EPA: We’re listening. Bunker Hill Site residents want new ways to get information about the cleanup…

Hello.

The Superfund cleanup project in the Coeur d’Alene Basin is one of the nation’s largest. It is also one of the most complex and controversial, affecting the lives of thousands of people. Information about decision-making, technical analysis and protecting human health can be difficult to interpret. EPA has heard that local residents want new ways to get information and more opportunities to be involved in decision-making. In response, EPA is offering a free resource to people throughout the basin: Technical Assistance Services for Communities, or TASC. TASC gives independent educational and technical assistance to communities.

TASC is coming to the Basin April 17, 18, and 19 to talk with interested citizens and groups. You are invited! Please come and learn about what this program has to offer. You will find out what kinds of services the program provides and how it works. You’ll also get a brief preview of work related to the cleanup project – so you can think about where educational or technical help might be useful. Then, if you wish, you can set up a time to talk with TASC representatives about the kinds of educational or technical support you think would benefit the community.

TASC could serve the community’s needs in many ways. Would a simple, non-EPA explanation of the upcoming ROD Amendment be helpful? Could families benefit from a refresher on how to avoid exposure to contamination? Do residents want help interpreting the upcoming design document for the new soil repository in the upper basin? Perhaps people would like a workshop explaining pollution cleanup methods? TASC wants to hear your suggestions.

This is a great time to get involved since there is so much cleanup activity planned for this year. Citizen groups and interest groups might be especially interested in tapping into this program. These meetings present an excellent opportunity to request free technical assistance.

EPA is committed to meaningful community engagement. We want local residents to have real opportunities to be involved in agency decision making and to have useful information about cleanup activities. We believe TASC can help, and we are pleased to provide these independent technical experts who can work for the community.

WALLACE
April 17, 6 pm
Wallace Inn, Gold Room
100 Front Street

POST FALLS
April 18, 10 am
City Hall, Council Chambers
408 N Spokane Street

KELLOGG
April 19, 2 pm and 6 pm
Silver Mountain Resort, Shoshone Room (away from main resort, between nearby apartments)
610 Bunker Avenue

Questions: Alison Frost, 719-256-6708, afrost@skeo.com