Final Revised Community Involvement Plan Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site November

FINAL REVISED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN WAUCONDA SAND AND GRAVEL SITE WAUCONDA, ILLINOIS NOVEMBER 2005 CONTRACT NUMBER: 68-W7-0026 WORK ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 231-CRCR-05ZZ DOCUMENT CONTROL NUMBER: RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION Section 1 Overview of the Community Involvement Plan A Brief Explanation of the Superfund Process Section 2 Site Background Site Location Site History Section 3 Community Background Community Profile Chronology of Community Involvement Key Community Issues and Concerns Health Potentially Responsible Parties/Wauconda Task Group Government Agencies Property Values New Housing Developments Section 4 Highlights of the Community Involvement Program Enlist the Support and Participation of Local Officials and Community Leaders Identify and Assess Citizen Perception of the Site Provide Follow-up Explanations about Technical Activities and Contaminants Inform the Community about the Procedures, Policies, and Requirements of Superfund Section 5 Community Involvement Techniques Maintain Contact with Local Officials and Community Leaders Maintain Contact with Area Residents Provide Site and Superfund Information on the Internet Maintain an Information Repository Write and Distribute News Releases Prepare and Distribute Fact Sheets or Update Reports Hold Public Meetings Publish Notices or Newspaper Advertisements Assist in the Development and Activities of a Community Advisory Group Revise the Community Involvement Plan Program Evaluation Section 6 Schedule and Timeline PAGE 1-1 1-2 2-1 2-1 2-1 3-1 3-1 3-1 3-2 3-2 3-4 3-5 3-8 3-8 4-1 4-1 4-1 4-2 4-2 5-1 5-1 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-4 5-4 5-4 5-5 5-5 5-5 6-1 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL i RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Glossary Information Repository and Public Meeting Locations List of Contacts and Interested Groups Community Interview Questions PAGE A-1 B-1 C-1 D-1 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE Figure 1 Figure 2 Site Location Map Community Involvement Timeline PAGE 2-3 6-1 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL ii RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site 1. OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN The purpose of this revised community involvement plan is to provide information about community concerns and present a plan that will enhance communication between local residents and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the investigation (called a remedial investigation/feasibility study) and cleanup at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. U.S. EPA completed the initial community relations plan on August 24, 1983. The initial community relations plan summarized the site history, the history of community involvement, key concerns of local officials and residents, and community relations activities to be conducted during the remedial investigation/feasibility study. (Words appearing in bold are defined in Attachment A.) The initial community relations plan developed in 1983 noted that the primary concerns expressed by those interviewed included further groundwater contamination, health concerns, surface water contamination of Mutton Creek (which flows to Island Lake), and concern that more wells might become contaminated. The objective of community involvement is to involve the public in activities and decisions related to the cleanup of Superfund sites. The Superfund community involvement program promotes two-way communication between members of the public and EPA. EPA has learned that its decision-making ability is enhanced by actively soliciting comments and information from the public. Public input can be useful in two ways: • Communities are able to provide valuable information on local history, citizen involvement and site conditions. • By expressing their concerns, the community is able to assist in developing a response that more effectively addresses the community’s needs. Information presented in this document was obtained from EPA, Illinois EPA, and through interviews with local officials, community leaders, and residents of Wauconda, Ill. in August 2004. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 1-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN This plan consists of the following sections: • • • • A description and brief history of the site. A profile of the Wauconda community. A discussion of issues and concerns raised during the community interviews. A discussion of community involvement objectives for the site and activities designed to implement them. This plan contains the following appendices: • • • • • A glossary of technical terms. A list of locations for public meetings and information repositories. A list of contacts and interested groups. A copy of the community interview questions. Instructions on how to use the information repository compact disc EPA Region 5 has the lead responsibility for managing the investigation and cleanup activities, and will oversee technical and community involvement work at the site. 1.1 A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE SUPERFUND PROCESS In 1980, the United States Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also called Superfund. This act authorizes EPA to investigate and respond to hazardous substance releases that may endanger public health and the environment. The 1980 law also established a $1.6 billion fund to pay for the investigation and cleanup of sites where parties responsible for the releases are unable or unwilling to address contamination problems. Congress amended and reauthorized the Superfund law in October 1986 as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, increasing the size of the fund to about $8.5 billion. In July 1982 the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site was placed on the Superfund list making it eligible for investigation and cleanup under the Superfund program. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 1-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN If one or more parties believed to be responsible for site contamination problems are identified, these potentially responsible parties may conduct the investigation into the contamination under EPA supervision. At this site, several companies have agreed to conduct the investigation under EPA supervision. If at any time the site poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment, EPA can intervene with an emergency response action. The investigation at the site will involve: • • • Identifying the types of contaminants present at and near the site. Determining the amount and level of contamination. Determining the potential risks to the community and environment. Upon completion of the investigation, these companies will also evaluate various alternatives to address problems at the site under the oversight of EPA. EPA will then evaluate and select the cleanup alternatives. The final cleanup plan will be approved and designed. The design and cleanup phase is referred to as the remedial design/remedial action. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 1-3 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site 2. 2.1 SITE BACKGROUND SITE LOCATION The 60-acre Wauconda Sand and Gravel site, located in Lake County, Illinois, includes six acres of licensed and 43 acres of unlicensed landfill areas. 2.2 SITE HISTORY From around 1955 until 1978, the site operated as a municipal waste landfill. Approximately three million cubic yards of waste were placed in the licensed and unlicensed landfills operated on the site. The entire site was closed and covered with a layer of clay, soil and vegetation in 1978. Since the late 1970s, leachate from the site entered the nearby Mutton Creek. Surface water samples taken from this creek in the early 1980s, revealed low concentrations of volatile organic compounds, PCBs and heavy metals. PCBs have not been detected in any subsequent studies. The site currently is restricted, although the property was at one time used for various recreational activities. Approximately 12 homes are located within one mile of the landfill. Threats and Contaminants Sampling of the ground water indicates contamination with heavy metals, VOCs, and pesticides. Leachate is contaminated with heavy metals and cyanide. Health threats include accidental ingestion of or direct contact with contaminated ground water or leachate. Cleanup Progress A legal agreement called an Administrative Order on Consent was reached between U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Wauconda Task Group (a group of companies considered potentially responsible for the contamination) in 1986, for additional investigations as well as installing leachate collection drains to stop leachate from running off the surface of the landfill and into Mutton Creek; providing for proper disposal of leachate either at the Wauconda Sewage Treatment Plant or a hazardous waste treatment facility; regrading depressed and eroded areas on the existing landfill soil cover with sufficient slope to promote rain runoff; revegetating bare and eroded areas to prevent erosion of soil into Mutton Creek; placing a fence around the site; cap repairs; and installation of a fence and leachate collection system. By 1987, all of these actions had been completed. The system was upgraded in 1996, by the addition of a This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 2-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site SITE BACKGROUND synthetic liner on the north slope to reduce rain/snow/sleet, etc. from getting into the landfill and creating leachate in that specific area. In 1989, EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order, called a UAO, for the Wauconda Task Group to perform the following: long-term monitoring of ground water and Mutton Creek; installation of additional air emission controls (including new and additional vents and, if required, an active collection system); imposing restrictions on use of on-site ground water; upgrading the landfill cover to reduce rain/snow/sleet, etc. from getting into the landfill and reduce gas from being released from the landfill, and to control erosion due to runoff from the site; continued operation of the leachate collection system; and long-term inspection and maintenance of the gas venting and leachate collection systems, site cover, fence, and the monitoring well network. The design of the remedy was completed in 1992. Subsequently, it was determined that an active gas venting system would not be required and all construction activities were completed in August 1996. In September1994, during the installation of off-site soil gas probes along the east side of the site, additional buried waste was discovered. A work plan for the delineation and investigation of the additional buried waste was submitted to EPA on March 6, 1995. Additional buried waste investigations began in June 1995 and concluded in July 1996. In February and April 1998, the Wauconda Task Group submitted plans for grading the additional buried waste to ensure that the landfill soil cover remained protective. EPA approved these plans in May 1998. The task group implemented the grading plans immediately after receiving the EPA's approval. In 2000, portions of the site were purchased by an independent party and the site was being considered for its reuse potential. A five-year review of the site was conducted in August 2002, and at that time, indicated that everything was in tact at the landfill. However, annual residential well sampling of approximately 10 to 12 wells, conducted by the Lake County Health Department since 1983, revealed an elevated level of vinyl chloride in one well in the Hillcrest subdivision in September 2003. As a result of that finding, in November 2003, 9 additional wells were sampled in November 2003. Four of those wells contained vinyl chloride. Then, in December 2003, seven of 10 more wells sampled also contained vinyl chloride. Following the initial detection and confirmation of vinyl chloride, EPA, Illinois EPA and the Illinois Department of Public Health were notified, which led to the investigation of the site to be re-opened. On January 30 and 31, 2004, EPA requested the Wauconda Task Group to sample 119 wells in Hillcrest and two wells in the North Shore subdivision. Results of that sampling showed that 79 wells in Hillcrest and the two wells sampled in North Shore contained vinyl chloride. The three wells found to contain levels above drinking-water standards between September and December 2003 were not re-sampled. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 2-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site SITE BACKGROUND Figure 1 Site Location Map This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 2-3 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site 3. 3.1 COMMUNITY BACKGROUND COMMUNITY PROFILE The village of Wauconda is located in Lake County, Illinois about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Wauconda was first settled by Justus and Mark Banks on the shore of a lake called Bangs Lake in their honor. Incorporated in 1877, Wauconda has a Supervisor/Trustee form of government. According to the 200 census, the population of Wauconda is 9,448. The median household income is $57,805 and the median house value is $161,000. Approximately 90 percent of the population is white with a median age of 35.8. Owner-occupied housing units makes up approximately 80 percent of the housing. Of those aged 25 or older, approximately 87 percent are high school graduates with 24 percent having a bachelor degree or higher. Of the population 16 years or older, approximately 75 percent are employed. Two major employers in the Wauconda are Stack-On Products (a manufacturer of tool storage systems) and Henri Studio, Inc. (a manufacturer of fountains and statuaries. The name Wauconda means “spirit water.” There are two stories about how the village got its name. One is that the village is named for a young Indian chief buried along the shore of Bangs Lake. The other is that a school teacher named Mr. Mills was so impressed with a portion of a story about Indian life in the West that referred to a body of water named Wauconda that he recommended that be the name of the village. 3.2 CHRONOLOGY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Representatives of EPA Region 5 has and will continue to respond to the community’s needs by speaking with residents and public officials, holding public meetings, and publishing fact sheets and update letters. EPA will continue to maintain contact with Wauconda officials. An information repository has been established at the Wauconda Area Library. The information repository will contain site-related legal and technical documentation, and is available for public review. An initial community relations plan was completed on August 24, 1983. The plan outlined the following concerns: further ground-water contamination, health concerns, surface water contamination of Mutton Creek (which flows to Island Lake), and concern that more wells might become contaminated. In April 1988, a proposed plan was developed describing the various alternatives considered for cleaning up the site. A public meeting was then held on May 11 to explain the alternatives and to accept public input This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND during an official public comment period on the alternatives. A transcript of the public meeting was also taken. Comments received during the comment period were summarized and responses to the comments were included in a responsiveness summary. On March 31, 1989 the record of decision, which explains EPA’s selected cleanup plan, was signed. In 1992 a fact sheet was developed and mailed to residents and officials on the site mailing list. This fact sheet announced that the cleanup of the site was beginning. 3.3 KEY COMMUNITY ISSUES AND CONCERNS On August 10, 11 and 12, 2004, representatives of EPA met one-on-one with 53 Wauconda Township residents and officials, village of Wauconda residents and officials, and Fremont Township residents to discuss community concerns regarding the environmental problems believed to be caused by the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. From September 1 to 2, 2004, representatives of EPA also conducted telephone interviews with five concerned residents who preferred a phone interview or were not available during the on-site community interviews. Most of those interviewed stated they were very concerned about the site. The following is a summary of the key concerns raised during those 58 total interviews. 3.3.1 Health Health is the primary concern of the persons interviewed. Many parents were concerned that the contaminated ground water may impact their family’s health. One mother said that, even though her well sample results showed no detection of contamination, she is treating her family’s life as if the well is contaminated. A resident provided a brief health history since moving into the Hillcrest subdivision approximately one and a half years ago. The resident became sick after showering, could not sleep, developed severe allergies, and could not maintain steady work. The resident was treated for thyroid problems, metals in the blood, and Hashimoto’s disease. The resident believed that the cause of the medical problems was contaminated ground water. Several residents were concerned about an unusual odor that would occasionally fill the air in the Hillcrest subdivision. A few residents said when the wind shifts into the direction of the subdivision, people get dizzy and children get sick. The residents described the odor as a sweet maple This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND syrup smell. It should be noted that during the interview the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator and the Agency’s community involvement contractor both smelled the unusual odor. In another interview, a resident said their eyes water when they are outside and the sweet odor is in the air. Another resident said children suffer skin rashes, which the resident believed is caused by the chemical causing the sweet maple syrup smell and/or the contaminated ground water. This resident asked a young girl to show her rash to the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator and the Agency’s community involvement contractor. The two observed a rash on the child’s skin. The resident also complained that contamination caused lacerations in noses and on faces when the family washed their faces with water from the household well. In early 2004, both the mother of a house in the Hillcrest subdivision and an infant were hospitalized by illnesses believed to be caused by the maple smell and/or contaminated water. The resident said the doctors could not determine the cause of their illnesses. Another said the Mayo Clinic could not determine what was the cause of an illness. The long-term Hillcrest resident has bladder problems and lymphedema. The resident wanted to know if the health problems could be water related. This resident was scared for their grandchildren and refused to let them even wash their hands with well water. Several residents identified a few neighbors in the Hillcrest subdivision who have been treated for scoliosis, spinal bifida, and a variety of cancers. A few residents asked how they were to bathe a baby in bottled water. Other residents who live away from the Hillcrest subdivision were concerned about people they knew who had brain, colon, eye and other cancers. One resident said that what is especially weird is that young people are suffering from cancer. These residents were particularly interested in the health assessment done in 1995 and believed that a new health assessment was in order. They said there were numerous sicknesses within a small area of a neighborhood or a few blocks. Other residents were frustrated that no one from the Illinois Department of Public Health has responded to their questions. The residents wanted to know how to get IDPH to come to the area. One resident was concerned that vinyl chloride is more dangerous than the contaminant (TCE – trichloroethylene) at the Lockformer site in Lisle, Ill. Another resident said there is a thin clear layer of chemical on the water in the toilet and wondered what that was. A resident said they had to discard clothes that were washed with tainted water. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-3 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND Some residents in the Hillcrest subdivision said their illnesses increased when new homes were being built behind Harrison Avenue. They said that people had flu-like symptoms. A few residents asked what health effects were linked to long-term exposure of inhaling chemical vapors. 3.3.2 Potentially Responsible Parties/Wauconda Task Group Many residents asked why all households in the Hillcrest subdivision were not provided bottled water by the Wauconda Task Group. Most of the residents interviewed said providing bottled water to all residences in the Hillcrest subdivision would be a goodwill effort from the task group. One resident said the point was not the money they were spending to provide their family with bottled water, but the fact that the residents did not contaminate the ground water. The residents believe it will only be a matter of time before all of the residences private wells will be contaminated. However, one resident said it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their own private well. A few residents were concerned that the Wauconda Task Group was sampling various areas simply to blame others for the contaminated ground water. One resident said the “potentially responsible parties are paying a whole lot of money to point the finger to someone else.” On the other hand, residents asked if anyone was sampling and testing the nearby gravel pit and the operations on that property. Residents also questioned that the task group was sampling and testing residential septic fields. They added that sampling septic fields was getting to be a joke and a waste of time and money. One resident questioned whether the task group “thinks I’ve dumped vinyl chloride in my septic system?” Residents felt that it was common knowledge not to put chemicals into a septic field because it could cause the field to fail. One homeowner said that their well was tested and found to contain levels of vinyl chloride that would require them to receive bottled water; however, they were not. The homeowner asked whom to contact to receive bottled water. Some residents resented the idea that “people who pay taxes and are good citizens are lugging five-gallon jugs of water through no fault of their own.” Most residents think the Wauconda Task Group should pay for a new clean source of water to their homes. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-4 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND A few residents were concerned about a few large (two to three foot long) carp that were found dead in Bangs Lake and were concerned that the ground water contamination had reached the lake. Another resident said the canal is disgusting, green, smelly, and contains dead carp. Other residents were also concerned for Bangs Lake because of the natural feeding creeks and a man-made canal flow into the lake. Some residents were concerned about the business practices of Wauconda Sand and Gravel. They asked how complete the records from the dump/landfill were and if there was a known party who dumped vinyl chloride into the landfill. Another resident said the potentially responsible parties never took care of the property or maintained the landfill. Many residents said that nobody is helping them. They feel they have to force either the Wauconda Task Group and/or EPA to do something to address the contamination and/or provide clean water to the residences. Many also said that they felt they are getting a run-around because, when they ask a question, they are always referred to someone else. 3.3.3 Government Agencies Many residents believed EPA was not instrumental in solving the contamination problem. They said it has been nearly a year since the contamination was announced to the public, and the contamination is still in the ground water. Most residents wanted to know where EPA stands in this continued investigation. They asked if EPA is also testing the monitoring wells and not solely dependent on the task group’s data. Some residents felt they were lead astray by EPA because EPA representatives told residents that “everything will be OK” after the site was closed. One resident asked what EPA has been doing for the last 20 years. Other residents said EPA told them the ground-water flow was moving in a different direction than it actually was. Other residents questioned why there was a 2.0 standard to receive bottled water when the EPA standard is zero. Most residents wanted to know what the next step is. They asked how long EPA expects to allow the Wauconda Task Group to do their investigation and collect samples. Some residents felt that the government should work to get the public water installed now and determine who is at fault later. Other asked if EPA could force the village of Wauconda to provide clean water to residents. Many residents were frustrated that they had no sense of a timetable and admitted that concerns could run rampant without some idea of a schedule of cleanup. Other residents were irritated This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-5 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND that they did not know who was on the list of potentially responsible parties. A resident said EPA would not tell them who dumped at the site 20 years ago and the residents still do not know who the potentially responsible parties are. Some people had the general impression that EPA was protecting the potentially responsible parties. Many residents were interested in the technical activities and asked the following questions: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • What was considered short-term and long-term? How many homes were affected? How many wells were being re-tested? How often should the wells be tested? What addresses had contamination in the well? How can residents learn the results of the follow-up sampling? Who set the sampling schedule? What is the location of the plume(s)? Which potentially responsible party contributed what contaminants to the site? Is the sampling for only one chemical or for others such as arsenic and lead? Will Bangs Lake and Lake Napa Suwe be tested? Is it agreed that this current problem is from old contamination and not potentially new contamination from a different source? What is the Superfund process? Why wasn’t a sign placed on the fence 20 years ago indicating that the area was a Superfund site? Why is it taking so long to find a solution to the problem? How much will the cleanup cost? What will be the alternative water supply? If there is a hook-up to the village of Wauconda water system, who would pay for the installation? Won’t contamination eventually reach Mutton Creek? Some residents were not pleased with the recent public meetings regarding the ground-water contamination. They said people who live outside the subdivision dominated the meeting and only one or two persons from the subdivision were able to speak. Another resident said meeting organizers should try to limit the fanatics from monopolizing the public meetings. The residents said it would be appropriate to have a meeting just for the residents impacted. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-6 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND One resident said they contacted U.S. Representative Phil Crane’s office three months ago and was told that the congressman’s office was looking into it. Several residents were displeased about the information received from the various government agencies (i.e., Lake County Health Department, Illinois EPA, and EPA). They felt the agencies told the public what not to do, for example, don’t take showers and don’t drink the water, but failed to provide specific steps to the public on how to handle the inconvenience. Other residents were totally confused on proper procedures with the contaminated ground water. They understood it was permitted to bathe and boil water, but then were told by others not to do that. Many residents said they are not confident that the village of Wauconda’s water supply is clean and were concerned about being hooked up to the village’s water. Many residents were critical of the village of Wauconda and said the village has a terrible track record. Other residents said they do not trust the village of Wauconda. Another resident said the village leaders run Wauconda for their own benefit and the resident does not trust anyone in the village’s government. Several residents believe there is lead in the village of Wauconda’s water supply. A resident said the village was not being forthright in providing information and the resident does not trust the validity of the village’s testing. A few residents said they did not want to be connected to village water and that they live in an unincorporated area for a reason. Some residents were confusing drinking well water in Wauconda Township with the drinking water in the village of Wauconda. For example, a few residents said that Wauconda Township has the problem of contaminated ground water; however, villagers said they heard others from outside the village and township say “don’t drink the water in Wauconda” (village of Wauconda). A few residents were concerned this would discourage potential economic growth and/or development in the area. Many residents were critical of Illinois EPA for allowing blasting for the building of homes in a nearby new subdivision. One resident said with the fractured geology in the area, the excavation and blasting should have been prohibited. On the other hand, one resident said the blasting was minimal; just to break the rock and not enough to cause a fracture to spread and release contamination. Some residents said Illinois EPA should not approve village permits until the contaminated ground water problem is resolved. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-7 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY BACKGROUND 3.3.4 Property Values A few residents said they could not sell their homes without disclosing that their well is contaminated. They added that they were stuck in their home until the problem was rectified and they could then sell their home. A resident said that chemicals from the contaminated ground water would eventually reach the residences’ septic systems, thus lowering the value of the subdivision’s homes. A resident with a contaminated well said “we’re trapped in our own home; we can’t sell the house; and we’re being taxed as if the home was worth something.” The resident said the contamination was discovered in the fall of 2003 and they received a tax increase on their residence. The resident appealed to the tax assessor, but felt the assessor did not understand the situation and would not lower their property taxes. One resident fears they will have to leave their home after they have worked so hard to get the house. One couple was concerned about building a new home in the Hillcrest subdivision near Lake Napa Suwe with the current situation as it is. They decided to wait until the contaminated ground water is resolved before building their new home. One resident said if the homes were connected to public water, the resident would like to keep the well for watering the lawn. 3.3.5 New Housing Developments One resident said the homes in the new development are “selling like hotcakes.” That resident was concerned about activists in the area that are “anti-growth and will latch on to any issue to fuel their cause.” Another resident said new houses were being built very fast. A resident added that developers have filled in wetlands and built homes. The resident asked from where the fill material came. Other residents said there was no dust control when building the new development. They added that the new development had drawn down the aquifer and recently there was rust in the water. They said 1,100 homes in a small area have to make an impact. They were concerned that the village changed its comprehensive plan from allowing one house per acre to allowing fives house per acre. Some residents said the area was supposed to remain less densely populated, but will not with the changed plan. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 3-8 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site 4. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM Community involvement objectives and activities have been developed to encourage public participation during upcoming activities at the site. They are intended to ensure that residents and interested officials are informed about activities taking place at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site and, at appropriate times, have an opportunity for input during the investigation and cleanup process. To be effective, the community involvement program must be formulated according to the community’s need for information, and its interest and willingness to participate in the process. The following objectives have been developed as a guideline for the implementation of community involvement activities. 4.1 ENLIST THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS Local officials and community leaders provide an invaluable resource in EPA’s effort to understand and monitor community concerns. Local officials’ and community leaders’ frequent contact with residents provide 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. Appropriate officials and community leaders to keep informed and involved are listed in Appendix C of this community involvement plan. 4.2 IDENTIFY AND ASSESS CITIZEN PERCEPTION OF THE SITE Information regarding citizen concern and perception of the site is indispensable. At this time, the primary area of concern is: the site’s potential affect on public health. Understanding this concern will help EPA focus the level of effort for community involvement at the site. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 4-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM 4.3 PROVIDE FOLLOW-UP EXPLANATIONS ABOUT TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES AND CONTAMINANTS Concise, easily understood, and timely information should be available to area residents concerning the schedule of technical activities, their purpose and their outcome. A written, basic description and discussion of any contaminants connected with the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site should be provided so that residents understand possible threats to the public near or on the site. The community involvement staff should also attempt to identify special situations or concerns where more specialized information is desired by individuals or groups. Finally, to ensure that inquiries from the community are handled efficiently and consistently, EPA should continue to maintain a single point of contact. 4.4 INFORM THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE PROCEDURES, POLICIES, AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE SUPERFUND PROGRAM Many individuals interviewed regarding the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site had questions about the Superfund program. To dispel possible confusion about EPA’s purpose and responsibilities at the site, an effort should be made to circulate basic information to the community describing the Superfund process. EPA terms, acronyms, policies and procedures should also be explained as site activities progress. Technical Assistance Grants In addition to the previous items, EPA should inform local officials, environmental groups, and interested residents about the availability of a technical assistant grant. The technical assistance grant program provides up to $50,000 to community groups to hire technical advisors to help citizens understand and interpret site-related technical information for themselves. There are certain basic requirements concerning the technical assistance grant program. For example, the group must be a grass-roots organization representing the entire community; use its grant money to inform everyone, not just the group; and hire a reputable advisor to review and interpret technical information in lay terms. Only one technical assistance grant per Superfund site at any one time is allowed. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 4-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site 5. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TECHNIQUES The Superfund law requires that certain community involvement activities be conducted at designated milestones during the investigation and cleanup process. In addition, EPA Region 5 undertakes other activities to strengthen its communication with those affected by the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. A member of the EPA Region 5 community involvement staff has been designated to respond directly to media and public inquiries regarding site activities. Activities that will be conducted during the investigation and cleanup of the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site are described below. 5.1 MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS The process of community interviews has already established an initial communications link between the community and EPA. Furthermore, EPA has designated the community involvement coordinator for the site as a contact person (See Appendix C – EPA Representatives). Access to a contact person reduces the frustration that may accompany attempts to obtain information and communicate with the several agencies and organizations involved in the cleanup. The community involvement coordinator will continue to maintain contact with the appropriate local officials and community leaders to provide them the opportunity to address any issues that may arise during the investigation and cleanup at the site. 5.2 MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH AREA RESIDENTS The background information that residents may provide about a site is valuable to EPA in planning the cleanup of the site. EPA will maintain a mailing list as one means of providing information to interested residents and the general community. Residents can voice their concerns regarding the site directly to the following designated EPA representatives: Mike Joyce Community Involvement Coordinator (P-19J) Office of Public Affairs EPA Region 5 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 5-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TECHNIQUES Phone: Fax: E-mail: (312) 353-5546 or (800) 621-8431 Ext. 35546 (312) 353-1155 joyce.mike@epa.gov Lolita Hill Remedial Project Manager Office of Superfund (SR-6J) EPA Region 5 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Phone: Fax: E-mail: (312) 353-1621 (800) 621-8431 Ext. 31621 (312) 886-4071 hill.lolita@epa.gov 5.3 PROVIDE SITE AND SUPERFUND INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET Many of the persons interviewed have access to and are accustomed to using the Internet. Residents, local officials, and community leaders are receptive to the role of EPA in resolving problems at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. The nature and extent of the investigation and cleanup process and the roles of the various participants in the process, such as the government agencies, the companies involved in the cleanup, contractors, and other personnel, should be explained. Information on the Superfund process will be provided. An explanation of Superfund will be provided at public meetings and information on the Superfund program will be placed in the information repository at the Wauconda Area Library in Wauconda. (See Appendix B of this plan for the library location and hours.) Information on the Superfund process and the site will also be provided on the EPA’s Web site: www.epa.gov/region5/sites. Click on Illinois and scroll through the list to find the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 5-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TECHNIQUES 5.4 MAINTAIN AN INFORMATION REPOSITORY An information repository is a file required under Superfund that contains government documents and other information about the site and Superfund in general. It typically includes consent orders, work plans, reports, and copies of applicable laws. The establishment of an information repository facilitates public access to site-related information. EPA will establish a repository for the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. Its location is listed below and also in Appendix B of this CIP. Many documents, plans, and other finalized written materials generated during the investigation and cleanup will be placed in the repository. EPA will notify community groups, local officials, and interested citizens on the mailing list of its existence and location. The information repository for the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site is available for public review at the following location and hours: Wauconda Area Library 801 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 (847) 526-6225 Library Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.* *Closed Sundays from May 30 to September 5 5.5 WRITE AND DISTRIBUTE NEWS RELEASES Prepared statements will be released to local newspapers, and radio and television stations to announce any significant findings at the site during the investigation and cleanup, and to notify the community of any public meetings. Additional news releases are advisable at the completion of the cleanup. The news releases should be mailed to the media list in Appendix C and placed in the site file at the information repository. News releases may also be posted on EPA Region 5’s Web page at: www.epa.gov/region5/news/. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 5-3 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TECHNIQUES 5.6 PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE FACT SHEETS OR UPDATE REPORTS Fact sheets and update reports, written in non-technical language and produced to coincide with particular milestones during the investigation and cleanup process, are intended to provide the community with detailed information about the site. These will be placed in the information repository and sent to all parties on the mailing list. In addition, other fact sheets or update reports may be developed to respond to specific community information needs. Information may also be placed on EPA Region 5’s Web page at: www.epa.gov/region5/sites/. 5.7 HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS A public meeting provides an opportunity for EPA to present specific information and a proposed course of action. EPA staff is available to provide information and answer questions. A public meeting is not necessarily a formal public hearing where testimony is received. Instead it might be a meeting to exchange information and comments. Public meetings provide community members with an opportunity to express their concerns to EPA, state or local government officials. Public meetings or informal availability sessions may be held at various times throughout the investigation and cleanup process. Scheduling public meetings should remain flexible to account for technical milestones and public interest. An upcoming milestone that may warrant an information session or public meeting include the completion of the investigation. 5.8 PUBLISH NOTICES OR NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS A public notice may be placed if significant findings are made during the investigation and cleanup at the site or upon completion of the cleanup. Notices or newspaper advertisements also will be published to announce all public meetings sponsored by EPA. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 5-4 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TECHNIQUES 5.9 ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES OF A COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP One of the ways communities can participate in site cleanup decisions is by forming a community advisory group. A community advisory group is made up of representatives of diverse community interests. Its purpose is to provide a public forum for community members to present and discuss their needs and concerns related to the Superfund decision-making process. Community advisory groups offer EPA a unique opportunity to hear – and respond to – community preferences for site cleanup activities. The existence of a community advisory group also does not eliminate the need for EPA to keep the general community informed about plans and decisions throughout the Superfund process. The community, with EPA’s assistance, establishes a community advisory group for a Superfund site. A community advisory group has been formed at the Wauconda site. 5.10 REVISE THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN Through the various means of communication and interaction previously listed, EPA will note changes in community concerns, information needs and activities, and modify this community involvement plan as necessary to respond to those changes. 5.11 PROGRAM EVALUATION At key milestones during the cleanup, EPA Region 5 may evaluate the effectiveness of the community involvement program for the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site. One of these milestones may be the completion of the cleanup phase. Questionnaires or other evaluation tools may be designed to assess the effectiveness of public meetings, fact sheets, and other activities in conveying information and encouraging citizen participation. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 5-5 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site 6. SCHEDULE AND TIMELINE Figure 2 Timeframe for Community Involvement Activities Community Involvement Activities 1. Maintain contact with local officials and community leaders Maintain contact with area residents Provide site and Superfund information on the Internet Maintain an information repository Write and distribute news releases Prepare and distribute fact sheets or update reports Hold public meetings Public notices or newspaper advertisements As needed As needed Ongoing As needed Currently in operation As needed As needed As needed and coinciding with the proposed plan As needed As needed, preceding remedial design As needed Timeframe 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Assist in the development and activities of a community advisory group 10. Revise the community involvement plan 11. Program evaluation This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL 6-1 RFW231-2A-AIOA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Administrative Order on Consent A legal and enforceable agreement between EPA and the potentially responsible parties, under which the potentially responsible parties agree to perform or pay for site studies or cleanup. It also defines the oversight rules, responsibilities and enforcement options that the government may exercise in the event of noncompliance by the potentially responsible parties. Cyanide A chemical primarily used in the extraction of ore, in electroplating, and in metal treatment. Cyanide can be absorbed into the blood and block the ability of blood to take in oxygen. Exposure to a lot of cyanide at once may cause death in minutes. Early signs of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, numbness, rapid pulse and nausea. Long-term exposure to small amounts of cyanide may cause appetite loss, weakness and dizziness. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act A federal law passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. The Act created a special tax that goes into a trust fund, commonly known as Superfund, to investigate and clean up hazardous waste sites. Under the program, EPA can either: • • Pay for site cleanup when parties responsible for the contamination cannot be located or are unwilling or unable to do the work; or Take legal action to force parties responsible for site contamination to clean up the site or pay back the federal government for the cost of the cleanup. Community Advisory Group A community advisory group is made up of representatives of the community with diverse community interests. Its purpose is to provide a public forum for community members to present and discuss their needs and concerns related to the Superfund decision-making process. For more information, visit EPA’s Web site at: www.epa.gov/superfund/tools/cag. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL A-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site GLOSSARY Community Involvement Plan A plan that outlines specific community involvement activities that occur during the investigation and cleanup at a site. The plan outlines how EPA will keep the public informed of work at the site and the ways in which citizens can review and comment on decisions that may affect the final actions at the site. The document is available in the site’s information repository maintained by EPA. For more information, visit EPA’s Web site at: www.epa.gov/superfund/tools/pdfs/7clplans.pdf. 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. Hashimoto’s disease (Reference: http://familydoctor.org/x2106.xml) Hashimoto’s disease is a problem with one’s thyroid gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland makes hormones that control how the body uses energy. With Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system begins to attack the thyroid gland, causing it to become swollen and irritated. When this happens, the thyroid cannot make hormones as it should. The following symptoms are associated with Hashimoto’s disease: • • • • Swelling of the thyroid gland, or a feeling of fullness or tightness in the throat. Swallowing food or liquids may be a problem. Forming of a bump (called a goiter) in the front of the neck. Feelings of tiredness, forgetfulness, depression, coarse dry skin, slow heartbeat, weight gain, constipation and intolerance to cold. A blood test can tell if a thyroid gland is not working properly. Hashimoto’s disease can affect all people of all ages; however, it is most common in women who are between 30 and 50 years of age. There is an increased risk for developing Hashimoto’s disease if someone in the family has had thyroid disease. There is no know cure for Hashimoto’s disease; however, thyroid medicine can replace the hormones the thyroid gland usually makes. Heavy Metals Metals such as lead, cadmium and zinc that have often been used in the manufacture of pigments, inks and paints. Heavy metals can be highly toxic at fairly low concentrations. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL A-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site GLOSSARY Leachate The liquid that trickles through or drains from waste, carrying dissolved components from the waste. After leachate enters the soil, it can travel downward into the ground water or be carried off site as runoff. Lymphedema (Reference: http://www.lymphnet.org/whatis.html) Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in human tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arms and legs, and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired, or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed. Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Symptoms of lymphedema include the following: • • • • A full sensation in the limb(s). Skin feeling tight. Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle. Difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. If persistent swelling exists, it is very important to seek immediate medical advice (and a second opinion) because early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition. Planning the treatment program depends on the cause of the lymphedema. PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls are a group of chemicals used as a heat-transfer agent from 1929 until they were banned in 1979. In addition to their use in electric transformers as insulators and coolants, PCBs have also been used in lubricants, hydraulic fluids, carbonless copy paper, adhesives, and caulking compounds. PCBs are also produced in certain combustion processes. PCBs are extremely persistent in the environment, because they are very stable, non-reactive, and heat resistant. Burning them produces even more toxins. PCBs are also known to accumulate in the fatty tissues of humans and animals. In general, PCBs are not as toxic in high short-term doses as some other chemicals, although severe and longterm exposure can cause liver damage. PCBs have also been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals. EPA banned the use of PCBs, with limited exceptions in 1979. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL A-3 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site GLOSSARY Potentially Responsible Parties Individuals, businesses, or government agencies identified by EPA as potentially liable for the contamination at a Superfund site. Proposed Plan A document summarizing the cleanup alternatives EPA has considered for controlling contamination at a Superfund site. The proposed plan includes the alternative that EPA recommends for cleaning up the particular site. Public Comment Period A time during which the public may be asked review and comment on certain documents or cleanup alternatives. Record of Decision A document that describes EPA’s selected cleanup plan of a site. Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study An investigation at a Superfund site to assess contamination and environmental problems, and to evaluate cleanup alternatives. The process consists of two distinct but related phases. The first phase is the investigation, which determines the type and amount of contamination at the site. The second phase is a study that evaluates different methods to clean up the contamination. Remedial Design/Remedial Action The design is a phase of the cleanup activities that follows the investigation and examination of cleanup alternatives and includes the development of engineering drawings and specifications for a site cleanup. The action phase is the response actions that stop or substantially reduce a release or threatened release of hazardous substances that are a serious but not an immediate threat to public health. Responsiveness Summary The section within the record of decision that summarizes comments received from the public during the public comment period, and provides EPA’s responses to them. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL A-4 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site GLOSSARY Superfund The commonly used term that describes the federal legislation authorizing EPA to investigate and respond to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances into the environment. It is also known as CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act). In 1986, Superfund was reauthorized as SARA (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act). Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act Modifications to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, enacted on October 17, 1986. Technical Assistance Grant Grants provided to site-related citizen groups whose health, property values, or recreational enjoyment are affected or potentially affected by a Superfund site. For more information, visit EPA’s Web site at: www.epa.gov/superfund/tools/pdfs/41techass.pdf. Unilateral Administrative Order A legally binding document issued by EPA directing potentially responsible parties to perform site studies or cleanup. Vinyl Chloride A gaseous substance that is used in the manufacture of plastics to make pipes and other products. It can also be formed when some volatile organic compounds are broken down. Health risks from exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride include liver and nerve damage, immune reactions, and liver, lung and brain cancer. Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs are a group of organic compounds that are used in various industrial applications, such as solvents, degreasers, paints, thinners, and fuels, which evaporate very rapidly when exposed to air. Due to this tendency, VOCs disappear more rapidly from surface water than ground water. Since ground water does not usually come into contact with air. VOCs are not easily released and can be present for many years in the ground water used for drinking water. When present in drinking water, VOCs may pose a potential threat to human health. Also known as volatile organics or volatiles. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL A-5 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site APPENDIX B INFORMATION REPOSITORY AND PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS B.1 INFORMATION REPOSITORY The Information Repository for the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site is available for public review at the following location and hours: Wauconda Area Library 801 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 (847) 526-6225 (847) 526-6244 (Fax) Contact: Sue Strauch, Head of Adult Services Library Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.* *Closed Sundays from May 30 to September 5 B.2 PUBLIC MEETING FACILITIES Wauconda Area Library 801 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Capacity: 90 people Cost: $25 Contact: Jen Orlando (847) 526-6225, Ext. 216 (847) 526-6244 (Fax) This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL B-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site INFORMATION REPOSITORY AND PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS Mill Creek Banquets 333 W. Mill St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Capacity: 200 - 400 people Cost: $500.00 - $700.00 for evening Contact: Angelo or Marisa Mantzoukis (847) 526-9488 (847) 526-9504 (Fax) Wauconda High School 555 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Capacity: 200 - 300 people Cost: $35.00 an hour until 11 p.m. Need Certificate of Insurance Contact: Bill Harken (847) 526-7690, Ext. 101 (847) 487-3595 (Fax) Wauconda Township Building 505 W. Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Capacity: 100-150 people Cost: No charge Need Certificate of Insurance Contact: Sheila Dunn (847) 526-2631 (847) 526-0294 (Fax) This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL B-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site APPENDIX C LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS C.1 FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS Senator Richard J. Durbin 332 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington D.C. 20510 District Office Kluczynski Building 38th Floor 230 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60604 Senator Barack Obama 713 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 District Office 230 S. Dearborn St., 39th Floor Chicago, IL 60604 (202) 224–2152 (202) 228-0400 durbin.senate.gov Fax: E-mail: Fax: (312) 353-4952 (312) 353-0150 Fax: E-mail: (202) 224-2854 (202) 228-4260 obama.senate.gov/contact/ Fax: (312) 886-3506 (312) 886-3514 U.S. Representative Melissa Bean 512 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Fax: E-mail: (202) 225-3711 (202) 225-7830 house.gov/bean/ District Office 1430 Meacham Road Schaumburg, IL 60173 Fax: (847) 519-3434 (847) 519-3436 C.2 STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS Governor Rod Blagojevich Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706 Fax: E-mail: (217) 782-0244 (217) 524-4049 Illinois.gov/gov/contactthegovernor.cfm This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS State Senator William E. Peterson 307 Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 District Office 3050 N Main St. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 Fax: E-mail: (217) 782-8010 (217) 782-4885 illsen26@aol.com Fax: (847) 634-6060 (847) 634-1569 (217) 782-1517 (217) 782-7012 strepmbeaubien@aol.com State Representative Mark H. Beaubien, Jr. 314 Capitol Building Fax: Springfield, IL 62706 E-mail: District Office 124-A E. Liberty St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Fax: (847) 487-5252 (847) 487-0956 C.3 LOCAL OFFICIALS C.3.1 County Bonnie Thompson Carter Lake County Board Member 25846 W. Highway 134 Ingleside, IL 60041 Mike Kuhn Solid Waste Specialist Lake County Health Department Waukegan, IL 60085 Willard R. Helander Lake County Clerk 18 N. County St. Waukegan, IL 60085 Gary Del Re Lake County Sheriff 25 S Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. Waukegan, IL 60085 (847) 546-2888 (847) 546-2933 bcarter@co.lake.il.us Fax: E-mail: Fax: (847) 377-8016 (847) 249-4972 Fax: (847) 377-2400 (847) 360-3608 Fax: (847) 377-4000 (847) 360-5796 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS C.3.2 Township James Keagle Wauconda Township Supervisor 505 W. Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Rosemary Mers Wauconda Township Clerk 505 W. Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Albert Schafer Wauconda Township Trustee 505 W. Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Patrick Stanley Wauconda Township Trustee 505 W. Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 Glenn L. Swanson Wauconda Township Trustee 505 W. Bonner Road Wauconda, IL 60084 C.3.3 Village Daniel Quick Village Administrator 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 James Eschenbauch Village President 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Mary C. Taylor Village Clerk 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Fax: (847) 526-9607 (847) 526-8809 Fax: E-mail: (847) 526-2631 (847) 526-0294 wauctwp@ameritech.net Fax: (847) 526-2631 (847) 526-0294 Fax: (847) 526-2631 (847) 526-0294 Fax: E-mail: (847) 526-2631 (847) 526-0294 jr0399@sbcglobal.net Fax: E-mail: (847) 526-2631 (847) 526-0294 swany77@msn.com Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-3 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS John Amrich Village Trustee 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Carl Aronson Village Trustee 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Lorrie Godawa Village Trustee 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Sal Saccomanno Village Trustee 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Paul Bird Village Trustee 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Patrick Murphy Village Trustee 101 N. Main St. Wauconda, IL 60084 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 Fax: (847) 526-9600 (847) 526-8809 C.4 U.S. EPA REPRESENTATIVES Mike Joyce Community Involvement Coordinator Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Office of Public Affairs (P-19J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 (312) 353-5546 (800) 621-8431 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays (312) 353-1155 joyce.mike@epa.gov Fax: E-mail: This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-4 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS Lolita Hill Remedial Project Manager Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Superfund Division (SR-6J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Mark Koller Attorney Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Office of Regional Counsel (C-14J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 Fax: E-mail: (312) 353-1621 (800) 621-8431 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays (312) 886-4071 collier.demaree@epa.gov Fax: E-mail: (312) 353-2591 (800) 621-8431 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. weekdays (312) 886-0747 koller.mark@epa.gov C.5 STATE REPRESENTATIVES Kurt Neibergall Manager, Community Relations Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 1021 N. Grand Ave. East Springfield, IL 62794 Ken Runkle Division of Environmental Health Illinois Department of Public Health 535 W. Jefferson St. Springfield, IL 62761 Fax: E-mail: (217) 782-5562 (217) 785-7725 Kurt.Neibergall@epa.state.il.us Fax: E-mail: (217) 782-5830 (217) 785-0253 krunkle@idph.state.il.us C.6 MEDIA C.6.1 Newspaper Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 Chicago Sun Times 401 Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 Fax: (312) 222-2222 (312) 222-4014 Fax: (312) 321-3000 (312) 321-9655 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-5 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS Daily Herald 50 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 104 Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1578 Wauconda Courier 3701 W. Lake Ave. Glenview, IL 60026 Wauconda Leader 30 S. Whitney St. Grayslake, IL 60030 News Sun 2383 N. Delany Rd. Waukegan, IL 60087 C.6.2 Television ABC (Channel 7) (Network) 190 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60601 WBBM-TV (CBS Channel 2) 630 N. Mc Clurg Ct. Chicago, IL 60611 WMAQ-TV (NBC Channel 5) 454 N. Columbus Dr. Chicago, IL 60611 WGN-TV (Channel 9) 2501 W. Bradley Place Chicago, IL 60618 WLS-TV (ABC Channel 7) (Local) 190 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60601 WTTW (PBS Channel 11) 5400 N. Saint Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 Fax: (847) 680-5800 (847) 680-0189 Fax: (847) 486-7300 (847) 486-7454 Fax: (847) 223-8161 (847) 223-8810 Fax: (847) 336-7000 (847) 249-7248 Fax: (312) 899-4015 (312) 899-4050 Fax: (312) 944-6000 (312) 202-3878 Fax: (312) 836-5555 (312) 836-5539 Fax: (773) 528-2311 (773) 528-6050 Fax: (312) 750-7070 (312) 899-8019 Fax: (773) 583-5000 (773) 509-5645 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-6 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS WFLD (FOX Channel 32) (Local) 205 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601 Fax: (312) 565-5532 (312) 565-5517 C.5.3 RADIO WBBM-CBS AM News Radio 78 630 N. Mc Clurg Ct. Chicago, IL 60611 WBEZ Chicago Public Radio 848 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 WCKG Radio 180 N. Stetson Ave. Chicago, IL 60601 WCRX Radio Station 600 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60605 WFMT Radio 5400 N. Saint Louis Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 WGN Radio 435 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 WJMK Radio 180 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60601 WKQX FM 101 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, IL 60654 WLEY Radio 150 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 944-6000 (312) 202-3878 Fax: Fax: (312) 832-9150 (312) 832-3100 Fax: (312) 240-7900 (312) 565-3181 Fax: (312) 663-1693 (312) 663-5204 Fax: (773) 279-2000 (773) 279-2199 Fax: (312) 222-4700 (312) 222-5977 Fax: (312) 977-1800 (312) 977-1859 Fax: (312) 527-8348 (312) 245-9785 Fax: (630) 851-4600 (312) 920-9515 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-7 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED GROUPS WLIT-FM Radio 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1135 Chicago, IL 60601 WLS News Talk 890 AM 190 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60601 WLXX Radio 625 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60611 STAR 105.5 – FM 8800 Rt. 14 Crystal Lake, IL 60014 WXLC FM 102.3 3250 Belvidere Rd. Waukegan, IL 60085 Fax: (312) 329-9002 (312) 346-2649 Fax: (312) 984-0891 (312) 984-5305 Fax: (312) 738-1200 (312) 787-4553 Fax: (815) 459-7000 (815) 459-7027 Fax: (847) 336-7900 (847) 336-1523 This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL C-8 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site APPENDIX D COMMUNITY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Community Interview Questions Wauconda Sand and Gravel Wauconda, Illinois August 10-12, 2004 1. 2. 3. When did you first become aware of the contamination at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? When did you first become aware of the contaminated ground water? Did you know about the contamination at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site or the contaminated ground water before the U.S. EPA became involved? If yes, when was that? What did you understand the contamination to be at the time? What do you know about the contamination and/or the investigation of the ground water or at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? What concerns do you have about the contamination at or from the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? (For example, health, property values, contamination, environmental, timing and cost, and future development.) Are you aware of any concerns anyone else might have? Have you ever heard of or seen anyone on the site? (For example children playing on the site/adults walking on the site.) Are you familiar with the activities at the landfill while it was in operation? If so, what can you tell us about them? 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. For Officials: 9. Has anyone contacted you regarding any problems associated with the contamination at or from the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? If so, were you able to help them? Did you refer them to someone else? If so, whom? Who do you think people would most likely call regarding their concerns about the contamination at or from the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? 10. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL D-1 RFW231-2A-AUIA Community Involvement Plan for Wauconda Sand and Gravel Site COMMUNITY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS For Residents: 11. Have you called anyone regarding any problems associated with the contamination at or from the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? If so, whom did you call? Did they refer you to someone else? If so, whom? Who would you most likely call regarding your concerns about the contamination at or from the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? How do you perceive U.S. EPA? Illinois EPA? Your local environmental regulatory agencies? What persons, agencies, or organizations do you think are most credible when it comes to environmental concerns? How or where have you received most of your information about environmental problems in the area? Do you recall ever having received any U.S. EPA fact sheets or updates? If so, were they understandable? Did they give you the type of information you wanted? If not, what was lacking? How can U.S. EPA best provide you with information concerning the investigation of the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? (For example: fact sheets/update mailings, public meetings, public notices [ads], press releases, etc.) How frequently do you want to receive information? What radio/TV stations and newspapers do you think most people listen to/watch/read? Do you (would you) use the Internet to learn more about the site from U.S. EPA Web sites? Do you have an e-mail address that you would like to give us so that we may contact you that way? How would you describe the media coverage of activities at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? Light? Medium? Heavy? Accuracy? In general, how would you rank local interest in the investigation and cleanup at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? Low? Medium? High? Is there anyone else that you might recommend we interview? Include on the mailing list? Would you go to the public library to look at information about the investigation of the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site? What do you think is a good location for a public meeting? 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. This document was prepared by Weston Solutions, Inc., expressly for EPA. It shall not be released or disclosed in whole or in part without the express, written permission of EPA. FINAL D-2 RFW231-2A-AUIA