Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan Prepared by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III Philadelphia, PA 19103 Revised August 2005 Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 1 ------- Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone (MSGS) Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Community Involvement Plan Overview 4 II. EPA Background Information 6 A. The Superfund Program 6 B. Relevant EPA Groups 8 C. State and Local Roles 9 III. Site Background Information 11 A. Site History 11 B. Site Description 11 C. Site Contamination and Potential Risks 11 D. EPA Site Actions to Date 12 IV. Community Background 15 A. Community Profile 15 B. History of Community Involvement 16 V. Community Involvement Objectives 17 VI. Community Involvement Activities 18 VII. Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Information 22 Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 2 ------- EXHIBITS Exhibit 1 Superfund Flowchart 7 Exhibit 2 EPA Region 3 Offices 8 Exhibit 3 General Site Location Map 13 Exhibit 4 Site Map 14 Exhibit 5 Community Involvement Activities and Timing 21 APPENDICES Appendix A Interested Parties 23 A-l Federal Agency Officials 23 A-2 State Agency Officials 23 A-3 Federal Elected Officials 24 A-4 State Elected Officials 25 A-5 Local Officials 26 A-6 Media 27 Appendix B Potential Public Meeting Locations 29 Appendix C Information Repository Locations 29 Appendix D Glossary of Terms 30 Appendix E List of Acronyms 34 ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 Fact Sheet example "Focus on Water Issues" 35 Attachment 2 Fact Sheet example "Residential Well Sampling Update" 36 Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 3 ------- I. Community Involvement Plan Overview This Community Involvement Plan (CIP) identifies issues of community concern and interest related to the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone (MSGS) Superfund Site (the "Site"). (Terms in bold print are defined in Appendix D: Glossary of Terms.) The Site is located in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland. The CIP outlines community involvement activities that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region IE Office will conduct during the Superfund remedial process at the Site. The community involvement activities outlined in this document help EPA to provide information about Site developments and processes to interested citizens and officials and to highlight several specific areas of community concern. EPA conducts community involvement activities to ensure that the community has input into the decisions regarding the Superfund actions and is well informed about the progress of those Superfund actions. EPA based the information in this CIP primarily on data obtained from the following resources: • Technical Site-related documentation, including the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study The 1986 CIP • Community interviews with government officials and private citizens from Cecil County The following sections make up this CP: EPA BACKGROUND This section provides an overview of the Superfund program and the roles of EPA and the State of Maryland concerning the Site. SITE BACKGROUND This section provides basic details related to the Site. Included in this section is historical, geographical, and technical information. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND This section profiles the community in the area surrounding the Site and provides a history of community interest in the Site. COMMUNITY CONCERNS This section covers the concerns and questions expressed by area residents, local and state government officials and local businesses. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 4 ------- COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OBJECTIVES This section outlines the community involvement objectives that EPA uses as guides in conducting activities to inform the community about Superfund, the Site, and Site activities. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES This section specifies the types of community involvement activities EPA will conduct at the Site and when these activities will occur. APPENDICES The appendices provide names, addresses, and telephone numbers for: Federal, state and local officials (elected and non-elected); potentially responsible parties (PRPs), and other stakeholders; the information repositories; and local media that may disseminate Site-specific information. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 5 ------- II. EPA Background Information A. The Superfund Program The Superfund Program is one of the nation's most ambitious and complex environmental programs. Congress created Superfund in 1980 when it passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). CERCLA arose out of the need to protect people from the dangers posed by abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. CERCLA, and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), passed in 1986, gave the Federal government the authority to respond to hazardous substance emergencies and to develop long-term solutions for the nation's most serious hazardous waste problems. The term Superfund refers to the Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund established by Congress to pay for cleanup and enforcement activities at hazardous waste sites. Congressional appropriations and taxes on the petroleum and chemical industries financed Superfund up until 1995. Now funding comes from Congress. The CERCLA law enables EPA to recover the cost of cleanup activities from the parties responsible for the problem or to make the parties responsible clean up the hazardous waste site at their own expense. The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, also called the National Contingency Plan (NCP), guides the Superfund program. This plan outlines the steps that EPA and other Federal agencies must follow when responding to releases of hazardous substances into the environment. There are two ways in which EPA can respond to hazardous substance releases: removal actions and remedial actions. - Removal actions are short-term actions that help to stabilize or clean up a hazardous waste site. Usually within hours of being reported, EPA investigates a site to determine whether a removal action is necessary. - Remedial actions are long-term actions (including study, design, and construction) taken to clean up hazardous waste sites. Remedial actions are usually long and complex processes, costing millions of dollars and taking many years to complete. Identifying Sites for Cleanup Under the Superfund program, EPA investigates numerous hazardous waste sites nationwide. After an initial review of each site to determine whether further action is necessary, EPA evaluates a site using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS). The HRS is a mathematical tool that scores sites based on the likelihood that contamination will spread through groundwater, surface water, or the air. EPA places sites with an HRS score of 28.5 or higher on the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a list of the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites that are eligible for long-term cleanup activities (remedial action) using Superfund monies. Selecting and Implementing a Cleanup Plan After placing a site on the NPL, EPA conducts a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS). The RI assesses the types and amounts of contamination at the site and the threat that they may pose to Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 6 ------- human health and the environment. The FS further evaluates the information from the Remedial Investigation and recommends possible cleanup methods for removing or reducing contamination at the site. Exhibit 1 Superfund Flowchart EPA's Superfund Process REMOVAL REMEDIAL Sites in the Remedial Pn x>gram may be terred to the Removal and vice versa Finalized on NPL Proposal to NPL Remedia Design Feasibility Study Proposed Plan Proposed Deletion Remedial Investigation Removal Assessment Operation & Maintenance Notification/ Site Discovery Prelim Assessment/ Site Inspection/ HRS Scoring Community Involvement and Enforcement take place throughout the Superfund Process Public comment is solicited at Proposal to NPL, Proposed Plan, and Proposed Deletion Following the RI/FS, EPA next announces the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP), also called the Proposed Plan. The Proposed Plan identifies and explains the cleanup method that EPA prefers as well as possible alternative methods for the site. EPA holds a 30-day public comment period to allow the community an opportunity to comment on the proposed cleanup plan. Also, during this period, EPA holds a public meeting to discuss and answer questions about the Proposed Plan. The meeting is usually held half- way through the public comment period to allow the community equal time to review the Proposed Plan before the meeting, and time to submit comments after the meeting's discussions. EPA reviews all comments received during the public comment period and may change the preferred cleanup plan based on citizen input. After the comment period is over, EPA evaluates all relevant comments received and issues a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD is EPA's official report that: documents background information on the site; Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 7 ------- describes the chosen cleanup plan; outlines the cleanup plan selection process; and summarizes and responds to any relative comments received during the public comment period. In the next step, the remedial design and remedial action, EPA supervises the implementation of the cleanup plan outlined in the ROD. During the remedial design, EPA prepares the technical plans and specifications needed to implement the chosen cleanup plan. During the remedial action, EPA conducts the construction or other work necessary to implement the cleanup plan. After completing the remedial design and remedial action work at the site, EPA continues to monitor the site during an operation and maintenance (O&M) phase to ensure that the cleanup levels are being achieved at the site. After determining that all appropriate cleanup actions a the site are complete, EPA will remove the site from the NPL. B. Relevant EPA Groups EPA has ten regional offices across the nation and a headquarters located in Washington, D.C. Each regional office has both community involvement and technical staff involved in Superfund site cleanups. EPA Region IE is comprised of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington D.C. The EPA Region III office is located in Philadelphia, PA. It houses several different offices and branches that work on a number of hazardous waste sites. Below is a diagram showing the EPA Region HI Superfund branches. Descriptions of EPA offices involved in the Site follow. Exhibit 2 Site Related EPA Region III Offices EPA Region III Philadelphia, Pa. T ~ Hazardous Site Cleanup Division V Office of Office of Preparedness and Response Superfund Site Remediation Office of Brownfields and Outreach V Community Involvement and Outreach Branch Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 8 ------- Superfund Community Involvement and Outreach Branch This branch oversees communication activities between EPA, residents, public officials, media, and community groups interested in Superfund sites. The Community Involvement Branch is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing activities designed to enhance communication and community involvement for each Superfund site. EPA assigns a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) to each Superfund site. The CIC works closely with EPA technical staff to keep the local community informed about and involved in a site cleanup. The CIC for the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site is Patricia (Trish) Taylor. Please refer to Appendix A for her address and telephone number. Office of Superfund Site Remediation The Remedial Office is responsible for overseeing all long-term cleanup work at Superfund sites in Region III. EPA staff in this office conduct site assessments, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, treatability tests, and other cleanup activities. EPA assigns a Remedial Project Manager (RPM) to each Superfund site. The RPM supervises the work performed by EPA technical staff, contractors, and other parties involved with the site. The RPM for the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site is Debra Rossi. Please refer to Appendix A for her address and telephone number. Office of Preparedness and Response The EPA Region IE Response Office manages short-term actions, including responses to accidental releases of hazardous substances, as well as short-term work at sites on the National Priorities List. An On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) supervises the immediate removal actions at a site. Currently, EPA is not conducting any removal action at the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site; however past removal actions (conducted in summer 1984) were supervised by Richard Fetzer. Please refer to Appendix A for his address and telephone number. Other Relevant Federal Agency Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ATSDR is a Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created in 1980 under Superfund law to prevent exposure, adverse human health effects, and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of pollution present in the environment. ATSDR is not a regulatory agency like EPA. It is a public health agency that advises EPA on the health aspects of hazardous waste sites and spills. ATSDR is required under Superfund law to become involved with all sites proposed for the NPL. Specifically, ATSDR conducts public health assessments and health consultations with NPL (or proposed NPL) site-associated communities. C. State and Local Roles Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is the state agency that supports EPA-led activities at Superfund sites in Maryland. MDE reviews and comments on site work and studies, participates in community involvement activities, and provides technical assistance to EPA. See Appendix A for information about MDE representatives involved with the Site. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 9 ------- Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is the state health agency. EPA consults with DHMH on site-related health matters. See Appendix A for information about DHMH representatives involved with the Site. The Town of Elkton EPA consults with local municipalities during the cleanup process to ensure that cleanup activities are conducted in compliance with local ordinance. Local municipalities provide EPA information such as site history and community background. See Appendix A for information on how to contact Elkton authorities. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 10 ------- III. Site Background Information A. Site History The Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Company has owned the property since 1962 and formerly operated a sand and gravel quarry there. Quarrying operations were conducted in two different areas of the property known as the Western Excavation Area and the Eastern Excavation Area. Tests conducted in the Western Excavation Area showed no evidence of waste disposal activities. However, about three acres of land within the Eastern Excavation Area reportedly were used for the disposal of waste processing water, still bottoms, sludge and drums of solid and semi-solid waste between 1969 and 1974. Three pits in the Eastern Excavation Area were used as surface impoundments where approximately 700,000 gallons of waste were deposited during the period of disposal operations. As a result of these operations, hazardous substances were released into the soil, sediments, surface water and groundwater. A high intensity chemical waste fire occurred at the Site in 1974. Subsequently, 200,000 gallons of liquid waste were removed from the Site and taken to a landfill in Edison, New Jersey. The drums and sludge that remained were buried on-site in excavated pits. B. Site Description The Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site is located north of U.S. Route 40 in Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland. The property consists of approximately 150 acres and its boundaries are: • a telephone transmission line right-of-way to the south, • residential properties along Marley Road to the north and west, and • a property line about parallel to Ephrata Lane to the east. C. Site Contamination and Potential Risks The groundwater and soils are contaminated with several volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as 1,4- dioxane, chlorobenzene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, benzene and vinyl chloride. Approximately 1,000 square feet of sediment is contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and heavy metals. (For a detailed description and associated risks of each contaminant, visit the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry website at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq .html.) High concentrations of VOCs are present in shallow on-site groundwater. Although the shallow groundwater is not used for any purpose, contaminants have migrated into the underlying aquifer, which is a source of water for local residents. The contaminants at the Site may pose a risk to residents consuming the groundwater from residential wells near the Site and individuals working (or trespassing) on the Site. The potential exposure pathways at the Site include drinking or showering with contaminated groundwater, and accidentally ingesting contaminated Site soils or sediments. The treatment of groundwater, the removal of contaminated drums and associated soils, and the fencing of the Eastern Excavation Area, have reduced the threat of direct contact. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 11 ------- D. EPA Site Action to Date Timeline EPA conducted a preliminary assessment and site inspection in 1982 and placed the Site on the NPL in September 1984. From 1984 to 1985, EPA conducted a Phase 1, or Operable Unit 1 (OU-1), investigation to determine the extent of contamination in surface soils, surface water, sediment and shallow groundwater located mainly in the Eastern Excavation Area. EPA proposed a cleanup plan and held a public meeting on June 5, 1985 to discuss it with the community. After the public comment period, EPA issued a ROD. The ROD included measures to address the contamination in the shallow groundwater; prevent the off-site migration of contaminants in leachate seeps; and prevent trespassers from coming into contact with contaminated soils and wastes. The cleanup plan also included the recovery and on-site treatment of contaminated shallow groundwater. In 1988, 40 identified potentially responsible parties (PRPs) entered into a consent decree with EPA to implement the OU-1 ROD and reimburse EPA for related oversight costs. The PRPs installed a perimeter fence around the Eastern Excavation Area in 1989 and excavated and removed approximately 1,200 drums from the area now known as the Buried Waste Area in 1992. They also installed a groundwater recovery and treatment system. In 1986, 16 PRPs entered into an Administrative Order by Consent (AOC) with EPA under which they performed a Phase n, or Operable Unit 2 (OU-2) investigation. This investigation focused on the deeper groundwater underlying the Site and potential contamination of the Western Excavation Area, and was completed in 1990. A Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) was issued and EPA held a public meeting on June 5, 1990 to discuss it with the community. A 30-day public comment period was held, and a ROD was issued shortly thereafter. The cleanup plan outlined in the ROD included continued monitoring of groundwater in the deeper water-bearing units and the recovery and treatment of groundwater. In 1992, an amendment to the 1988 Consent Decree was entered by the United States District Court for Maryland. Under the amendment, 42 PRPs agreed to implement the OU-2 ROD and reimburse EPA for oversight costs. In 1998, the PRPs initiated the recovery and treatment of contaminated groundwater in the Middle Sand Aquifer after it was determined that the contaminant concentrations exceeded the allowable limits set forth in the ROD. From 1995 to 2002, the PRPs performed the RI/FS for Operable Unit 3 (OU-3), which addressed the contaminated soil, sediment and waste remaining in the Eastern Excavation Area of the Site as well as contaminated shallow groundwater. EPA issued a PRAP for OU-3 in July 2002 and held a public meeting on July 31, 2002. The ROD for OU-2 was issued on October 25, 2002. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 12 ------- Site Area Cleanup Plans OU-1 Recover and treat shallow groundwater on-site; install a perimeter fence; and excavate and remove an estimated 1,200 drums off-site. OU-2 Continue monitoring deep groundwater; recover and treat deep groundwater on-site; and provide off-site alternative water supply, if necessary. OU-3 Excavate and treat on-site or proper off-site disposal of contaminated soil, sediment and remaining waste; continue recovery and treatment of contaminated shallow groundwater; and enhance biodegradation of contaminants in shallow groundwater. Exhibit 3 General Site Location Map °blechanic Vails y °Indian Fais , ,;- Prestige \ffiage °Timberbnook Cool Sprevgis Park ^amont Phtf^ • North Bast Harbor 0 Forest Gre«i Court >Mar1ey 'Jtege "9/ \ .r< L*r -^r—^ ° BacorrW ° North East ° North Earn Isles Ell- Neck State Forest 1.0 km 10.5 .onjl&d nnc i i HHH Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfnnd Site Community Involvement Plan ------- Exhibit 4 Site Map Excavation ,T Area *• Ground Water . # Treatment » Plant Western Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfnnd Site Commimity Involvement Plan 14 ------- IV. Community Background A. Community Profile The Town of Elkton Elkton is located by the Chesapeake Bay, near the Delaware border. It was named for its close proximity to the Elk River. Elkton is the largest town in Cecil County, the seat of government for the county, and a progressive business community. It was once famous for quick and easy marriages, until 1938, when Maryland imposed a 48-hour waiting period for marriage licenses. Today, Elkton is better known for retail and manufacturing businesses. The current form of government is a board of town commissioners, a mayor and a town administrator. The town administrator is appointed by the mayor, but subject to affirmation by the board of commissioners, and is responsible for the general supervision of all departments of Elkton's government. The town administrator must also oversee compliance with local, state and federal laws, the capital and operating budgets, and all other aspects of Elkton's governance. See Appendix A for Elkton town administrator, mayor and board of commissioners contact information. The 2000 Census estimations are as follows: • Location: Cecil County, Maryland • Location: The elevation is 30 feet above sea level • Zip Codes: 21922 and 21921 • Population: 11,893* • Population Density: 1,480 people per square mile • Males: 47.9% Females: 52.1% • Median Age: 30.7 years old • 40% of Elkton residents age 25 and older have college degrees • Per Capita Income: $17, 789 • Median Household Income: $38,171 • Median House Value: $106,100 • Median Rent: $498 • Monthly Homeowner Costs, for people with mortgages: $974 *2003 Population Estimation: 13,586 Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 15 ------- B. History of Community Involvement Historically, the people of Cecil County, Maryland had been very interested in, active and concerned about the problems of hazardous waste disposal, in general. This is partially because there had been several known past industrial waste sites in the county, and there had been a number of past hazardous waste spills from trucks using the highways through the county. There was a peak of interest and concern about hazardous waste sites as a whole, following a television documentary aired on ABC about the hazardous waste problem in the United States. The Elkton area was mentioned during the program as one of the area having a serious hazardous waste problem. The exact date the program aired is unclear, but residents had placed it in the mid 1970s. During the same time period, the County Health Department also received numerous complaints regarding odors emanating from the site. Since the 1970s, general public interest in the Site has diminished. This is partially due to the cessation of the dumping activities at the Site and due to the remedial cleanup action in 1975 that eliminated the emission of odors. It also reflects the progress in the cleanup efforts at the Site. A second point of interest can be noted in 2002, following EPA's Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) for OU-3. Approximately 60 households requested that their well water be tested. The County performed most of the testing for VOCs, and all results to date have met Federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. See attached fact sheet examples for additional information. In summary, the peak of public interest in the Site appears to have passed. However, the residents of Cecil County are known to be environmentally aware, interested, informed and involved in their communities. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 16 ------- V. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OBJECTIVES The objectives below have been developed to help guide the EPA community involvement program for the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone (MSGS) Superfund Site. The Community Involvement Plan for the Site is used to assist the EPA in providing information to community members regarding Site activities and the Superfund process. The decision-making and cleanup process for the Site is greatly enhanced by community involvement. By meeting these objectives, the EPA can keep the residents of Elkton well informed about Site conditions that may affect them. Provide Site-Related Information to Interested Parties EPA will provide information to local residents, businesses, media, and other interested parties regarding Site-related issues in order to increase awareness and understanding of Site activities. EPA can provide citizens with information about the Site history; Site-related activities; technical, program, and community involvement documents; and other information about the Site. EPA will provide this information to enable interested parties to remain knowledgeable about the Site. Provide Opportunities for Community Input EPA will participate in community outreach activities to encourage area residents to take an active role in the Superfund process. EPA will invite community members to contribute to Site-related decisions that will have a long-term impact on their community. See Exhibit 1 on page 7 for specific phases of the cleanup process that include public comment periods. Maintain Effective Communication Among Local, State and Federal Officials EPA will maintain contact with local, state, and other Federal officials concerning the Site. EPA will contact these officials through telephone conversations, written correspondence, or meetings to provide timely information about Site activities and will answer questions or concerns they may have. Provide Information on the Superfund Program and How it Relates to the Site EPA will provide information to interested parties on Superfund and how Superfund relates to the Site. This information will help to explain EPA's involvement at the Site, educate the public about the Site's inclusion in the Superfund program, and describe how the entire Superfund process works. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 17 ------- VI. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES By performing the following activities, EPA can achieve and maintain community involvement objectives and help ensure that community members have the means to understand the actions taking place at the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site, as well as the Superfund process in general. This information will enable the community to make informed decisions regarding future actions at the Site. Provide a Community Involvement Coordinator EPA designates a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) to provide accurate and timely responses to residents, officials, citizens' groups, businesses, and the media. The CIC is responsible for establishing and maintaining open communication between EPA and the public and for handling inquiries and concerns regarding the Site. The CIC also is responsible for organizing events such as public meetings and developing information products such as fact sheets, newsletters, public notices and newspaper advertisements. Trish Taylor is the designated CIC for the Site. EPA encourages the community to contact Trish Taylor with any questions or comments about the Site. The address and telephone number are in Appendix A of this Community Involvement Plan. Maintain an Information Repository EPA establishes an information repository to ensure that accurate Site-related information is available to the public. The repositories are used by interested parties to reference information regarding the Site and the Superfund process. The information in the repository includes documents located in the Administrative Record (AR) File, as well as the CIP, and Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) information. An information repository has been established at the Cecil County Library, The library offers free access to the Internet, where documents can be reviewed online. The repository is handicap accessible and contains printing and photocopying capabilities. Refer to Appendix B for the address, telephone number, and business hours. Interested parties can also review the file at EPA Region HI offices at 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. Information is also posted on EPA's website at: www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/super/sites/MDD980705164/index.htm Prepare Fact Sheets EPA prepares informational fact sheets to provide the community with information about the Superfund program and Site-related activities and developments. Fact sheets are an effective means of establishing and maintaining communication with the public. Fact sheets inform the public of current Site status, future Site activities and schedules, scope of work, and technical activities. EPA mails the fact sheets to those people on the Site mailing list. The Site mailing list has been developed for the Site, to include local residents, interested businesses, elected officials, and local media. The mailing list was developed based on community surveys; telephone and mailed-in requests; and local tax maps in order to contact residents who live in close proximity of the Site. The mailing list is maintained, updated and revised throughout the course of this cleanup project. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 18 ------- Maintain Contact with Local Officials By maintaining two-way communication with local officials, EPA can learn more about Elkton and the needs of community members. Local officials can also be helpful in answering residents' questions and disseminating information. As Site events progress, EPA will contact local officials to keep them informed. The addresses and phone numbers of local officials are located in Appendix A of this CIP. Provide News Releases to the Local Media By distributing timely, accurate information to the local media, EPA can help minimize misinformation and speculation about site activities and site-related health risks. EPA will issue news releases and provide written materials to local media as Site activities progress and significant Site events occur. EPA will invite media representatives to public meetings and can provide area newspapers with information for articles. Hold Public Meetings or Availability Sessions for Residents and Local Officials EPA will hold meetings or availability sessions to inform the community of Site activities. Public meetings, usually held during evening hours, offer a forum for the community to learn about the Site, to express their concerns, and to ask questions related to the Site and Site activities. Additionally, public meetings allow EPA personnel to meet with the community potentially affected by the Site. Availability sessions, such as poster or display exhibits, are usually held during morning or afternoon hours and allow EPA to present Site-related information to the public in an informal setting. EPA will hold public meetings or availability sessions about the Site when the community requests or when important Site-related events occur. Appendix C lists suggested locations for public meetings and/or availability sessions. EPA held a public meeting to present Proposed Remedial Action Plans (PRAPs) in September 1985, June 1990 and July 2002. These meetings allowed community members to ask questions about the PRAPs and provide input on the recommended actions. EPA provided a 30-day public comment period for community members to submit their ideas, comments and concerns to EPA for each of the PRAPs. A Responsiveness Summary (RS), which is part of the Record of Decision (ROD) was prepared after each of the public comment periods to summarize and respond to submitted comments. The RSs were published with the RODs in 1985, 1990 and 2002. Place Public Notices in Local Publication's) Public notices regarding the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Site will be placed in one or more of the local papers listed in Appendix A of this CIP. The public notices will announce key Site developments, public meetings, public availability sessions, and the release of Site-related documents. Maintain a Toll-free Telephone Number for Residents EPA maintains a toll-free telephone number for interested persons or parties to call for information about the Site. Anyone with questions or comments regarding the Site may call this number: (800) 553-2509. When calling the toll-free number, please be sure to refer to the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Site. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 19 ------- Maintain a World Wide Web Site EPA maintains a location on the world wide web (WWW) that can be accessed with a computer through the Internet. The www site houses information for all ten EPA regions. To access the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site information, go to http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/super/sites/MDD980705164/index.htm. Or, to view the Site's web page from EPA's home web page, follow these instructions: EPA's address is http://www.epa.gov 1. Click on Where You Live menu item listed on the left side 2. Select EPA Regional Offices 3. Select Region 3 on the map or from the listing 4. Click on the Superfund button from the menu item listed on the right side 5. Under Choose a Site, on the right side of the table heading Superfund by State, click on Maryland 6. The list of sites are in alphabetical order. Scroll down and click on Sand. Gravel and Stone Promote Additional Information Sources Available Through EPA EPA provides various sources of information to assist community members in understanding the Superfund process and Site-related activities. EPA maybe contacted directly by telephone, mail, or e-mail. Information may also be accessed through the EPA web site at: http ://www. epa. gov/reg3hwmd/super/sites/MDD980705164/index.htm. Contact information is included in all fact sheets that are distributed to community members. Additionally, local repositories have been established to provide free Internet access so Site-related documents and information are available for public review. See Appendices A and B for addresses and phone numbers of EPA representatives and information repositories. A Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) has also been made available to assist community groups in reviewing technical data collected at the Site. Information on the TAG is located in Appendix D of this CIP. Revise the Community Involvement Plan Community concerns may change as a result of the selection of a remedial alternative or other factors. EPA revises Community Involvement Plans (CIP) to reflect significant changes in the level and nature of community concerns and interests and can be revised as different phases of the Superfund process are completed. This CIP updates the information contained within the 1986 CP for Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site. Both the 1986 CIP and this updated version are available in the Administrative Record File located at the information repositories (Appendix C). The EPA updates the Community Involvement Plan as necessary. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 20 ------- Exhibit 5 Community Involvement Activities and Timing Activity Timing Provide a Community Involvement Coordinator Trish Taylor has been named as the EPA CIC for the Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Site. Establish and Maintain an Information Repository A local information repository has been established and will be updated as new information is released. Prepare Fact Sheets Fact Sheets will be prepared as new information arises, when significant Site-related activities are completed, and to announce Site-related events. Maintain Contact with Local Officials Local officials will be informed as new information arises, and when significant Site-related events occur. Keep the Local Media Informed about Site Activities News Releases will be provided when significant Site- related activities occur, and EPA will notify media of meetings and public availability sessions. Hold Public Meetings or Availability Sessions for Residents and Local Officials EPA will hold public meetings and availability sessions at various stages of the Superfund process and as requested by community members. Hold Public Meetings and Public Comment Periods Regarding PRAPs EPA held public meetings and a public comment period following the release of the PRAPs. Prepare a Responsiveness Summary (RS) EPA prepared a RS following the public comment periods for each PRAP. Place Public Notices in Local Publications Notices will be placed to announce public meetings, availability sessions and key Site-related documents. Maintain a Toil-free Telephone Number for Residents The toll-free Superfund Hotline currently is maintained to allow interested parties to call for Site-related information. Maintain a World Wide Web Site The EPA www site currently is maintained to allow interested parties access to Site-related information. Promote Additional Information Sources Available Through EPA EPA will promote any additional information sources throughout the Superfund process. Revise the Community Involvement Plan Revisions to the CIP will occur when significant Site- related events occur or as needed. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 21 ------- VII. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT (TAG) INFORMATION EPA's Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program provides funds of up to $50,000 to qualified citizens' groups affected by Superfund sites to hire independent technical advisors to help review and interpret Site- related reports, data and other technical information. Since only one TAG may be awarded for a site, EPA encourages groups to consolidate to apply. For TAG information, please contact Amelia Libertz, TAG Coordinator, at: Amelia Libertz (3HS52) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Coordinator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA. 19103 (215) 814-5522 or (800) 553-2509 libertz.amelia@epa.gov Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 22 ------- APPENDIX A INTERESTED PARTIES A-l Federal Agency Officials United States Environmental Protection Agency Region III, Mid-Atlantic States 1650 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 Trish Taylor, Community Involvement Coordinator (215) 814 -5539 (800)553 - 2509 taylor.trish@epa. gov Debra Rossi, Remedial Project Manager (214) 814-3228 rossi.debra@epa.gov Richard Fetzer, Federal On-Scene Coordinator (215) 814-3263 fetzer .richard@epa. gov Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry c/o U.S. EPA, Region III, Mid-Atlantic States 1650 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 Lora Werner, Regional Representative (215)814-3141 werner.lora@epa. gov A-2 State Agency Officials Maryland Department of the Environment Environmental Restoration and Redevelopment 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 625, Baltimore, MD 21230 Alex Cox (410) 537 -2449 (800) 633 -6101 mcox@mde .state .md.us Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- Maryland Department of Heath and Mental Hygiene 201 West Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201 Chuck Smyser (410) 767 - 6860 (877) 463 - 3464 A-3 Federal Elected Officials Senator Paul Sarbanes 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510-2002 (202) 224-4524 (202) 244 - 1651 (fax) or 100 S. Charles St. #1710 Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 962-4436 (410) 962-4156 (fax) Senator Barbara Mikulski 1629 Thames St., #400 Baltimore, MD 21231 (410) 962 -4510 (410) 962-4760 (fax) 709 Hart Senate Office Building or Washington, DC 29510-2003 (202) 224 - 4654 (202) 224 - 8858 (fax) Representative Wayne Gilchrest 2245 Rayburn House Office Building or 315 High St., #105 Washington, DC 20515-2001 Chestertown, MD 21620 (202) 225 - 5311 (410) 778 - 9407 (202) 255 - 0254 (fax) (410) 778 - 9560 (fax) Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- A-4 State Elected Officials Robert Ehrlich, Governor of Maryland State House, 100 State Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 398 - 0980 (410)392- 9035 (fax) Walter Baker, State Senator 2 East Miller Senate Office Building or 153 E. Main St Annapolis, MD 21401-1991 Elkton, MD 21921-5975 (410) 841 - 3639 (410) 398 - 0980 (410) 841 - 3850 (fax) (410) 392 - 9035 (fax) Wheeler Baker, State Delegate 422 Lowe House Office Building Annapolis, MD 21401-1991 (410) 841-3189 (410) 841 - 3463 (fax) James Crouse, State Delegate 161 Lowe House Office Building Annapolis, MD 21401-1991 (410) 841 - 3421 or 101 East Main Street Elkton, MD 21921 (410) 397 - 1640 Mary Walkup, State Delegate 423 Lowe House Office Building Annapolis, MD 21401-1991 (410) 841 - 3449 (410) 841 - 3422 (fax) or 12836 Still Pond Creek Road Worton, MD 21678 (410) 778 - 6635 (410) 778- 9032 (fax) Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- A-5 Local Officials Elkton Administration Building 100 Railroad Avenue P.O. Box #157 Elkton, MD 21922-0157 Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (410) 398 - 0970 (410) 392 - 6633 elkadsec@iximd.com Elkton Commissioners John K. Burkley, II Charles H. Givens Earl Piner C. Gary Storke Joseph L. Fisona, Mayor Lewis H. George, Jr., Town Administrator Cecil County Office Building Cecil County Commissioners 129 East Main Street Nelson K. Bolender Elkton, MD 21921 Harry Hepbron (410) 996 - 5201 Phyllis Kilby (410) 996 - 5210 (fax) Alfred C. Wein, County Administrator Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 26 ------- A-6 Media Newspapers Cecil Whig 601 N. Bridge Street Elkton, MD 21921 (410) 658 - 5740 (800) 220 -3311 whigclassified@chespub.com Steeplechase Times 203 Atlanta Court Elkton, MD 21921-2013 (410) 392 - 5867 Record 316 Saint John Street Havre De Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-4040 Wilmington News Journal 950 West Basin Road New Castle, DE 19720 John Schelich, National Account Executive (302) 324-2617 (800) 235 - 9100. Ext. 2617 (302) 324-2414 (fax) i schelich@delawareonline. com Newark Post 153 East Chestnut Hill Rd. #104 Newark, DE 19713-4054 (302) 737 - 0724 Television Stations WHYY, Channel 12 (WHYY is a public broadcasting station and does not post PSAs) 625 N. Orange Street F1 1A Wilmington, DE 19801-2250 (302) 888-1200 (302) 575-0346 (fax) WPVI 500 West Second Street Wilmington, DE 19801-2312 (302) 429 - 6666 Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- KYW-TV Vestry Road Woodstown, NJ, 08098 (856) 769-2116 WGAL 1300 Columbia Avenue Lancaster, PA 17603-4751 (717)393 -5851 Radio Stations WOEL ( 89.9 FM, Owner: Maranatha Bible Institute, Inc.) 3141 Old Elk Neck Road Elkton, MD 21921-3225 WXHL (1550 AM, Owner: Priority Radio, Inc.) 179 Stanton Christiana Road Newark, MD 19702-1619 (302) 731 -7270 WXCY 707 Revolution Street Havre De Grace, MD 21078-3321 (410) 575 - 6833 WJSS 1605 Level Road Havre De Grace, MD 21078-1727 (410) 939 - 0800 Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- APPENDIX B POTENTIAL PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS Elkton High School 110 James Street Elkton, MD 21921-4900 (410) 996 - 5000 Cecil County Library 301 Newark Avenue Elkton, MD 21921 (410) 996 - 5600 APPENDIX C INFORMATION REPOSITORY LOCATIONS Cecil County Library 301 Newark Avenue Elkton, MD 21921 (410) 996 - 5600 Hours Monday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. U.S. EPA, Region III Administrative Records Room 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 Contact: Anna Butch (215) 814-3157 (215) 814-3015 (fax) Hours Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Or Online at: www.epa.gov/arweb Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- APPENDIX D GLOSSARY OF TERMS Administrative Order by Consent (AOC): A legal document, approved by a judge, that formalizes an agreement between EPA and PRPs through which the PRPs will conduct all or part of a cleanup action at a Superfund site; stop or correct actions that are polluting the environment; or comply with the EPA-initiated actions to resolve the contamination at a Superfund site. Administrative Record (AR) File: The official file containing a collection of documents that provide the basis for EPA's selection of a remedial cleanup alternative at a Superfund site. Aquifer: An underground geological formation, or group of formations, that contain water. Aquifers are sources of groundwater used for wells and/or points of origin for natural springs. Cleanup: An action taken to address a release or threat of release of hazardous substances that could adversely affect public health and/or the environment. The word cleanup is used to refer to both short-term removal actions and long-term remedial activities at Superfund sites. Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC): An individual EPA assigns to work closely with technical staff to keep the local community informed about and involved in a site cleanup. Community Involvement Plan (CIP): A document that highlights a community's concerns and interest about a site and outlines recommended activities that EPA may conduct to address these concerns and interests and to foster communication between EPA and the community. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA): A Federal law (commonly known as "Superfund") passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The law gives EPA the authority to investigate sites where there is a suspected threat to public health or the environment caused by the release or potential release of hazardous substances. The law created a special tax on the chemical and petroleum industries. Money collected under the tax was deposited into a trust fund to be used to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled waste sites. (This special tax was discontinued in 1995. Now monies for the trust fund comes from Congress.) EPA can pay for the site cleanup when the parties responsible for contamination cannot be located or are unwilling or unable to perform the cleanup. EPA can also take legal action to force parties responsible for contamination to clean up the site or pay back the Federal government for the cost of the cleanup. Contamination: A physical, chemical, biological, and/or radiological substance or matter that has an adverse effect on air, water or soil quality. Emissions: Pollution discharged into the atmosphere from smokestacks, vents, chimneys, cars, or airplanes. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 30 ------- Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD): A document that summarizes and explains any changes to portions of the cleanup plan previously outlined in the Record of Decision (ROD). Exposure Pathway: (Also called "Route of Exposure") The way in which a person can come into contact with a hazardous substance. Three common routes of exposure are breathing (inhalation); eating or drinking (ingestion); or contact to the skin (dermal contact). Feasibility Study (FS): A study that further examines the information in the Remedial Investigation and evaluates the implementation of possible cleanup methods for a site to remove or reduce contamination. Groundwater: The supply of fresh water found beneath the Earth's surface. Groundwater is often the source of an area's drinking water. It can be found in aquifers or throughout loose soil (like water in a saturated sponge). Hazard Ranking System (HRS): A screening tool used to evaluate the risks to public health and the environment associated with a hazardous waste site. The HRS calculates a score on the potential or a hazardous substance spreading from the site through the air, water or soil. EPA places sites with a HRS score of 28.50 or higher on the NPL. Heavy Metal: A metallic element with a high atomic weight that can damage living things at low concentrations (ex: zinc, lead, arsenic). Information Repository: A collection of documents about a specific Superfund site and general Superfund process. EPA usually keeps paper copies in the Regional Office Administrative Records Room, after scanning the documents and uploading them to the Internet so the public can view them at their convenience. EPA usually established a local information repository that provides free Internet access. Leachate: A contaminated liquid that is a result of water trickling through waste materials, such as materials in a landfill. Leachate may cause hazardous substances to enter soil, surface water or groundwater. National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP): The Federal regulation that guides the determination of the sites to be corrected under Superfund and the program to prevent or control spills. National Priorities List (NPL): EPA's list of the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites identified for long-term cleanup under the Superfund program. On-Scene Coordinator (OSC): The EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, or Department of Defense official who coordinates and directs Superfund removal actions or Clean Water Act oil or hazardous substance spill response actions Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 31 ------- Operations and Maintenance (O&M): The Operations and Maintenance phase of the Superfund cleanup protects the integrity of the selected cleanup method at a site. O&M monitoring measures are usually taken by the state or the PRP after cleanup objectives have been reached. Pesticides: Substances or a combination of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pests. Also, any substance or combination intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant. Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs): Any individual or company - including current and/or former owners, operators, transporters or generators - potentially liable for, or contributing to a spill or other contamination at a Superfund site. Whenever possible, through administrative and legal actions, EPA requires PRPs to conduct the cleanup themselves or reimburse for cleanup costs. Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP): A plan that discusses the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RJ/FS) and proposes various cleanup methods for a site. EPA's preferred cleanup plan is highlighted, but decided upon until after the close of the Public Comment Period and all relevant comments are reviewed. Public Comment Period: The official time allotted for the public to express it's views and concerns regarding a specific action by EPA (such as a Proposed Remedial Action Plan). Most public comment periods are 30 days long and comments are addressed in a Responsiveness Summary. Record of Decision (ROD): A formal document that discusses in detail the cleanup plan EPA has decided to implement at a site. Remedial: The study, design, and construction of long-term actions to clean up hazardous waste sites. Remedial actions are usually long and complex processes, costing millions of dollars and taking many years to complete. Remedial Action: The actual construction or implementation phase that follows the Remedial Design of the selected cleanup method at a Superfund site. Remedial Design: The engineering phase that follows the Record of Decision. During Remedial Design, technical drawings and specifications are developed for the Remedial Action at a site. It is similar to a blueprint or work plan. Remedial Investigation: An evaluation of the type(s); the extent; and the concentration amounts of contamination at a site and the risk the contamination poses to human health and the environment. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 32 ------- Remedial Project Manager (RPM): The EPA or state official responsible for overseeing on-site remedial actions. Removal: Short-term actions that help to stabilize or clean up a hazardous waste site. Within hours of being reported, EPA investigates a site to determine whether a removal action is necessary. Responsiveness Summary (RS): A summary of verbal and written comments that EPA receives during public comment periods and EPA's responses to those comments. The RS is part of the Record of Decision (ROD). Sediment: Soil, sand and minerals washed away from land, usually after rain, and ends up in a body of water and settles to the bottom. Sludge: A semi-solid residue resulting from some air or water treatment processes, that can be considered a hazardous waste. Superfund: The program operated under the legislative authority of CERCLA to update and improve environmental laws. The program has the authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare, or the environment. The Superfund is a trust fund that can be used to finance cleanup actions at hazardous waste sites. Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA): Modifications to the CERCLA laws, enacted on October 17, 1986. Surface Water: All water naturally open to the atmosphere, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, impoundments, bays, oceans, etc... Technical Assistance Grant (TAG): An EPA grant of up to $50, 000, which can be awarded to a bona fide citizens group in an area potentially affected by a Superfund site. The grant is specified to enable that group to hire a technical expert to review and interpret site reports, data and other technical documents issued by EPA or other parties involved in a site's cleanup. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Carbon based chemicals that evaporate readily into the air and are commonly used as industrial solvents, de-greasers and fumigants. Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 33 ------- AOC AR ATSDR CERCLA CIC CIP DHMH EPA FS HRS MDE MSGS NCP NPL O&M OSC OU PCBs PRAP PRP RI RI/FS ROD RPM RS SARA SVOCs VOCs TAG WWW APPENDIX E LIST OF ACRONYMS Administrative Order by Consent Administrative Record Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Community Involvement Coordinator Community Involvement Plan (Maryland) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency Feasibility Study Hazard Ranking System Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan National Priority List Operations & Maintenance On-Scene Coordinator Operable Unit Polychlorinated Biphenyls Proposed Remedial Action Plan Potentially Responsible Party Remedial Investigation Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study Record of Decision Remedial Project Manager Responsiveness Summary Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile Organic Compounds Technical Assistance Grant World Wide Web Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan 34 ------- Attachment 1 Fact Sheet Example "Focus on Water Issues" Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- Attachment 2 Fact Sheet Example "Residential Well Sampling Update" Maryland Sand, Gravel and Stone Superfund Site Community Involvement Plan ------- |