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Freya Margand National TAG Program Manager Contact: margand.freya@epa

Freya Margand National TAG Program Manager Contact: margand.freya@epa.gov. EPA’s Superfund Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program Pipeline Safety Trust Conference. TAG Background. CERCLA (sect. 117(e)) as amended by SARA (1986)

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Freya Margand National TAG Program Manager Contact: margand.freya@epa

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

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. “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

  8. 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

  9. 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

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

  11. Lessons Learned (EPA) • EPA must inform community and maintain open two-way 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

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

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