United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA 505-F-99-006
June 1999
Solid Waste and Emergency Response (5101)
Federal Facilities Restoration
and Reuse Office
Federal Facilities
Stakeholder Involvement-
LJ V^U
ACTION
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead
For the most recent information,
please see the FFRRO Homepage at www.epa.gov/swerffrr
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Laying the Foundation—Involving
People in Decisions That Affect Them
It is vitally important that public stakeholders-
citizens like you—take an active role in effectively in-
fluencing and overseeing decisions concerned with
the cleanup of federal facilities. Experience has
shown that cleanups improve at federal facili-
ties when local stakeholders share information
and actively participate in environmental
decisionmaking. Stakeholders are people with an interest or
stake in the cleanup of a federal facility, and their concerned
involvement is an important part of any cleanup program. Suc-
cessful citizen involvement creates a process in which com-
munities and agencies are seen as equal partners in the dia-
logue on cleanup issues.
Who are Stakeholders?
• Local communities and governments
• Tribal communities and governments
• Civic and labor organizations
• Environmental Justice groups
• Local redevelopment boards
• Educational institutions
• State agencies
• Federal agencies
• Individual citizens
Why is Stakeholder Involvement Important
in Cleanup Decisions?
Active and informed stakeholders:
• Ensure their diverse interests are considered in making
cleanup decisions,
• Expand public awareness of cleanup efforts,
• Increase the effectiveness of cleanup efforts,
• Decrease the time needed to select and approve an
appropriate remedy, and
• Reduce cleanup costs significantly.
What is FFRRO's Role in Stakeholder
Involvement?
The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Federal
Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (FFRRO) works with the
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE), and other federal agencies to foster public par-
ticipation and link communication networks. FFRRO is respon-
sible for activities that promote:
• Partnerships for improved cleanups,
• Innovative treatment technology projects,
• Citizen and stakeholder involvement, and
• Policy development.
By focusing on partnerships, innovation, and public
involvement, FFRRO and its regional counterparts are
producing results that restore the environment while meeting
local community needs.
Building a Framework-A BLUEPRINT
FOR ACTION
FFRRO's BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION outlines a comprehensive
program to ensure stakeholder involvement by putting
citizens first. The BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION charts the direction
for all stakeholders in four key areas:
• Dialogue,
• Partnerships,
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• Environmental justice, and
• Stakeholder involvement.
1) Federal Facilities Environmental
Restoration Dialogue—A Blueprint for
Creative Solutions
EPA established a forum, the Federal Facilities Environmental
Restoration Dialogue Committee (FFERDC), to provide a blue-
print for all stakeholders—the public, regulators, and regulated
agencies—to develop creative solutions to the challenges
associated with environmental pollution at federal facilities. The
dialogue set a high standard for public participation and serves
as a model for all serious environmental dialogues. The 50 Com-
mittee members, representing diverse interests, released the
FFERDC Final Report in April 1996. The principles and recom-
mendations in the Report reflect the consensus of those involved
with and affected by federal facilities cleanup decisions.
The FFERDC Final Report presents a new approach for making
cleanup decisions reflect the priorities and concerns of all stake-
holders.
2) Partnerships—A Blueprint for Public
Participation
The success of our nation's cleanup programs is increasingly
dependent upon strong partnerships. FFRRO promotes the build-
ing of partnerships to provide integral links to a diverse cross
section of stakeholders. We have formed or participated in sev-
eral partnerships with DoD, DOE, and other stakeholders to fa-
cilitate faster, more effective, and less costly cleanups. For ex-
ample, working through EPA's regional offices, FFRRO helps DoD
implement PresidentClinton's Fast-Track Cleanup Program. This
program accelerates cleanups and speeds the economic recov-
ery of communities affected by military base closures. We also
develop partner-ships between the different levels of govern-
ment and the public, resulting in more efficient cleanups that
better reflect each community's values.
3) Environmental Justice—A Blueprint for
Diversity
Environmental justice represents a fundamental change in
the way EPA makes and implements environmental
decisions. There are many diverse groups of stakeholders
affected by the cleanup of federal facilities. As we work to en-
sure a safer environment for all Americans, we realize that en-
vironmental benefits and burdens are not distributed equally
throughout the population. The environmental justice chal-
lenge requires a process that recognizes the interests of these
diverse stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities
for their involvement. FFRRO integrates environmental justice
perspectives into its work.
4) Stakeholder Involvement Networks—
A Blueprint for the Future
Each citizen has a stake in the future of
federal facilities, and FFRRO values maximiz-
ing public involvement in the process of mak-
ing decisions about our environment. FFRRO
involves citizens groups, tribal parties, and
state and local agencies in the cleanup pro-
cess through dialogue that respects the
unique needs of each community. This approach provides ac-
cess to resources, information, and training so all stakehold-
ers are able to participate in decisionmaking. Those most af-
fected by federal cleanups must have the opportunity to be
fully informed and to work together with federal officials to
develop cleanup solutions. If all stakeholders work together,
we will reach reasonable solutions that improve our communi-
ties and protect our environment.
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BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION-
Charting the Course
FFRRO's BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION charts out
a workable course for ensuring meaning-
ful partnership among all stakeholders. Al-
though our BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION provides
a foundation for community involvement, stakeholder partici-
pation in all phases of the federal facility cleanup program is
continually evolving. FFRRO and our regional counterparts across
the nation are committed to developing and implementing new
and more effective ways to reach out and foster community
cooperation and trust.
Stakeholder Tools for
Involvement—RABs and SSABs
Over 300 Restoration Advisory Boards (RABs) are es-
tablished at most military installations scheduled
for realignment or closure, as well as many ac-
tive DoD installations across the country. RABs
promote teamwork by bringing members of the
community together with military officials and gov-
ernment regulators to discuss cleanup issues. They
successfully increase community understanding of cleanup is-
sues and progress, provide greater opportunities for communi-
ties to participate in the cleanup process, and enhance the cred-
ibility of installations.
Similarly, DOE established Site-Specific Advisory Boards
(SSABs) to provide policy and technical advice for federal
facility site cleanups. SSAB involvement enhances the cleanup
process by providing a forum for experts and concerned stake-
holders to make recommendations affecting decisions that im-
pact future land use, risk management, economic development,
and budget prioritization. These recommendations achieve sig-
nificant cost savings and increase the pace of cleanup.
Maintaining the Community
Connection
FFRRO involves citizens and tribes in the cleanup process
through dialogue that respects the unique needs of each com-
munity. FFRRO also works to enhance public health, the envi-
ronment, and local economies in vital ways. One such way is
promoting faster, more effective, and less costly cleanup and
reuse of federal facilities.
For more information about FFRRO, call or write:
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (5101)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 202-260-9924
Fax: 202-260-5646
www.epa.gov/swerffrr
Visit the FFRRO Homepage for more information about
federal facility cleanups, including success stories,
descriptions of new initiatives, policy and guidance
documents, and a calendar of upcoming meetings and
conferences.
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