COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN FOR THE WEST VERMONT DRINKING WATER CONTAMINATION SITE APRIL 2016 &EPA ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTIONS Page Section 1 Overview of the Community Involvement Plan 1 1.1 A Brief Explanation of Superfund and EPA's Removal and Remedial 2 Programs Section 2 Site Background 3 2.1 Site Description 3 2.2 Site History 4 Section 3 Community Profile 5 3.1 Chronology of Community Involvement 5 3.2 Key Community Comments and Concerns 6 3.3 Key Questions Asked 6 3.4 Information Requested 8 Section 4 Highlights of The Community Involvement Program 9 4.1 Enlist the Support and Participation of Local Officials and Other Federal 9 Agencies 4.2 Identify and Assess Resident Perception of the Site 9 4.3 Provide Follow-Up Explanations About Technical Activities and Contaminants 10 4.4 Make Site-Related Information Easily Accessible 10 Section 5 Community Involvement Techniques 11 5.1 Establish a Point of Contact 11 5.2 Provide a Toil-Free Number 11 5.3 Establish and Maintain a Site-Specific Mailing List 11 5.4 Make Information Easily Accessible Online 11 5.5 Make Information Easily Accessible Locally 12 5.6 Coordinate with the Office of Public Affairs on News Releases and Media 12 Inquiries 5.7 Prepare and Distribute Fact Sheets and Site Updates 12 5.8 Conduct Public Meetings 12 5.9 Continue to Contact and Conduct Outreach with Local Officials, Community 13 Members and Interested Parties 5.10 Solicit Input During Public Comment Periods 13 5.11 Provide Health Information About Exposure to Contaminants 13 Section 6 Community Involvement Activity Timeframe 14 i &EPA ------- TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) APPENDICES Page A Community Interview Questions A-1 List of Contacts B-1 Information Repositories and Possible Public Meeting Locations C-1 D Glossary D-1 E Acronyms and Abbreviations E-1 EXHIBIT Page 2-1 Site Boundary Map 3 ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 1. OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN The United States Environmental Protection Agency prepared this plan in preparation for conducting community involvement activities in conjunction with the environmental investigation and cleanup activities at the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination site located in Indianapolis, Ind. This community involvement plan reflects community concerns, questions and information needs as expressed during interviews conducted in February and March 2016. It also describes EPA's plan for addressing the community's concerns and keeping residents informed and involved in decisions about the investigation and cleanup of the site. (Words appearing in bold are defined in Appendix D.) The objective of community involvement efforts is to meaningfully engage and inform the public throughout all phases of site investigation and cleanup, including decision- making processes. The desired outcome is two-way communication between EPA and local community members who are interested in, or affected by, the site. Opportunities exist for communities to be involved in each step of the investigation and cleanup process. Local residents can provide valuable information on past site uses, site operations and local involvement. Additionally, their expressed concerns and questions are invaluable in helping EPA determine the most effective ways to provide information. Community involvement activities are not only important; they also are required by law. By actively engaging in meaningful dialogue with community members, EPA has learned that public input can be beneficial in many ways including: • Public input enhances decision making. • Two-way dialogue increases transparency. • Meaningful dialogue can build trust and facilitate the development of positive relationships. • Active engagement of all parties can lead to decisions that include the voices, values and needs of all people, including those who have been disproportionately impacted by pollution or contamination. • Meaningful dialogue leads to decisions that are more likely to be respected and supported by a broad range of stakeholders. • Public input increases the likelihood of post-cleanup land uses that support the community's long-term vision. EPA will use this document as a guide to involve and communicate with residents, businesses, and community and government organizations surrounding the site. If you are interested in submitting comments, or have questions or suggestions concerning the CIP, please contact: Charles Rodriguez Community Involvement Coordinator 312-886-7472 or 800-621-8431, ext. 67472 rodriguez.charles@epa.gov For more information on the West Vermont site, visit www.epa.gov/superfund/west-vermont-water or contact Mr. Rodriguez. This CIP is not intended to be a "fixed" document - that is, it will be updated as necessary as community needs or concerns evolve throughout the investigation and cleanup process. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 1.1 A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF SUPERFUND AND EPA'S REMOVAL AND REMEDIAL PROGRAMS In 1980, the United States Congress established the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. CERCLA is informally called Superfund and authorizes EPA to investigate and respond to hazardous substance releases that may endanger public health and the environment. Congress amended and reauthorized CERCLA in October 1986 as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. If a site poses an immediate threat to human health or the environment, EPA can intervene with an emergency response action. In 2010, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, based on findings from the Marion County Public Health Department, requested assistance from EPA's Superfund Emergency Response and Removal Program. The goal was to protect the public and the environment from immediate threats posed by contamination discovered in groundwater (underground supplies of drinking water) and private drinking water wells. EPA began taking steps to address the threats, including installing temporary water treatment systems in some residences, collecting groundwater samples to identify the magnitude and source of contamination, and arranging for those with affected residences to be connected to the municipal drinking water system. After further investigation by EPA, the West Vermont site is being transitioned to EPA's Remedial Program, which handles complex sites that need additional time for further investigation necessary to assess clean up alternatives. The goal of EPA's Remedial Program is to develop a long-term solution and implement cleanup actions. EPA will continue to work with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Marion County Public Health Department regarding additional investigations and long-term solutions. The site has been proposed for inclusion on the Superfund National Priorities List. Sites on this list represent the nation's most serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites. Only sites added to the National Priorities List are eligible to receive federal funding for long-term cleanup. The list also serves as the basis for setting priorities for enforcement actions against polluters and the allocation of Superfund cleanup funds. Section 2 of this CIP describes how the West Vermont site was discovered and its progression to being proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List. The Superfund program is administered by EPA in cooperation with state and tribal governments. The program gives EPA the funds and authority to clean up polluted sites. Goals of the Superfund program are to: • Protect human health and the environment. • Involve communities. • Make those who are legally responsible pay for the work performed at Superfund sites. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 2. SITE BACKGROUND This section describes the site and cleanup efforts. 2.1 SITE DESCRIPTION The West Vermont site is located in an unincorporated community of Indianapolis in Marion County, Ind. The site is in a residential area bounded by West Vermont Street on the south, Holt Road on the east, West Michigan Street on the north, and North Rybolt Avenue on the west. (See Exhibit 2-11 Two nearby streams, Little Eagle Creek and Eagle Creek, connect about 2,000 feet southeast of the Site and have features that affect the fiow of surface water around the site. Exhibit 2-1: Site Boundary Map. WEST VERMONT GROUNDWATER STE CONTAMINATION SPEHDWAY, MARION COUNTY, INDIANA FIGURE 2 SITE LAYOUT MAP Some residents in this neighborhood utilized private groundwater wells as their only water source. The area of groundwater contamination encompasses approximately 18 acres, including the residents' private drinking water wells. The contaminants detected in groundwater contain the following substances: • Trichloroethylene, also known as TCE, which is used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts. • Tetrachloroethylene, also known as PCE, which is used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing. • Vinyl chloride, which is used to make a variety of plastic products and can be formed when other chemicals like TCE and PCE break down. SEPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site Additionally, EPA conducted an environmental and demographic analysis of the site using EJSCREEN, which is EPA's mapping and screening tool to determine whether factors are present at a site to suggest that it could potentially pose a threat to vulnerable communities (those disproportionately impacted by environmental pollutants). Based on the EJSCREEN analysis, EPA determined there is a potential for disproportionate impacts on the community at this location due to the site's proximity to industrial facilities. 2.2 SITE HISTORY In 2009, Marion County Public Health Department discovered elevated levels of vinyl chloride in groundwater during a routine sampling event of neighborhood private wells. Because the levels of vinyl chloride found in three residences were above safe drinking water levels, the site was referred to EPA's Emergency Response and Removal Program. In November 2009 and February 2010, EPA installed temporary water treatment systems in the three residences to help remove vinyl chloride from the well water. EPA then conducted investigations to help identify the source of groundwater contamination detected in the residential wells, which included collecting samples from nearby groundwater monitoring wells. As a follow up of the investigations to insure the health and safety of the potentially affected residences, EPA connected the residential neighborhood with private wells to the municipal drinking water system, a safe source of drinking water. Additionally, EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management determined that three nearby industrial and commercial facilities located north and northeast of the residential neighborhood are likely responsible for the groundwater contamination based on their historic operations and individually detected contaminants. There are some homes in the neighborhood within a mile from the site that rely on private water wells that could potentially be affected. Groundwater contamination has the potential to move and could ultimately impact municipal well fields located miles away that supply water to more than 18,000 people. Because of this threat, EPA received a letter from the state of Indiana supporting the proposal of the addition of site to the National Priorities List. On September 28, 2015, EPA proposed the West Vermont site for inclusion onto the National Priorities List. Following this proposal, EPA held a 60-day public comment period to allow interested members of the community and other site-related entities to comment on the proposal. EPA is in the process of responding to the comments received. The formal listing of the West Vermont site is expected by fall 2016. Once the site is formally listed on the National Priorities List, EPA will continue to investigate the contamination by conducting a study referred to as a remedial investigation to additionally define the nature and boundaries of the contamination. Once that investigation is complete, a feasibility study will be implemented to examine cleanup options. Based on EPA activities at similar sites, the remedial investigation, which seeks to address data gaps, is estimated to be completed in one to two years. The feasibility study will follow, which involves the identification, analysis and comparison of cleanup options, and may take up to one to two more years. EPA will then select an alternative and propose a cleanup plan, which will be shared with the public for review and comment. After public comments are received, a final decision will be made and documented in a formal document called Record of Decision. Then the selected cleanup plan of the contamination will begin. Ongoing monitoring of the site will likely be required during and after completion of the cleanup process. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 3. COMMUNITY PROFILE The West Vermont site is located in an unincorporated community of Indianapolis in Marion County, Ind. The area is referred to as the "West Side" and is located in Wayne Township. Part of the site borders the town of Speedway, Ind., which is a separate government unit within Indianapolis. The Indianapolis City-County Council is the combined legislative body of Indianapolis and Marion County. The consolidated government, known as Unigov, was formally established in 1970 when the city government merged with the county government. The council passes ordinances for the city and county, and also makes appointments to certain boards and commissions. According to demographic data contained in EPA reports, the population within a one- mile radius of the West Vermont site is approximately 7,402. The demographics of the community are characterized by the following: • 39 percent racially non-white population. • 65 percent are low income. • 9 percent live in a household that primarily speaks a non-English language. • 35 percent has less than a high school education. • 13 percent are under 5 years of age. • 7 percent are over 64 years of age. 3.1 CHRONOLOGY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The table below summarizes the site-specific community involvement efforts to date. For the most current information on site activities, visit the West Vermont site Web page at: www.epa.gov/superfund/west-vermont-water. Date Community Involvement Activity May 2010 EPA established a Web page for the site. May 18, 2010 EPA established an administrative record at the Speedway Public library. May 25, 2010 EPA held an informal open house to share information and answer questions about contaminated groundwater in the Cossell/Vermont Street neighborhood. EPA mailed and posted on the site Web page a flyer to announce the open house. April 2011 EPA mailed and posted on the site Web page a fact sheet to alert neighborhood residents who use private wells that they may be affected by the contamination. October 2011 EPA mailed and posted on the site Web page a flyer to announce that the Agency would be in the Cossell/Vermont Street neighborhood conducting a study to identify the source of contamination. June 2015 EPA mailed and posted on the site Web page a fact sheet to announce plans to hook up 23 neighborhood properties to the public water system. The fact sheet also announced an informal open house and public meeting held on June 17, 2015. June 17,2015 EPA held an informal open house and public meeting to share information and answer questions about public water hook-ups and the contamination. September 28, 2015 EPA issued a press release to announce that the site was being proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site Date Community Involvement Activity January 2016 EPA placed an advertisement in the West Side Community News in English and Spanish inviting community members to participate in community interviews. A flyer announcing the interviews was also mailed to residents within a 1/2-mile radius of the site and businesses within a 1-mile radius of the site. February 22-24, 2016 EPA conducted community interviews with area residents, community organizations, businesses and officials to gather input regarding their site-related questions, concerns and information needs. March and April 2016 EPA established an information repository at the Speedway Public Library. EPA also established an administrative record and information repository at the Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville branch. The community interviews conducted in February and March 2016 demonstrate EPA's continued efforts to engage the community. Details on the information discussed during the interviews is summarized below. Appendix A contains a list of the key questions asked during the interviews. 3.2 KEY COMMUNITY COMMENTS AND CONCERNS During the community interviews, respondents stated that they wanted to be kept informed of milestones and other pertinent updates about the investigation and cleanup process on a quarterly to semiannual basis. They also noted that the best ways to keep the community informed of updates are through email for younger residents and printed mailings like postcards and flyers for older residents. Door-to- door outreach was also mentioned as an effective mode of outreach. The residents who were directly affected by contamination in their private water wells were the most concerned about the West Vermont site, followed by those who were in close proximity to the site. Those who expressed little to no concern about the site lived or conducted business farther away from the site. Interviewees expressed the following general concerns about the potential effects of contamination. • Long-term health effects of water contamination and associated vapors. • Effects on property values. • Effects on wildlife in and around Little Eagle Creek. • Potential future effects on Speedway drinking water sources. 3.3 KEY QUESTIONS ASKED Individuals asked EPA questions to increase their knowledge about the West Vermont site. Most people asked questions related to the history and current status of the site, including when the pollution started, what caused it, what media (such as soil, air, water) are polluted, what chemicals are involved, what dangers to health are posed by the contamination, and what actions have been conducted or will take place in the future. The main questions that came up during the community interviews are organized by prevalent themes and presented below. Responses to the questions are included where possible, based on information provided by EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site Investigation and Cleanup • Where did the contamination come from? o Investigation of the source of contamination will occur during the investigation phase and the results will provide data to confirm or exclude potential sources. Some potential sources of the groundwater contamination have been identified, as a result of their historic operations and known individual contaminant releases on their property(ies). • How far is the contamination spreading? o The groundwater contamination covers an area approximately 18 acres in size and contains dissolved chemicals including trichloroethylene (also known as TCE), tetrachloroethylene (also known as PCE) and vinyl chloride. TCE is used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts. PCE is used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing. Vinyl chloride is used to make a variety of plastic products and can be formed when other chemicals like TCE and PCE break down. The estimated extent of contamination is based on analytical results of groundwater samples collected from nearby groundwater monitoring wells. EPA will continue to investigate the site and future results will help to more clearly define the magnitude and extent of contamination. • How long will the investigation and cleanup take? o The site has been proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List, which is a list of sites nationwide that are eligible to receive federal funding for investigation and long-term cleanup. Once a site is approved for inclusion on the list, EPA will conduct a study to define the nature and boundaries of the contamination, which will be followed by a study to evaluate various options to clean up or address the contamination. Based on EPA experience at similar sites, the initial investigation, known as a remedial investigation, which seeks to address data gaps, is estimated to be completed in one to two years. Following the remedial investigation, a study known as a feasibility study will be conducted to identify and compare cleanup options. This process may take up to one to two more years. EPA will then propose a cleanup plan, which will be released for public comment. After public comments are received, a final cleanup decision will be made, formally documented in a document known as record of decision, and cleanup will begin. Ongoing long-term monitoring of the site may be required during and after the cleanup process. • Why aren't you testing for contamination in other areas where there is heavy industrial activity? o An approximate boundary has been drawn around the contaminated area based on data collected from groundwater monitoring wells to date. Further investigation of the subject area will help to clarify the nature and extent of contamination, and will confirm the boundaries. Additional testing for contamination in other areas may be conducted if needed based on further investigation results. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site Health and Safety • Is there any evidence of adverse health effects among residents at the site? o No, there has been no reported evidence of adverse health effects associated with the contamination detected in groundwater wells. • Is it safe to plant gardens and other vegetation on or near the site? o Yes, since the depth of the contaminated groundwater is about 10 to 15 feet below ground surface, as well as available scientific data, vegetation on the ground surface near the site should not be adversely affected. • Is the city water safe to drink? o Yes, the public distribution of water from the city of Indianapolis meets federal drinking water quality standards that are protective of human health. Public drinking water companies are obligated under EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act to test drinking water supply systems before distribution. The test data is available at the local public water company. To access the water quality reports, residents should contact the local public water company. 3.4 INFORMATION REQUESTED Several residents asked how they could access the water and air sampling data. Once the data undergoes a thorough quality control review, EPA will notify community members that the data is available by posting a notice on the site Web page. Sample results from individual properties will be mailed by letter to those home owners. Also, a summary of the sampling results will be placed in the administrative records and the information repositories at the Speedway Public Library and Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville branch. Representatives from Citizens Energy requested a basic fact sheet from EPA to help them answer questions about the investigation and cleanup process. Representatives from Marion County Public Health Department requested that EPA share data collected from indoor vapor intrusion studies. Vapor intrusion occurs when volatile chemicals or petroleum products are spilled or leak into the underground and give off gases or vapors that can seep inside buildings. The vapors can move through the soil and seep through cracks in basements, foundations, sewer lines and other openings. Substances that can cause vapor intrusion are gasoline or diesel fuel, industrial solvents and other volatile organic compounds like industrial degreasers. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 4. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM Opportunities exist for communities to be involved in each step of the cleanup process. Community members can help to identify the locations of hazardous waste sites, potential parties responsible for contamination, past operations and site use that may have contributed to site contaminants, and how the land might be used following implementation of the cleanup process. Community members also may contribute to the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup by reporting trespassing, flooding, odors or other unusual conditions after the initial cleanup. EPA developed community involvement objectives for the West Vermont site to encourage public participation, outline a roadmap for informing residents and interested officials about site activities, and clarify opportunities for public input during the site investigation and cleanup processes. To be effective, the community involvement program for the West Vermont site must be tailored to the community's desire for information, and its interest and willingness to participate in the process. The following objectives have been developed as a roadmap for implementing community involvement activities at the West Vermont site. 4.1 ENLIST THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES Local officials provide an invaluable resource in EPA's effort to understand and monitor community concerns. Local officials' frequent contact with residents provides direct lines of communication in which questions and concerns may be addressed or referred to EPA. It is essential that local officials be informed of site activities, plans, findings and developments. The appropriate officials that will be kept informed and involved include individuals listed in Appendix B of this CI P. State and local agencies have been and will continue to be involved in collaborating with EPA regarding ongoing site investigation and cleanup, as well as assessing and communicating health effects. These agencies include the Marion County Public Health Department, Indianapolis mayor's office, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and ATSDR. Several individuals from these agencies were instrumental in helping EPA to coordinate and provide information to local residents and business owners during the community interview process. A member of ATSDR also attended the interviews to assist EPA in answering health-related questions. 4.2 IDENTIFY AND ASSESS RESIDENT PERCEPTION OF THE SITE Information regarding residents' concern and perception of the site is critical. As of the publication of this document, the primary concerns are summarized in Section 3 of this CIP and include: long-term health effects of groundwater contamination and associated vapors; property values; wildlife in and around Little Eagle Creek; and the potential future effect of site contamination on drinking water sources. Understanding these concerns will help EPA focus future community involvement efforts at the site. Background information and the issues of local concern will determine those activities that best meet the community's needs. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 4.3 PROVIDE FOLLOW-UP EXPLANATIONS ABOUT TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES AND CONTAMINANTS As the investigations continue, EPA will make an effort to supply concise, easily understood and timely information to area residents concerning the purpose, schedule and intended outcomes of technical activities. After additional sampling data undergoes a thorough quality control review, EPA will notify community members that additional data is available by posting a notice on the site Web page. Sample results from individual properties will be mailed by letter to those respective home owners. Also, a summary of the sampling results will be placed in the administrative records and the information repositories at the Speedway Public Library and the Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville branch. 4.4 MAKE SITE-RELATED INFORMATION EASILY ACCESSIBLE An information repository should be established in a location that is easily accessible to the public. Information repositories typically contain correspondence, reports and site-related documents explaining the nature and extent of site contamination, planned and ongoing cleanup efforts, and general information about EPA cleanup programs (such as CERCLA or Superfund). Information repositories are typically set up in centrally located places such as public libraries and provide a convenient way for community members to learn about the site and how to participate in the cleanup process. As a result of the community interviews, EPA established an information repository at the Speedway Public Library and an administrative record and information repository at the Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville branch. Additionally, an administrative record containing documents specifically related to EPA's cleanup-related decisions was established in May 2010 and continues to be maintained at the Speedway Public Library. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 5. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TECHNIQUES EPA is required by law to conduct community involvement activities. As part of its goal to build and strengthen trusting relationships with local communities, EPA often conducts other activities beyond what is required by law. Through these activities, EPA can achieve its goal of keeping the affected community informed, involved and engaged during the cleanup process. The Agency's planned activities for the West Vermont site include a combination of activities that will be conducted to specifically respond to the needs, concerns and questions expressed during the community interviews. EPA has implemented, or will implement, the activities described below to meaningfully and actively inform and engage the community in decisions regarding ongoing site investigation and cleanup efforts. 5.1 ESTABLISH A POINT OF CONTACT Mr. Charles Rodriguez has been identified as the primary liaison between EPA and the community. In his role as the Community Involvement Coordinator, Mr. Rodriguez serves as the primary point of contact for community members and fields general questions about the West Vermont site. Mr. Rodriguez can be reached by email at rodriguez.charles@epa.gov or by telephone at 312-886-7472. Community members may also contact Mr. Timothy Maley with technical questions or concerns about the site. Mr. Maley is acting as the Site hydrogeologist and Remedial Project Manager and can be reached by email at maley.timothy@epa.gov or by telephone at 312-886-6623. 5.2 PROVIDE A TOLL-FREE NUMBER Mr. Rodriguez can also be reached toll free at 800-621-8431, ext. 67472, weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The goal is to improve the flow and ease of communication between EPA and the community. Residents can call this number as questions or concerns arise, rather than wait for a public meeting or to receive written information. 5.3 ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A SITE-SPECIFIC MAILING LIST EPA created a mailing list that includes area residences within a 1/4-mile radius of the site and businesses within a 1-mile radius of the site, as well as contact information for interested parties who have requested to be kept informed about site activities. To keep it current, EPA will review and revise the list periodically. If you would like to be added to the site mailing list, contact Mr. Charles Rodriguez at 312-353-7472, or 800-621-8431, ext. 67472, or rodriguez.charles@epa.gov. 5.4 MAKE INFORMATION EASILY ACCESSIBLE ONLINE EPA has established a Web page for the West Vermont site at www.epa.gov/superfund/west-vermont-water. The site contains historic and current information about site cleanup and community involvement activities. EPA will continue to maintain and update the website as investigation and cleanup efforts progress. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 5.5 MAKE INFORMATION EASILY ACCESSIBLE LOCALLY The administrative record for the West Vermont site is available for public review at the EPA regional office in Chicago, the Speedway Public Library and the Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville branch. Additionally, site information repositories have been established at these three locations. Appendix C of this CIP includes additional information on these locations. EPA also is open to the community's suggestions for additional repository locations. 5.6 COORDINATE WITH THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS ON NEWS RELEASES AND MEDIA INQUIRIES Prepared statements will be released to local media to announce any significant milestones and/or findings at the site during the investigation and cleanup and to notify the community of scheduled public meetings. Media interviews of EPA staff are coordinated through the Office of Public Affairs. News releases allow EPA to reach large audiences quickly. EPA typically publishes news releases and public notices to announce major events such as public comment periods, public meetings and major milestones such as the selection of a cleanup plan. EPA will continue to issue news releases and public notices, as needed, as site activities progress. News releases are posted on the West Vermont site Web page at: www.epa.gov/superfund/west-vermont-water. 5.7 PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE FACT SHEETS AND SITE UPDATES EPA has produced fact sheets and site update reports, written in easily understandable language, and produced to coincide with site milestones (such as the completion of an investigation or to announce upcoming events such as community interviews). EPA uses these written mechanisms to provide the community with detailed information in a relatively quick, simple and easy-to-understand manner. In addition to being distributed to individuals on the site mailing list, fact sheets and updates are placed in the information repositories and posted on the West Vermont site Web page. 5.8 CONDUCT PUBLIC MEETINGS Public meetings provide an opportunity for EPA to present specific information and a proposed course of action. EPA staff is available to provide information and answer questions. Public meetings can either be informal and designed to exchange information in a small group setting, or they can be formal and may include opportunities to provide public comments that are captured in a verbatim meeting transcript. Whether formal or informal, public meetings are designed to provide community members with an opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions of EPA, state, tribal or local government officials. In addition, EPA occasionally holds informal open-house style meetings where residents can meet Agency experts one-on-one to discuss site activities. Public meetings or informal open houses may be held at various times throughout the investigation and cleanup process. Scheduling meetings should remain flexible to account for technical milestones and public interest. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 5.9 CONTINUE TO CONTACT AND CONDUCT OUTREACH WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND INTERESTED PARTIES EPA has established a connection with the community. By conducting the community interviews in February and March 2016, EPA attempted to strengthen and broaden the connection. The CIC and the EPA cleanup team will continue to make occasional visits to the West Vermont Site to meet with residents and local officials, and will continue to communicate through individual telephone calls, teleconference calls, and in-person visits to keep the community informed about ongoing and planned site activities. Additionally, at any time, community members also may contact EPA's CIC, Mr. Rodriguez, to obtain information or ask questions. Informal conversations provide a forum for EPA to interact one-on-one with individuals or small groups and respond directly to questions and concerns. 5.10 SOLICIT INPUT DURING PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODS EPA occasionally provides opportunities for formal public comments on key decisions such as proposed cleanup plans. During a formal public comment period, community members are notified of various ways to submit their comments (for example, by mail, email, in person at a public meeting, or via other established methods) and have a specified period of time during which they can submit comments. If and when the West Vermont site is approved for inclusion on the National Priorities List, after the site investigation and the feasibility study to evaluate cleanup options are complete, EPA will issue a proposed cleanup plan and hold a public comment period to receive input on the plan. Following the public comment period, EPA will consider all input before making a final cleanup decision to be documented in a document called record of decision. Responses to comments will be summarized in a document called a responsiveness summary, which will be placed in the site information repositories and posted on the site Web page. 5.11 PROVIDE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINANTS ATSDR has been working closely with EPA during the West Vermont site investigation to assess the potential public health impact of exposure to contaminants found in the groundwater. ATSDR will be drafting a Public Health Assessment for the site, which will provide health information about exposure to the vinyl chloride and other site-related contaminants. The assessment will also provide recommended actions for protecting the public's health. As part of this process, ATSDR will: • Evaluate the contaminant concentrations found in groundwater and indoor air. • Evaluate the potential health effects of human exposure through "exposure pathways" such as groundwater, eating foods grown in the soil, or inhaling vapors. • Evaluate community health information from various sources. • Understand and address community health concerns. To talk with someone at ATSDR about health concerns, community members can call 312-886-0840. EPA meets with residents affected by the West Vermont site. SEPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site 6. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITY TIMEFRAME The following table outlines the timeframe for community involvement activities at the West Vermont site. Community Involvement Activities Timeframe 1. Establish a point of contact. Completed 2. Provide a toll-free number. Completed 3. Establish and maintain a site-specific mailing list. Ongoing 4. Make information easily accessible online. Ongoing 5. Make information easily accessible locally. Ongoing 6. Coordinate with the office of public affairs on news releases and media inquiries. As needed 7. Prepare and distribute fact sheets and site updates. As needed 8. Conduct public meetings. As needed 9. Continue to contact and conduct outreach with local officials, community members and interested parties. Ongoing 10. Solicit input during public comment periods. As needed 11. Provide health information about exposure to contaminants. Ongoing &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site APPENDIX A COMMUNITY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What do you know about the environmental issues at the West Vermont site? 1a. How did you learn that information (i.e., your source of info)? 2. What concerns do you have about the site in general (i.e. environmental, health and/or economic)? 2a. In your opinion, who else in the community shares your concerns? 3. What would you like to know about the site? 4. How would you rate the overall level of community interest in being involved in activities related to the site? High, medium, or low? 4a. Aside from providing general updates about site activities, how can the EPA involve community members in a more meaningful way? 5. How do most people get their information in your community? a. U.S. Mail? b. Email? c. Local TV or radio (which are best)? d. Local newspapers (which are best)? e. Local organizations (which ones)? f. Public meetings? g. Internet (i.e. EPA website) 6. How would you personally prefer to receive information? (same options as above) 7. EPA has a repository of site-related documents set up at the Speedway Public Library located at 5633 W 25th St. - Have you ever used it? 7a. Do you think that's a convenient location for most people? (If not, ask where they think might be a more convenient publicly-accessible location.) 8. How often would you like to be updated? (i.e. quarterly, every two months, or only when significant milestones have been completed?) 9. Did you receive the flyer about the community interviews in the mail? (If not, ask whether they would like to be added to the site mailing list and confirm their mailing address.) 10. Where do you recommend that EPA hold public meetings about the site? 10a. What are the most convenient days/times of the week for most people to attend a public meeting? 11. Are there any other individuals or organizations you think we should interview? (Ask if they can provide contact information) 12. In your opinion, what makes this community special? &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site APPENDIX B — LIST OF CONTACTS (Updated as of April 2016) B.1 FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS Senator Dan Coats 493 Russell Office Building Washington, DC 20510 District Office 1650 Market Tower 10 West Market Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Senator Joe Donnelly 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5623 Fax: 202-228-1820 Web: www.coats.senate.gov/ 317-554-0750 Fax: 317-554-0760 202-224-4814 Fax: 202-224-5011 Web: www.donnelly.senate.gov/ District Office 115 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Representative Andre Carson 2453 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 317-226-5555 Fax: 317-855-772-7518 202-225-4011 Fax: 202-225-5633 Web: www.carson.house.gov/ District Office 300 E. Fall Creek Parkway North Drive Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46205 B.2 STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS 317-283-6516 Fax: 317-283-6567 Governor Mike Pence 200 W. Washington Street, Room 206 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Senator R. Michael Young District 35 200 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Representative Justin Moed District 97 200 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-4567 Web: www.in.gov/gov/ 800-382-9467 Web: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/legislators/legislat or_r_michael_young_645/ 800-382-9842 Web: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2016/legislators/legislat orjustin_moed_908/ SEPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site B.3 INDIANAPOLIS-MARION COUNTY OFFICIALS Mayor Joe Hogsett 2501 City-County Building 200 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Kelly Carter Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services 2160 City-County Building 200 E Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Councilor Marilyn Pfisterer City-County Council, District 15 241 City-County Building 200 E. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 District Office 1001 Mt. Auburn Drive Indianapolis, IN 46224 Pam Thevenow, Administrator Water Quality and Hazardous Materials Marion County Public Health Department 3901 Meadows Drive, 2nd Floor Indianapolis, IN 46305 B.4 TOWN OF SPEEDWAY OFFICIALS Ian Nicolini, Town Manager 1450 N. Lynhurst Drive Speedway, IN 46224 David Lindsey, President/Councilor 1450 N. Lynhurst Drive Speedway, IN 46224 Kenneth Hull, Superintendent of schools 5335 W 25th Street Speedway, IN 46224 317-327-3601 Fax: 317-327-3980 Web: www.indy.gov/eGov/Mayor/Pages/home.aspx 317-408-1991 Email: kelly.carter@indy.gov Web: www.indy.gov/eGov/Mayor/getintouch/Neighbor h ood_Se rvices/TA/Wayn e/Pages/home.aspx 317-327-4242 Web: www.indy.gov/eGov/Council/Councillors/Biograp hy/Pages/district_15.aspx 317-244-7156 317-221-2266 Email: pthevenow@marionhealth.org Web: http://marionhealth.org/programs/environment al-health/water-quality-and-hazardous- materials-management/ 317-246-4111 Email: inicolini@speedwayin.gov Web: www.speedwayin.gov/egov/apps/staff/directory. egov?path=pro&usr=1421 317-557-7755 Email: david.lindsey@speedwayin.gov Web: www.speedwayin.gov/council/ 317-244-0236 Email:khull@speedwayschools.org Web: www.speedwayin.gov/department/board.php7str uctureid=27 B-2 &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site B.5 WAYNE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE OFFICIALS Andy Harris, Trustee 317-241-4191 5401 W. Washington Street Email: information@waynetwp.org Indianapolis, IN 46241 Web: www.waynetwp.org/ B.6 EPA REPRESENTATIVES Charles Rodriguez Community Involvement Coordinator EPA Region 5 77 W. Jackson Boulevard (SI-7J) Chicago, IL 60604-3507 Timothy Maley Remedial Project Manager EPA Region 5 77 W. Jackson Boulevard (SR-6J) Chicago, IL 60604-3507 EPA West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Website: www.epa.gov/superfund/west-vermont-water 312-886-7472 800-621-8431, ext. 67472 Email: rodriguez.charles@epa.gov 312-886-6623 800-621-8431, ext. 66623 Email: maley.timothy@epa.gov B.7 AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES AND DISEASE REGISTRY REPRESENTATIVES Mark Johnson, Ph.D. 312-886-0840 Regional Director Email: johnson.mark@epa.gov 77 W. Jackson Boulevard, Room 413, M/S 4J Chicago, IL 60604-3507 B.8 INDIANA REPRESENTATIVES RexOsborn 317-234-0351 Indiana Department of Environmental Management Email: rosborn@idem.in.gov 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204 B.9 CITIZENS ENERGY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Jessica Castellanos 317-927-4521 Public Outreach Coordinator Email: jcastellanos@citizensenergygroup.com 2020 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 Ryan Taylor 317-927-6053 Engineering Project Manager Email: rtaylor@citizensenergygroup.com 2020 N. Meridian Street Web: www.citizensenergygroup.com/ Indianapolis, IN 46202 &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site B.10 NEWS MEDIA B.10.1 NEWSPAPERS West Side Community NewsAA/est Indianapolis Community News (weekly) 608 S. Vine Street Indianapolis, IN 46241 Speedway Town Press (weekly) 1538 Main Street Speedway, IN 46224 317-241-7363 Fax: 317-240-NEWS Email: communitynews@communitypapers.net Web: www.facebook.com/West-Side- Community-News-West-lndianapolis- Community-News-169844456398318/ 317-241-4345 Fax: 317-241-4386 Email: thepress@in-motion.net Web: https://speedwaypress.wordpress.com/local- news/ B.10.2 TELEVISION WTHR-TV, Channel 13 1000 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 WISH-TV, Channel 8 1950 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 WXIN, Channel 59 6910 Network Place Indianapolis, IN 46278 B.10.3 RADIO 317-636-1313 Web: www.wthr.com 317-923-8888 Web: www.wishtv.com 317-687-6584 Web: www.Fox59.com WEDJ 107.1 FM Radio Latina WNTS 1590 AM EXITOS Continental Broadcast Group L.L.C. 1800 N. Meridian Street, Suite 201 Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-239-1071 Web: www.wedjfm.com/ Web: www.exitos1590.com/ B-4 &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site APPENDIX C INFORMATION REPOSITORIES AND POSSIBLE PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS C.1 ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS AND INFORMATION REPOSITORIES Administrative records and general information about the West Vermont site and EPA cleanup programs are available for public review at the following locations: EPA Region 5 Documents Management Division 77 W. Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604-3507 312-886-6541 (please call for an appointment) Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville Branch 2121 W. Michigan Street Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-275-4420 Web: www.indypl.org/locations/haughville/ Branch manager: Nancy Mobley Hours Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday Speedway Public Library 5633 W. 25th Street Speedway, IN 46224 317-243-8959 Web: www.speedway.lib.in.us/ Library manager: Darsi Bohr SPEEDWAY PUBLIC LIBRARY Winter Hours (August-May) Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday Summer Hours (June-July) Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday The Indianapolis Public Library - Haughville Branch and the Speedway Public Library maintain an administrative record that contains documents EPA has relied on in making cleanup decisions for the site. General information about the site and EPA cleanup programs is available in the information repositories at both libraries. SEPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site C.2 PUBLIC MEETING FACILITIES Based on input collected during community interviews, EPA has identified the following potential venues for public meeting: Thatcher Park Community Center 4649 W. Vermont Street Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-327-7390 Web: www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DPR/Pages/lndyParksHome.aspx Contact: park manager Garden City Elementary School 4901 Rockville Road Indianapolis, IN 46224 317-988-8300 Web: www.wayne.k12.in.us/gce/ Contact: Dr. Pamela Hardy, principal Speedway Public Library 5633 West 25th Street Speedway, IN 46224 317-243-8959 Web: www.speedway.lib.in.us/ Contact: Darsi Bohr, library manager Christamore House Family and Community Center 502 N Tremont Street Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-635-7211 Web: www.christamoreguild.org/ Contact: Pitt Thompson, executive director Wayne Township Government Center 5401 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46241 317- 241-4191 Web: www.waynetwp.org/ Contact: Andy Harris, trustee Fairfax Christian Church 602 N Berwick Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46222 317-632-2914 Contact: Tom Richason, pastor To ensure a good turnout, interview respondents advised that EPA hold public meetings early in the week during both the daytime and early evening hours. C-2 &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site APPENDIX D GLOSSARY Administrative Record: Through a compilation of documents, the administrative record tells the story of why EPA decided to conduct a cleanup in a particular manner and provides documentation showing how the public was involved in selecting the cleanup. More information on the administrative record can be found at www.epa.gov/enforcement/guidance-compiling-administrative-records-superfund- response-actions. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: ATSDR serves the public by using the best science, taking responsive public health actions, and providing trusted health information to prevent harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances. For more information, visitwww.atsdr.cdc.gov/. Community Involvement Coordinator: The CIC is the lead EPA staff member responsible for site-specific community involvement and outreach. The CIC works with the on-scene coordinator or remedial project manager (who are responsible for technical site activities) to inform the public about testing and cleanup activities and address questions and concerns of local residents. Community Involvement Plan: A CI P is one of many tools that EPA uses to meaningfully engage and collaborate with communities during site assessments, investigations, cleanup and reuse activities. CIPs provide information about the EPA's past, ongoing, and planned site activities. They also serve as a guide to address community concerns and to keep residents informed and engaged in site-related decisions. The document is available in the site's information repository maintained by EPA. The CIP may be modified as necessary to respond to changes in community concerns, information needs and activities. More information on CIPs can be found at: www.epa.gov/superfund/community-involvement-tools-and-resources. Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980: CERCLA authorized EPA to identify parties responsible for contamination and compel those parties to clean up the sites. The law also granted authority for a federal fund to be created (called "Superfund") to pay for investigating and cleaning up the nation's most serious uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Also see "Superfund" below. Emergency Response Action: If a site poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment, an emergency response action will be taken immediately to stop the threat. EJSCREEN: EJSCREEN is an environmental justice mapping and screening tool that provides EPA with a nationally consistent dataset and approach for combining environmental and demographic indicators. EJSCREEN users choose a geographic area; the tool then provides demographic and environmental information for that area. All of the EJSCREEN indicators are publicly-available data. EJSCREEN simply provides a way to display this information and includes a method for combining environmental and demographic indicators into EJ indexes. For more information on EJSCREEN, visit www.epa.gov/ejscreen. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site Indiana Department of Environmental Management: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management's mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect human health and the environment. For more information on the department's services, visit www.in.gov/idem/. Information Repository: An information repository is a record storage area at or near a Superfund site that contains all correspondence, reports, and documents pertaining to the site, as well as general Superfund program information. At an information repository, people can research the site and the law pertaining to the cleanup, learn how to participate in the cleanup process, and copy any information found at the repository. Marion County Public Health Department: The Water Quality and Hazardous Materials Management Department of the public health department primarily conducts inspections and issues permits and licenses in the following areas: water quality, indoor air, hazardous materials, emergency response, sewer connections, septic system assessment, well sampling, sanitary sewer overflows, and various other environmental concerns. For more information on the department's services, visit http://marionhealth.org/programs/environmental-health/water-quality-and-hazardous- materials-management/. Methane gas: Methane is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic and flammable gas. Mixed with certain proportions of air, it can be dangerously explosive. Methane is a greenhouse gas that occurs naturally. National Priorities List: The National Priorities List is the list of the nation's top priority hazardous waste sites that are eligible for investigation and cleanup under the Superfund program. Safe Drinking Water Act: The Safe Drinking Water Act was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996, and requires many actions to protect drinking water and its sources: rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs and groundwater wells. (SDWA does not regulate private wells that serve fewer than 25 individuals.) SDWA authorizes EPA to set national health-based standards for drinking water to protect against both naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that may be found in drinking water. EPA, states and water systems then work together to make sure that these standards are met. Originally, SDWA focused primarily on treatment as the means of providing safe drinking water at the tap. The 1996 amendments greatly enhanced the existing law by recognizing source water protection, operator training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as important components of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water by protecting it from source to tap. Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. SARA made modifications to CERCLA, enacted on October 17, 1986. Superfund. Superfund is the commonly used term for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)\ Tetrachloroethylene is a man-made chemical used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing and is a colorless, nonflammable liquid. It is also used as a starting material for making other chemicals and is used in some consumer products. More information on the health effects of tetrachloroethylene can be found at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/TF.asp?id=264&tid=48. Trichloroethylene (TCE): Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid that evaporates quickly into the air. It is nonflammable and has a sweet odor. The two major uses of trichloroethylene are as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts and as a chemical that is used to make other chemicals, especially the refrigerant. More information on the health effects of trichloroethylene can be found at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs. asp?id=171 &tid=30. Vapor Intrusion: Vapor intrusion generally occurs when a chemical evaporates from contaminated underground supplies of drinking water or soil and seeps into the building above. These chemicals can emit vapors that may move through soils and into indoor air spaces of overlying buildings in ways similar to that of radon gas seeping into homes. More information on vapor intrusion can be found at www.epa.gov/vaporintrusion/what-vapor-intrusion. Vinyl Chloride: Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas. It burns easily and is not stable at high temperatures. It has a mild, sweet odor. It is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally. It can be formed when other substances such as trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene are broken down. Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride. PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. More information of the health effects of vinyl chloride can be found at www. atsd r. cd c. g ov/toxf aq s/tf acts2 0. pdf. D-3 &EPA ------- Community Involvement Plan for the West Vermont Drinking Water Contamination Site APPENDIX E ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liability Act CIC Community Involvement Coordinator CIP Community Involvement Plan EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency PCE T etrachloroethylene PVC Polyvinyl Chloride SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act SWDA Safe Drinking Water Act TCE Trichloroethylene &EPA ------- |