iNfORMATiON REpOsiTORy

DESCRipTioN

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.

RequIrecI Adiviiy?

Yes. The NCP at 40 CFR § 300.415(n)(3)(iii) and 40 CFR § 300.430(c)(2)(iii) requires the
lead agency to "[establish at least one local information repository at or near the location of
the response action."

IMAkiNq ii WorL

WhEN to Use

The information repository should be established early in the response action and be well
publicized. At least one repository must be established at or near a remedial site before the
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) begins. Also, for removals where on-site
action is expected to exceed 120 days, EPA shall, before the end of those 120 days, establish
an information repository at or near the site. For removal actions with a planning period of at
least six months, the Agency must follow the same procedures outlined above and make the
information repository and the administrative record available no later than the date of the
signing of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) approval memorandum. The
Agency must inform the public of the establishment of the information repository. The avail-
ability of the administrative record must be announced through the publication of a Public
Notice in a local newspaper of general circulation.

How to Use

The two most significant issues are determining the location(s) and choosing the materials for
the information repository. The number of repositories established depends on the distance of
the site to surrounding communities. Specific locations are often determined during Commu-
nity Interviews. The repository should be easily accessible by the public. Some common
locations are public libraries, city halls, and public health offices where public access is
convenient and photocopying equipment is available. Alternative locations include fire stations
or religious buildings. The repository should be accessible during normal business hours. The
facility must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Visit the
Center for Independence (CFI) Internet site: www.centerforindependence.org/. The site
includes weekly updates and information about making your public space accessible. For a
free copy of the ADA Guide for Small Businesses, call CFI at (970) 241-0315.

The CIC makes arrangements for the location of the information repository by contacting the
likely facility and negotiating with the facility's point of contact. If a copy machine is not
available, it is possible to purchase one with site funds. Repository contents should be orga-
nized, indexed, and situated in a spacious area. CIC planning of the arrangement of the
documents in advance is advised. Multiple copies should be made to compensate for mis-
placed documents. Repository contents should be updated regularly with recent information.

The CIC does not physically place documents into the repository. This is usually the responsi-
bility of a contractor or Regional Documents Manager. The repository should be maintained

See Public
Notices.
Tab 33

See

Community
Interviews.
Tab 5

See Internet-
Tab 10

Last Updated:

September 2002


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I n ForiviAiioN REposiiORy

See Media-
Tab 25

See Internet-
Tab 10

by a custodian. Pertinent materials are typically mailed to the repository location with instruc-
tions on indexing and placement. Documents relating to the Administrative Record are sent to
the information repository by a Regional Records Department. The repository custodian should
create and revise an index when each new document is added to the repository. The CIC
should notify the custodian of the repository of these responsibilities when soliciting the
facility's cooperation.

The CIC is responsible for visiting the repository regularly to ensure that all necessary materi-
als are easily accessible and that documents in the repository clearly indicate how individuals
can comment on them. One method is to place a cover note on documents indicating who is to
receive comments and by when. Moreover, the CIC must publicize the repository's location
and hours of operation by notifying local government officials, citizen groups, and the Media.
The CIC may also inform the public by printing articles in community and church newsletters.

Electronic versions of the information repository are in the developmental phase. When
operational, they will be located with traditional repositories at standard repository sites.
Information will be accessible on personal computers via CD-ROM, diskettes, and the
Internet. The CIC should cooperate with the Regional Documents Manager in determining
electronic repository options.

The CIC should recommend to the Remedial Project Manager that the repository be indexed
in a simple and convenient manner. The following is a sample information repository index:

CERCLA, and RCRA;

NCP;

Hazard Ranking System (HRS), a scoring system used by EPA to determine the
relative threat of a hazardous release;

Community Involvement Plan;

Technical Assistance Grant application information;

Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study work plan (RI/FS);

Remedial Investigation report;

Draft and Final Feasibility Study Reports;

Proposed Plan;

Responsiveness Summary, comprised of the lead agency's written response to signifi-
cant comments;

Signed Record of Decision (ROD), the actual remedy selected to clean up the site;
Administrative order on consent or consent decree;

Remedial design work plan;

Cooperative agreement, if a state-lead site;

Documentation of site sampling results;

Published studies;

Technical or scientific data;

Common contaminants information;

Brochures, fact sheets, and other information about the Superfund program and the
specific site;

2


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iNfORMATiON REpOsiTORy

® Press releases, newspaper articles, and other publicity materials that pertain to the site;
® Maps of the site;

• Notices of availability, meetings, and public comment periods from local newspapers;
and

® Summaries of public meetings.

Ensure materials are in the repository before the public is advised to access them.

ReLatecI TooLs/Resources iN tUe TooLkii

® Public Comment Periods. Tab 31
® Community Involvement Plans. Tab 7
® Fact Sheets. Tab 15
® Media. Tab 25
® Public Meetings. Tab 32
® Technical Assistance for Communities. Tab 41


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