EPAs Superfund Technical Assistance Grant TAG Program Pipeline

EPA’s Superfund Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program Pipeline Safety Trust Conference • Freya Margand • National TAG Program Manager • Contact: margand. freya@epa. gov

TAG Background • CERCLA (sect. 117(e)) as amended by SARA (1986) – – – For independent technical assistance in interpreting information To a groups of individuals affected by the site From initial investigation through operation and maintenance Initial award of up to $50, 000 20% match required • 1988 - TAG regulations finalized (40 CFR Part 35). – October 2, 2000 - last revision of regulations. • EPA policies • Regional staff – program implementation • Headquarters – policy issues, national publications, coordination and consistency among regions. EPA 2

Use of TAG funds • Most of the funds for procuring a technical advisor to: – – – explain site related technical information make site visits to learn about activities travel to meetings/hearings about site evaluate site plans for reuse interpret & explain health-related information • Limited amount of funds for grant management and administrative expenses EPA 3

Not Allowed • • • No lobbying No travel for group members No lawsuits or legal assistance/actions No social activities, fundraising or entertaining No tuition or training (one-time health & safety for TA excepted) • No reopening or challenging final decisions. EPA 4

Eligibility Requirements • Only one TAG at a time at a site • Listed on National Priorities List, or proposed with CERCLA action underway. • Group of individuals affected by site • Group is incorporated as nonprofit • Minimum federal grant administrative & managements met • Must include 20% cost share in project budget EPA 5

Ineligible Entities • • No groups affiliated with national organizations No academic institutions No political subdivisions No PRPs, or groups representing or receiving money from PRPs • No groups established by or sustained by any of the above EPA 6

“Competition” Process • Interested group submits letter of intent (LOI) to regional EPA office • EPA notifies broader community of LOI in local newspaper(s) • 30 days for coalition-building or other LOIs • 30 days to complete application • 90 days to revise/clarify application per EPA comments EPA 7

Criteria for Selection • Meets all minimum eligibility requirements • Ranking based on three equally-weighted criteria: – Membership is representative of broader community interests – plan to use the technical advisor – plan and ability to inform the rest of the community EPA 8

Funding • Initial award of up to $50, 000 (by Statute) • Additional (non-competed) funding based on specific criteria: – Groups grant management track record – Site characteristics meet 3 out of 10 under 40 CFR § 35. 4065 • TAG funding is cost recoverable in final settlement • EPA can use site-specific accounts to fund TAGs EPA 9

TAGs Can Help • • • build trust lend credibility to EPA information create dialogue foster more engaged community better articulate concerns/views create better and more appropriate Agency decisions EPA 10

Lessons Learned (EPA) • EPA must inform community and maintain open twoway communication • Clearly communicate what is and is not on the table for discussion (manage expectations) • Communicated with community directly, not through the TA • Recognize TAG group does not speak for the whole community • Must be prepared to provide a lot of support EPA 11

Lessons Learned (Community) • Group must be well organized and well connected with broader community • Most success when group takes a “problem-solving” approach w/ TA • Group must be open to receiving information contrary to original views • Organization w/ identity built on mistrust and conflict → unable to meaningfully engage broader community • Federal grant requirements can be burdensome • Can be difficult to find qualified technical advisors EPA 12

Lessons Learned (TA) • Best if truly independent, not an advocate for a particular viewpoint • Qualities – excellent communicator and approachable • Needs to communicate what is reasonable to expect from the cleanup process and their services • Should be based within a reasonable distance from community EPA 13

For More Information • EPA TAG website at http: //www. epa. gov/superfund/community/tag/index. htm EPA 14