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FINAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN ORGANIC CHEMICALS INC. SITE FEBRUARY 1989

U.S. EPA CONTRACT NUMBER: 68-W8-0064 U.S. EPA WORK ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 03-5L-9P ARCS V PROJECT NUMBER: 70160 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page INTRODUCTION...... 1 I. SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY...... 2 II. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND AND ISSUES ...... 3 III. COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAM...... 6 A. OBJECTIVES OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAM...... 6 B. COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES...... 7 C. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES...... 9 IV. APPENDICES ...... 12 APPENDIX A...... 12 APPENDIX B...... 16

FIGURES

FIGURE 1...... 2-a FIGURE 2...... 2-b FIGURE 3...... 11 FINAL COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN

ORGANIC CHEMICALS. INC. SUPBRFOND SITE CRANDVILLE,

INTRODUCTION

The community relations program under Superfund, administered by the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was established to generate positive ongoing communication between the government agencies responsible for the investigation and cleanup of hazardous waste sites and the residents and local officials in the affected community.

This community relations plan (CRP) identifies issues of community concern regarding the Organic Chemicals Superfund site in Grandville. Michigan, and describes the community relations activities the EPA will conduct during the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) of the site. The CRP is tailored to the needs of the community affected by the site. It reflects the information gathered during interviews with local officials and residents in October 1988 as well as the review of site history and existing documents.

This plan contains the following sections:

I. Site description and history II. Community background and issues III. Community relations program A. Objectives of community relations program B. Community relations activities C. Schedule of community relations activities IV. Appendices which include a contact list of parties interested in activities at the site and locations for information repositories and public meetings.

The EPA Region V Remedial Project Manager, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), will conduct the RI/FS at the Organic Chemical site and the Region V Community Relations Coordinator of the Office of Public Affairs will conduct the community relations activities.

I. SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

The Organic Chemicals Inc. (OCI) site is located at 3291 Chicago Drive, S.W., in the city of Grandville, Kent County, Michigan. (Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the location of the site within the state and the community of Grandville.) The property, approximately 20 acres, is fenced with several buildings and structures occupying the site. It is located approximately three quarters of a mile southeast and upgradient of the Grand River. A wetland paralleling the river lies between the OCI property and the Grand River. The closest residential area is several thousand feet southeast of the site and is located on the opposite side of Chicago Drive and the C & 0 Railroad. The next closest residential area (a trailer park) is located southwest of the site. The OCI site is bordered on the east by a packaging manufacturer, on the west by a steel fabricator, and on the north by a gravel mining company (see map).

OCI manufactures small quantities of specialty industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates and operates a solvent recovery operation. It has been operating on this site since 1969 and employs 20 people on a 24 hour per day, five day per week schedule to recycle 100,000 gallons of solvent each month. The area north and west of the site has been used in the past for mining gravel and foundry sand, and disposal of building materials and other solid waste. hj Ir"*"""'! KNOW*) I Indui iMinJ_^-fS^ A .^-. I .— rJLJ?s&Ji_ £ " f"" J *. A yr r~r=nJ£ —— ri.- — *

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FIGURE 1 ORGANIC SITE LOCATION MAP 2-a ORGANIC CHEMICALS, INC.

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FIGURE 2 DETAILED SITE LOCATION MAP The property was used for petroleum refining and other petroleum-related industries for almost 60 years prior to OCX. In 1968, it was acquired for use as a chemical manufacturer and solvent reclamation operation and is being used as such today. Between 1968 and 1980, OCI discharged processed waste and cooling water into a seepage lagoon on-site. In 1980, the lagoon was replaced by a pre-treatment facility with discharge to the city of Grandville sanitary system.

Chemical spills in 1979 were reported to MDNR by OCI, consisting of 2,200 gallons of lacquer thinner into the seepage pond and on-site soil. Also, a drum of aluminum chloride came into contact with water, emitting a cloud of fumes. In 1980 an anonymous caller identified the OCI site to MDNR as a drum burial site and was subsequently characterized by EPA as having "known groundwater contamination by organic solvents." In 1983, soils beneath the seepage lagoon were found to be heavily contaminated, with potential for drinking water contamination and endangerment of flora and fauna in nearby wetlands. The site was placed on U.S. EPA's National Priorities List in September 1983. Past and initial investigations indicate several areas of on-site soil and groundwater contamination; however, the total extent of the contamination has yet to be fully characterized.

II. COMMUNITY BACKGROUND AND ISSUES

The City of Grandville, part of the greater Grand Rapids area, occupies 8.2 square miles with a population of approximately 15,000 people. The community takes pride in the quality of its residential life and family values. It has been called a "city of churches and parks' and values its small town atmosphere. It has recently experienced a growth in its downtown area.

Grandville's first settlers established themselves as early as 1832 on the banks of the Grand River. The community was first called Oakville, after Charles Oakes who moved there in 1835 as an Indian trader. In 1860 the railroad was built, which contributed to expansion and growth. Grandville became a village in 1887. In 1933, Grandville became a home rule city and is run today by a city manager, assistant city manager, mayor, clerk, treasurer, and 6-member city council.

The local residents who were interviewed had little knowledge about the hazardous wastes at the OCI site. The residents have not expressed any concern of the potential health threat to the community. A few individuals recalled seeing the site listed in a newspaper ad as being investigated by EPA, but beyond that, had no knowledge of existing contamination problems.

An issue that was repeatedly identified by the community as a concern was the visible pollution in the Grand River. This is noted here, not because there is any evidence linking the contamination at the site with pollution of the Grand River, but rather as the main environmental concern of Grandville residents. One resident, who is president of a local business and professional organization, indicated that her concern and that expressed by the organization's board, was that the Grand River be cleaned up as soon as possible. (It should also be noted that there are several Superfund sites located immediately along the Grand River where Remedial Investigations are being initiated.)

All Grandville residents use city water for drinking and cooking; however, some who live in close proximity to the site use well water for watering lawns and gardens and outdoor cleaning purposes.

There are three main issues that the community relations program should focus on for this site. City officials and residents are concerned that the OCI site will adversely affect the sale and development of adjacent property for industrial uses. One of OCI's neighbors, who owns a very large portion of industrial-zoned property adjacent to the site, is closing its operations in Grandville this year and wishes to develop the land for other industrial uses. Until the contamination problems are resolved, the land cannot be sold or developed. The city manager, assistant city manager, and chamber of commerce people expressed great concern that the process be accomplished as expeditiously as possible, since Grandville is landlocked and this area is its only potential for further economic development.

City officials say that they want available information to present facts in a manner that does not alarm the community with conjecture or exaggeration of something that doesn't exist. City officials voiced concern that the information be relayed responsibly, avoiding sensationalism. They also expressed concern that because of the recent attention to the environmental problems that exist, focusing on the Grand River, their town would incur a label as a polluted city, which could discourage economic and residential interest.

The site's environmental impact on the wetlands area and Grand River was expressed as an issue by the West Michigan Environmental Action Committee (WEMAC), which is the largest and most active environmental group in the area. Their concern is very low now; however, this could change if the contamination at the site was found to be currently or potentially a threat to the Grand River or to the wetlands flora and fauna immediately southeast of it. WEMAC is just starting a very large project named the Grand River Project, which is focusing on the pollution in the river itself and the enhancement and utilization of the lands along the banks of the river in Kent County. This environmental council is well known in the area and appears persistent in its efforts.

The general public, boat owners, and fishermen also expressed concerns regarding the Grand River. They characterized it as being "scummy" and the "dirtiest they had ever seen it in their lifetimes."

III. COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAM

The community relations program at the OCI site should be designed to allow the community to learn about and participate in the Superfund remedial process, while ensuring that information is released on a timely and accurate and low-key basis, so as not to cause unfounded concern or alarm. The program, to be effective, must be sufficiently flexible to adapt to changes in the community's interest level and desire to participate in the remedial process.

A. OBJECTIVES OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAM

The community relations program for the site should incorporate the following concepts and approaches:

1) Educate local officials and area residents about the Superfund program and its procedures, processes and requirements. From the beginning of the RI throughout the remedial process, in order to facilitate understanding and support for EPA's actions, it is important that information be made available and explanation be included in site-specific community relations materials, regarding the Superfund program. This information may preclude some anxiety regarding the length of time required for the process and concerns about how the project will be financed. Areas for specific concentration and clarification include the stages and timing of an RI/FS, the basic legal requirements of the process, and where funding will come from for the process.

2) Keep local officials informed on an informal ongoing basis of the activities at the site and the concurrent community relations activities. Regular and full information to local officials regarding site activities, findings, and developments on the project will build support and understanding for the project. The community is small and officials are active in business and residential issues in the community. Keeping them informed will give residents a trusted source to turn to throughout the process. Local officials who should be kept informed include the following: City Manager, City Council Members, the Superintendent of the Waste Water Treatment facility, and Kent County Board of Health Commissioner. These officials are included on the site mailing list and are encouraged to contact EPA's Region V Community Relations Coordinator for information throughout the entire remedial process.

3) Allow the community to 'dictate' the style of the community relations program. The level of interest and concern regarding this site is very low in the community at this point. It is important throughout the remedial process not to over-formalize meetings and methods of relaying information, but rather to give clear, concise, accurate information through more informal methods, such as availability sessions and informal briefings of key local officials.

B. COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

1) Prepare and distribute fact sheets and/or informational summaries to site mailing list. Three fact sheets will be prepared at the following intervals: before startup of the RI, on completion of the RI, and upon completion of the Feasibility Study/ Proposed Plan. The fact sheets will summarize the results of the site work activities and will be distributed to the site mailing list, which consists of individuals and organizations interested in information regarding the site. These fact sheets will be prepared in accordance with all appropriate guidelines and standards and will include information on the Superfund process as well as site-specific information.

2) Hold availability session and/or public meetings. Before RI activities are started, if public concern warrants, an availability session should be held to provide information and answers to interested parties. After the FS and Proposed Plan are completed, a public meeting should be held during the comment period to provide information and solicit public comments. Graphics and logistical support for the meeting will be provided. A court reporter will also be provided for the public meeting. Before both the availability session and the public meeting, fact sheets and news releases will be distributed providing written summaries of pertinent facts. C. SCHEDULE OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

Technical milestone Community Relations Activities

1. Prior to RI field work Prepare fact sheet and news release announcing start of RI/FS and Superfund process. Brief officials of startup activities. Hold availability session for public. Purchase local newspaper sub- scriptions. Establish information reposi- tories with work plan and com- munity relations plan in place. Place newspaper ad for loca- tion of ad record and informa- tion repository.

2) During the RI Maintain contact with state and local officials. Respond quickly to citizen and media inquiries regarding site. Prepare and distribute infor- mation and press releases as needed. Maintain information reposi- tories.

3) On completion of RI Brief officials on findings of RI.

Prepare and distribute fact sheet and news releases regarding RI results.

Hold public meeting or availa- bility session if needed. 4) During the FS Maintain contact with offi- cials.

Prepare and distribute news releases as needed. Maintain information reposito- ries. Respond quickly to requests for information.

5) On completion of FS Brief officials on findings of FS and proposed remedial action. Prepare and distribute fact sheet on FS and Proposed Plan. Place local newspaper ad and news releases announcing pub- lic comment period on Proposed Plan. Provide 30-day public comment period on FS and Proposed Plan.

Hold public meeting during comment period to explain plan and solicit comments. Prepare Responsiveness Sum- mary.

Update information reposito- ries.

6) On completion of Record Brief officials of Decision (ROD)

Place local newspaper ad announcing final selection of remedial alternative.

Prior to the start of Remedial Design and Action, the Community Relations Plan must be revised, officials briefed and information distributed to public and media.

10 FIGURE 3

TIMING OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

Community Relations Completion of During Completion During Completion of Signing of Activities______Work Plan RI of RI FS FS/Proposed Plan ROD 1. Information -Update as needed- Repositories

2. Telephone and/or X—————————————Provide as needed————————————————— x in person contact vllocal officials

Availability X X session and/or public meeting

Fact Sheets/ XX X Information summaries

5. Newspaper ads X X

6. News Releases X ______as needed-———-——------—————--X

30 day comment period

8. Responsiveness Summary IV. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

LIST OF CONTACTS AND INTERESTED PARTIES

Federal Elected Officials

Senator Donald Riegle (202) 224-4822 SD-105 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 District Office

716 Federal Bldg. (616) 456-2592 110 Michigan N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Senator (202) 224-6221 459 Russell Senate Office Bldg. Washington D.C. 20510 District Office Federal Building, Room 134 (616) 456-2531 110 Michigan. N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Representative Paul Henry (202) 225-3831 215 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515

District Office

166 Federal Building (616) 451-8383 Grand Rapids. MI 49503 State Elected Officials

Governor (517) 373-3400 Office of the Governor State Capitol Building Lansing, MI 48913

State Senator Dick Posthumus (517) 373-0797 State Capitol Building Lansing, MI 48909

12 State Representative Ken Sikkema (517) 373-0846 Room 220 1/2 State Capitol Lansing, MI 48909 Local Officials City of Grandville (616) 531-3030 3195 Wilson Avenue, S.W. Grandville, MI 49418

W. David Boehm, City Manager Ken Krombeen, Asst. Manager James Buck, Mayor Ken Jenison, Public Works Director Richard W. Meyers, Wastewater Plant Supt. U.S. EPA Region V Officials U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region V 230 South Dearborn Chicago, Illinois 60604

Tom Williams (312) 886-0404 Remedial Project Manager

Mary Ann Croce (312) 886-1728 Community Relations Coordinator State & Local Agencies Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (State Office) Box 30028 Lansing, MI 48909 Pat McKay Environmental Response Division (517) 373-8448 Box 30028 Lansing, MI 48909

Thor Strong (517 373-4111 Environmental Response Division P. 0. Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909

Roger Przybysz (Grand Rapids Office) (616) 456-5071 Grand Rapids MDNR Office 350 Ottawa N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

13 WLAV Radio AM-FM (616) 456-5461 50 Louis, N.W. Grandville, MI 49468

WLHT Radio FM (616) 451-4800 137 Pearl, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI

WMAX AM (616) 957-0000 3250 28th Street Grand Rapids. MI 49508

Newspapers

Grand Rapids Press (616) 459-1458 155 Michigan, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Grand Valley Advance (616) 669-2700 P.O. Box 9 Jenison, MI 49429

15 APPENDIX B

LOCATION OF INFORMATION REPOSITORIES AND PUBLIC MEETING FACILITY

1. Information Repository A. Grandville Public Library (616) 530-4995 3141 Wilson Avenue Grsndville, MI 49418

Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Contact: Janet Hook, Branch Manager

2. Public Meeting Facility

Grandville City Hall 3195 Wilson Avenue Grandville, MI 49418

Times Available: Tuesday evenings 1st and 3rd Monday evening (of the month) 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday evening (of the month) Contact: W. David Boehm, City Manager

16 Organic Chemicals Site Mailing List (For U.S. EPA and MDNR use only)

Senator Donald Riegle 716 Federal Bldg. 110 Michigan N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Senator Carl Levin Federal Bldg, Rm. 134 110 Michigan N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Rep Paul Henry 166 Federal Bldg. Grand Rapids. MI 49503 Gov. James Blanchard State Capitol Bldg. Lansing, MI 48913 State Sen. Dick Posthumus State Capitol Bldg. Lansing, MI 48909 State Rep. Ken Sikkema State Capitol Rm. 220 1/2 Lansing, MI 48909 W. David Boehm, City Mgr. 3195 Wilson Avenue S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 James Buck, Mayor 3195 Wilson Avenue S.W. Grandville, MI 49418

Ken Krombeen, Asst. City Mgr. 3195 Wilson Avenue S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 Ken Jenison, Public Works Dir 3195 Wilson Avenue S.W. Grandville, MI 49418

Richard W. Meyers Wastewater Plant Supt. 3195 Wilson Avenue S.W. Grandville, MI 49418

17 Pat HcKay, MDNR Environmental Response Division Box 30026 Lansing, MI 48909 Thor Strong Environmental Response Division Box 30028 Lansing, MI 48909

Roger Przybysz MDNR 350 Ottawa N.W. Grand Rapids. MI 49503 Rich Shafer Kent County Health Dept. 700 Fuller. N.E. Grand Rapids. MI 49503 Calvin Matthysse, Pres. Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 175 Grandville, MI 49468 Lisa Boatman, Coord. Chamber of Commerce P.O.Box 175 Grandville. MI 49468 Shari Schaftlein WEMAC 1432 Wealty S.E. Grandville, MI 49506

Tom L. Lee Communication Research Inc. 3954 44th Street S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49508

John H. Busch Haven Busch Co. 3443 Chicago Drive S.W. Grandville, MI 49418 Gene Gray Organic Chemicals Inc. 3291 Chicago Drive, S.W. Grandville, MI 49418

18 Ben Bownaster Organic Chemicals Inc. 3291 Chicago Drive, S.V. Grandville, MI 49418 Harry Miller Organic Chemicals Inc. 3291 Chicago Drive, S.W. Grandville, MI 49418

19