultation Team. The workplan for the tool has been
developed and is currently being modified. Within the next 9
months we hope to have the tool up, running, and portable so that
we may share the technology with interested states.
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Report on Environmental Justice in Region 10 FY 2001
Issued October 31, 2001
Region 10 National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Members
Annabelle Jaramillo
Benton County Board of Commissioners
Public Participation and Accountability Subcommittee
Region 10 National Environmental Justice Advisory Council
SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS
Indigenous Peoples Subcommittee
Sarah James
Council of Athabascan Tribal Government
Moses Squeochs
Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation
INTERNATIONAL SUBCOMMITTEE
Albert P. Adams
Piquniq Management Corporation
Region 10 Environmental Justice Updates
Chapter 1: NEJAC Meeting Policy Issue Activities
Asian and Pacific Islander Seafood Coemption Study in King County, Washington
n, ¦ Q 1 qoC and 1999 EPA published the results of a community-centered approach for
dccumeX &^ —pa«erns of Asian American and pacific island™ (API) in
ZkZ County area of Washington state. Summary stat.st.cs were >nc uded m the project
reports but not foe raw data. To facilitate outreach, educat.cn and development of appropriate
erwircmmental strategies to address seafood contamination .ssues, API commumt.es as well as
environmental, public health and other programs serving API commumt.es need a conc.se,
comprT^e report of this work as well as the raw data An electron* resource conttmng the
Roseanna Lorenzana, ORD Science Liaison/OEA 1-206-553-8002)
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Data Base of Chemical Analytical Results for Fish, Shellfish and Plant Tissues Collected in
Cook Inlet, AK
The final Report providing the evaluation of chemical contaminants in seafoods collected
in the vicinity of 4 Native Alaskan villages in Cook Inlet during June-July 1997 has now been
released. The results of the study will be used by native Alaskan communities to determine the
need for additional activities, if any. (Dr. Roseanna Lorenzana, ORD Science Liaison/OEA 1-
206-553-8002)
Development of an Analytical Methodology for the Speciation of Arsenic in Edible Biota
Presently, risk assessment decision are based on "total" (inorganic and organic) arsenic
analyses. Speciation-based analysis is required because the toxicity of arsenic is strongly
dependent on its chemical form. The development of an analytical method which meets EPA
Region 10 QA will assure the species specific integrity from extraction to detection. (Dr.
Roseanna Lorenzana, ORD Science Liaison/OEA 1-206-553-8002)
Native American Arsenic Exposure in Washington State
The keys to evaluating the potential effects of long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic
are to identify sources of exposure and to determine how much arsenic is obtained from all
sources. A previous study has suggested that locally (Region 10)-harvested shellfish which are a
component of a community's diet contain large amounts of arsenic. Recent studies have shown
that urinary concentrations of inorganic arsenic and its metabolism to organic arsenic are
excellent markers of exposure in individuals chronically exposed to arsenic in their drinking
water. In the epidemiologic and exposure studies done to date, the role of high arsenic foods in
individuals chronically exposes has not been evaluated due to the lack of adequate methods to
analyze the arsenic level in food. EPA has now developed the ability to analyze food for arsenic.
The field study was designed by EPA and carried out by EPA staff with support from the Tribe.
(Dr. Roseanna Lorenzana, ORD Science Liaison/OEA 1-206-553-8002)
Protocol for the determination of selected neutral an acidic semivolatile organic
contaminants in fish tissue
During a survey of contaminants in over 300 fish tissue samples from the Columbia River
Basin, finely ground and homogenized fish tissue samples were soxhlet extracted. Phenolics in
the extracts were acetylated and the derivatives extract containing the acetates and neutral
semivolatiles were cleaned up with silica gel and size-exclusion column chromatography. These
semivolatile organics were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method
was evaluated for recovery and precision of selected analytes. (Dr. Roseanna Lorenzana, ORD
Science Liaison/OEA 1-206-553-8002)
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Chapter 2: Environmental Justice at the Federal Level
Joint Statement of Cooperation on the Georgia Basin and Puget Sound Ecosystems:
Engaging First Nations and Tribes
The Joint Statement of Cooperation (SOC) on the Georgia Basin and Puget Sound
Ecosystem provided a mechanism for Environment Canada and the EPA to work together at the
federal level on transboundary issues. The SOC is a non-legally binding Internattonal Federal-to-
Federal "Cooperative Agreement" that builds upon existing partnerships initiatives. Three areas
of focus include (11 Air Quality (to achieve a greater understanding of transboundary air quality
i^d mta ement in the Puget Sound/Georgia Basis Ecosystem; (2, SustainabiHty (to
provide residents and decisionmakers in the Puget Sound/George Basin region with urformaUon
on Smart Growth by developing and/or identifying forums to share jrfonnation); ami (3)
Eng-ei-e First Nations and Tribes (to facilitate the part.cpat.on of Canad,an F.rst Nations and
US Tribes in setting future priorities for action in the Puget Sound/Georg,a Basm Area. (Myrna
Jamieson, OCREJ, 1-206-553-2931))
Tribal Leaders Environmental Summit
The annual Tribal Leaders Environmental Summit focuses on Region 10 Tribal concerns
and issues relating to environmental management. It provides a venue for drogue among
Region 10 Tribes as well as between Region 10 senior management a^ Tnbal leade^The
smLl agenda addresses new or emerging issues of concern. (Scott Sufficool, Tnbal Office,
1-206-553-6220)
Remote Sensing Applications for Environmental Analysis in Transportation Planning
In transportation project design and development environmental studies.often occur late
in irdn^ui FJ. f environmental data can enhance the NEPA process by
m the planning process, inforaiation from p]aaaiag ^ gh
providing visual aids in p nermittine providing the basis for sound analysis and
environmental documenta ion ani pe ^^p^on The 1-405 corridor is the second most
modeling and ensuring for mean g of the three FHA NEPA Reinvention Pilot Project
traveled comdor in Washington to three miles on either side of 1-405,
areas in the region. The pn ary implications for transportation projects
ssfisrsssssss—iM.—*»»-
8086)
EJ Initiative for the District of Oregon, 2000-2003
... ™ai to establish a framework for interagency, inter-
The EJ Initiative primary g in consultation with EJ communities. The Initiative
governmental and multi-media C°U^ . Tribal concerns), (2) Joint MOU between the US
has 3 parts: (1) Enforcement (lead, pesticides, inoai conce
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Attorney for the District of Oregon and EPA, Region 10, the Oregon Health Division and several
community partners and (3) Outreach/Education. (Monica Kirk, OCREJ/OOO, 1-503-326-3269)
Region 10 Temperature Criteria Guidance Development Project
EPA Region 10, in collaboration with representatives of the Pacific Northwest Tribes,
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the
states of Oregon Washington and Idaho have initiated a project to establish regional temperature
criteria guidance for the Pacific Northwest. The Project will develop water temperature criteria
guidance that meets the biological requirements of native salmonid species for survival and
recovery pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Geographically diverse thermal regimes, hydrogeological constraints, zoogeography and
salmonid life history patterns will be reviewed in the development of the criteria guidance. (John
Palmer, OW, 1-206-553-6521)
Columbia/Snake River Temperature TMDL
Historically, the Columbia and Snake Rivers and their tributaries teemed with salmon and
steelhead. These fish are imbedded in the culture and heritage of the Native American Tribes
who continue to rely upon them nutritionally, commercially, and spiritually. Today, the
Columbia River Basin is home to fourteen different species of threatened or endangered
salmonids and resident fish. Various federal agencies, the States of the region, and Native
American Tribes - and increasingly regional and local governments - have invested heavily in
fish recovery efforts.
EPA's work related to fish recovery focuses primarily on water quality. Enforceable
water quality standards are based upon beneficial uses, which across the Basin includes the
provision of healthy conditions (e.g. adequate available cool or cold water) for the spawning,
rearing, and migration of salmon and resident fish. EPA is working with the states through its
review and approval of total maximum daily loads - TMDLs ~ which are allocations of
allowable pollutant discharges, for the tributaries. In addition, EPA is working more closely with
the States and Tribes on the actual development of these allocations for temperature and
dissolved gas for the mainstem Columbia and Snake Rivers. Once developed, the TMDLs
provide the foundation for defining actions to achieve the water quality improvements necessary
to provide healthy conditions for fish and other aquatic species.
Certainly fish recovery efforts broadly and water quality work more specifically have
implications for anyone who relies upon the fish of the region for sustenance (including
subsistence) or income. In addition to the many issues related to abundance, there are questions
about risks from consuming fish that may accumulate contaminants over their lifetime. As
Region 10 proceeds with its water quality work, we must be particularly mindful of the federal
government's treaty obligations and trust responsibilities to the Native American Tribes.
Activities across the landscape ~ from urban development to agricultural and forest practices to
damning of the rivers for hydropower and irrigation ~ already have altered in significant ways
the Tribes' ability to preserve their relationship with the salmon to which they are so closely tied.
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A challenge we face collectively is how to better align our policies, practices, and regulatory
programs to meaningfully take into account the impacts on Native Americans and their culture.
(Rick Parkin, ECO 1-206-8574)
Chapter 3: Addressing Environmental Justice Problems
Restoration and Propagation of a Declining, Traditional Cultural Resource Saltmarsh
Species, Trifolmm wormksjoldii (springbank clover)
As Dan of an overall effort to propagate native species for river and estuarine saltmarsh
restoration projects, the Snohomish county Native plant steward is working with Tribes in the
Snohomish and Stilliguamish River basin of Western Washington to restore a culturaUy
significant traditionally harvested saltmarsh spec.es, Tnfolmm wormksjold,,. Restoration of
traditional 'ecological management practices will be applied to encourage the growth of ttus
i5 . d re.introduced to restoration project sites. The project draws
species one p P g traditional practices of local Tribes, the work of Dr. Nancy J.
upon the historic knowledge an ^ /t ;nja ctr»rm 1
Turner and Dr. Douglas Deur of the University ofVictoria, B.C. (Linda Storm, ECO 1-206-553-
2578)
Seattle Air Toxics Monitoring Pilot Project
Since January 2000, the Washington Department of Ecology has been monitoring for air
since Jan y environmental justice communities, namely Beacon Hill and
GeOTg3 The Beacon Hill site is an area of high population density that reflects conditions in
^ typical' urban residential indu^isJ M^iwy1*Ge^etovm
The Georgetown s.te ,s ^ ^es and reflects potentially maximum air
is surrounded by lndustn , addition in Spring 2001, the City of Seattle was selected
K!h=0Epl0NSrAir Toxics Monitoring Spring corrunittee as one of the four major cities in
sites, including the Beacon, HA md Georg^o™ ^ ^ ^ 6 ^ frequency (Keith Rose, 0AQ,
volatile organics, carbonyls and specia
1-206-553-1949)
Portland Air Toxics Monitoring Pilot Project
^OOl.U.eOregonDep^^E—^
monitoring project similar to the S t J justjce community of high population
OOO, 1-503-326-6363)
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Liberty Oil and Gas Production Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
OCREJ, in collaboration with Region 10 Office of Ecosystems and Communities, and
Region 10 Alaska Operations Office, is working to ensure that NEPA's environmental justice
requirements are met. Meetings and correspondence with Mineral Management Services, the lead
agency for the EIS, assured that the Native Inupiat tribes that would be impacted from the project
were afforded opportunities to provided meaningful input in decisions that would affect their lives.
(Mike Letourneau, OCREJ, 1-206-553-1687)
Chapter 4: Public Participationand Training Initiatives
National EJ Training Collaborative
Region 10 participated in the development of the EJ Training Collaborative, which is
developing high quality EJ curricula. This curricula will assure that EJ training is provided in a
consistent manner by federal, state and local agencies, tribes, community groups, industry and
academia. The curriculum provides attendees with a background on the history of EJ movement
and applicable laws and regulations with an emphasis on empowering people to integrate EJ
principles into every day activities. (Mike Letourneau, OCREJ, 1-206-553-1687)
Farmworker Community Needs Assessment Project
In 1998, based in part on the findings of two stakeholder reports commissioned by two
Oregon Governors pursuant to their respective Environmental Justice Executive Orders, and a July
4, 1996 letter to Governor Kitzhaber signed by 57 nongovernment stakeholders, Region 10 was
prompted to look at EPA's potential role in facilitating implementation of environmental justice in
EPA Region 10's activities with respect to the Willamette Valley farmworker community. As a
result, Region 10 funded several farmworker and farmworker-family community-based grants and
published the Oregon Farmworker Worker Protection Standard(WPS)Pilot and Survey in 1999.
Both Region 10's WPS Pilot, as well as both of the Governor's Stakeholder Reports,
acknowledged the farmworkers' right to be empowered to protect themselves, and recommended, at
a minimum, that the inter- and/or intra-agency governmental activities support this by convening
inclusionary dialogues with Oregon farmworkers and their advocacy groups. Our subsequent work
with nongovernmental community groups has confirmed this recommendation.
As a result, Region 10 is now implementing a Region 10 Farmworker Community Needs
Assessment Project, focused on the states of Oregon and Washington. The overarching goal of this
project is to have key stakeholders identify actions, steps and tools that they believe would help to
increase dialogue, understanding and achieve desired outcomes related to environmental protection
issues impacting farmworkers.
Phase I will identify not only the key stakeholders, but also the issues and causes of conflict.
Stakeholder representatives of community and grassroots groups, nonprofits and governmental
agencies in the states of Washington and Oregon will be asked what they believe would be the most
beneficial and successful ways to address issues and/or take steps toward resolving the conflict and
increasing the understanding among all stakeholders.
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The final Phase I product would include a written report which identifies the issues from the
perspectives of the interviewed (and anonymous) stakeholders and the actions they recommend to
meet project goals, discusses and analyzes a range of short and long-term options available to EPA
Region 10, and makes recommendations for next steps. The final Report would include a list of
contacts and a bibliography.
Phase II if indicated, would include implementing any agreed upon next step(s), including
any preparatory'work with stakeholders (e.g., providing educational materials, arranging and/or
facilitating small group sessions with stakeholders to collaboratively determine next steps or
meeting agendas). (Harry Lewis, OCREJ 1-206-553-6309; Monica Kirk, OCREJ/OOO 1-503-326-
3269)
Master Home Environmentalist Program: A Public-private Partnership to Reduce Pollutants
in the Home through Volunteer-based Education and Action
The Master Home Environmentalist Program (MHEP) is an innovative, community-based
approach to the issues of indoor pollution, such as molds or other biological contaminants that cause
allergies or asthma, dust, indoor air pollution (includmg asbestos formaldehyde, radon, tobacco,
wood smoke), lead, pesticides and other hazardous chemioUs. The EPA-funded project provides 40
houre of training to community volunteers in Yakim* Washington on key issues of indoor
pollution, communication and community outreach stalls and cultural diversity A con.prehens.ve
trainina Manual for the volunteers is provided as a reference. A similar project has started in
PoZToCnTdI Robison, Yalla, 1-509-575-5845; Monica Kirk, OCREJ/OOO 503-326-
3269)
Tribal Water Quality Standards Workshop
Water quality standards are the foundation for water m^gement actions. Tribes may
develop their own water g^^devdo^^^d^o^eTa Tribal^ten^d^0^"1'
W^ttoh p^id^Lc information about what water quality standards are and how
they are u"sed. wf hop
criteria for the Thun er typically founded in Pacific Northwest Tribal, lands. (Paula
the land use and water quality issues typically iounu
VanHaagen. OW, 1-206-553-6977)
Interagency EJ Workgroup
• , „ , A~A troinino to the Washington State Interagency Workgroup on EJ.
Region 10 has provided trrnmng to ^ ^ ^ tQ ^ EJ as a priori
The training directly contributed to effing * ^ recommended ^ adoption of
issue for research and inves lg • d l ent 0f an Executive Order from Governor
Environmental Justice guidelines and the deveiopmen
Gary Locke. (Mike Letourneau, OCREJ, 1 -206-553-1 )
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Internal Region 10 Training
Region 10 continues to conduct environmental justice training to RIO employees that
addresses the history of and the regulatory requirements of Environmental Justice, and procedures
and processes for achieving meaningful public participation. Emphasis was placed on actions
RIO personnel can take to incorporate environmental justice principles into their everyday Agency
activities. (Mike Letourneau, OCREJ, 1-206-553-1687)
Chapter 5: Outreach Initiatives
Childhood Asthma Project, Toppenish, WA
The Toppenish Childhood Asthma Project involves a culturally diverse, impoverished,
rural community possessing many risk factors associated with childhood asthma. The project has
demonstrated culturally appropriate approaches for working with families. The goal is to reduce
the need to access healthcare for preventable asthma exacerbation in children under five years of
age through home visits, asthma education and training for childcare providers and others,
education of parents of asthmatic children and a broad-based education for the Toppenish
community. EPA's partners included the Yakima Valley Farmworkers clinic and the Toppenish
Childhood Asthma Community Team. (Dan Robinson, Yakima, 1-509-575-5845)
Effectiveness Assessment of Community Outreach Activities
Providing access to information is critical to ensure the public can meaningfully
participate in "Agency decisionmaking. However, just as important as how much we
communicate is how well we communicate. Through the use of customer satisfaction surveys and
public meeting evaluation forms, Region 10 is assessing and improving the quality and usefulness
of its outreach materials. Attendees at public meetings will be asked periodically to complete an
evaluation form and offer suggestions for future meetings. The surveys will allow Region 10 to
tailor the information to the needs of each comir unity. During Phase II of the Outreach
Assessment Program, Region 10 will develop a set of tools to assess how often public input
actually affects Agency decisionmaking, and identify areas where we can improve our
responsiveness. (Charles Bert, ECO, 1-206-553-0225)
Fact Sheets on Environmental Health Hazards in Schools
A series of fact sheets outlining the health concerns, regulatory requirements (where
appropriate), and voluntary programs related to lead, asbestos, PCBs, indoor air quality and
pesticides use were developed. These facts sheets were mailed to 1700 Region 10 schools in
anticipation of the summer renovation and construction project season, when many school'-based
environmental health threats are created or exacerbated. EPA staff are available to respond to
requests for on-site compliance assistance. (Pam Emerson, External Affairs, 1-206-553-1287)
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Polychlorinated Bi-Phenyls (PCBs) in Schools Initiative
As a result of inspections in several Oregon schools, including those located in potential
EJ communities, leaking PCB light ballasts manufactured as far back as 1952 were discovered.
Although appropriate enforcement action was undertaken, Region 10 prepared a compliance
assistance package, consisting of a letter from Regional Administrator Chuck Clarke, a set of
brochures (in English and Spanish) and a PCB case study to 1700 schools throughout the Region.
(Dan Duncan, WCM, 1-206-553-6693)
Chapter 6:Assessment Methodologies, Guidance, and Community Assessments
Child Health Champion Air Quality Monitoring and Education Program
EPA has created the Child Health Champion (CHC) Environmental Monitoring for Public
Access and Community Tracking (EMP ACT) pilot program for communities where
environmental data are not widely available and significantenv.ronmenal health threats to
children exists. An important feature of the CHC/EMPACT program ,s the mvoWement of the
community in both the collection and dissemination of the environmental data. EPA has provided
indoor and ambient air monitoring equipment, training and short-term technical suppoA
Tonnenish School District has supplied the site location, preparation and security plus the
necessary power and mternal wiring to connect the monitoring station to the classroom. KIMA
TV hasTrovided a camera for the weather tower to provide reataie «ews of weather condmons
in the Valley as well as use of the data for its own weather reporting. The Yakama Nation
provided long-term technical support for equipment operation. Thefeather stet,on/air momtormg
astern has aUowed Toppenish School District students to develop their skil s m rese^ch, data
collection and analysis report writing, and managing a public access web site. (Dan Rob,son,
Yakima, 1-509-575-5845)
Oregon Environmental Health Profile
nnj-p-eenine tool designed to characterize areas of
The Oregon Profile is a arg actjonby federal, state and local government
environmental and/or healthconcem environmentai information available via RAINS, the
agencies. In addition to the dem0^aP transportation, pesticide application, blood lead
Profile Mow the applicable Guidances in
levels, respiratory disease and disparate impacts on Oregon communities. (Monica Kirk,
assessing the disparate risk or adverse disparate miy*
1-503-326-3269)
Chapter 7: Targeting, Environmental Health, and Exposure
Rapid Access Information System (RAINS)
¦A„ fact easv flexible access to the Region's vast stores
RAINS has been designed to pr ati've daJa rains users can approach and interact
of environmental, programmatic and a . context. RAINS is an information-based tool
with information in an integrated, multi-
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that can be used to examine trends, analyze environmental problems, evaluate program efficacy,
target Regional programs and initiatives and configure strategic directions. Environmental justice
indicators have been included in the programming. (Don Matheny, OEA, 1-206-553-2599)
For Healthy Kids: Reduction of Home Pesticide Residue Exposure in the Yakima Valley
For Healthy Kids focuses on preventing children's exposure to pesticides by educating
agricultural workers on preventing "the take home pathway" for pesticide residue. A baseline
survey encompassing over 570 households in the Yakima Valley was conducted in the summer of
1999. Householders with an agricultural field worker and a child under the age of 6 were chosen
to participate in a study to analyze pesticide residues in household dust and human urine.
Twelve communities in the Yakima Valley will receive intervention programs of media
messages, community-wide health fairs, and individual outreach. An additional twelve
neighboring communities serve as control groups and do not receive targeted education programs.
Following two years of intervention, a final survey and urine samples will be collected from field
workers and their children to examine changes in exposure with educational intervention. EPA
partners include Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington Center for
Child Environmental Health Risks Research and the National Institute for Environmental Health
Sciences. (Sandra Halstead, ECO, 1-509-786-9225)
Region 10 Grants Awarded in FY2001
Environmental Justice Small Grants
1. Circle Village (Alaska) ***(Pending Approval) $15,000
PO Box 89
Circle, AK 99733
Bill Miller, Tribal Administrator
This gproject will facilitate production of videos showing how contamination of the
environment in the local region occurs as it is related to daily subsistence lifestyles; increase
understanding of the need for increased local participation in voicing concern about local
environmental degradation and the need for remedial correction; increased understanding of the
need for increased communication between the local native communities and the agencies
governing the Clean Air Act and the Solid Waste Disposal. Act.
2. Northwest Communities (Washington) $ 15,000
Education Center
PO Box 800
Granger, WA 98932
Ricardo Garcia, Executive Director
This project will focus on outreach to, and education of, Spanish-speaking communities to
promote education, awareness, and compliance with clean air policies and solid waste recycling
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and to help economically disadvantaged farmworkers and Spanish-speaking communities to
understand and comply with the Clean Air Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
3. My Service Mind Of the Northwest (Washington) $ 14,999
11016 Bridgeport Way SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
Mandy Hea Ma, Executive Director
This project will address environmental pollution in the daily life of low-income Korean
populations in Pierce, South King, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties. The grant will educate about
the dangers, proper use and disposal of household products, hazards of incorrect disposal, and the
harmful effects of radiation, promote critical thinking and prompt action to develop and improve
access to this information due to language barriers of affected community.
4. Quileute Indian Tribe (Washington) $ 13,075
PO Box 279
La Push, WA 98350
Russell Woodruff, Chair Tribal Council
The project will improve awareness of environmental problems and alternative solutions
related to water pollution and solid waste disposal in isolated tribal communities as well as
promote ideas of stewardship and ecological problemsolving.
5. Washington State University (Washington) $15,000
2907 Pioneer RD.
Long Beach, WA 98631
Dan Nordquist, Interim Director
The project will broaden community understanding of agriculturally-derived surface water
pollution through generating GIS mapping products and data for assessing agriculturally- derived
surface water pollution at the micro-watershed level. It will provide information to the
communities on how to understand the various components of the project and build consensus
toward new solutions for prevention of agriculturally derived water pollution.
6. Create (Oregon) $20,000
3821 Pacific Ave.
Forest Grove, OR 9116
Carmen Weir, Executive Director
This project will educate Washington county farmworkers about pesticides exposure and
protection. The project includes research to determine pesticides exposure levels among
Washington county farmworkers which will increase farmworker families' understanding about
environmental and public health information systems and assist them in determine culturally
appropriate ways in which to participate in environmental justice processes and pesticide
education programs.
11
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7. Legal Aid Service of Oregon (Oregon) $17,717
421 High Street Suite 10
Oregon City, OR 97045
Ellen Mendoza, Regional Director
This project will facilitate increases of communication, educate, and enhance
understanding of accessing safe drinking water for low-income, migrant farmworker
communities. Through conducting drinking water testing in low-income and migrant farmworker
communities, the project will build community capacity to identify the extent of the problem,
educate communities, and build communication between affected communities and agencies
regulating and enforcing safe drinking water.
8. Alaska Center for the Environment (Alaska) $20,000
135 Christensen Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99501
Pamela K. Miller, Director (ACAT)
This project addresses environmental fustice issues facing Alaskan economically
disadvantaged and Alaskan native communities affected by Superfund Sites by promoting
education about the potential exposure to contaminants that may result from dependence on
traditional subsistence. Because remotely located affected communities lack access to
information, the objective is to provide access to information about pollution problems that may
affect them through independent technical interpretation of remedial investigations, feasibility
studies, sampling data, etc.
Total:
$130,791
Environmental Education Grants
Southeast Island School District - Kasaan School $1,423
Barry Stewart
P.O. Box KXA
Ketchikan, AK 99950-0340
907-542-2217
Kasaan School Compost Project - Recycling
School staff and members from the Organized Village of Kasaan will educate students on
the benefits of composting. They will design and implement a program on recycling vegetable
waste and red worms to create compost. The project will be hands-on and teach students how to
construct composting bins, what needs to be used to make the compost, how to take care of the
compost, and what the compost can be used for. The Village of Kasaan's landfill recently
closed, and citizens now have to drive 17 miles to Thorne Bay to dispose of their solid waste.
12
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Unified Sewerage Agency $4,000
Sheri Wantland, 155 N First Ave, Suite 270, Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-846-3619
Bilingual Environmental Education in the Tualatin River Watershed
This project will adapt popular and successful watershed education programs and make
them available to Spanish speaking families in the fast growing area of Cornelius and Hillsboro
and unincorporated areas of Washington County. The project will reach the Latino community
through family workshops, tours, festivals, and other nontraditional outreach efforts. The project
will increase the capacity of many agencies and schools in the area to deliver coordinated
environmental education and will provide materials that can be used in other Spanish-speaking
communities. The Spanish-speaking community will become more knowledgeable about local
environmental issues.
13
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Office of Policy Economics and Innovation
Work Related to Environmental Justice (2000-2001)
October 31,2001
The Office of Policy Economics and Innovation has identified 17 reports, initiatives and projects
that are substantively relevant to EPA's commitment to address environmental justice. The list of
these efforts with staff contacts, are below in alphabetical order. Of this list, 5 items are
analytical tools or research that can be used to address water quality or fish consumption: #2,
America's Children and the Environment: A First View of Available Measures; #6 Cumulative
Exposure Project; #8 Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses; and #17 Water Quality Impact
Analysis — Smart Growth.
Also I would like to draw special attention to EPA's draft innovation strategy, which is currently
out for comment (writeup # 10). In the draft strategy, EPA itaified specific mironmental
challenges where innovative approaches will be esserttal for further progress. These challenges -
greenhouse gases, smog, water quality, and water infrastructure - wjl be targeted for
particular resource and creative investments. The draft strategy is available at
httn 7/www pna ony/innovflt'f>ns/strategvA
If you have additional questions about these writeups, please contact Kttherine Dawes, Director,
Evaluation Support Division at 202-260-8394 or rf^tathenn^epagov.
l AflhiHahle Hooine and Smart Growth: Making the Connection (September 2001)
[ Amerka^Children and the Environment: A First View of Available Measures (December 2000; update
3. Annual "Pamirs tor Smart Growth"
1; -Smm ^ whiKpaper <0°8DU,8)
7. ,uaic* Dmamsxim ?a>eas ,gDing)
15. Smart Growth Speaker Seriesplanning Processes (Ongoing)
16. Smart Growth in Metropolitan TmJsporU^na^K
17. Water Quality Impact Analysis — Smart Growth (Ongoing)
1
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Affordable Housing and Smart Growth: Making the Connection (September 2001)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Polity, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
Affordable Housing and Smart Growth (September 2001) was completed by the National
Neighborhood Coalition with support from EPA. Affordable Housing and Smart Growth
highlights the critical impact of development choices on low-income households. Communities
are forced to make difficult decisions on how and where to grow — decisions which have direct
and clear impacts on their air and water quality, and the presence and condition of critical
environmental areas. These choices are rarely more challenging than when they come to
affordable housing, for it is the low-cost lands and structures that are perceived to be of inferior
quality that are most readily available for low-cost housing in turn. Families, for example, that
can only afford to live in aging, poorly-maintained homes experience a far greater risk of
contamination from lead and asbestos, for example. Land and structures in close proximity to
locally undesirable land uses (such as industry and landfills, for example), or those which have
suffered from disinvestment and blight, clearly present environmental justice violations when they
are disproportionately used for housing the community's poorest families.
Affordable Housing and Smart Growth explores the relationship between the choices that
communities are forced to make with regards to affordable housing and smart growth, and
proposed policies and approaches which can achieve both. The policies and approaches featured
include land use and planning strategies (such as zoning changes, building code modifications, the
reuse and renovation of vacant properties and land), tax-based strategies (tax incentives for
housing, low-income housing tax credit), community strategies (design innovations, increasing
affordability by reducing energy costs), and subsidies for affordable housing (HOPE VI, block
grants). The report provides tools to community leaders to help them create affordable housing
and ensure sustainable growth in a manner which places the housing needs of the poor on equal
footing with other development priorities. In so doing, it helps achieve a better balance in the
environmental justice concerns of low-income communities whose critical housing ne*ds had
previously been underserved.
The partners supporting this report include Smart Growth Network members (International
City/County Management Association, American Planning Association, Fannie Mae,
Environmental Law Institute, National Neighborhood Coalition, Northeast/Midwest Institute,
Urban Land Institute, Surface Transportation Policy Project) and other organizations such as the
National Low Income Housing Coalition, the LISC, the Enterprise Foundation, the Housing
Assistance Council, and the National Housing Institute.
Website: http://www.smartgrowth.org (As of December 2001)
Contacts: Danielle Arigoni, (202) 260-0254, arigoni.danielle@epa.gov
Betty Weiss, National Neighborhood Coalition
2
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America's Children and the Environment: A First View of Available Measures (December
2000; update March 2002)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
The National Center for Environmental Economics
America's Children and the Environment: A First View of Available Measures, published in
December 2000, is EPA's first report on trends in measures reflecting environmental factors that
may affect the health and well-being of children in the United States. This report represents an
initial step in the identification, development, and compilation of a set of measures that fully
reflect environmental factors important for children.
Developed by EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection in collaboration with EPA's National
Center for Environmental Economics in the Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation,
America's Children and the Environment presents measures that reflect trends in levels of
environmental contaminants in air, water, food, and soil; concentrations of lead measured in
children's bodies; and childhood diseases that may be influenced by environmental factors. This
first report underwent a peer review before publication.
This report has two principal objectives. First, America's Children and the Environment presents
concrete and quantifiable measures for key factors relevant to the environment and children in the
United States This initial work offers a basis for a better understanding of time trends for some of
these factors and for further investigation of others. The authors and sponsors hope it will
contribute to the effort to integrate the environmental health needs of children into the nation's
policy agenda. Second, this report is to provide a starting point for discussions among
policymakers and the public about how to improve federal data on children and the environment.
The long-term purpose of America's Children and the Environment is to identify or develop
measures that could be used by policymakers and the public to track and understand the
environmental health experience of children and, ultimately to identify and evaluate ways to
improve it. The work involved in developing the measures for children and the environment will
contribute to this long-term goal.
As part of EPA's commitment to children's health, the Office of Children's Health Protection and
the National Center for Environmental Economics will continue to wo* to obtain data ne«ted for
measures that more folly reflect how environmental af&ct ?idr™,s heahh B
working on a second report to be published in March 2002; it is expected to undergo peer review
in November 2001.
Website: http iV v"""' Ta ff^children/indicatprs
Contact: TrLy Woodruff; (415) 744-1383 or woodruff.tracev@epa.gov
3
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Annual "Partners for Smart Growth" Conference (January 2002)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
Each year, EPA partners with the Smart Growth Network and other organizations to organize a
conference that brings national smart growth (development that serves the environment, economy,
and community) leaders together to discuss current trends, tools, and information in the field.
This successful annual conference has consistently drawn around 1,000 participants.
In January 2002, New Partners for Smart Growth: Building Safe, Healthy, and Livable
Communities will build upon past successes by combining the annual Smart Growth Network1
conference with the Local Government Commission's Redefining Community conference. New
Partners for Smart Growth will focus on using smart growth techniques to benefit public health,
public safety, community economic vitality, water quality, and other environmental concerns, as
well as mobility for seniors, the economically disadvantaged, and children.
The conference will have many sessions focusing on how smart growth can empower
disadvantaged communities. These include hands-on, and implementation-focused sessions
covering topics such as making policy change at local levels, partnership and coalition building,
strategies for rural communities, creating affordable and mixed income housing, tips for
improving water quality and a variety of other tools and techniques for making great places to
live. The conference is also making strides to ensure that economically disadvantaged
communities will be able to attend the conference. The Local Government Commission will be
providing need-based scholarships and organization-sponsored youth leaders from around the
country.
The New Partners for Smart Growth conference is supported by a variety of organizations: EPA's
Development, Community, and Environment Division, EPA Region IX, Smart Growth Network,
Loca! Government Commission, Penn State University, California Department of Transportation,
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Federal Highway Administration's TCSP Program^ National
Association of Realtors, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, American Society of
Landscape Architects, Southern California Gas Company, American Planning Association,
Healthy Transportation Resource Center, ProjectDesign Consultants, RBF Consulting/Urban
Design Studio, The Trust for Public Land, StateNet/California Journal.
Website: http: //www, outreach, psu. edu/C&I/SmartGro wth/
Contacts: Lisa Nisenson, (202) 260-2763 or nisenson.lisa@epa gov
Eric Sprague, (202) 260-1246 or spraeue. eric@epa. gov
1The Smart Growth Networic is a unique coalition of 25 national and state organizations involved in and
representative of the diversity of the smart growth movement. This growing list of environmental groups,
historic preservation organizations, professional associations, developers, community advocates, local and
state entities collaborate to further implementation of smart growth.
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Community-based Environmental Protection Projects (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Environmental Policy Innovation
Innovative Pilots Division
Traditionally, environmental protection programs have focused on a particular medium or
problem (i.e.'a "Command and Control" approach to environmental protection). However, some
environmental problems, such as non-point source pollution, which may involve several media
types and diffuse sources, are less amenable to "Command and Control" programs. The
Community Based Environmental Protection (CBEP) approach seeks to address the combined
causes and synergistic effects of environmental problems. CBEP supplements and complements
the traditional environmental protection approach by focusing on holistic approaches (regulatory
actions, voluntary approaches, market-based incentives, etc.) within a community to address all of
the environmental issues and provide the economic and quality-of-life benefits of a healthy
environment to all citizens. The Six Key CBEP Principles of the community-based approach are.
• A focus on integrated approaches within a geographic area;
• Working collaboratively with all stakeholders,
Protecting and restoring the quality of air, water, land, and living resources in a place as a
whole to address environmental risks to human health and well-being as well as the health
of ecosystems; ' . ,
• Assisting communities in the integration of environmental, economic and quality-of-life
planning and goals;
• Taking collaborative action using the most appropriate tools;
• Using adaptive management principles to make efforts more effective.
The CBEP approach recognizes the place of humans in ecosystems. Humans are the main agents
of change in an ecosystem, and in order for ecosystem change to be benevolent and beneficial, the
agents of change themselves need to feel healthy and pnxiuctive Therefore human economic and
social needs must be solutions to promote a sustainable future. A place-based focus allows
stakeholders to identify the inter-related problems and forge a comprehawiye, long-term plan that
addresses the needs of the environment and its citizens. Therefore, the CBEP approach to
environmental protection is holistic, not linear and isolated.
EPA's ten Regional Offices provide direct assistance through partnerships with communities,
States and Tribes EPA's Headquarter's National Program Offices provide resources for
Si^Sd^^ .
communications coordinating role. Over 150 regional projects are described on the Agency s
website Several of these are addressing environmental justice issues, including projects m
Charleston, SC St Louis, MO; Omaha, NE; Southeastern Florida; and several places in
httn //www rrn r™^rnmmunitv'proiects). EPA has completed an evaluation
of 5 community projects including 2 with environmental justice issues.
Website: http77 ,t/ww epa. pov/ecocommunitv
Contact. Jerry Filbin, (202) 260-8099 or filbin.gerald@epa.gov
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Community Improvement without Displacement - Smart Growth Whitepaper (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
As urban settings are being rediscovered as locations for housing, entertainment facilities, and
retail centers, opportunities exist for turning around communities that have been economically
disadvantaged. The increased value of property in communities undergoing redevelopment can
lead to higher property taxes, housing prices, and rents. While the restoration of abandoned
communities is an important goal, incumbent residents of low to moderate income status could be
displaced because their limited income affects their ability to keep up with higher property taxes,
homing prices, and rents.
For this reason, EPA is preparing a white paper to identify best practices that have been applied
and examples that demonstrate how communities are turning themselves around without resulting
in displacement to (or keeping the level of displacement at a minimum for) the incumbent
residents. Revitalizing existing communities maximizes and strengthens existing infrastructure,
such as roads, schools, and utilities. A revitizalized community retains residents and attracts new
residents, relieving some of the development pressures in edge areas, which helps maintain
regional water quality and air quality, through reduced vehicle miles traveled.
Currently, an annotated bibliography is being prepared that features research on this issue. Once
the bibliography has been completed, EPA plans to solicit potential partners to further this
research effort such as the Clark Atlanta Environmental Justice Resource Center; the Fannie Mae
Foundation; the National Neighborhood Coalition; and Dr. Lance Freeman of Columbia
University.
The target audience for this white paper includes key decision makers such as community
developers, municipal leaders, planners. The three long-term goals for this white paper are to:
1. Enable these decision makers to consider, during the planning stage, how neighborhood
improvement
projects can be designed to minimize displacement of incumbent residents;
2. Identify a broader set of policies/best practices that can be applied to minimis the
problem of displacement; and;
3. Present case studies to that demonstrate minimizing displacement is an attainable goal.
Contact: Carlton Eley, (202) 260-7154 or eley.carton@epa.gov
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Cumulative Exposure Project (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Polity, Economics and Innovation
The National Center for Environmental Economics
EPA's Cumulative Exposure Project (CEP) is examining how much toxic contamination
Americans are exposed to cumulatively through air, food, and drinking water. The objectives of
the CEP are to:
Estimate exposure levels for a wide variety of toxic pollutants;
Characterize the national distribution of these estimated exposure levels across
immunities and demographic groups;
Identify the types of communities and demographic groups which appear to have the
highest exposure levels; and
Identify potentially important emission sources and pollutants for which information is
most uncertain.
Many of EPA's exposure analyses and risk assessments focus on a single pollutant, a single source
or category of emissions, or a single environmental medium (such as air or water). In reality,
people tend to be exposed through multiple pathways to numerous pollutants originating from a
variety of sources. The CEP is part of a growing trend toward integrated assessments.
Recognizing the importance of considering multiple pollutants, EPA's Guidance on Cumulative
Rick A Kseisment states "The practice of risk assessment within the Environmental Protection
from a focus on the potential of a single pollutant in one environmental
medium for causing cancer toward integrated assessments involving suites of pollutants in several
media that mav cause a variety of adverse effects on humans, plants, animals, or even effects on
ecological systems and their processes and functions." (Please see:
http: //www, eoa. gpy/ORD/ SPc/7WTirlsk-
CEP's methodologies, which have been reviewed by EPA's Science Advisory Board, rely on
existing data and methods to estimate national distributions of exposure concentrations across
communities and demographic groups. (See http://www.epa.sov/sciencel/fiscal96.htm for the
various reports). The distributions assessed are: outdoor concentrations of air toxics; food
ingestion exposures; and drinking water ingestion exposures.
In addition to these national analyses, the project also includes a cotrnnunity-specific study in the
Greenpoiiit/WUliamsburg are. of Brooklyn, Nctv York. Readents of thB commumty are
potentially subject to exposure through multiple pathways to a laige number of toxic pollutants
released by a wide variety of sources. This study assesses exposure to more than 100 pollutants
across the multiple exposure pathways, using data from the three natiraal studies as well as data
collected in the community through other environmental assessment efforts.
Website: http//www, ena gov/cymulativeexpQsyre/
Contacts- Daniel Axelrad, (202) 260-9363, axeM,qamel®epa,«ov (CEP)
Fred Talcott, (202) 260-2768, talcntt.fred@eoa.gov (Greenpoint/Williamsburg)
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Evaluation of the Interagency Federal Environmental Justice Demonstration Projects
(Projected February 2002)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Environmental Policy Innovation
Evaluation Support Division
In 2000, the Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice (IWG) made the development
of a collaborative problem-solving model a priority last year by promoting 15 environmental
justice demonstration projects. To better assess the value of the collaborative model, and to
capture lessons learned and to benefit future partnerships, the Federal Agencies that supported the
demonstration projects committed to development of an evaluation methodology and report.
At the request of the IWG, the Office of Policy Economics and Innovation established an
evaluation team to develop six case studies of these projects. The case studies will to seek to
identify lessons learned in a number of important areas in order to gain a better understanding of
this emerging collaborative model. Lessons learned from these case studies will provide a better
understanding of: the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder collaborative partnerships to address
environmental justice issues; the effectiveness of the Federal Interagency Approach as a
component of these partnerships; and key factors contributing to project success and challenges.
Once complete, all results and case studies will be made available in a single report.
This effort should prove valuable on many different levels. First, the case studies will provide
much needed data to Federal agencies on how to improve partnerships in the future and enhance
their role in these partnerships. Second, the research will lend insight into the actions and
activities that prove valuable to those projects selected for review. In addition, the case studies
may even assist current project partners to fashion solutions to barriers that may be hindering
project success. Finally, case studies will produce a template or evaluation framework that
individual projects, as well as others seeking to apply this collaborative model, can use to
complement their own self-evaluation efforts in the future.
A working paper, Strategy for Evaluating the Environmental Justice Collaborative Model (July
2001) describes the guiding principles for evaluation, the evaluation framework, and other
additional information related to the evaluation. The Strategy was developed with input from
members of EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, project participants, agency
managers, and practitioners experienced in program evaluation. The IWG believes that through
careful consultation and involvement of project participants in the evaluation effort, the results
may prove valuable to a wide-range of audiences, including projects partners, communities,
industry, and Federal, State, Tribal and local governments. The Strategy is a'working document
and is periodically updated to reflect changes in the Guiding Principles and evaluation framework.
Website: http://www.epa.gov/evaluate (As of January 2002)
Contact: Katherine Dawes, (202) 260-8394 or dawes.katherine@epa.gov
Eric Marsh, (202) 260-2782 or marsh. eric@epa, gov
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Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses (September 2000)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
The National Center for Environmental Economics
EPA's Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses (EPA 240-R-00-003, September 2000)
establish a sound scientific framework for performing economic analyses of environmental
regulations and policies. They incorporate recent advances in theoretical and applied work in the
field of environmental economics. The Guidelines provide guidance on analyzing the economic
impacts of regulations and policies, and assessing the distribution of costs and benefits among
various segments of the population, with a particular focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable
The Guidelines serve several important functions: (1) they assist policy maters in developing
regulations that achieve the highest environmental quality and human health standards at the
lowest costs (2) provide analysts with information needed to prepare high quality economic
analyses 0) develop an overarching framework for economic analyses throughout the Agency
and across EPA Program Offices; and (4) ensure that important subjects such as uncertainty,
timing and valuation of costs and benefits, are treated consistently in all economic analyses at
EPA EPA will use the Guidelines to evaluate the economic consequences of its regulations and
policies to insure that they contribute to a safe environment and a healthy economy. The
Guidelines address major analytical issues on key topics, mcluding.
Treatment of uncertainty and non-monetary information,
Estimating the value of reducing fatal risks; ,
Definina taseline conditions (i.e., contrasting the state of the economy and environment
groups.
benefit cost analysis or environmental economics.
Website:
Contact:
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Industry-Based Performance Improvement Partnerships (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
EPA's has programs that focus on specific industry sectors, working with industry leaders, state
and local governments, and other constituent groups to set performance objectives, create
appropriate tools and incentives for better performance, and remove barriers that adversely affect
performance. At present, the current industiy sector programs do not have projects that focus
solely on environmental justice issues. However, opportunities do exist for any and all public
constituencies, including environmental justice representatives, to participate in these programs
where it is relevant for them to do so.
For example, there are opportunities for the public to provide information and perspectives during
the analytical phase of these processes (i.e., helping to identify the primary performance objectives
and barriers for a given industry). Because program implementation takes place at the state and
local levels, there also are opportunities for community groups to participate in these activities.
And there are a growing number of tools and information sites for environmental justice
representatives to learn more about what is going on and how to get involved. The Center for
Industry Sector Innovation, a collaboration between EPA and the Global Environment &
Technology Foundation, recently launched a new industry-focused internet site, SectorSTAR,
which provides information on federal and state sector programs, tools and resources, and links to
other information sources.
Website: http://www.sectorstar.org
Contact: Robert Benson, (202) 260-1246 or benson.robert@epa.gov
Innovating for Better Environmental Results: A Draft Strategy (October 2001) and
Innovative Pilot Programs (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office Environmental Policy Innovation
Innovative Mots Division
EPA's Innovating for Better Environmental Results: A Draft Vtrm m
framework with four interrelated elements: 1) strengtheninc EPA? • °ber 2001) proposes a
States and Tribes; 2) focusing on priority environmental nrohl s"Jnovation partnerships with
environmental protection tools and approaches and 4) f t ' S' d'vers^ng our
organizational systems within the Agency. Believina in AeS V^innovative culture and
results, EPA identified specific environmental chaUences wh • ® focused to achieve
essential for further progress. These challenges - mLh lnnovative approaches will be
water infrastructure - will be targeted for particular 8mog'water quality, and
resource and creative investments
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However, this is not an exclusive list, and should not be perceived as limiting innovative pursuits
in any way. EPA will be supportive of innovative approaches for addressing all problems. The
draft strategy is the result of extensive discussions within EPA reflecting on the Agency's
innovation experience of the past several years, careful consideration of a number of recent
reports by outside groups, and preliminary discussions of these ideas with co-regulators. EPA has
actively engaged a variety of stakeholders, including environmental justice representatives, in
commenting on the document. The strategy is expected to be final in 2002. Under the strategy,
EPA will continue to work with our stakeholders to identify the appropriate next phases
innovative pilot programs such as Project XL.
Project XL is a national pilot program that allows state and local governments, businesses and
federal facilities to develop with EPA innovative strategies to test better or more cost-effective
ways of achieving environmental and public health protection. EPA will, after careful evaluation,
replace or modify regulatory requirements, policies or procedures if the proposed XL project will
produce superior environmental benefits and promote accountability to the public. To ensure
these new approaches truly meet local needs and protect the environment, people from the
community, environmental groups and workers are included in evaluating each Project XL
proposal. The goal of Project XL stakeholder involvement is a collaborative working relationship
between sponsors — the organizations proposing new ways of doing things — and stakeholders
— people who believe they or their community could be affected by an XL project.
Several innovative pilots incorporate environmental justice issues into the overall purpose of the
project. In particular, XL projects relevant to urban environmental justice challenges are
underway, including brownfields redevelopment and smart growth (Atlantic Steel project),
regional air quality (Metropolitan Chicago Regional Air Quality and Economic Development
Strategy), and lead paint removal (Lead Safe Boston).
The draft strategy also highlights that EPA should work to support State innovations such as
those developed under the Joint EPA/State Innovations Agreement. The Agreement establishes
guiding principles for the development, testing, and implementation of regulatory innovations
proposed by the states In addition, by guiding states' development of experimental approaches,
the agreement is intended to encourage successful innovations that lead to national, system-wide
improvements in environmental protection. One of the key principles of the Agreement is the
provision for meaningful opportunity for stakeholder involvement.
Website. http://www.eDa gov/innc>vaW"^SWgY . , ,, ,
hffn7/wwwftnfl gnv/oroiectxiJifflP''MW ^v/lWt/WS/(t»lots)
Contact. Kimberley Green-Goldsborough, 202-260-4297 or green-
goldsborough.kimberley@epa.gov
Donna Perla, (202) 260-8767 or pfria (P"ots)
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Promoting Transit Oriented Development - Smart Growth (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
Transit-oriented development (TOD) has the potential to expand the supply of housing and
services in close proximity to low-cost transit, and provide a more balanced means to achieving
regional growth by communities. As such, it represents an opportunity to remedy the past
environmental justice violations which served to isolate low-income and minority communities
from centers of commerce, job growth, and services. As a part of a region's approach to growth,
TOD has the potential not only to create wealth and facilitate investment in formerly-blighted
pockets of poverty throughout the community; it also may use existing transit lines to better
connect residents of those areas with jobs, education, and services that were out of reach
previously.
The District of Columbia is fortunate to have one of the most well-used and extensive transit
systems in the United States. It also, however, is a community deeply divided along racial and
economic lines. As a result, persistent pockets of poverty and disinvestment continue to be found
in a city that, by many other measures, is said to be experiencing a renaissance. The DC Office of
Planning has committed its resources to the creation of a Mayoral Task Force on Transit-Oriented
Development with the objective of creating standards and recommendations to increase TOD in
the city, and EPA is supporting them in that effort. The process will result in more development
directed to areas surrounding existing metro stops and bus corridors as a means to better
accommodate the burgeoning growth of the city, reduce thereby improving the region's air
quality, and create more economic opportunity in the city's poorest communities. The model will
serve as a national example of how to use TOD to better include low-income and minority
communities in the economic growth of the region, and to avoid the missteps of the past which
served to isolate and hamper the opportunities of many low-income and minority households in
the past.
Contacts: Danielle Arigoni, (202) 260-0254, arigoni.danielle@epa.gov
MaryKay Santore, (202) 260-8745, santore.marykay@epa.gov
Karma Ricks, DC Office of Planning
Reference Guide to Public Involvement in Environmental Permits (August 2000)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Environmental Policy Innovation
Policy and Program Change Division
Better public involvement across all program areas continues to be an EPA priority The Office of
Solid Waste and Emergency Response (with the co-sponsorship of the Office of Policy,
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Economics and Innovation) lead the production of Public Involvement in Environmental Permits:
A Reference Guide. This Reference Guide is follow-up work to recommendations from the
Permits Improvement Team and the Second Generation of Environmental Permitting Plan. The
purpose of the Reference Guide is to provide a resource for state program staff to use in
enhancing their own public participation efforts. In addition, the Reference Guide can be used by
the public as a resource for learning about permits and their opportunities to engage in the
process.
It has been highly praised by users outside the agency and demand for it has been strong. The
guide both describes the formal, legally required steps in permitting and discusses additional steps
that ran be taken to make public involvement more meaningful and effective. While not
specifically focused on environmental justice issues, it could be a valuable tool in situations where
environmental justice concerns could arise.
The Reference Guide summarizes the major permitting programs under the Clean Air Act, Clean
Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. It also
gives an overview of the core requirements for public involvement activities in these permitting
programs. The Reference Guide then provides best practices and a model plan for implementing
effective public participation activities under these programs, and provides a compendium of
additional resources and contacts for use in implementation.
Drafting the Reference Guide was part of an agency-wide Action Plan for Achieving the Next
Generation in Environmental Permitting (February 1999). The Reference Guide was developed
in consultation with key partners on early drafts, including the National Envmnmental Justice
Advisory Council and the Environmental Council of the States. At two scolder meetings - in
the District of Columbia and Houston, Texas - comments were received from a variety of groups
including environmental groups; industry, citizens' groups; state associations, nattonal
associations; state regulators; and regional regulators
Website: htto://www fpa pqv/permits .
Contact: David Nicholas, OSWEM202) 260-4512. ^hote dsv.^PWv
George Wyeth, OPEI, (202) 260-7726, wyetfr RWr8e@Wggv
Revision of EPA', Public Involvement Policy (ongoing) mH «" Internet -tased Dialogue on
Public Involvement (July 2001)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Environmental Policy Innovation
Policy and Program Change Division
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When releasing the draft policy, EPA particularly requested public comments on how best to
involve environmental justice communities in EPA's decisions. EPA received over 200 comments
on the draft policy, and many provided suggestions on how to better reach out to and involve
environmental justice communities.
The draft policy recommends that all programs and offices utilize six basic functions of effective
public involvement, which include:* Plan and budget for public involvement activities
Identify the interested and affected public
• Consider providing technical/financial assistance to facilitate involvement
Provide information and outreach
Conduct public consultation & involvement activities
Assimilate information and provide feedback
To encourage additional input on the agency's public involvement activities from a wider set of
people, EPA convened an Online Dialogue on Public Involvement in EPA Decisions from July 10
to July 20, 2001. More than 1100 individuals participated in the dialogue and provided their ideas
on how EPA can better involve the public. Although the dialogue's messages were not
considered formal comments, they were used to inform the implementation plan for the policy.
For 10 days, the online dialogue participants discussed specific topics drawn from EPA's draft
Public Involvement Policy. A revolving panel of experts, including several representing
environmental justice organizations and native American tribes, focused the conversation on the
main aspects of the draft policy:
• Identifying and involving the public, including those hardest to reach;
• Providing information to the public;
• Creating effective public involvement opportunities during rulemaking and permitting;
Encouraging collaborative processes; and
• Evaluating activities and providing feedback (accountability).
OPEI plans to create informative training brochures on different aspects of public involvement
based on the information provided from the online dialogue and from the public comments on the
policy. Such brochures will feature issues such as involving environmental justice communities
involving the public in permits and rules, and creating effective collaborative decision-making
processes.
During the dialogue, EPA staff created tables of message excerpts on specific public involvement
issues, including descriptions of successful techniques/good ideas as well as specific public
involvement problem areas. The tables are posted on the dialogue web page with a search engine
that allows viewers to search the dialogue content for key words (such as environmental justice
permits, public meetings, etc) to find relevant dialogue messages.
Websites. http://www.eDa.gov/stalceho1dftrs/pnlinYhtm . draft poli
hW://^,n^orit^opr?CY.gre/ero-nMoin/aoanH. ,hT„,i ^|inr
Contacts: Patricia Bonner, (202) 260-0599 or bonner patrina@ena onv
Lisa Kahn, (202) 260-4545 or kahn.lisa@epa
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Smart Growth INDEX Pilot Program: A Sketch Tool for Community Planning (Oneoin?)
Source: Headquarters y K
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
Smart Growth INDEX (SGI) is a software application for analyzing and mapping community
landuse information. The way in which the built environment is developed has great impact on
the natural environment and human health. By making information about impacts more easily
available and accessible, SGI enables communities to make better-informed decisions about where
and how they will develop and redevelop residences, workplaces, transportation systems, parks
and other features. SGI is currently in pilot testing, and has been deployed in 20 communities
across the United States. Three features of the SGI software and application settings help to
address environmental justice considerations. First, SGI is intended to be used in a community
involvement setting. Community members can understand existing conditions and hypothesize
alternative development patterns, then see how and where those developments affect the natural
environment and other indicators of community health. Second, SGI is intended to be applied
with limited resources. The level of technical facility required to turn community-developed plans
into environmental and other information is well within the capabilities of most local planning or
community organizations. Third, SGI has been specifically designed to analyze redevelopment of
abandoned or brownfield properties in urban and first-ring suburban communities. Redevelopment
of such sites into parks, residences, and other environmentally positive uses can correct some of
the disparate impacts that previously burdened communities. Several of the pilot sites are looking
at specific redevelopment proposals, using information from SGI to attract developers and
streamline local approval processes.
EPA Regional Offices 1,2, 3,4, 5, and 6 are currently active in this project. At least one planning
or community organization participates at each site. More than 30 organizations are involved
overall including but not limited to metropolitan planning organizations, non-governmental
organizations, universities, and city departments of planning.
Website: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/iiMJex/sgi-home.html
Contact: Christopher Forinash, (202) 260-5044 or forinash.christopher@epa.gov
Smart Growth Speaker Series (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
The Smart Growth Speaker Series represents one of EPA's public outlets for education and
outreach on smart growth. Smart growth has grown in popularity and strength as an innovative
approach to development because it seeks policies and practices that expand economic
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development opportunities, foster community livability, and preserve and enhance the natural
environment. The Speaker Series has been a forum for addressing issues such as: Mass Transit;
Smart Growth at the Ballot Box; Edgeless Cities; Property Rights and Community Values; and
many others.
In 2001, two lectures from the Speaker Series were particularly relevant to environmental justice:
"Smart Growth Block-by-Block ~ The Role of Community-Based Organizations" and "Faith
Based Development: Building the Community from the Inside Out." Both lectures examined
how smart growth can address the needs of under-represented or under-served populations.
In February 2001, Betty Weiss, Executive Director of the National Neighborhood Coalition
(NNC), and Mtamanika Youngblood, Executive Director of Atlanta's Historic District
Development Corporation, lectured at the National Building Museum. Ms. Weiss discussed
findings of their report "Smart Growth, Better Neighborhoods: Communities Leading the Way."
The report details how community-based organizations are successfully linking neighborhood
redevelopment to smart growth. Ms. Youngblood then described the experiences of her
organization which combines historic preservation, affordable housing, and anti-displacement
protections to help revitalize inner-city neighborhoods.
In November 2001, Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake, former U.S. Congressman, author, and senior
pastor of Allen AME Church, discussed the roles of churches (and other faith-based institutions)
in community development. His presentation shared how faith-based development corporations
can fill in the gaps that are left unattended by business and government to spur economic
development within neighborhoods and improve community character. He shared how the
commercial and residential development projects of Allen AME's development corporation have
transformed South East Queens, NY, and helped to achieve smarter growth.
The Smart Growth Speaker Series is co-sponsored by EPA, the International City/County
Management Association, the National Building Museum, and the Smart Growth Network. The
lectures are held monthly at the National Building Museum.
Website: http://www.smarterowth.org
Contact: Carlton Eley, (202) 260-7154 or eley.carton@epa.gov
Smart Growth in Metropolitan Transportation Planning Processes (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Polity, Economics and Innovation
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
EPA is working with the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations to assist with
enhancing planning and technical processes to be more sensitive to environmental implications As
a demonstration project, EPA has partnered with the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning
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Commission (NIRPC), to engage a large group of stakeholders to update their long range
transportation plan to ensure the broadest public participation possible. This project will bring
together environmental justice groups from the Gary-Hammond area, county planners from the
region, transit professionals, civic groups, and environmental organizations to develop a
transportation plan with substantial public involvement. Ultimately the plan should reflect the
stakeholders multiple goals for the region's transportation system. In August 2001, the Office of
Policy, Economics and Innovation and Region 5 helped NIRPC to organize the first stakeholder
kick off meeting for the project.
Contact: MaryKay Santore, (202) 260-8745 or santore.maiykay@epa.gov
Water Quality Impact Anafysis - Smart Growth (Ongoing)
Source: Headquarters
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation^
Office of Business and Community Innovation
Development, Community, and Environment Division
EPA is conducting an analysis that examines the ™>ter quality impact to diffir« dewtopmeffi
patterns, specifically the comparative impact of redeveloping ««ially tocated brownfield or infill
sites corniced to developing tow-density, single use cotraminjties m edge area&Currem
fiteraturesuggests that redeveloping brawnfield sites in the urban core wifl be bett^for all overall
watershed water quality, even if the development occurs near an unpaired wtfer body. Inorder
to prevent the ftaher degradation of the water due to urtan EPA is earning
strategies or mitigation measures that tether reduces the pollutant load from toe urban brownlield
redevelopment Inthis way, EPA's water quality analysis raamira rater quality issues in order
to inqjrovewater conditio® in highly urbanized areas that are often home to tow-mcome, and/or
minority populations.
Through its Water Quality Analysis, EPA hopes to produce took and k&muaion that aale and
to: (1) help them protect water qttthty white planmng for growth; and
^nS^effidencyof cmrent and projected water mfiastructure, such as waste water,
stormwater, awl drinking water treatment systems.
EPA ptaK,„ select a site ^ ST ^
division or any other municipal or state a(W Cunently, four
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Region 1, an gi
Contact: Lynn Richards, (202)260-9211 or richards.lym@epa.gov
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