U.S. EPA Region III Environmental Justice Action Plan FY09 Narrative Program Description MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Organizational infrastructure and management support: • What is your Regional/Headquarters office’s environmental justice policy? Region III has a proactive environmental justice policy. The Region is committed to assuring that all citizens are treated and protected equally, treated fairly, and that our programs, policies, and practices are protective of all populations. We work actively and progressively with all stakeholders to provide information, education, and technical support in an effort to assure that the Regional Office complies with Executive Order 12898, that all stakeholders are meaningfully and appropriately involved in the decision making process as related to issues of environmental justice concern, to assure that all stakeholders are treated fairly, and to resolve issues and concerns before they become major problems. Our primary goals are: a. To take a proactive approach to addressing issues of environmental justice concern. b. Programmatic/Office environmental justice planning and implementation to ensure that all applicable aspects of operations, procedures, and activities include the address of Environmental Justice concerns. c. Region-wide planning and implementation to focus multi-media capabilities in an effort to assure the fair and appropriate treatment of all stakeholders. Determine data analysis/cumulative risk assessment procedures and limitations. Delineate an effective enforcement strategy. Identify successful programmatic involvement and internal/external coordination and outreach. Determine effective measurements. d. Establish a better working relationship with state and local governments, our fellow federal agencies, business and industry, and communities at large throughout the Region. e. To integrate Environmental Justice into the daily operation of the Region. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Organizational infrastructure and management support: • How will your Regional/Headquarters office’s management communicate expectations about the Environmental Justice Program, review tangible/intangible outcomes, and evaluate performance? Training, awareness and educational opportunities have been, and will continue to be provided to all the regional offices regarding environmental justice. Periodic updates and new information are provided on an on-going basis in order to assure that the issues remain at the forefront. The Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator, Director of the Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice (OECEJ) and the EJ Program Analyst will continue to facilitate discussion among the Division Directors and Divisional personnel regarding environmental justice and coordinate regional communication regarding environmental justice activities. OECEJ contains the multimedia enforcement and inspection component of the Region, and therefore will be able to fully incorporate environmental justice into the multimedia aspects of 1
Regional work. Additionally, the Director of OECEJ reports directly to the Deputy Regional Administrator who provides much needed support for the Region’s Environmental Justice efforts. Our most significant measure of success is the manner in which problems are solved before they reach the critical stage. When an issue comes to the Region’s attention, the offices are briefed, key issues and concerns identified and the stakeholders contacted. Communication is established with all stakeholders and appropriate conversations are held to assure that the issues are identified, the impacts of actions understood, and the potential ramifications of the actions clearly enumerated. All aspects of the issue are explored and the various options discussed. The Region then facilitates meaningful discussion of issues, provides education, technical support, and appropriate advice. Ultimately, we measure our success by the ability of the Region to assist in bringing resolution to these issues. In cases where there are reductions in risk to a given population, those reductions will serve as measures of evaluation. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Operational resources / program support: • Identify the aggregate full-time equivalents (FTE) in your Regional/Headquarters office that will specifically focus on environmental justice issues. If responsibilities and duties are parceled out as collateral duties to one or more employees, please compute what the FTE equivalent would be. There are two full time FTEs devoted to Environmental Justice in the Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice. An additional 0.5 FTE is apportioned in the office through the contributions of other staff. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Operational resources / program support: • What are the functions and day-to-day responsibilities of your Environmental Justice coordinator(s) and/or team? The Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator’s duties include: 1) Oversight of Regional Environmental Justice Initiatives. 2) Design and development of integrated models for addressing environmental risk assessment, public health, and environmental justice concerns through quantitative and qualitative means. 3) Provide consultation, advice and technical support provided to Federal, State and local officials and agencies, citizens, environmental groups and organizations, business and industry, academia and other stakeholders regarding matters of environmental justice concern. 4) Design and development of risk and environmental assessment tools and risk evaluation methodologies for environmental, health, and risk assessment projects both nationally and internationally. 5) Development of strategic plans for addressing environmental justice concerns in Region III. 6) Review and evaluation of risk and exposure assessment data. 2
7) Review of environmental justice portions of EIS and other related NEPA documents. 8) Development of toxicity and exposure assessments, development of site conceptual models, and evaluation of cumulative risk. 9) Participation in national forums regarding risk and environmental assessment for policy and methodology development. 10) Delivery of outreach and educational presentations regarding environmental justice, risk and health assessment and research. Audiences for these presentations include: colleges and universities, professional schools and organizations, community groups and organizations, national organizations, trade organizations; and federal, state and local government. 11) Development of collaborative methodologies for addressing questions of environmental concern. 12) Coordination with state and local government, internal EPA, and other federal agencies on risk, environmental and environmental justice issues of concern. 13) Establishment of partnerships and development of closer working relationships among governmental partners. 14.) Manage Regional EJ Small Grants Program. Coordinate review and evaluation of EJ Small Grants. Coordinate work with the Regional Grants Management Office on the grants. 15.) Supervise Summer Interns. 16.) Work with Head Quarters on the Collaborative Problem-Solving Grants 17.) Review CARE Grants 18.) Work with project managers whose sites have been identified as sites with potential EJ issues that may impact on EPA.'s efforts. This is done by developing and implementing community involvement plans, i.e. site visits, interviews, public availabilities, news media interaction, etc. 19.) Maintain an open line to parties at sites of long term EPA involvement where EJ issues are present. The Environmental Justice Program Analyst’s duties include: 1. Assists the Director of the Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice (OECEJ) and the Environmental Justice (EJ) coordinator by conducting studies and performing analysis associated with substantive operations of the office. Develops background information for use in studies (e.g. review of EJ literature), training, staff development, and presentations; researches official documents; compiles and charts statistical data; interviews employees; gathers, summarizes and analyzes information for incorporation into final reports; carries out specified portions of specific projects; and identifies and recommends solutions to problems. 2. Assists in planning and development of new EJ initiatives and programs. Assists in development of EJ Action Plans, Reviews, and other EJ work products and services. 3. Utilizes GIS during reviews, assessments, design of projects, and community evaluation; uses EJSEAT as an assessment tool. 4. Assists in the development of training, presentations, and other outreach and communication to internal and external stakeholders. 5. Conducts research on topics of concern. 3
6. Communicates with external stakeholders, developing new contacts and identifying ways of improving quality of relationships. Disseminate relevant EJ publications and materials. 7. Participates in planning, preparation, and implementation of All States Meeting and conference calls. 8. Attends meetings, symposia, and seminars on behalf of EJ. 9. Provides support for EJ grant programs, including reviewing proposals, RFAS, etc. 10. Provide support to the Region EJ Coordinator in identifying potential EJ issues at sites of concern. 11. Work with project managers whose sites have been identified as sites with potential EJ issues that may impact on EPA.'s efforts. This is done by developing and implementing community involvement plans, i.e. site visits, interviews, public availabilities, news media interaction, etc. 12. Maintain an open line to parties at sites of long term EPA involvement where EJ issues are present. 13. Will revise a regional guide for community involvement at sites with Environmental Justice issues in conjunction with Region III's states and certain of their local counterparts. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Operational resources / program support: • Will your Regional/Headquarters office have any ongoing mechanisms for focusing on environmental justice issues, such as teams and workgroups? If yes, please list and describe. Also, state how these mechanisms are tied to other programs and activities in your regional/Headquarters office. This Region has had this type of mechanism in place for quite some time. First of all, there is coordination on Environmental Justice between OECEJ and Senior Management. Whenever an issue of environmental justice concern comes to our attention, OECEJ meets with the DRA and the appropriate Environmental Justice contacts in the Divisions/Offices. Each Division or Office has it own Environmental Justice Coordinator who helps to facilitate action in the program offices and serves as an environmental justice contact for issues and projects of concern. The Director of OECEJ also meets with all of the Division Directors, Enforcement Managers and other appropriate Regional contacts on a regular basis sharing information related to issues of environmental justice concern. During these meetings, as issues are raised, they are passed on for coordination between OECEJ and the respective program office. The Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator also interacts with agency personnel on these issues providing consultation and technical expertise. Additionally, the Region has its All-States Meetings and monthly All-States conference calls which began in 1999 and serve as a very effective mechanism for the identification and addressing of environmental justice issues around the Region as a whole. For example, the states in the Region identified the need for focused workshops/seminars on Cumulative Risk. The Regional office put together these workshops together as a result of this request. The states also requested that we provide them with information on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the 4
Chester Pennsylvania Risk Study, the Saint Lawrence Cement Case, risk assessment, GIS screening tools, and many other issues. Discussions with our state partners contributed to the initiation of dialogues among the partners regarding the development of state strategies and pilot projects. The State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have developed their own Environmental Justice Working Groups, Maryland has an Environmental Justice Pilot project in the planning stage, Maryland and Pennsylvania have developed or are in the process of developing state Environmental Justice Strategies, and West Virginia is developing a Community Involvement Plan for Environmental Justice. The Regional Chesapeake Bay Environmental Justice Task Force held an Environmental Justice Forum in Washington, DC in May of 2003. The Regional Coordinator is a member of the Maryland TMDL, Delaware Valley Transportation Authority Environmental Justice, Region III Cumulative Risk Forum, and Permitting Workgroups. More recently, the EJ Coordinator has been Co-chair of the Cleanup and Remediation EJ Review Protocol Development Team, a member of the Workgroup planning the Disproportionate Impacts Symposium for late 2009 or early 2010, a member of the State EJ Cooperative Agreements Workgroup, and a member of the EJSEAT Development Team. OECEJ and Headquarters also worked with Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland on the Auto Body Shop Initiative. The Regional EJ Coordinator also served as a member of the Expert Review Panel for the Middle East Baltimore Project. Region III has project/initiative specific language in Performance Partnership Agreements (PPAs) with the States of Maryland the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. Having enforcement and compliance assistance planning in the same office as EJ coordination opens communications and creates synergy among the efforts. For example, OECEJ partnered with MDE and DC on projects funded by OECA to increase compliance and reduce the impact from auto body shops in EJ neighborhoods in Park Heights, Baltimore and Ward 5 in the District. During the planning of a compliance assistance activity, we included a session on communicating with Hispanic facilities. This session resulted in establishing regular communications with El Sol newspaper in North Philadelphia. We developed a multi-media compliance assistance plan for schools which includes an EJ component due to known environmental and compliance problems at poorly funded schools such as crumbling asbestos and lead in drinking water. Working with the Middle East Baltimore Community as a member of the Expert review Panel, the methodology developed to reduce lead exposure during the demolition of pre-1950 housing was evaluated through the use of monitoring data and environmental measurements. These initiatives, as well as numerous others which are still in the planning stage, will be on-going projects. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY Operational resources / program support: • Are there any specific programs/initiatives for which environmental justice will be listed as a funding priority? If yes, please list or attach. The Region has, and will continue to conduct “Geographical Initiatives” throughout the Region. For example, OECEJ has already begun inspections at the Port of Baltimore and is beginning to target facilities for inspection at the Port of Huntington Tri-State which constitutes the largest inland port in the United States. In addition, the Region has developed a number of initiatives 5
that it will be conducting over the next few years. OECEJ will be the lead for the Partnerships for Community Health Initiative that will take place in the Sparrows Point area of Baltimore County, Maryland. OECEJ is working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on the development of a Risk-Based Strategy that will be employed to prioritize and target inspections in Virginia.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY GPRA alignment (link to mission and priorities): • How will your Regional/Headquarters office’s environmental justice program be linked to your Regional/Headquarters office’s main GPRA priorities? Our program is linked to GPRA Goal 5 and other of the Goals as applicable. In addition our program is linked to functional codes E800, E103 and L200. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY GPRA alignment (link to mission and priorities): • How will your Regional/Headquarters office’s environmental justice strategies and activities be integrated into specific programmatic areas/functions? (e.g., permitting, community outreach, etc.) Our program is fully integrated into the Region’s activities, which allows our activities to cut across all programs. Our office coordinates with each office in the Region and assists with issues related to remediation, community involvement and outreach, EIS review, and any other related functions. We have feedback mechanisms allowing for us to work cooperatively on these issues, and the communication and updates provided to the various offices help insure continued cooperation and the integration of environmental justice into program activities. In 1994 each Division/Office in the Region developed its first plan for the development of an Environmental Justice Strategy. Since that time the plans have been revised and updated to reflect the need to integrate environmental justice into the programs. There are periodic training and updates of information regarding environmental justice in the Region. In addition, the Divisions/Offices work with OECEJ on a regular basis in an effort to assure that the integration occurs. EIS and other related NEPA documents are regularly reviewed by OECEJ. Divisions regularly refer questions to OECEJ and ask for expertise relating to outreach, education and community involvement, and assessment of risks to populations at risk. In 2003 OECEJ developed a Community Involvement guide for Environmental Justice which was distributed around the Regional Office and throughout the states in the Region. The Region is in the process of developing a series of screening tools that will be used to identify areas of concern. The tools MIRA and EJSEAT are being used to this end. All of these activities are on-going. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY GPRA alignment (link to mission and priorities): • Will your Regional/Headquarters office utilize Performance Partnership Agreements (PPAs) and Performance Partnership Grants (PPGs) to specifically address environmental justice issues? If yes, please list and describe. 6
Region III has project/initiative specific language in Performance Partnership Agreements (PPAs) with the States of Maryland the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL ENGAGEMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office’s environmental justice program have any ongoing mechanisms to communicate with, receive input from, and otherwise consistently engage with other programs in your Regional/Headquarters office? If yes, please list and describe. The Region has Environmental Justice Coordinators in each Division. These people serve as one of the feedback loops for communication and input within the Regional Office. Other such mechanisms include the Senior Management Meetings, OECEJ weekly Staff Meetings, weekly meetings with the DRA, weekly enforcement managers meetings, brown bag lunches, briefings, and the various on-going training and update activities that the Regional Office has been undertaking since 1996. INTERNAL ORGANIZATIONAL ENGAGEMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office develop any related guidance to the staff regarding the integration of environmental justice in areas such as authorization/delegation, environmental education, grants and contracts, inspection, enforcement and compliance assistance, permitting, performance partnership, public participation, waste site cleanup/brownfields, etc.? If yes, please list and describe. In 2003 the Region developed an Environmental Justice Community Involvement guide. This document was made available to all of the Divisions within the Regional Office, to our states in Region III, and other interested partners. A training session was held with the state of West Virginia to discuss this document and other community involvement and Environmental Justice concerns. Additionally, internal training with all of the Divisions was conducted in 2004 and 2005 to better enhance community involvement. OECEJ plans to revise this document in 2009 and provide related training to all the Divisions, states and other interested parties within the Region. Additionally, each of the Divisions in the region already has an Environmental Justice Strategy that includes language related to the above issues. EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office have any processes in place to receive input on environmental justice issues from external stakeholders, such as workgroups, advisory bodies, or listening sessions? If yes, please describe the process and explain how the input gathered may be (or has been) used by your Regional/Headquarters office. The Regional Office has been conducting its All States Environmental Justice Meetings and All States Environmental Justice Conference Calls since 1999, which serves this purpose. The input received from the states during our monthly All States Conference Calls and Annual All States Meetings lead to our planning and conducting the Cumulative Risk Workshops in May of 2003. In addition, the Region participates in Maryland’s and Pennsylvania’s environmental justice councils where comment, concerns and input regarding state issues of environmental justice 7
concern are heard and action items formulated and addressed. Listening Sessions were also conducted in Maryland and the District of Columbia. In addition, our office in involved in a number of workgroups and advisory panels around the Region including: the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Justice Task Force, Maryland TMDL Workgroup, Delaware Valley Transportation Authority Environmental Justice Workgroup, Region III Cumulative Risk Forum, Permitting Workgroup, the GIS Environmental Justice Tool Development Workgroup, the Cumulative Risk Workgroup, and several other advisory committees around the Region. Input from the state also lead to many presentations at our annual All States Meetings by Charles Lee of OEJ on the IWG, Ann Goode, formerly Head of OCR regarding Title VI, Jerome Balter of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia regarding the Chester, PA and Saint Lawrence Cement cases, and numerous presentations by regional and state staff on various Environmental Justice Issues of concern. The group has expanded to include EPA Regions I-V, and the respective states. In 2007, the All States Group worked with OEJ and EPA HQ worked to provide ADR training to state and Regional EJ staff. It should also be noted that the Regional Office utilizes all of these working relationships and a number of others to receive input. When issues are raised, the appropriate parties are identified and contacts are made in order to assure the notification and participation of the appropriate partners. The office also takes advantage of all speaking and outreach engagements as opportunities to receive input and to extend its range of contacts. When the appropriate internal and external partners are identified, discussions are held as appropriate. EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office have any ongoing mechanisms to share information to external groups regarding environmental justice such as websites, faxback system, printed outreach materials, etc.? If yes, please list and describe. Also please mention the specific stakeholder group(s) which benefit from these outreach mechanisms. Since 1999 the primary means of sharing information with external groups has been our Monthly All States Conference Calls and the Annual All States Meetings. Additionally, Listening Sessions, Forums and Workshops are the Region’s other primary mechanisms for sharing information. A variety of topics and concerns of environmental justice interest are discussed during these outreach sessions. Topics discussed include environmental justice screening tools, such as EJSEAT, pilot projects being conducted by the states and other agencies, and environmental justice legislation such as those passed in California and Massachusetts. The Region also participates in the ORD/Regional Cumulative Risk /Impact Workshops that have and are being held around the country. The Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator, for example, gave a presentation at the November 2002 ORD/Region VI Cumulative Risk Workshop in Dallas, Texas and served as a member of the planning committee and as a presenter for the ORD/Region I Cumulative Risk/Impact Science of EJ Workshop in May of 2004, the 2004 HUD Fair Housing Conference, the EJ Coordinators meetings in 2006 -2008, the State of EJ in America Conference in 2008. The Regional Office has demonstrated a strong and lasting commitment to these efforts and will continue to do so in the future.
8
The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice also has a web site where information is shared. Within the website is the Region’s Environmental Justice homepage. (http://www.epa.gov/region03/environmental_justice/index.htm) This websites hosts as variety of information such as the proceedings from the Region’s Cumulative Risk Workshop, which was attended by more than 100 people. Those proceedings are available at http://www.epa.gov/region03/environmental_justice/cumriskwkshop.htm. Additionally, the Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator maintains an e-mail group of environmental justice contacts throughout the region that is used to distribute and discuss environmental justice information. Printed and digital material, such as the NEJAC Guide to Community Involvement, the NEJAC Waste Transfer Station Report, the Chester Risk Study, South/Southwest Philadelphia Environmental Study, the Anacostia Initiative, and other Regional studies and assessments along with a host of other documents are mailed out to these contacts as they are made available and/or requested. Stakeholders receiving benefit from these outreach activities include, state and local governments within in the Region, academic institutions such as Morgan State University, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, other Regional Offices, Federal Agencies, business and industry, the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, the Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living, and numerous other groups throughout the region.
EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • How will your Regional/Headquarters office identify stakeholders who could benefit from increased awareness about environmental justice and being more engaged in the collaborative problem-solving process? Our Region has worked, and will continue to work very actively with state and local governments, citizens groups, business and industry, and other institutions as appropriate in this regard. The Region’s Environmental Justice Strategy, as originally designed, is built upon collaborative problem solving. This allows the Region to actively involve stakeholders in the process through education, training, face to face meeting, conference calls, workshops, and other interactive meetings. As previously stated, this is a labor intensive process that requires a significant amount of time and effort on the part of Regional personnel and our partners. We identify the appropriate partners on an issue by issue, site by site basis. Once the appropriate partners are identified, they are brought into the process by management, and fully engaged in an effort to address their concerns. EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • How will your Regional/Headquarters office promote collaborative problem-solving among stakeholders? The Region’s Environmental Justice Program has been, and will continue to be, based upon the principle of collaborative problem-solving with stakeholders. Our Deputy Regional Administrator developed the Regional model that we have used since 1998. For each situation 9
there is a unique and case specific solution. Our model brings all of the stakeholders together in our collaborative model that allows for the resolution of problems based upon cooperation, mutual respect, and the realization or a need to identify solutions for these problems. Three examples of the Region’s use of collaboration with stakeholders are: the withdrawal of a BioOxidation facility in a low income community, the creation of a risk assessment program in the City of Chester, and the creation of the All-States Environmental Justice Conferences. Bio-Oxidation An Environmental Justice crisis was averted, during the summer of 1998, when Bio-Oxidation, Inc. withdrew their permit application for the construction of what would have been the largest infectious medical waste autoclave facility in the country in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The facility would have been built in a low income Hispanic and African American community without the community’s health and quality of living concerns adequately addressed. The operation of the facility would have greatly increased truck traffic in the area around the plant but also would have increased traffic in an African American neighborhood across town where the partially treated wastes would have been trucked from the Bio-Oxidation facility to the Harrisburg Incinerator for final incineration. Neither community had their concerns adequately addressed by the state or by Bio-Oxidation. In fact, the Harrisburg Housing Authority had granted a variance to allow the facility to be built in close proximity to public housing units without properly notifying their sister federal agency (HUD). The regional HUD Office contacted EPA. Region III, requesting information and insight on Environmental Justice, Title VI, and the specifics of the Bio-Oxidation, Inc. situation. The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice held lengthy discussions with HUD concerning these issues, providing information, historical background, and other consultation. HUD expressed its concerns regarding the proposed project to the local housing authority, and began its own investigation of the situation. EPA Region III met early on in the permit siting process with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to discuss the potential environmental justice issues they would face as the permitting agency should they approve the siting and permitting of the Bio-Oxidation facility. As a result of an educated public protest and media attention, and early discussions between EPA and PADEP, Bio-Oxidation withdrew their permit application. This was seen as a major victory for the communities which would have been disproportionally affected by the construction of the infectious waste facility. City of Chester Chester, Pennsylvania is located approximately 15 miles south of Philadelphia and rests along the Delaware River. Chester has a minority population of approximately 70 percent with the highest concentration of industrial facilities in Pennsylvania including two oil refineries, a large medical waste facility and other medical waste type facilities. Chester is also the home of the Delaware County wastewater treatment plant and a large trash to steam facility. Residents of Chester have long been concerned about the health effects of living and working among toxic substances. Chester has the highest infant mortality rate coupled with the lowest birth rate in the state. Chester is the poorest community in Delaware County. During 1995, EPA Region III completed the Chester Risk Assessment Project as part of an initiative with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to study environmental risks, health, and regulatory issues in Chester. While the intent of the Risk Assessment was to provide a complete “cumulative risk study” utilizing 10
exposure data for all environmental media and exposure pathways, the actual report is more of an Aggregated Risk Study due to the largely unknown nature of the interrelated exposures. However, the findings of the report were alarming. Blood lead in Chester children is unacceptably high with 60% of the children’s blood levels above the Center for Disease Control’s recommended maximum level. Both cancer and non-cancer risks from the pollution sources at locations in Chester exceed what EPA believes are acceptable. The report found that air emissions from facilities in and around Chester provide a large component of the cancer and non-cancer risk to the citizens of Chester. In response to the findings in the Chester Risk Assessment Project, EPA recommended the implementation of aggressive lead paint abatement programs in Chester and that sources of air emissions which impact the areas of the city with unacceptable high risk should be targeted for compliance inspections and any necessary enforcement actions. Also, a voluntary emission reduction program should be instituted to obtain additional emissions reductions from facilities which provide the most emissions in the areas of highest risk. The Chester Implementation Workgroup, made up of representatives from the stakeholder groups in Chester, has been set up to address issues identified by the community relating to health, quality of life and land use. Representatives from 30 different Federal, State, County or City Agencies/Departments, and citizens groups participated in this workgroup. The workgroup distilled the 50 problem areas identified into four or five key areas which predominantly impact the children and youth of the City of Chester. The first area to be addressed was the reduction of children's blood lead levels. EPA, HUD, CDC, HHS, and ATSDR participated in planning and strategy sessions along with the Health Department of the City of Chester and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The City of Chester obtained additional funding for its Childhood Lead Poisoning Program from the CDC and Delaware County, PA. Additionally, the City of Chester’s Health Department developed a priority targets list based upon the information contained in the risk study report. The Office of Enforcement, Compliance and Environmental Justice has provided the partners with insights and perspectives on risk assessment, community and stakeholder involvement, public participation, and various aspects of environmental justice including; historical perspectives, trends, models, and strategy development. A Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP), as a result of an EPA enforcement action taken in Chester, was undertaken. The SEP was administrated by Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living. The project has now been terminated. All-States Environmental Justice Conferences Beginning in 1999, EPA Region 3's OECEJ has convened annual All-States Environmental Justice Conferences with all of the states, and the District of Columbia, in Region 3. The purpose of the conferences was to create a forum for open discussion of environmental justice guidance, policies, evaluative methodologies, real world problems and potential solutions for those problems among the Regional All-States group. These conferences also provide a forum where the experiences and knowledge gained through the efforts of the various group members as they address various issues of environmental justice concern are shared. These conferences have been an overwhelming success in that they opened a continuing dialogue between EPA and the states in the Region on environmental justice issues.
11
The first meeting was held in Baltimore. The keys topics of discussion were the history of the Environmental Justice movement in this country, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and stakeholder involvement. As a result of our very first meeting, the states in Region 3 requested that we hold regularly scheduled monthly conference calls to continue the dialogue, share experiences and to continue to identify potential solutions to real environmental justice issues. The monthly conference calls are continuing to be held. In 2000, the meeting was held in Harrisburg, PA focusing on assessment, EPA’s Title VI guidance document, and the development of Environmental Justice Strategies. The Region 3 All-States Environmental Justice Conference for 2001 was held in Richmond, Virginia. The guest speakers for 2001 were Jerry Balter of the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, and Charles Lee of OEJ Mr. Balter discussed the Saint Lawrence Cement case from Camden, New Jersey which was a major Environmental Justice case being heard by the Third Circuit Court of the United States at that time. Charles Lee discussed the IWG and provided updates on other national Environmental Justice issues of concern. Additionally, Virginia and Pennsylvania provided updates on their state Environmental Justice Programs, and EPA Region III provided background on Title VI, NEPA and Environmental Justice, and tools that could be used to assist in Environmental Justice assessment. The 2002 Region 3 All-States Environmental Justice Conference was held on Dover, Delaware. Key speakers at that conference were Tom Voltaggio, Region 3's Deputy Regional Administrator, Charles Lee of OEJ, Devon Payne-Sturges of EPA. HQ; Reginald Harris, Samantha Fairchild, Daniel Isales, and Harold Yates of EPA Region 3, Andrew Sawyers and Bernie Penner of the Maryland Department of the Environment, Pam Nixon of West Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and Alisa Harris of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Topics of discussion included cumulative risk assessment, the use of public health data in community assessment, Public Health Indicators, Federal Interagency Working Group Update/IWG EJ Revitalization Projects-Second Round, the December 2002 NEJAC Meeting, Saint Lawrence Cement and Congressional Black Caucus updates, State Grievance Procedures the Park Heights Auto Body Repair Shop Initiative, a Title VI Workgroup update, EPA Region 3's draft EJ Public Participation Plan, the West Virginia and Pennsylvania EJ Plans, and the Maryland EJ Pilot Project. The meeting also included a review of Environmental Justice legislation from around the country (presented by the EJ Interns), and an EJ site tour conducted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources ad Environmental Control. Due to the success of these conferences, the states in the Region requested that we move to a twice per year meeting schedule. The 2003 All States Meetings were both held in Philadelphia. The first was a planning meeting for our group’s year of activities including the Cumulative Risk Workshop and Chesapeake Bay EJ Forum. The Second was our first joint EJ All States Meeting with EPA Region II. That meeting focused on three areas, the status of our respective state and regional Environmental Justice Programs, an examination of our case study the Saint Lawrence Cement Case (including a community conducted tour), and the discussion of the development of additional assessment tools for identifying at-risk communities. The Regional Offices of EPA Regions II and III, as 12
well as the states of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia were in attendance. The group intends to continue holding these joint meetings. The 2004 meeting was held in Trenton, NJ and dealt with screening tools and community EJ issues. The 2005 Meetings were in Maryland and West Virginia. Those meetings focused on assessment tools, grants, program development and minority health disparities. The 2006 meetings revolved about land use, Brownfields, assessment tools, and facility siting. The 2007 meetings centered on ADR, EJSEAT, and use of environmental laws in EJ decision making. The 2008 meetings dealt with EJ integration and health disparities. EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office have any special initiatives or provisions to address issues for persons with limited English proficiency? If yes, please describe or attach. When the Region identifies communities where English proficiency is limited, our office provides translations of relevant documents into the primary language of that community. Additionally, when possible, the Region provides staff members proficient in the communities primary language to engage community members directly. An example of the Region’s efforts to engage communities with limited English proficiency is our work involving Spanish speaking migrant farm workers that had difficulty speaking English. To resolve the problem, Spanish speaking Regional staff members were brought in to support the efforts of this office and all relevant documents were translated. This lead to a greater understanding among the workers of the issues they face and increased their involvement. It should also be noted that several staff members in OECEJ are Spanish speaking and regularly provide translations and communicate in Spanish as is required. Although all efforts thus far have been in Spanish, we stand prepared to address the needs of non-English speaking communities by providing translations and other informational support. EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • In the course of your environmental justice outreach, will your Regional/Headquarters office utilize any informational materials translated in languages other than English? If yes, please list and describe. OECEJ has distributed materials in Spanish to communities for which English is a second language. Our office takes steps to characterize the communities that we serve through the use of Demographic Mapper, outreach to communities as a part of information gathering, and through communication with our partners in case evaluation and investigation. When such needs arise, we stand prepared to address them by providing translations and other informational support. Examples of translated documents include: 1. El Ozono y Su Salud Brochure Office of Air and Radiation EPA-452/F-00-001 Spanish 2. El Envenenamiento Por El Plomo y Sus NiZos Brochure Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances EPA747-K-95-001 Spanish 13
3. El Plan Modelo Para La Participacion Publica Booklet Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance EPA 300-K-00-001 and EPA 300-K-96-003S Spanish English 4. Reduccion de los riesgos de contaminacion por plomo cuando remodela su casa Booklet Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances EPA747-K-97- 002 Spanish 5. Programa de PequeZas Concesiones Guia de Solicitud AZo Fiscal Guidance Publication Office of Environmental Justice Annual Spanish EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • Are there any specific grant programs for which environmental justice was listed as a funding priority? Please list and describe. While there are no program specific grants of this type in the works it should be noted that our Auto Body Initiatives in Ward 5 of Washington, DC and the Park Heights Community of Baltimore had very strong Environmental Justice components. Auto Body Initiative: OECEJ partnered with Maryland and DC on an integrated strategy and outreach project. The projects focused on auto body/repair shops in both cities in a given geographic area. MDE chose to conduct the project in the Park Heights section of Baltimore and DC chose Ward 5. The following is a brief outline of the steps involved in these projects: 1) identified the universe of facilities in the geographic area; 2) conducted inspections at a statistically valid number of randomly selected facilities to obtain a compliance rate for this sector in the particular area; 3) provided compliance assistance and pollution prevention outreach to the entire universe of auto body shops; 4) conducted a self certification program; and 5) measured the results of the compliance assistance efforts. Both Maryland and DC received grants from EPA Headquarters to implement these integrated strategies. During FY02 Region III’s OECEJ assisted DC in identifying the auto body shops in DC, and conducted 46 inspections in DC and 30 in Maryland on behalf of the states to determine the initial compliance rate of this sector in Park Heights and Ward 5. DC and Maryland experienced an influx of calls from auto body shops for compliance assistance and citizen tips reporting body shops out of compliance. OECEJ also assisted in coordinating the compliance assistance efforts and utilized the expertise of the Region’s Environmental Justice Coordinator in working with the community groups. Both D.C. and MD have completed, with OECEJ.’s assistance, the checklist for the inspections, and wrote the Environmental Business Performance Indicators (EBPI). The EBPI will be used in the measurement phase of the project.
14
Region III continued to work with both D.C. and Maryland to finalize measures for these projects. OECEJ continued to assist the states and in FY04 completed the follow-up inspections at 30 auto body shops in Maryland and at the 46 auto body shops in DC. The upcoming Partnerships for community Health Priority will be a major project with EJ as a cornerstone. Planning is in its early stages. DATA COLLECTION & MANAGEMENT • List your Regional/Headquarters office’s main data sets - the ways in which you collect environmental justice information. Also, describe how this information is utilized by your Regional/Headquarters office (e.g., environmental justice assessment, program tracking/evaluation, etc.). The Director of OECEJ and the Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator are members of the EJSEAT Development Team. We are working on the development, refinement and testing of EJSEAT, having conducted an in-house test, as well as having met with the NEJAC work group evaluating EJ assessment tools. The Region and OECEJ utilize a wide variety of data sets for information gathering. We utilize all of the demographic data bases available to the Region to help determine what type of community is potentially at risk. Additionally, risk information comes to us through CERCLIS, IRIS, HEAST, TRI, NPDES, RCRIS, ICIS, OTIS, STORET, TIRGRE, and a host of other EPA data sets. We also utilize state and local public health and environmental heath data as available. We also have a large amount of information available through the use of GIS and our Demographic Mapper. In addition, we get data from other sources including but not limited to: - State Environmental Justice Council Meetings - EJ listening sessions - Public availability sessions - Public meetings - Telephone inquiries - E-mail inquiries - Letters and faxed materials - Newspapers, journals and other resource documents - Community organization newsletters - Public radio programs - Workshops and Symposia - NEJAC meetings - Federal, State and local governmental meetings - Academic forums - Community fairs, forums and other informational and educational activities - Consultations with Stakeholders - Private meetings and communications DATA COLLECTION, MANAGEMENT, AND EVALUATION 15
• Will your Regional/Headquarters office have a method of identifying and highlighting best practices and lessons learned? If yes, please describe. The All States Meeting and Conference Calls, internal and external training, state Environmental Justice working groups, and the numerous presentations conducted by our office all serve as vehicles for providing information, and identifying and highlighting best practices and lessons learned. The presentations made through the OPM Eastern and Western Training Centers are examples of this type of activity. The Region’s Environmental Justice Coordinator made a presentation before the American Public Health Association regarding the lessons learned and assessment methodology from the Region’s Cumulative Risk/Community Risk Studies. Information from the presentations regarding the use of GIS and other screening tools, such as EJSEAT have been made to NEJAC, Regions IV, VII, and VIII, the Agency’s Enforcement Managers, FLETC, and the states in Region III. The All States Meetings and Conference Calls serves as an ongoing mechanism for this type of information and feedback. Presenters from the States in the Region, the Region III Office, EPA Headquarters, environmental attorneys, and other invited participants make presentations highlighting pilot projects, new models for action, screening tools, evaluative methodologies, and various other information that is of strategic value to the group. As a testament to the usefulness and popularity of these meetings, the states in our Region have requested that we move to a twice yearly meeting format. These ongoing methods serve to better communicate best practices and lessons learned. PROFESSIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office plan to provide training on environmental justice? If yes, please list and describe. Region III has and will continue to conduct and participate in both internal and external environmental justice training. The Regional offered “In House” Environmental Justice Training “ from the Spring of 2004 through 2005. Other internal training sessions will also be held at the request of the Region’s Divisions and Offices. External environmental justice training was also provided at the Maryland Department of Environment’s Permit Writers Conference in October, 2008. The region also provided training to Morgan State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and University of Delaware (preliminary planning). Below is a listing of some of the past external activities in support of these efforts. Teaching/Training 1. Principles of Solid Waste Management Planning - Facilitator, EPA-HQ, July 1995. Audience EPA-HQ, Peace Corps, UNDP, World Bank, USAID, OIA, and others. Hungary, September, 1996 and October, 1997; Poland, February, 1996 and September 1997; and South Africa, May 1997 and September 1997, South Africa, March and February 2000, South Africa, August September 2001. 2. Environmental Justice - Training EPA Region III RCRA, June 1995. Audience - RCRA personnel with yearly updates since that time. Office of Regional Counsel, July 1998 with 16
update in 2000, Water Protection Division Managers 1995, Environmental Justice Team 1996, 1998, 2000, Air Protection Division 1996, 1998, 2000, Chesapeake Bay Program Office 1996, 1998, 2000; Chesapeake Bay EC 2001; Superfund 2001, RCRA 2002 and 2004; Regional session 2004; Inspector Training 2005-2007; Law Clerks 2005-2008; EIS Team 2007; Superfund and WPD 2009. 3. Environmental Justice: Regional Experiences - Presenter, OPM Training Center, Lancaster, PA, May 1995. Audience - Senior Managers and staff of EPA-HQ, CIA, Secret Service, HUD, NASA, NIH, and the Armed Forces, also May 1996, October 1996, June 1997, July 1998, Air Combat Command, September, 1998, OPM Training Centers 1996, 1997, 1998, March 1999, October 1999, March 2000. 4. Environmental Assessment - Facilitator, Hong Kong, October 1994. Audience - Senior managers and staff of Hong Kong governmental agencies, University Professors, Senior managers and staff of Private Sector Industry. 5. Principles of Toxicology - Instructor, Hampton University, Spring Semester, 1994. Audience - Graduate Students. Associated with work at Abex Superfund Site education and outreach efforts. 6. Risk Assessment for Site Investigations - Instructor for State and Federal Facilities, EPA Region III, 1992, 1993, and 1994. Audience - Managers and staff of Federal Facilities, and State risk assessors. Speaking Engagements 1. North-Central Philadelphia Environmental Awareness Group, June 1995. 2. Environmental Justice Symposium, 46th Street Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA. April 1, 1995. 3. Chester High School (Radio Program), May 1995. 4. American Association of Blacks in Energy, Annual Conference, Richmond, VA, April 1995. 5. West Chester University, March 1995. 6. 46th Street Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA, March 1995. 7. Governmental Affairs Radio Program, November 1994 and June 1997. 8. City of Chester, PA, 6 times - 1994 and 1995. 9. Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA, 1994. 10. South/Southwest Philadelphia Meetings - Twice - 1994 - 1995. 11. New Comfort Baptist Church, July 1997. 12. Widener University, May 1996 13. Allegheny University, January 1998 14. Swathmore University, May 1996. 15. NEJAC, December 1996, May 1998 16. Bryn Mawr College, 1998 17. Philadelphia Bar Association, May 1998 18. City of Philadelphia, September 1998 19. Drexel University, October 1998, April 1999, April 2000, April 2001 17
20. University of Pennsylvania, October 1998, October 1999, October 2000, October 2001, October 2002 21. Philadelphia Lead Forum, March 1999 22. City of Philadelphia - Law department, June 1998 23. American Institute of Chemical Engineers, October 1998 24. Germantown Senior Service Corps, 1998 25. Environmental Justice Research Symposium - Morgan State University, 1995 26. Morgan State University - Environmental Science - 2001 and 2002. 27. Eastern University, 2002 28. Jefferson Medical College - 1998, 2000 29. Senior Managers EPA Region III- 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 30. EPA Region VIII - 1998 31. NEJAC Oakland - 1998 32. American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 1998 32. EPA Region IX - 1998 33. EPA Region VII - 1999 34. APHA - November 2002 35. Annual All States Meetings 1999 - 2003 36. Maryland Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities - 2001, 2002, 2003 37. Region III Smart Growth Conference - 2002 38. South Africa - 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 39. ORD Cumulative Risk Workshop - 2002 40. Regional Cumulative Risk Workshop - 2003 41. HRSC - 2003 42. University of Pennsylvania - 2003 43. FAA - 2002 44. OPPT - Community Partnerships - 2000, 2002 45. OPPT – 2006, 2007 46. OW – 2008 47. HUD – 2004 48. MDE – 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 PROFESSIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT • What methods will you utilize to promote shared learning, such as best practices and lessons learned among staff? If yes, please list and describe. The use of examples acquired from around the Region is the main method to promote shared learning. The Regional Environmental Justice Training includes sessions on the Regional experiences. Such examples are: the Abex Superfund Site, the Chester Risk Study, the Baltimore Urban Environmental Initiative, the South/Southwest Philadelphia Environmental Risk Study, Bio-Oxidation, Inc. These examples and more serve as examples of successful approaches to addressing various issues and concerns. These cases and others provide numerous examples of what has and is being done with respect to Environmental Justice in the Region. The risk and environmental studies provide perspective on the potential risk and exposure issues 18
faced by communities and provide concrete examples of what can be done to address these issues. Activities used to highlight these activities include: - In-House Training - Training for state and local governments - The Regional EJ All States Meetings - Monthly EJ All States Conference Calls - Symposia and Workshops - Speaking engagements - OPM Environmental Issues Seminars - Workgroup and focus group meetings - Personal communications - Public availability sessions ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ASSESSMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office have a process by which an environmental justice assessment is conducted? If yes, please describe. The Director of OECEJ and the Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator are members of the EJSEAT development Team. Work has included development of the methodology, briefings for OECA and NEJAC, meetings with stakeholders, data gathering from states, and testing of the tool in-house. We will use EJSEAT as a tool that will help us to identify areas of concern, and to assist in screening sites and setting priorities. Our office has been assessing the demographic characteristics of each site and facility location being investigated utilizing our Arc View based mapping tool, Demographic Mapper, since 1994 with a major revision in 1996 and updates in 2000. Demographic Mapper is used as an initial screening tool to assist in the characterization of the communities around each of the sites and facilities under investigation. Demographic Mapper is a screening tool which provides background information that helps us identify resource needs, characterize the community demographically, and gain a basic insight into community conditions. This information is followed up with site visits, conversations with stakeholders, and more in depth investigation by EPA staff and state personnel. The demographic information is used to identify minority and low-income communities, sensitive populations (children and the elderly), areas where there may be exposures to significant environmental exposures such as lead and poor indoor air quality, and it helps us to assess the educational level of communities so that appropriate outreach and educational materials may be provided. The characterization information is used to help us identify the appropriate resources and to allocate them for our work at the site in question. After the screening with our Mapper is completed we meet with the appropriate internal staff and develop a strategy for our plan of action. We identify the key issues, stakeholders, do a needs assessment, and make appropriate contacts in order to begin a dialogue on the issues at hand. Through a proactive process, we proceed in a logical and deliberative manner to address the 19
issues and concerns that come to light. Stakeholders and regularly briefed and dialogue remains open throughout the process. When ambient data is available, and when appropriate environmental and/or public health data is available, that data is used for assessment purposes as well. See the Chester Risk Study, South/Southwest Philadelphia Environmental Study, and the Baltimore Urban Environmental Initiative for examples of these more detailed characterizations. Additionally, when site data is available in cases such as Eastwick in the City of Philadelphia, field data collected by the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Division was used for assessment of risk to the population close to the site. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ASSESSMENT • Will your Regional/Headquarters office rely on any information resources with which to conduct an environmental justice assessment, such as the Environmental Justice Mapper, Environmental Justice Toolkit, etc.? If yes, please list and describe. We are testing and using EJSEAT as a tool along with other data sources to identify and set priorities, do retrospective reporting, and selects areas of concern.
Region III utilizes a screening tool first developed in 1994, revised in 1996, and updated in 2000 called Demographic Mapper. Demographic Mapper is an Arc View based GIS tool that provides the Region with a vast array of information relating to any location in question in the Region. This screening tool provides the Region with a characterization of any location under investigation in order that we may be able to better serve and evaluate any area under consideration. Demographic Mapper not only provides the key demographic information such as the percentages of minority and low-income populations in the areas of concern, but it also provides information on such important indicators of risk as population density, age of housing (relates directly to the numbers of homes in the area containing lead based paint since lead based paint was used most extensively in homes built before 1950 but may also be found in homes built until 1977), numbers of homes with indoor air problems (wood or coal cooking or heating), female headed households, numbers of elderly, and numbers of children of childbearing age. This tool is a very important source of information and is important in the investigation for environmental justice communities and will be utilized in future investigations. In addition, the Region uses its GIS capabilities to enhance the work done with Demographic Mapper. The office also will use Environmental Justice Mapper as a tool to supplement Demographic Mapper. Additional tools will be examined and identified for possible use in the coming years. The Environmental Justice Toolkit is made available as a resource document for use in the Region and by our partners.
20
These tools all are used to supplement any ambient data, programmatic information, and resources of state and local government related to the environmental and public health of concern. PROGRAM EVALUATION • Will your regional/Headquarters office have any performance measures specifically related to environmental justice? If yes, please describe. The Regional performance measures of success include the resolution of issues of concern and cases of Environmental Justice concern, effective interaction with and assistance provided to our stakeholders, conducting training and outreach activities around the Region, response to stakeholder needed, and the development of effective tools and instruments for assessment of concerns. PROGRAM EVALUATION • Will your Regional/Headquarters office conduct any needs assessments, reports or other documents (produced internally or through a contract) to identify, quantify, and evaluate methods to strengthen and/or improve your environmental justice program? If yes, please list and describe. This office periodically reevaluates its needs, and is continually taking steps to improve and upgrade the program. Internally, OECEJ meets with Senior Management regularly and does periodic assessment to evaluate needs and progress. This, combined with our Annual All States Meetings and other reviews provides the appropriate feedback and review needed to assess the program. Feedback from our All States Meetings, have helped us understand the need for topic specific workshops and is being incorporated into our plans for the future. PROGRAM EVALUATION • How will your region/Headquarters highlight the accomplishments and results from your Environmental Justice Action Plans? OECEJ provides regular updates to the Region through salient issues. We will continue with this process, by providing such information through our regular training and informational updates, and we will hold brown bag lunches as are appropriate. We also provide this information externally as we go out and do our outreach throughout the Region. Significant accomplishments will also be highlighted on the OECEJ Web Page http://www.epa.gov/region03/environmental_justice/index.htm ENVRIONMENTAL JUSTICE REVIEW • Identify activities for EJ review and establish a schedule. EPA Region III will conduct its 2009 EJ Review using the Cleanup and Remediation Protocol in the Superfund Program. Remedial Project Managers, On-Scene Coordinators and other site team members will participate in this program review. Due to the team concept of the Superfund Program, and the vast array of sites that Superfund staff work on, it was decided that the EJ Review will look at the way that superfund staff generally conduct their duties with respect to 21
Environmental Justice. The types of site contaminants, site conditions, remedies selected, and communities living near the sites vary greatly, so it was felt that this would offer an excellent opportunity to review how staff in that program integrate Environmental Justice into their daily work. This review will offer an opportunity for the program to assess what is being done, training needs, support and resource needs, the availability of tools and innovative practices, and to identify any potential gaps requiring the attention of Regional Management. At this time, the program is putting together the review team, identifying lead points of contact, assessing resources, identifying staff to participate in the review, and planning for a kick off meeting with staff. The time line calls for the meeting with staff to take place in early 2009, and for the review to be completed by august of 2009.
22
U.S. EPA Region III Environmental Justice Action Plan Section 1: Performance Measures Matrix Highlights FY09 Robust-Results Oriented Activities Description:
Activities/ Resources/ /Partners
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure
Point of Contact
Short-term (awareness)
Intermediate (behavior)
Long-term (condition)
Identify small, privately owned public water supplies in environmental-justice communities. Develop comprehensive geospatial data and information, including EJ areas, to inform existing EPA, delegated, and state programs and initiatives to ensure that public and private drinking water supplies are factored as priorities.
Improve overall compliance rate of small public water supplies
# of small PWSSs identified and included in program priorities.
Number of people protected. Improve public health Reduction of pollutant loadings to drinking water sources
John Forren, Office of Monitoring & Assessment 215-814-2705 Forren.john@epa. gov Andrea Bennett Water Protection Division, Drinking Water Branch 215-814-5736 Bennet.andrea@e pa.gov
23
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Section 2: Performance Measures Matrix
Goal 1: Objective:
Clean Air and Global Climate Change Reduction in number of asthma attacks (e.g., reduce asthma triggers such as particulate matter)
Output Applicable Outcome Measure Point of Contact
Activities
Short-term (awareness)
Intermediate (behavior)
Long-term (condition)
George Washington University (GWU) Inhome asthma education projects to ensure the direct education of children, their parents and/or primary caregivers, and others in the home with asthma about environmental triggers in their homes and asthma management techniques Resources - EPA Funded. (RFP – EPA-R3-APD-08-01). Partnerships: GWU children’s Hospital, Clinics, Heath Educators, Community
To conduct a comprehensive community based inhome environmental asthma trigger management and mitigation intervention.
Increase parents’ and caregivers’ awareness of asthma triggers in the home. Decrease/Eliminat e the exposure of asthma triggers in the home.
# of asthmatic children and families educated in managing asthma. # of families who increased sustaining efforts in maintaining a trigger-free environment for asthmatic children. Increase the number of healthy homes in the community
Reduction of emergency department (ED) visits Reduction of hospitalizations of asthmatic children who received in-home environmental assessments. Reduction in rescue medication usage Decrease in school absenteeism Decrease in number of unscheduled hospital visits
Chief, Carol Febbo Energy, Radiation and Indoor Environments Phone: 215-814-2076 febbo.carol@epa.gov
2009-2014 Strategic Plan Objective: 1.2 Healthier
24
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure
Point of Contact
Short-term (awareness)
Intermediate (behavior)
Long-term (condition)
Groups ACS Commitments: ORIA IAQ 05 Work with communities surrounding schools and in areas surrounding school bus routes to address environmental justice and public health concerns. Enhance outreach & education to existing stakeholder groups to promote opportunities to reduce emissions in areas where low-income and minority populations are particularly impacted by diesel exhaust. School buses operate in urbanized areas and also transport special needs children who will highly benefit from the emission reductions this project will achieve. Fund clean diesel grant A total of 281 school buses will be retrofitted with either diesel particulate filters or diesel oxidation catalysts in the School Districts of Philadelphia, Hampton Roads, Baltimore City and the District of Columbia Biodiesel, an alternative fuel, will be used in at least 100 school buses. Replace one 1990 bus with a new 2008 alternative fuel (propane) bus. School Districts will Increase awareness of all stakeholders regarding solutions available for reducing emissions from diesel engines through retrofit and idle reduction. Partners/stakehold ers are more aware of opportunities to implement diesel emission reduction activities in areas where low-income and minority populations are particularly impacted by diesel exhaust. Actions taken to reduce diesel emission include: 1.) Retrofitting school buses with diesel emission reduction equipment and use alternative fuels. 2.) Where possible, replace older buses with new 2008 models. 3.) Implement Idle Reduction Policies in schools and surrounding areas. Develop experienced mechanics, operators and maintenance staff. Establish fleet
Indoor Air
Sub-objective: 1.2.2 Reduce Exposure to Asthma Triggers
Health of targeted populations is improved as measured by reduction in number and severity of asthma incidents reported in areas with low-income and minority populations. Enjoyment of communities in DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Hampton Roads and surrounding areas that experience reduction of air pollution from the medium-duty buses. Lifetime emissions reductions of tons of diesel particulate matter, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides. Examine the long-term technology of the CCRT 25 Chief, Carol Febbo Energy, Radiation and Indoor Environments Phone: 215-814-2076 febbo.carol@epa.gov
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure
Point of Contact
Short-term (awareness)
Intermediate (behavior)
Long-term (condition)
proposals for school bus projects. Resources: Potential FY09 DERA funding State/municipal funding, school district funding. Private sector financing Building Partnerships: State and Local Air Agencies, Local Community Groups, Academic Institutions, Mid Atlantic Clean Diesel Collaborative, American Pupil Transportation Association. (RFA – EPA-R3APD07-02). ACS Commitments: OTAQ 01a & 01B
serve as technical advisory groups to other interested partner organizations. Emissions reductions achieved calculated by the Diesel Emissions Quantifier Participate in stakeholder meetings to discuss the benefits of clean diesel and reduced idling
Develop materials and catalogue best practices for Idle Reduction Campaigns.
tracking system that anticipates retrofit preventive maintenance checks.
retrofit devices. Information to be tracked over the next 4 to 6 years with measurements documented. Reduce the exposure of diesel exhaust and harmful emissions and improve the air quality for school children, school bus drivers and community members.
2009-2014 Strategic Plan Objective: 1.1 Healthier
Outdoor Air
Sub-objective: 1.1.1
Reduce Criteria Pollutants and Regional Haze
26
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure
Point of Contact
Short-term (awareness)
Intermediate (behavior)
Long-term (condition)
Steel/Coke Enforcement Initiative ACS Commitment: CA A01
Enforcement Actions and/or Inspections
Identifying violations of Opacity and PM standards Identifying violations of Air Toxics Negotiation of Consent Decrees
Environmental Regulatory Compliance Consent Decree issued with regulatory compliance, i.e. Rebuilding unit Permit modification Add on controls equipment
Reduction of Criteria Pollutants and Air Toxics Compliance with State SIP requirements Possibility of Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) opportunity initiated by EPA agreed upon by the company
Chris Pilla, Air Enforcement Branch Tel: 215-814-3438 E-mail: Pilla .Chris @epa.gov
Note: Currently, there three enforcement actions and one inspection completed
2009-2014 Strategic Plan Objective: 1.1 Healthier
Outdoor Air
Develop knowledge base to better characterize existing regional efforts in addressing asthma voluntary and regulatory.
Management-oriented document and PowerPoint on the Region’s community health status with
Increased awareness of populations at increased risk of asthma
Increase multidivisional capabilities to understand environmental
Sub-objective: 1.1.1 Reduce Criteria Pollutants and Regional Haze Scientific knowledge base is in place and supportive of improvements to the effectiveness of Region 3
Richard Paiste, Office of Environmnetal Information & Analysis 215-814-5739 Paiste.richard@epa.gov 27
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure
Point of Contact
Short-term (awareness)
Intermediate (behavior)
Long-term (condition)
Interview existing regional program and state/local asthma program contacts.
regard to asthma among children
development or exacerbation due to environmental stressors Develop report of current Regional programs/activitie s on: - Any existing Data collection efforts in outreach/educatio n - Existing state, NGO relationships - Any existing success measures used
asthma epidemiology and scientific validity. Support crossdivisional, crossprogram asthma programs (more efficiency, more collaboration, more synergy)
programs in identifying and addressing asthma health risks. Reductions in asthma incidence, mortality, ER visits, school absences
28
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Goal 1: Objective: Clean Air and Global Climate Change Reduce exposure to air toxics (e.g., reduce releases of mercury)
Activities Output Short-term (awareness) Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Name/Org: Tel: E-mail: Point of Contact
29
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Goal 2: Objective: Clean and Safe Water Safe fish/shellfish
Activities Output Short-term (awareness) Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Name/Org: Tel: E-mail: Point of Contact
30
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Goal 2: Objective: Clean and Safe Water Clean and safe drinking water
Activities Output Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Mountain Top Mining: EPA will target an active mining operation, for inspection in an environmental-justice community, and will complete at least one multimedia inspection with the assistance of State inspection staff.
Improve overall compliance rate of mining facilities in Region III. Focus on a certain stream or river, and then pick a large mining operation on that river.
# of inspections conducted and enforcement actions initiated in EJ areas.
Pounds of pollutants reduced from enforcement actions initiated. Number of people protected. Improvements in the aquatic environment near active mines Improve public health Reduction of pollutant loadings to drinking water sources
John Forren, Office of Monitoring & Assessment 215-814-2705 Forren.john@epa.gov Garth Connor, OECEJ 215-814-3209 Conner.garth@epa.gov Andrea Bennett Water Protection Division, Drinking Water Branch 215-814-5736 Bennet.andrea@epa.gov
31
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
Coal River (EJ Project Area): Discussions in principle with Coal lndustry; Phase 1 Feasibility Assessment of Collaborative ADR Approach Completed (2007). Develop & implement new water quality standards (TDS/ conductivity ) and bioassessment tools (genus level GLIMPSS).
Massey settlement (stream/forest restoration) activities (2009). Collaborative Partnerships established (2009). Agreements on 2010 Targeted Restoration, Strategic Coal Extraction, & Targeted Protection Areas which provide adequate dilution to maintain water quality standards in downstream waters and provide refugia as colonization sources. Ecological area Protection agreements.
Strategic Planning underway by Mining Sector Team (2008).
High-Quality Streams & Watersheds Protected. Rate of Stream Loss Reduced Water Quality Standards that better protect aquatic life downstream. Changed mining practices to better protect stream & aquatic life. Streams/watersh eds Restored. Instream indicators (e.g. TDS/conductivit y) maintained/impr oved
Improved drinking water quality and source water protection for EJ residents. Acres of high priority Natural Infrastructure preserved, enhanced, Restored Acres of wetlands restored Increase in forest and wetland connectivity Reduction in Forest /Natural Lands Loss and Fragmentation Increased ecological
John Forren, Office of Monitoring & Assessment Water Protection Division, Drinking Water Branch 215-814-2705 Forren.john@epa.gov
32
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
sustainability of the watershed CO2 sequestration (tons) Reduction of stormwater pollution
·LID Retrofit Program (DC Metropolitan Area)
- RiverSmart Homes Program provides funding for green roof implementation – - Small scale lot-level implementation of stormwater pollution reduction measures including rain barrel installation, conversion from impervious, Bay scaping, and rain garden installations
LID practices implemented
Catherine King (215) 814-2657 King.Catherine@epa.gov
Anacostia Watershed Toxics Alliance (AWTA)
Chairing and coordinating AWTA to review data and methods to remove toxic contaminants from the river.
Development of a ‘White Paper’ intended to summarize current data and strategies to remediate toxic sediment contamination in the Anacostia River.
- Implementing coordinated, collaborative, actions to remove and/or cap sediment contaminants. -To implement management strategies to limit toxic
Jonathan Essoka (215) 814-5774 Essoka.jonathan@epa.gov
33
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
Office of Infrastructure and Assistance
Anacostia Trash TMDL
Environmental assessment reviews that better address economic factors in addition to water quality, nutrient removal, and public health criteria within the project service area Develop and implement a TMDL that will eliminate unsightly trash build-up in the Anacostia Watershed.
Produce for public consumption environmental determinations that address user cost concerns As part of the implementation plan, local communities will be informed of the clean-up effort.
nonpoint source pollution. Construction of wastewater treatment facility with affordable user rates Anti-litter campaigns and TMDL will encourage proper waste disposal within the watershed and decrease stormwater pollution. Additional resources for trash collection and removal will also be provided. Removal of Fish Advisories for PCBs.
Charles Fogg (215) 814-5771 Fogg.Charles@epa.gov
Greg Voigt 215-814-5737 voigt.gregory@epa.gov
Delaware River TMDL
Develop and implement a TMDL that will reduce PCB levels in the Delaware River.
- Inform local communities of the TMDL and follow-
Denise Hakowski 215-814-5726 Hakowski.denise@epa.gov 34
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
up implementation work. - Implementation activities undertaken to reduce sources of PCBs from all sources. - Continued monitoring of PCB levels. Interim reductions of loadings. Lab Support & Services: 1. Under the MOA for the DDOE, on a as requested basis, provide analytical support for ambient, compliance and emergency response monitoring 2. Anacostia River – provide lab and office space for DC to perform analytical monitoring 3. Elizabeth River – on an as requested basis, provide analytical support for clean-up and restoration, Environmental data Analytical reports # of sampling and lab analysis performed # of project plans reviewed # of audits completed Protection of human health and the environment Monitoring and protection of water quality Clean-up and restoration of contaminated sites Fred Foreman, Technical Service Branch, Office of Analytical Services and Quality Assurance 410-305-2629 Foreman.fred@epa.gov Cynthia Caporale, Laboratory Branch, Office of Analytical Services and Quality Assurance 410-305-2732 Caporale.cynthina@epa.go v
35
Activities
Output
Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
and project plan review 4. Provide Drinking Water Lab Certification Audit for DC
36
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Goal 3: Objective: Land Preservation and Restoration Revitalization of brownfields and contaminated sites
Output Short-term (awareness) Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Activities
Use EJ as a criterion in prioritizing RCRA corrective action activities to meet RCRA 2020 goals.
Once there is a national agreement on a tool to identify EJ areas (EJ SEAT or other approved tool) ask OECEJ or GIS to provide a list of the RCRA 2020 universe identified facilities in Region 3 within EJ areas of concern. LCD will commit to prioritize those identified facilities and control human exposures for this subgroup of sites by 2011.
Identification of corrective action sites in EJ areas. Ability to prioritize investigations on EJ facilities.
Increase in facilities taking action to comply with RCRA corrective action requirements in EJ areas Increase in number of facilities in identified EJ areas of concern that meet applicable RCRA CA requirements
Volume of contaminated media addressed at facilities in EJ areas # of facilities in EJ areas which are Ready for Anticipated Use (tentative)
Luis Pizarro 215-814-3444 Pizarro.luis@epa.gov Paul Gotthold 215-814-3410 Gotthold.paul@epa.gov
37
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
OECEJ to train staff and managers in Environmental Justice (EJ) Smart Enforcement Assessment Tools (EJSEAT). Obtain and utilize EJSEAT to identify EJ areas surrounding HSCD cleanup and other sites posing potential risks so that specific concerns of EJ communities may be considered in planning and implementing outreach and other related initiatives.
Increased staff capacity to identify, assess, and address EJ concerns in their day-to-day work.
Increase community awareness of public participation opportunities at HSCD cleanup and other sites and related initiatives.
Good cross-section of community represented in outreach efforts regarding HSCD cleanup and other sites and related efforts.
Outreach activities successful in addressing specific needs and potential opportunities (jobs) regarding EJ communities impacted by HSCD sites.
James Webb, Associate Director (AD) Office of SF Site Remediation (OSSR) (215) 814-3169 webb.james@epa.gov Hank Sokolowski, AD Chief Office of Federal Facility Remediation and Site Assessment (OFFSA) (215) 814-3348 Sokolowski.henry@epa.gov Dennis Carney, AD Office of Preparedness & Response (OPR) (215) 814-3241 carney.dennis@epa.gov Susan Janowiak, AD Office of Brownfields & Outreach (OBFO) (215) 814-3197 janowiak.susan@epa.gov Karen Melvin, AD Office of Enforcement (OE) (215) 814-3275 melvin.karen@epa.gov
Integrate EJ screening
Generate maps of EJ
Increased awareness
Staff incorporates
Improve decision-
James Webb AD SFSR 38
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
into HSCD's efforts to investigate and address vapor intrusion (VI). In FY’08, HSCD worked to identify approx. 100 NPL sites with potential VI problems. The approximate site boundaries and estimated extent of ground water contamination have been mapped using a variety of tools. In FY’09, HSCD to develop methodology to prioritize these sites and begin addressing the highest priority sites. Based upon EJ Seats data from OECEJ, we will use GIS to determine sites at which EJ communities could potentially be impacted by VI and use this information to help inform the decisionmaking process.
communities potentially impacted by VI at identified sites.
of EJ at VI sites.
EJ principles and assessment tools into their work with communities impacted by VI.
making. Improved relationships and communication between EPA and community. Improved quality of life (potentially) for EJ communities impacted by VI.
(215) 814-3169 webb.james@epa.gov Hank Sokolowski, AD OFFSA (215) 814-3348 Sokolowski.henry@epa.gov Dennis Carney, AD OPR (215) 814-3241 carney.dennis@epa.gov Karen Melvin, AD OE (215) 814-3275 melvin.karen@epa.gov
39
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Goal 4: Objective: Healthy Communities and Ecosystems Reduction in elevated blood lead levels
Activities Output Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Fund Targeted Lead Grant Projects (Vulnerable Population Grants) in States, localities, EJ communities.
Targeted Grants to Reduce Childhood Lead Poisoning. The grants were available to a wide range of applicants, including state and local governments, non-profits, and institutions of higher learning, to identify and reduce lead poisoning in especially vulnerable populations. Outputs include training, development & distribution of educational materials, development of tools, partnerships.
Nationally, in early 2007, 211 proposals were received and 58 were awarded, totaling over $5 million. This process had focused communities on the need to build partnerships to prevent lead poisoning. In Region 3, we anticipate awarding one or two grants up to $100,000 each in FY 2009, assuming the funds are available.
Communities have knowledge about lead hazards and tools to identify and address lead paint sources. Demand created for leadsafe work practices.
Reduction/eli mination of the number of cases of children with elevated blood-lead levels.
Russell Swan (Acting Branch Chief) 215-814-5387 swan.russell@epa.gov
40
Goal 4: Objective:
Healthy Communities and Ecosystems Chemical, Organism, and Pesticide Risks
Activities Output Applicable Outcome Measure Short-term (awareness) Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Fund Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) Grant Projects in States, localities, EJ communities. EPA’s RFP could make EJ a selection criterion for funding.
PESP Grants to to a wide range of applicants, including state and local governments, non-profits, and institutions of higher learning, to reduce pesticide use and risk and develop pesticide alternatives. Outputs include partnerships, training, and development of educational materials.
Since 1996, this program has used State and Tribal Assistance Grants funds to support over 110 projects totaling about $4.5 million. In Region 3, in 2008, two projects were recommended for funding, each approximately $50,000. We anticipate similar funding for FY 2009, assuming the funds are available.
Organizations develop knowledge about pesticide hazards and alternative pest control practices and develop innovative practices. They implement these create a demand for safer pest control practices.
Reduction of risk to human health and the environment caused by pesticides.
John Butler 215-814-2172 Butler.John@epa.gov
41
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Goal 5: Objective: Compliance and Environmental Stewardship Ensure Compliance
Output Short-term (awareness) Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Activities
Review and comment on federal Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and make these publically available. EPA comments underscore environmental impacts including EJ concerns associated with proposed actions of Federal agencies Utilize NEPAssist, the EJ Geographic Assessment Tool, and EJ Seat
Incorporate EJ principles in Section 309 Reviews to help federal agencies address EJ issues in EISs and associated mitigation plans Incorporate EJ principles in EPA’s preparation of NEPA documents
Section 309 reviewers are better able to identify, assess , and address EJ issues in the NEPA review process 90% of new EPA draft EISs have adequately identified communities with EJ concerns with which to engage so that these communities have an opportunity to participate in the NEPA process.
% of EISs with potential EJ issues that documented efforts to involve communities with EJ concerns in the development of EISs and the decision-making process. 100% of new EPA draft EISs have adequately identified communities with EJ concerns with which to engage so that these communities have an
% of EISs that EPA raised concerns about involvement of communities with EJ concerns in the EIS development process (outreach/document translation) that promoted increased involvement of communities with EJ concerns in the EIS development process. EPA is able to consistently identify and engage communities with EJ concerns.
Bill Arguto, Office of Environmental Programs 215-814-3367 Arguto.william@epa.gov
42
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
opportunity to participate in the NEPA process Utilize the Environmental Justice Smart Enforcement Assessment Tool (EJSEAT) to identify and assess areas with potential environmental justice concerns for inspection activity. By June of 2009, develop program specific EJSEAT maps to be utilized by the Enforcement Programs within the Regional Office. Increase Regional Enforcement staff’s capacity to identify, assess, address, and measure environmental justice results in their day-to-day work. Assess the percentages of enforcement and compliance activities that are conducted in areas of potential environmental justice concern or disproportionate environmental and health burdens. Assess the percentages of enforcement activities that are conducted in areas of potential environmental justice concern or disproportionate environmental Develop long range targeting strategy for enforcement activities assuring the protection of potentially at-risk populations Samantha Beers 215-814-2627 beers.samantha@epa.gov Reginald Harris 215-814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov Matthew Lee 215-814-2917 Lee.matthew@epa.gov
Enforcement priority setting using EJSEAT
Development of a workplan using EJSEAT as the basis for enforcement targeting in Regional Enforcement Programs.
Planning and design of enforcement related activities, initial priority setting, strategic planning
Develop long range targeting strategy for enforcement activities assuring the protection of potentially at-risk populations
Samantha Beers, Director OECEJ 215-814-2627 beers.samantha@epa.gov Matthew Lee 215-814-2917 Lee.matthew@epa.gov
43
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition)
Point of Contact
and health burdens.
44
U.S. EPA Region III FY09 Environmental Justice Action Plan Performance Measures Matrix Cross Cutting Strategies: Objective: Collaborative problem-solving to address environmental justice issues
Activities Output Short-term (awareness) Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Data Management: Maintain GIS spatial data library including data layers for EJ seats Provide GIS mapping and analysis
Spatial data warehouse covering over 100 data layers on air quality stressors, waste sites, toxic releases, drinking water quality, stream quality, fish advisories, population characteristics, sociodemographic data Contribution toward accurate programmatic and regional analyses due to availability of data, data analysis, required visualization/ analytical expertise
Provide ESRI-based GIS training support to Regional staff Continue to develop new improved data layers
Improve analytical approaches and tools for determining higher risk, higher value and/or higher priority focus areas including EJ
Improvements to program and environmental efficiency by enhancing cost/benefits of program activities through better data and analysis
Don Evans, Office of Environmetal Information & Analysis 215-814-5370 Evans.don@epa.gov Ruth Knapp, Office of Environmental Information & Analysis 215-814-2191 Knapp.ruth@epa.gov Richard Paiste, Office of Environmnetal Information & Analysis 215-814-5739 Paiste.richard@epa.gov
Data Management: Maintain and update
Analytical tool containing over 100
Increased program understanding based on
Understanding and analysis of
Richard Paiste, Office of Environmnetal 45
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
MIRA spatial integration analysis
indicators capable of broad-scale of focused impact analysis. Support EJ analysis at broader 12-digit HUC scale.
multi-program/multi-media analyses. Facilitation of Information Management in R3 through building staff capability to gather, format, and analyze data for regional studies, accountability.
program links to outcomes/impacts including EJ MIRA conceptual development and indicator development for R3 analysis of environmental condition Build collaborative Partnerships to identify pollution sources. Prioritized list of environmental pollutants and risks based on community consensus. Provide local ownership of community resources, experience at consensus building and a network of community leaders to improve public health
Information & Analysis 215-814-5739 Paiste.richard@epa.gov
CARE Grant Level 1: Wheeling Jesuit University, Inc./ Engage community stakeholder to identify multiple environmental problems in rural mining areas of WV WV Department of Health and Human Services Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition WV DEP Citizens groups Identify and meet with stakeholders living in rural, often remote areas to gain their input, educate and provide communication. Meetings, Maps of suspected pollution sources, pamphlets, posters, public television contacts. Increased community knowledge of environmental and public health problems (safe drinking water, sewage contamination, etc.).
Dave Rider, Office of Environmental Programs, EAID 215-814-2787 Rider.david@epa.gov
46
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Children’s Environmental Health: Annual Children’s Environmental Health Conference
Conduct conference on Healthy Homes, Pesticides, Environmental Toxicants and Child Development, Obesity and the Built Environment, Environmental Justice, and Children in Nature. Trained 100 healthcare providers, public health and environmental professionals
More medical, public health and environmental professionals will have greater knowledge of major environmental health issues facing children and of any resources available
Medical, public health and environmental professionals will be able to provide patients/clients with resources and information on how to minimize exposures to certain environmental hazards. Assist medical professionals in thinking outside the box in looking for diagnosis/treatme nt of illnesses that may be environmental health symptoms.
Increase the number of patients/clients that are given resources on how to minimize environmental exposures. Decrease the number of children being lead poisoned Decrease the number of asthmatic children going to the emergency room Decrease the childhood obesity rate Decrease the number of lead poison children
Prentiss Ward, Office of Environmental Innovation, EAID 215-814-2813 Ward.prentiss@epa.gov
Addressing Environmental Health Hazards Among Pregnant Women in the City of Philadelphia
Educational curriculum for prenatal clients (smoking, lead, asthma, mercury)
Increase awareness of Haitian Creole, AfricanAmerican and English speaking at risk patients of
Clients of these health centers will be able to minimize
Prentiss Ward, Office of Environmental Innovation, EAID 215-814-2813 Ward.prentiss@epa.gov 47
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
(EPA-AP-OCHP-09-01) In-service trainings for health care providers in 3 city health care centers Pre/post test for health care providers 2 PA Asthma Care Education (PACE) Asthma Trainings for health care centers
Health Centers #5, #9 and Strawberry Mansion on environmental hazards during pregnancy Increase awareness among clinicians, nurses and social workers in the above centers of environmental hazards during pregnancy
environmental exposures during pregnancy and once the child is born Healthcare providers and social workers will be able to provide education to their prenatal patients and refer them to services such as lead safe babies home visits, asthma care and smoking cessation. Members of Partnership will be able to focus educational and outreach efforts and respective Agency activities relating to asthma with disparate groups Asthmatic
Decrease the number of asthma episodes Increase the number of pregnant mothers that stop smoking in the 1st trimester Decrease the number of children with developmental issues from mercury exposure Asthma disparities will be decreased in PA Environmental and workplace influences on asthma episodes will be decreased in PA Prentiss Ward, Office of Environmental Innovation, EAID 215-814-2813 Ward.prentiss@epa.gov
PA Asthma Partnership
Meetings of Disparities group Meetings of the Environment and Workplace group HeadStart package on asthma and children’s health Distribute package to
Increase awareness of asthma disparities within PA and resources Increase awareness of environmental factors contributing to asthma at home, school, and work Increase awareness among HeadStart personnel of asthma statistics among
48
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
HeadStart programs in State, special focus on those in areas with high asthma rates or high ozone and PM levels GIS mapping of asthma and ozone and PM levels
children and minority children and how to minimize asthma episodes Increase awareness of the areas to target for educational and outreach efforts
patients and their caregivers will minimize environmental triggers of asthma where children live, learn and play HeadStart personnel will take actions to minimize environmental influences in the school setting Members of Partnership will make more targeted efforts to improve the quality of life for asthmatic children Youth, parents and teachers will take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Asthma episodes in the HeadStart setting will be decreased HeadStart Centers with healthy indoor environments will increase HeadStart Centers that implement voluntary programs will increase (IPM, TfS, etc)
Youth and Climate Change Campaign
Games to teach youth about climate change Educate 300 youth on climate change and children’s health
Increase awareness among youth, teachers and parents of climate change and its effect on children’s health, especially in disadvantaged groups
Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced Decrease the number of
Prentiss Ward, Office of Environmental Innovation, EAID 215-814-2813 Ward.prentiss@epa.gov
49
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
children being negatively affected by climate change Community Action for Renewed Environment (CARE) Program. CARE is a communitydriven program to develop local partnerships to understand and address environmental health issues. Selection criteria for the grants include Environmental Justice. Region 3 grants are managed in LCD as well as in WPD, APD, HSCD, and EAID. School Nurses – Outreach and Education Six Region 3 communities, which are low-income and disproportionately impacted by pollution, are receiving grants and technical assistance to address a range of toxics issues in air, water, waste, etc. Approximately 1-3 additional communities to be added this Fall. Communities develop broadbased collaborative local partnerships including local and state government, grassroots organizations, industry, and others to assess, understand and prioritize their local environmental health risks. Communities take action to address the partnership priorities. Partnerships and programs are sustainable beyond the twoyear EPA grant cycle and continue to address local problems. Actions result in measurable reductions in environmental health risks. Increase awareness among school nurses of environmental health issues in schools Nurses can educate other school personnel and parents about children’s environmental health issues Nurses can make informed decisions about Decrease the number of children exposed to environmental hazards at school Decrease the number of missed school 50 Prentiss Ward, Office of Environmental Innovation, EAID 215-814-2813 Ward.prentiss@epa.gov Evelyn Velazquez 215-814-5412 Velazquez.evelyn@epa. gov
Needs assessment survey for school nurses Educational training materials Educational seminars in VA, WVA and MD on children’s environmental health
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
in schools
the protection of children from environmental hazards in their schools
days due to environmental related issues like asthma Increase the number of students and parents being educated on environmental hazards in school
Collaborative Problemsolving (CPS) and Environmental Justice Small Grants Programs
Serve as Technical Advisors to OEJ on all EJ Collaborative Problem Solving Grants and manage all EJ Small Grants awarded in the Region.
Participants refine and clarify issues, and establish priorities.
100% of recipients achieve environmental or human health objectives identified in their respective grant proposals by 2009. Demonstrate collaborative partnerships with other entities (e.g., businesses, academic institutions,
100% of recipients achieve their collaborative problemsolving process objectives by 2009.
Reginald Harris, Regional EJ Coordinator 215-814-2988 Harris.reggie@epa.gov
EJ Small Grants Program
Manage all EJ Small Grants
A community-based organization addresses a community's exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks
Establish a transfer of environmental and health concerns knowledge to the community
Reginald Harris, Regional EJ Coordinator 215-814-2988 Harris.reggie@epa.gov
51
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
CARE Grants Program
Provide communities with funding to identify and/or address environmental concerns through the CARE grants mechanism.
Assess the amount of toxics reductions and associated benefits
environmental organizations, and federal, state and local governments, etc.) to complete their proposed projects. Increase the number and percentage of CARE I communities that form or focus broad, results-oriented, collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships Increased integration of EJ into the daily operations of the Regional Office
and educate people on how to take a proactive approach in protecting their community. The number and percentage of recipient stakeholder groups that reach consensus and produce a set of priority actions based upon their priority toxics concerns Increased integration of EJ into the daily operations of the Regional Office Reginald Harris, Regional EJ Coordinator 215-814-2988 Harris.reggie@epa.gov
Update Regional InHouse EJ training and provide program specific training updates to all Regional staff.
Provide updated program specific training on environmental justice to all Divisions and Offices in Region III.
Increased awareness of the policies and procedures used to address environmental justice as measured by pre and post course questionnaire
Reginald Harris Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator 215-814-2988 Harris.reggie@epa.gov
Provide environmental Justice training to
Environmental Justice Training tailored to
Increased awareness of the policies and procedures used
Improved performance of
Better relations with partners
Reginald Harris Regional 52
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
external partners (states, academic institutions, other federal agencies and offices, citizens, other stakeholders) All States Environmental Justice Work Group EPA Regions I - V Joint Workgroup Meetings
specific needs of Regional Partners (states, etc.)
to address environmental justice
EJ Program and
and improved working relationships as measures through initiatives. Improved working relationships and increased protection of the environments of all stakeholders Improved working relationships and increased protection of the environments of all stakeholders Assure that EJ activities in the Regional Office will support the Goals of the EPA Strategic Plan and increase the
Environmental Justice Coordinator 215-814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov
Twice Yearly Meetings with Regions I – V and the respective states addressing EJ issues and questions of concern. Monthly conference calls with state and Regional staff to discuss EJ issues and to address concerns.
Increase awareness of state and federal partners regarding EJ issues and concerns.
Increased capacity to address EJ concerns.
Reginald Harris Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator 215-814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov
All States Environmental Justice Work Group EPA Regions I - V Joint Workgroup Conference Calls
Increase awareness of state and federal partners regarding EJ issues and concerns.
Increased capacity to address EJ concerns.
Reginald Harris Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator 215-814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov
Convene Regional EJ Work Group - Internal
Quarterly Meetings to develop and refine EJ Activities in house
Increase awareness of state and federal partners regarding EJ issues and concerns.
Increased capacity to address EJ concerns.
Reginald Harris Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator 215-814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov
53
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
integration of EJ into the daily operations of the regional Office. Integrate EJSEAT, MIRA, and the RIVA models for the purpose of targeting areas of concern in the Region. Development of a strategy for utilizing EJSEAT, MIRA and RIVA jointly as Regional assessment tools. Identify watersheds, and other geographic units of concern. Development of strategies for prioritizing areas. Improvement of environmental conditions in areas of concern. Samantha Beers, Director OECEJ 215-814-2627 beers.samantha@epa.go v Reginald Harris Regional Environmental Justice Coordinator 215-814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov
*National Estuary Program – Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP)
- Minority Outreach & Involvement StrategyObjectives are to increase the involvement of lowincome, minority, and non-English speaking populations in environmental careers and take a holistic
- MCBP runs a Marine and Estuarine summer program through UMES’ Upward Bound Program. 25 students from both Somerset and Wicomico County, MD are trained in environmental science field techniques as well as environmental science laboratory
-Continue to expand Marine and Estuarine Summer each year with new environmental science topics and learning tools.
David A. Greaves (215) 814-5729 Greaves.david@epa.go v
54
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
approach to watershed restoration. - Linking Environmental and Academic Programs (LEAP) – MOU signed by EPA, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, MDE, MDNR, and UMES on June 19, 2007 - MCBP is proposing to start a Diversity Advisory Counsel (DAC) Populations Served: - Somerset County, Maryland - Wicomico County, Maryland
procedures. - MCBP has hired interns from UMES to work projects important to the program – Program - Positive feedback on DAC proposal from MDNR
-Expand the Summer Program to reach more low income and minority counties in the Eastern Shore such as Worcester County. -Further funding for minority outreach programs found by EPA Vistas. -Further goals of LEAP MOU by possible assistance with upgrading their laboratory facilities. ·Institutionalizat ion of minority outreach and participation in the MCBP as a result of DAC 55
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Maryland Non Point Source Program 319(h) FFY2007
District of Columbia Non Point Source Program FFY2009
Maryland Coastal Bays Minority Internship Program – MDE provided $18,580.00 to the MCBP to fund up to two UMES interns for two years for a minimum of 6 months each. Interns responsibilities include education & outreach activities, water quality monitoring and other sciencebased research School Based NPS Pollution Prevention program and Adult Outreach – Wet & Wild Learning Adult Outreach Program promotes hands-on watershed environmental education & stewardship through activities such as Schoolyard Conservation sites, storm drain marking
MCBP currently has an intern from UMES working out of their program office. The intern has been active in the Marine & Estuarine Summer Program as well as water restoration projects with MDE & MCBP, distribute NPS educational material.
- Continuation of funding for the UMES interns - Build funding for this activity into MDE’s yearly funding requests.
David A. Greaves (215) 814-5729 Greaves.david@epa.go v
50 teachers attended the training workshop outdoor hands-on experiences that provided students with meaningful watershed experience.
Knowledge transfers to more schools in the District of Columbia
Catherine King (215) 814-2657 King.Catherine@epa.go v
56
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
projects, and more. 5 existing schoolyard sites, 200 drain markers installed, ·pest management and urban nutrient management activities were done Activities include coordination of education and restoration activities between residents, jurisdictions, needs, and resources in the watershed.
Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership
Issuance of an Action Agenda, which describes the accomplishments of the Partnership and lays out the actions that will be taken to improve the watershed over the next three years.
Issuance of an Anacostia Watershed Restoration Plan, which will describe the restoration actions needed to be taken over the next ten years in watershed. Improved public health of disadvantaged community
Catherine King (215) 814-2657 King.Catherine@epa.go v
Office of Infrastructure and Assistance - Project: Dare to Care Camp Blue Ridge, VA - Project: Appomattox County
Award of SAAP funding to community(s) that otherwise would be unable to provide local cost share
Enable disadvantaged community to make use of SAAP funding
Donna M. Bostic, (215) 814-2608 Bostic.donna@epa.gov
57
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
Appomattox, VA (population: 1,761) - Project: Ligonier Borough Ligonier, PA (population:1,695) As a part of integrating EJ into the HSCD remedial and removal activities, HSCD will work with OECEJ to conduct an EJ Review of the Superfund Program using the Cleanup and Remediation Protocol. HSCD will issue survey to Division RPMs, OSCs and others involved in remediation processes at R3 sites to gauge their understanding of EJ and the degree to which EJ considerations inform their activities as part of the Remedial and Removal processes. Incorporate EJ awareness into training program being developed for Regional Response Support Corps (RSC). The survey results will be reviewed and analyzed and the findings will be compiled in a report on EJ integration. The report will be used to identify gaps in incorporating EJ principles throughout Superfund remedial pipeline. Increase awareness of Division staff regarding EJrelated considerations in performing Remedial and Removal Program activities. Identification of opportunities for enhancing integration of EJ concerns into Remedial and Removal Program communications and outreach activities. EJ concerns are routinely considered in outreach and communication activities related to Remedial and Removal sites. James Webb AD SFSR (215) 814-3169 webb.james@epa.gov Hank Sokolowski, AD OFFSA (215) 814-3348 Sokolowski.henry@epa .gov Dennis Carney, AD OPR (215) 814-3241 carney.dennis@epa.gov Karen Melvin, AD OE (215) 814-3275 melvin.karen@epa.gov
Training materials developed
Increased awareness among regional staff of EJ program’s objectives/tools.
Learn to use the EJSEAT tool to target areas with potential EJ considerations
RSC staff can function as EJ specialists during an Incident of
Dennis Carney, AD OPR (215) 814-3241 carney.dennis@epa.gov
58
Activities
Output Short-term (awareness)
Applicable Outcome Measure Intermediate (behavior) Long-term (condition) Point of Contact
during an ER.
National Significance (INS) Ability to address EJ concerns and issues within ICS during INS. Reggie Harris, EJ Coordinator , OECEJ (215) 814-2988 harris.reggie@epa.gov Dennis Carney, AD OPR (215) 814-3241 carney.dennis@epa.gov
Arrange for Incident Command System (ICS) training, levels 100 thru 400, as appropriate, for EJ specialists as designated by OECEJ.
ICS-trained EJ specialists
Increased awareness of ICS by EJ specialists
Learn to use an ICS to effectively address EJ considerations during an ER.
Amend regional ICS Implementation Plan to incorporate EJ into staffing of an IMT.
Amended ICS plan
Outline of IMT showing EJ specialists reporting to a Liaison Officer
Include and staff EJ specialist position within IMT
Ability to address EJ considerations within an ICS organization.
Dennis Carney, AD OPR (215) 814-3241 carney.dennis@epa.gov
59