Public Involvement in Superfund Cleanup
It is extremely important for citizens living near Superfund sites to become involved in the site characterization and cleanup process. People living near the sites have the right to know information about the site, comment and participate in decisions. In many cases, local people have helped locate contaminated sites and have helped agencies by contributing information about the history of the site. In addition, local citizens give numerous excellent comments and have directly helped make decisions about the cleanup of the site. An information repository including file data is established in an easily accessible location and citizens are invited to study the files. Large sites that are on the National Priorities List (NPL) or are seriously contaminated often require extensive public input. In some site locations, community advisory groups are formed. The groups consist of interested local citizens and agency staff from the department, U.S. Envionmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the health departments. They work together to understand the health risks, learn about the cleanup process and share information. Members of these groups help make important decisions about cleanup activities in their communities. Community advisory groups are eligible to apply for Technical Assistance Grants. These grants are only available to community advisory groups for sites on the NPL. Anyone interested in a site located in or near his or her community can call the department to discuss the site.
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Waste Program
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176