Columbia Smelting and Refining
Works Site
Community Involvement Plan
Spring 2016
Prepared by EPA Region 2
-------
Community Involvement Plan (CIP)
Preface
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to release this Draft
Community Involvement Plan (CIP) for the Columbia Smelting Removal Project,
which is considered a "time-critical removal" - a type of fast-paced cleanup action
under federal Superfund law. The EPA has determined that a time-critical removal
action is appropriate to prevent, minimize, stabilize, or eliminate threats from lead-
contaminated soil to human health and the environment.
The EPA's community involvement activities at the Columbia Smelting Site (Site)
are designed to inform the public of the nature of the environmental issues associated
with the Site, involve and include the public in the cleanup process that will affect
them, and inform the public of the progress being made to implement the cleanup.
This CIP provides a toolbox of options for keeping the public informed and for so-
liciting input. The EPA is committed to active and open public involvement through-
out the life of this project.
Please contact Natalie Loney with your comments, concerns, and questions regard-
ing the CIP, so that we may continue in a partnership of meaningful public partici-
pation, involvement, and dialogue. Natalie can be reached at 212-637-3639 or via
email at lonev.natalie @ epa.gov.
i
-------
Table of Contents
1. Overview 1
Purpose of the Community Involvement Plan 1
2. Site Background 3
2.1 Site Location/Description 3
2.2 Site History 3
2.3 Site Activities and Cleanup Plans 6
3. Community Background 12
3.1 Community Profile 12
3.2 Environmental Justice 12
3.3 Key Community Concerns 13
4. Communication Goals 14
5. Community Involvement Tools and Outreach
Activities 14
5.1 Involvement and Input
Public Input 14
Toll-free Hotline 14
5.2 Outreach
Fact Sheets 15
Field Notifications 15
Maps and Visual Aids 16
Public Notices 16
Project Website 16
5.3 Involvement and Input Integrated with Outreach
Coordination with Local Government and Other Agencies 17
Email 17
Environmental Justice Activities 17
Public Meetings 18
Stakeholder Group Interaction 18
6. Summary of the EPA's Community Involvement Program 18
ii
-------
Appendix
Appendix 1 Contacts and Interested Parties
Elected Officials
Federal 1
New York State 1
New York City 2
EPA Regional Offices 3
NYC Parks 3
iii
-------
1. Overview
Purpose of the Community Involvement Plan
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this Community
Involvement Plan to facilitate two-way communication between the community
in proximity to the Columbia Smelting Site and the EPA, and to encourage com-
munity involvement in the Site activities. This Community Involvement Plan
(CIP) describes a range of suggested community involvement and outreach tools
and activities that have been identified by the EPA in consultation with key stake-
holders. Not all of the tools and activities will necessarily be implemented. Ra-
ther, the tools and activities identified here will be implemented based on input
from stakeholders and in consideration of a number of project management and
community factors.
This CIP does not attempt to prescribe where, how or when each tool and activity
will be used. Specific information on the major project documents, decisions, and
activities will be provided to the public through fact sheets, project websites, and
electronic notices, to name a few ways.
The CIP's purpose is to serve as a guide for EPA in providing opportunities for
public information and input regarding cleanup activities involved in the contam-
inated soil removal project at Red Hook Park in Red Hook Brooklyn, NY. It is
also designed to assist the community and other stakeholders in the project area
to become meaningfully involved and informed about the project.
This CIP provides a background of the community, presents the EPA's commu-
nity involvement program and provides a listing of resources available. The EPA
drew upon several information sources to develop this plan, including informal
community interviews and Site files.
The goals of EPA's Community Involvement Program are to:
1. Provide opportunities for the public to become actively involved;
2. Meet the community's information needs;
3. Incorporate issues and concerns into cleanup decisions, and;
4. Give feedback to the public on how their issues and concerns were incor-
porated into the cleanup work.
1
-------
Red Hook Park and Columbia Smelting Site Map
Red Hook-Houses
Soccer Fields 4 & 5
LEGEND
rj Red Hook Park Border
Q Approximate Footprint of the Historic
Columbia Smelting Facility
rj Fields Impacted by Columbia Facility
Included with EPA Columbia Site Cleanup
2
-------
2. Site Background
2.1 Site Location/Description
The Columbia Smelting & Refining Works (Columbia) facility, a secondary lead
smelter, was historically located at the corner of Hicks and Lorraine Streets in the
Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. The smelter's former footprint now
sits atop Ball Field 7 within Red Hook Park, which is on the northwest corner of a
block with four baseball/softball fields (field numbers 5, 6, 7 and 8) and two soccer
fields/cricket courts; see map on the previous page. The areas surrounding Red
Hook Park include mixed recreational, residential, commercial and industrial uses.
2.2 Site History
Early Years Pre-1900's
Historic maps of the Gowanus Canal area from
the late 1700s through the early 1900s show
that most of Red Hook was originally com-
posed of low-lying wetlands, marshes and
swamp areas, and that the original shoreline of
the Gowanus Bay ran somewhere along the
area just north of what is now Red Hook Park.
Throughout the 1800s, as industry expanded,
the area was filled in. The soil in the area of
Red Hook where Red Hook Park is now lo-
cated is partially, if not entirely, composed of
fill material rather than original native soil.
Figure 1: Map showing pre-1900 shoreline and marshy areas
Smelter Years: 1920s-1930s
Prior to the mid-1920s, the Site property was
undeveloped. In the late 1920s, Columbia began
operating on the corner of Lorraine and Hicks
Streets. From at least 1931 through the late
1930s, Columbia operated as a secondary lead
smelter.
Secondary lead smelting plants, like Columbia,
refine scrap or used lead materials into metallic
lead of a higher purity as well as specialized com-
binations of metals, called alloys. Some of the
Figure 2: 1938 map showing Columbia facility
3
-------
materials that Columbia used in the
smelting process included cable lead,
lead plates from batteries, soft lead,
type metal, pewter and other metals.
Secondary smelting can be responsible
for releasing lead into the surrounding
environment through lead fume
emissions. Lead dust and smoke can
be released through vents or roof stacks
during the smelting process, and slag
contaminated with lead may be left
over after the smelting process. Lead
and other contaminants from the smelter get carried by the wind and settle on the
ground. Once lead is in soil, it does not break down, move or leach out of the soil
easily; it tends to stay in place.
In the 1930s, while the smelting facility was operating, the Site vicinity (from
Columbia to Court Streets and Mill to Halleck Streets) was occupied as a Great
Depression-era shanty town known as a Hooverville or Hoover City. Historic
photos show numerous shacks and piles of debris in the areas which are now part
of Red Hook Park. In 1939 or 1940, the historic smelter building and adjoining
facilities were demolished.
Te
-------
" Red Hook'H^^^
Red Hook
Pool
NORTH
Site History: 1940s to Present
By 1940, the smelter was demolished and
the block where it was located became the
four baseball fields that are now part of
the 58-acre Red Hook Park. In 1938, the
Red Hook Houses (east and west clusters)
were completed as a Federal Works Pro-
ject. Red Hook East Houses, which is lo-
cated just north of the Site, is the largest
portion of the largest public housing de-
velopment in Brooklyn. It has 27 build-
ings, two and six stories high with 2,528
apartments housing some 5,654 residents.
To the west of the former facility, across
Hicks Street, are a series of low-rise 1"' _ , , . . ,, .
Figure 5: Map overlay or original location or Columbia Smelting
multi-family housing units. South and
east of the former Columbia facility is Red Hook Park. This includes Red Hook
Pool to the east and several other athletic fields.
LEGEND
I I Approximate Footprint of the
¦ Former Smelter Facility
Red Hook Park Border
Figure 6: Red Hook Park, showing original location of Columbia Smelting
5
-------
Discovery of the Smelter
The historic smelter was first identified in a doc-
toral dissertation which published a national list
of previously unrecognized lead smelting sites
that may have operated between 1931 and 1964.
In early 2012, NYC Parks first learned of the his-
toric smelter. In consultation with the New York
City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
NYC Parks collected soil samples from the ball
fields on and surrounding the former smelter foot-
print. Results showed that lead the levels in the
soil samples were above the EPA and New York
State health-based screening level of 400 parts
per million (ppm). Because of the elevated lead levels, NYC Parks temporarily
closed the fields and conducted maintenance to increase the grass cover. NYC
Parks also excavated and paved over the Henry Street entrance to the park, added
more clay to the infields and added wood chips where bare soil was present. These
measures helped to reduce exposure to lead in the soil.
Also in 2012, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) was independently reviewing all of the previously unrecognized lead
smelting sites in New York State. In 2014, the NYSDEC referred the Columbia
Site, along with about 40 other sites, to EPA for further assessment. From winter
through summer 2014, EPA reviewed the site histories, background information
and previous sampling results from the sites. As a result of this initial investiga-
tion, EPA decided to sample areas at the Columbia Site that were not previously
sampled by NYC Parks.
2.3 EPA Investigation
EPA's investigation consisted of three soil
sampling events in October 2014, March 2015
and April 2015. A total of 88 sampling
locations were selected. At each location, soil
was sampled in five different depth intervals:
0-1"; 1-6"; 6-12"; 12-18" and 18-24".
Sampling locations were chosen using a chart
called a wind rose which shows that winds in
the area mostly come from a northwestern
direction. This meant that at the time
Columbia was in operation, emissions from
the facility would have been carried by the
Why is lead a problem?
Lead is a toxic metal that was
used for many years in paint and
leaded gasoline. Lead poisoning
can cause a number of harmful
health effects, particularly in chil-
dren under the age of six. Expo-
sure to lead in soil can occur when
children play in the dirt and put
their hands or dusty toys in their
mouths. Lead can also get into the
body by breathing or swallowing
lead dust, or by eating soil con-
taining lead.
Wind dir. distribution New York/Brooklyn all year
© windfinder.com
N
NNW NNE
^
SSW SSE
S
Figure 7: Local wind rose chart for Red Hook
6
-------
wind in a southeastern direction. The areas most likely to be impacted by the
historic smelter would be located southeast of Columbia's original location.
Therefore, EPA sampled areas downwind (southeast) of the smelter, as well as
areas upwind (northwest) of the smelter footprint, to represent the typical soil
conditions in the area for comparison.
Figure 8: EPA's October 2014 soil sampling locations
October 2014 Sampling Event
In October 2014, the EPA sampled soil on the Red Hook Park ball fields bordered
by Lorraine, Hicks, Henry and Bay Streets and several surrounding areas, includ-
ing the Red Hook Houses (Figure 8). At each sampling location EPA took five
samples at different depths: 0-1 inch; 1-6 inches; 6-12 inches; 12-18 inches; and
18-24 inches. Samples were analyzed for several metals including lead. The re-
sults of the sampling showed that lead levels in the soil samples were elevated
7
-------
above health-based values in many locations at different depths throughout the ar-
eas that were sampled. The highest lead levels were detected more than an inch
below the ground surface.
Further analysis of the soil samples collected from Ball Fields 5-8, near the foot-
print of the Columbia facility, showed the presence of certain metals (antimony,
tin, zinc, iron, and copper) at particular levels that are characteristic of smelter
emissions. This "fingerprint" was a clear indication that the lead in these soils
most likely came from the former Columbia smelter.
Analysis of the soil samples taken from grassy fenced areas within the Red Hook
East Houses, which are not play areas, indicated that the lead could not be linked to
the historic Columbia facility. Other sources of lead such as lead-based paint, au-
tomobile emissions from leaded gasoline and fill material that may have been used
during construction may be the source of lead in these samples.
Figure 9: EPA's March 2015 soil sampling locations
8
-------
March 2015 Sampling Event
In order to identify the extent of contamination that might be present in Ball Fields
5-8, EPA did another round of sampling in March 2015. Soil samples were also
collected from several other athletic fields and other areas of Red Hook Park (Fig-
ure 9). As in the October 2014 sampling event, EPA took samples at five different
depths at each sampling location. The results of this round of sampling showed el-
evated lead levels in surface soils throughout Ball Fields 5, 6, 7 and 8. Lead levels
throughout the block were higher than expected, based on previous sampling re-
sults. As a result, the fields, which were closed for grass maintenance, remained
closed throughout the 2015 season, and will stay closed until a cleanup can be
completed.
Sampling results for the other athletic fields and other areas throughout Red Hook
Park beyond Henry and Bay Streets did not show similarly elevated levels of lead
in surface soils. Therefore, these areas remained open for public use.
April 2015 sampling event
In April 2015, as a precaution, EPA collected more samples from the following
four fields (Figure 11): the single ball field on Bay Street (#9), the two soccer/foot-
ball fields at the intersection of Bay and Clinton Streets (#2 and #6), and the picnic
areas surrounding the turf field (#1) along Bay Street between Clinton and Court
Streets.
Figure 10: Field personnel taking soil samples
The results of the soil sampling showed
that lead levels at these four fields are
much lower than those at Ball Fields 5, 6,
7 and 8. Because of this, soil at Ball Field
9 and Soccer Fields 1, 2 and 6 was not an
immediate health concern and closure of
those fields was not required at this time.
However, as a precaution, the New York
City Department of Parks and Recreation
(NYC Parks) restricted some areas sur-
rounding Soccer Field 1 (the turf field).
Because some of the lead levels several
inches below the surface of these four
fields are above health-based standards, a
cleanup is necessary in the long term.
Based on these results, NYC Parks and the
9
-------
Figure 11: EPA's April 2015 soil sampling locations
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene sampled soil in the remaining ar-
eas of Red Hook Park (Soccer Fields 3, 4 and 5, and Ball Fields 1, 2, 3 and 4 and
the surrounding areas) between December 2015 and March 2016. This sampling
was done independently of EPA's investigation, and included three depth intervals
in the upper two feet of soil: 0-3 inches, 3-12 inches and 12-24 inches. Samples
were analyzed for lead and other metals as well as a class of common contaminants
known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs.
Results of the sampling showed some elevated levels of lead and PAHs unrelated
to the former Columbia facility on Soccer Fields 2 and 3 and Ball Fields 1-4.
While the metal levels are not nearly as high as those found by EPA on Ball Fields
5-8, as a precaution, NYC Parks has closed Soccer Field 3 within the track, Ball
Fields 1-4, which include Soccer Fields 4 and 5, and Soccer Field 2. These fields
are also slated for long-term cleanup, although it is unrelated to the Columbia Site,
and NYC Parks will be providing updates to park users regarding these fields.
10
-------
Cleanup
Under EPA oversight, NYC Parks will be remediating Ball Fields 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9,
where the lead is from the Columbia facility. The project is referred to as an EPA
removal action. Because this is a large construction project, planning for and engi-
neering the cleanup will take more than a year. To reduce disturbing athletic sched-
ules, Ball Fields 5 through 8 will be remediated first, and once they are open again,
Ball Field 9 will be cleaned up. The entire project will take several years to com-
plete. EPA will be providing updates as progress is made on planning and com-
pleting the removal action.
NYC Parks will also be independently remediating the areas surrounding Soccer
Field 1, Soccer Fields 2 through 6 and Ball Fields 1 through 4 over the next several
years, where lead contamination is believed to be from historic fill material, not
from the historic Columbia facility.
11
-------
3. Community Background
3.1 Community Profile
Red Hook is a mixed neighborhood, combining residential areas of both low and
high density with light to heavy areas of industry and manufacturing zones. The
community is a peninsula that is surrounded by the Gowanus Bay, Erie Basin,
and Buttermilk Channel. Red Hook is traditionally known as a waterfront com-
munity and still retains much of its working class characteristics. A majority of
the population lives in the Red Hook Houses (east and west clusters) that were
completed in 1938 as a Federal Works Project. (Source: Community Board 6 -
City of New York)
3.2 Environmental Justice
EPA defines environmental justice (EJ) as the fair treatment and meaningful in-
volvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income
with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environ-
mental laws, regulations, and policies.
• Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a dispropor-
tionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from
industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies.
• Meaningful involvement means that:
• people have an opportunity to participate in decisions about activi-
ties that may affect their environment and/or health;
• the public's contribution can influence the regulatory agency's de-
cision;
• their concerns will be considered in the decision making process;
and
• the decision makers seek out and facilitate the involvement of
those potentially affected
By using readily available environmental and demographic information EPA
conducts EJ screening to highlight areas within a community where dispropor-
tionate environmental and health impacts may fall on a low-income and/or ra-
cial minority group. EPA's tool for conducting this initial community charac-
terization is called EJSCREEN.
In the case of the Columbia Site, EPA Region 2 examined the environmental
character of the communities near the Site. EPA looked at the environmental
impacts currently faced by communities with EJ concerns within the study area.
Several environmental indicators were assessed including exposure to air pollu-
tants, lead paint, and proximity to a Superfund Site.
12
-------
Red Hook residents who use the impacted ball fields have a greater risk of ex-
posure to lead-contaminated soil. The exposure to lead-contaminated soils for
the Columbia Site does add an additional environmental burden to communities
with EJ concerns. Cleaning up the Red Hook ball fields will reduce the envi-
ronmental burden on this EJ community.
3.2 Key Community Concerns
Residents in the Red Hook community have a wide range of concerns about is-
sues pertaining to the contamination and cleanup of the Columbia Site. The fol-
lowing issues were raised by community members in several different forums
including public information meetings, individual conversations with residents,
and consultations with involved stakeholders including local community organ-
izations.
• How widespread is the lead contamination from the Columbia Site?
• What kind of impacts does the contamination have on children and pets?
• Have children playing on the fields been exposed to lead?
• How long will the ball fields remain closed?
• What kind of restoration can the community expect once the ball fields
are cleaned up?
• How long will it take to clean up the fields?
• Will there be job opportunities for local workers during the cleanup?
• EPA needs to educate the community about the Site and the contamina-
tion.
• Signage should be clearly visible at the closed ball fields.
• Easy-to-understand Site-related materials should be made available to
the community.
• Technical support should be provided to the community.
• Where should community members go if they have concerns about the
health impacts of the Site?
• What are the risks and protections for the community during the cleanup
process?
• Are there airborne risks associated with the removal of the lead-contam-
inated soils? Particular concerns are asthma and respiratory related
health issues.
13
-------
4. Communication Goals
The EPA is committed to involving the public throughout the lead-contaminated
soil removal project. We will endeavor to use the most appropriate communication
methods and tools available. We will attempt to use clear, consistent language
when communicating with the public and when possible and deemed necessary,
documents will be translated into Spanish. Technical aspects and decision-making
processes will be explained using everyday language. We will make every effort to
respond to community questions and concerns throughout the community involve-
ment and outreach process. We will endeavor to provide the public with accurate
information in a timely fashion.
5. Community Involvement Tools and Outreach Activities
Outreach efforts will place a strong emphasis on collaborating with park users, res-
idents of Red Hook Houses, local community organizations, NYC Parks as well as
local government and the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hy-
giene.
5.1 Involvement and Input
Public Input
Description: Written communications and informal discussions with agency
staff are just some ways the public and the partner agencies can communicate
about and provide input on the project.
Goal: The EPA will strive to maximize the information available to the public.
The EPA's goal will be to continuously seek and consider public input on the
various aspects of the cleanup project through use of a variety of tools in this
CIP.
Method: Informal comments can be offered at any time, such as during public
meetings, community visits, and via stakeholders. See Appendix 1 for Contacts
and Interested Parties for the project. Written comments may be submitted via
mail or email.
Toll-free Hotline: 1-877-251-4575
Description: The EPA has established a toll-free hotline available to the public.
Goal: To provide the public with a free, direct method of communication be-
tween the community and EPA, particularly for those who do not use the Inter-
net or have access to it.
14
-------
Method: The public can phone the toll-free number (which will be included in
all outreach publications, signs, posters, etc.) to find out about upcoming meet-
ings, where to get information about the project, and to speak with someone
from the EPA or leave a voicemail message.
5.2 Outreach
Fact Sheets and Flyers
Description: Fact sheets and flyers help the public understand highly tech-
nical reports, concepts, and information in a format that informed laypeople
can process and understand.
Goal: Provide information about the lead-contaminated soil removal project
in an easy-to-understand format. Fact sheets will be used periodically to up-
date the community on progress being made, who to contact with questions
or input, and what to expect in the near future.
Method: Fact sheets will be produced throughout the life of the project to
keep the public informed and educated on the cleanup activities. Fact sheets
are provided to the public through the management office at the Red Hook
East Houses and at the Miccio Center, posted at various locations throughout
the apartment buildings, on the website, at public forums, and provided to
stakeholder organizations for dissemination to their constituents as appropri-
ate. As needed and as resources allow, fact sheets and project updates will be
translated into Spanish.
Field Notifications
Description: This type of information consists of advisories, restrictions,
and explanatory signs posted to clearly mark for the public any project work
areas and access or parking restrictions.
Goal: These notifications are intended to keep the public informed of project
field activities and maintain public safety.
Method: All advisories, signs, and restrictions to access or project work ar-
eas will be clearly posted, and may be translated into languages other than
English, should that need arise. Health and Safety Plans will also be used to
inform and maintain a safe environment for both the public and project
workers.
15
-------
Maps and Visual Aids
Description: Maps and visual aids help people understand the geography of
the Site and locations of activities and resources, especially in relation to
where they live, work, and attend school.
Goal: To communicate complex issues simply and effectively. The EPA
will use maps and visual aids at public meetings to assist in communicating
information regarding project work areas, processes, technologies related to
the removal of contaminated soil.
Method: Inclusion of maps, photographs, and other visual aids in docu-
ments and fact sheets, at public sessions, and on the EPA website.
Public Notices
Description: Widely distributed announcements of public meetings and ma-
jor project milestones.
Goal: Communicate an important announcement to as many people as pos-
sible.
Method: Public notices will be used to announce public meetings using a
wide variety of places and methods. The EPA will also reach out to local
community groups and key stakeholder organizations to request their assis-
tance in getting out the word.
Project Website
Description: Internet access to technical reports and updates on the contam-
inated soil removal project will be available on the EPA's Columbia Smelt-
ing and Refining Works website at:
http://www3.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/columbia
Goal: The EPA's website provides key resources for accessing both general
and specific information about the projects.
Method: EPA will post project updates, fact sheets, notices, and technical
documents in as timely a manner as practicable. Notice of all public meet-
ings and forums and announcements related to the project will be posted im-
mediately. The website will be updated regularly.
16
-------
5.3 Involvement and Input Integrated with Outreach
Coordination with Local Government and Other Agencies
Description: EPA will coordinate with local government and other agen-
cies to keep them informed of project activities and obtain feedback on their
concerns. Communication with these representatives will continue through
the life of the project.
Goal: To ensure that local government officials and other agencies are kept
informed of project activities and issues that may impact their constituen-
cies. Ongoing coordination with local governments and other agencies will
address communities' concerns regarding redevelopment issues that may be
associated with the project.
Method: EPA will keep an open line of communication with local officials
and agency staff via meetings and regular dialogue.
Email
Description: Electronic mail can be used to contact agency representatives
for information or to ask questions and receive answers about the projects.
Goal: This provides another method to assist the public in providing input or
requesting information.
Method: Email addresses and links are provided on the project website, at
public meetings and forums, and on fact sheets.
Environmental Justice Activities
Description: Environmental justice activities encourage participation from
communities that may have been disproportionately impacted by polluting
facilities.
Goal: To bring populations of varying ethnic, racial, and economic back-
grounds into the public process.
Method: The EPA will ascertain ways to reach low-income and minority
populations. Examples include printing public notices and fact sheets in lan-
guages other than English, working with agencies and community organiza-
tions that serve these populations, and enlisting the help of these agencies
and organizations at public forums and meetings. EPA will network with
other organizations to act as a conduit of information from the project to the
populations of concern.
17
-------
Public Meetings
Description: Public meetings are structured meetings that are open to the
general public, featuring a presentation and interaction with the public.
Goal: To provide personal contact with agency representatives, update the
community on Site developments and address community concerns, ideas,
questions, and comments.
Method: The EPA will schedule, prepare for, and attend all announced
meetings. Whenever possible, public notice will be given at least two weeks
before scheduled public meetings.
Stakeholder Group Interaction
Description: The EPA will coordinate with and upon request, attend meet-
ings with stakeholder groups.
Goal: This interaction helps ensure that members of these organizations re-
ceive the information that they need and that the partner agencies receive
their input and understand their concerns. Interaction with stakeholder
groups builds bridges of communication across various constituencies and
can extend the outreach capabilities of the partner agencies.
Method: EPA will regularly coordinate with and upon request, attend meet-
ings of stakeholder groups, based on agency availability.
6. Summary of the EPA's Community Involvement Program
The EPA is committed to keeping the community informed during the entire
cleanup process. To facilitate the community involvement program, the EPA
has designated a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) to act as a pri-
mary liaison between the community and the agency. The CIC will ensure
prompt, accurate and consistent responses and information dissemination about
the Site; handle Site inquiries; and serve as the point of contact for community
members. The CIC assigned to the Columbia Smelting and Refining Works
Site is:
Natalie Loney
Community Involvement Coordinator
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007-1866
(212) 637-3639
lonev.natalie @ epa. gov
18
-------
Throughout the cleanup process, the EPA will work to:
• provide adequate and meaningful opportunities for community involvement
to update the community on Site developments and address community
questions, concerns, ideas and comments.
• hold public meetings to update the community on Site developments and ad-
dress their questions, concerns, ideas and comments.
• make informal visits to the community to help keep them informed about the
Site and Site activities, while providing EPA with feedback activities and the
community's concerns, issues and opinions.
19
-------
Appendix 1
Contacts and Interested Parties
Elected Officials:
Federal
Senator Chuck Schumer
New York City Office
780 Third Avenue
Suite 2301
New York, NY 10017
212-486-4430
Senator Kristen Gillibrand
New York City Office
780 Third Avenue, Suite 2601
New York, New York 10017
212-688-6262
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez
266 Broadway, Suite 201
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-599-3658
New York State
New York State Senator
Velmanette Montgomery
30 Third Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
United States
718-643-6140
New York State Assemblyman
Felix Ortiz
404 55th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-492-6334
-------
New York State Assemblywoman
Joan Millman
341 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY
718-246-4889
millmai @ assembly .state.ny .us
New York City
New York City Mayor
Bill De Blasio
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
311 or 212-NEW-YORK (outside of New York City)
Brooklyn Borough President
Eric Adams
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
718-802-3700
New York City Council Member
Carlos Menchaca
District Office
4417 4th Ave, Ground Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-439-9012
info3 8 @ council .nyc .gov
-------
EPA Regional Contacts
Margaret Gregor
On-Scene Coordinator
2890 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: (732) 321-4424
gregor.margaret@epa.gov
Natalie Loney
Community Involvement Coordinator
290 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10007-1866
Phone: (212) 637-3739
lonev.natalie @ epa. gov
George H. Zachos
EPA Regional Public Liaison
2890 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Toll-free: (888) 283-7626
zachos. geor ge @ epa. go v
NYC Parks Contacts
Kevin Jeffrey
Brooklyn Borough Commissioner
Litchfield Villa, Prospect Park Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 965-8900
------- |