COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN
MARION PRESSURE TREATING COMPANY SUPERFUND SITE Union Parish, Louisiana
April 2011
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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REGION 6
THE U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S (EPA) SUPERFUND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CITIZENS AND THE AGENCY.
ACTIVE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF ANY PUBLIC PROJECT.
EPA’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AT THE
MARION PRESSURE TREATING COMPANY SUPERFUND SITE UNION PARISH, LOUISIANA
ARE DESIGNED TO
INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE NATURE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SITE,
INVOLVE THE PUBLIC IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL AFFECT THEM,
INVOLVE THE PUBLIC IN THE RESPONSES UNDER CONSIDERATION TO REMEDY THESE ISSUES, AND
INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE PROGRESS BEING MADE TO IMPLEMENT THE REMEDY.
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Table of Contents Section Page
1.0 Overview of the Community Involvement Plan ...... 4 2.0 Capsule Site Description ...... 4 2.1 Site History ...... 4 2.2 Site Description/Location ...... 5 2.3 Site Inspections/Assessments...... 5 3.0 Community Background ...... 6 3.1 Community Profile...... 6 3.2 History of Community Involvement ...... 6 3.3 Key Community Concerns ...... 6 3.4 Response to Community Concerns ...... 6 3.5 Summary of Communication Needs ...... 6 4.0 EPA’s Community Involvement Program ...... 7 4.1 The Plan ...... 7 4.2 Time Frame Summary for Community Involvement Activities ...... 11
Appendices: A EPA Regional Contacts ...... 12 B Local Officials ...... 13 C State Officials ...... 14 D Federal Elected Officials ...... 15 E Environmental and Active Citizens Groups ...... 16 F Media Contacts ...... 17 G Meeting Locations ...... 19 H Repository Locations ...... 20 I Hospitals ...... ………………………………………………………….. 21
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Section 1.0 Overview of the Community Involvement Plan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed this Community Involvement Plan to facilitate two-way communication between the communities in and surrounding the Marion Pressure Treating Superfund Site and EPA and to encourage community involvement in site activities. EPA will utilize the community involvement activities outlined in this plan to ensure that residents are continuously informed and provided opportunities to be involved.
This Community Involvement Plan addresses the Marion Pressure Treating site’s relationship to the community and EPA (Section 2.0), provides a background of the communities (Section 3.0), presents EPA’s community involvement program (Section 4.0), and provides a listing of resources available (Appendices). EPA drew upon several information sources to develop this plan, including community interviews and site files. EPA’s Regional Office will oversee the implementation of the community involvement activities outlined in this Plan.
Section 2.0 Capsule Site Description
2.1 Site History
The Marion Pressure Treating Company began operations on November 1, 1964 and ceased operations on October 10, 1989 because of bankruptcy. From the beginning of operations, creosote was used exclusively for the wood-preserving operations. Creosote-contaminated process wastewater was generated during wood treatment and disposed of in an on-site, unlined surface impoundment from 1964 until 1985. Several inspections were conducted by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) in the early 1980’s and early 1990’s. In particular, during the inspection conducted on September 30, 1992, LDEQ noted that the facility was completely abandoned with no evidence of recent activity.
In 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Assistance Team (TAT) conducted a Removal Site Assessment following a request by the LDEQ. This assessment, and subsequent more detailed site assessments conducted by the EPA TAT through 1995, indicated elevated levels of creosote in soil and sediment samples. A time-critical removal action to provide source control was completed by EPA in 1997. During the removal action, several site structures and tank contents were removed from the site. Sections of surface soil contaminated with creosote near the main facility operations area were consolidated into an area onsite. On February 4, 2000, the site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) and a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) was initiated to define the nature and extent of contamination and to identify remedial alternatives to address the site’s contamination.
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2.2 Site Description/Location
The former facility is situated on a 10-acre tract of land along State Highway 551, approximately .5 miles north of the junction of State Highway 551 and State Highway 33 in the town of Marion, Union Parish, Louisiana. Facility operations extended beyond the 10-acres and current areas of concern cover over 22 acres. The facility, located in a rural area, is an inactive and abandoned wood treating plant that was in operation from 1964 to 1989. The facility treated wood products, including poles, bridge pilings, fence posts, and other lumber, using a creosote-pressure impregnation process.
Marion, one of the oldest towns in Union Parish, was settled by people from Alabama who named it after their home county in that state. It was first incorporated on January 13, 1909. There is currently a reported population of 756. The facility is bounded by forestland. Big Creek, a small surface water body, lies approximately 500 feet east-southeast of the facility. Big Creek empties into Bayou de Loutre approximately 7.5 miles south of the facility. Bayou de Loutre is classified as a natural and scenic stream and is used for the recreational fishing of catfish, panfish, white perch, and bass. A Louisiana wildlife management area is located 4 miles north of Marion. The Upper Ouachita Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 5 miles east, and federally listed endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and the bald eagle are known to live there.
2.3 Site Inspections/Assessments
During an EPA removal action in 1996 and 1997, process equipment was decontaminated and demolished. Demolition debris and waste creosote liquids and sludges were disposed of offsite. Also, during the removal action, contaminated soil containing concentrations of total Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)(used to line storage tanks) above 100 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) was put into the consolidation area and covered with a 2-foot clay cap, a geosynthetic fabric (marker layer) and 18 inches of top soil. The marker layer was placed on top of the clay to mark the top of the clay, but covered only portions of the consolidation area.
LDEQ conducted an expanded site investigation (ESI) during April 1999 to collect additional data needed to determine future actions at the Marion Pressure Treatment Site. The ESI data confirmed the presence of PAHs in ground water, sediment, and waste material. Sediment samples indicated PAHs in Big Creek; PAH contamination was not detected in the Unnamed Tributary. The waste material was located in the tanker trailer, wastewater treatment sump, and two waste piles, which are referred to collectively as waste units. The waste piles are located south of the MPTC site with a waste material quantity estimated at 3.75 yards. Erosion was observed on the east and west sides of the consolidation area,
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possibly undermining the integrity of the cap and surrounding fence. The marker layer currently covering the clay cap is exposed at several locations, and future erosion could release contamination from the consolidation area.
Approximately $5 million has been spent to complete the removal work, remedial investigation, and the remedial design. EPA has determined that this site does not pose an immediate threat to human health, but will continue to monitor this site for any changes that may trigger additional action. EPA is reviewing the selected remedy to explore if other remediation options are feasible.
SECION 3.0 COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
3.1 Community Profile
Marion is a town in Union Parish, Louisiana. The population was 756 in 2009. It is part of the Monroe Metropolitan Statistical area. The town was named for Francis Marion, a military leader known as the “Swamp Fox.” Marion is located at 32.901772, -92.243354. The ethnic breakdown of Marion is 43.8% White; 54.1% African-American; 1.0% Hispanic; 0.7% two or more race; 0.1% African alone; 0.1% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; 0.1% Other race alone.
3.2 History of Community Involvement
Open Houses and workshops: 12/1999; 6/2000; 8/2000; 9/2000; 9/2001 Proposed Plan and Fact Sheet and Public Meeting: 9/2001 Original ROD Fact Sheet: 6/2002 Open House: 2/2000; 9/2000; 9/2001 Public Meeting: 9/2001 Periodic Remedial Action (RA) updates and fact sheets: 6/2000; 8/2000; 9/2000; 9/2001
3.3 Key Community Concerns
The primary concern of the community is ground water safety, both for humans and wildlife in the area.
3.4 Response to Community Concerns
The EPA responded to public comments in the Responsiveness Summary attached to the 2002 Record of Decision (ROD). As a result of public comments, EPA and the LDEQ continue monitoring the groundwater in the vicinity of the MPTC site along Big Creek.
3.5 Summary of Communication Needs
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The major concern is about the incidence of disease within the human population and the wildlife population because of the contaminated water sources.
Section 4.0 EPA’S Community Involvement Program
The overall goal of EPA’s community involvement program is to promote two-way communication between citizens and the EPA and to provide opportunities for meaningful and active involvement by the community in the Superfund process. EPA will implement the community involvement activities described below. The following plan is based on the results of the community interviews described earlier; it addresses each issue that was identified as being important to the community.
4.1 The Plan
The community at large will be kept informed of all activities relevant to the public health and the environment by means of an updated mailing list. Local media, fact sheets, and community meetings will be used to keep the community informed.
Issue 1: Keeping the public informed and up to date
Activity 1A: Designate an EPA Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC)
• Objective: To provide a primary liaison between the community and the EPA, and to ensure prompt, accurate, and consistent responses and information dissemination about the site. In those instances where EPA’s Community Involvement Coordinator may be unable to provide adequate information (such as technical issues), inquiries will be directed to the appropriate EPA contact.
• Method: EPA will designate a CIC to handle site inquiries and serve as a point of contact for community members. The CIC is appointed by the Region 6 Headquarters. Stephen Harper is the CIC assigned by EPA for the Site.
• Timing: The CIC was designated in December 2010.
Activity 1B: Prepare and distribute site fact sheets and technical summaries
• Objective: To provide citizens with current, accurate, easy-to-read, easy-to- understand information about the Marion Pressure Treating Company Site.
• Method: Fact sheets will be mailed to all parties on the site mailing list. In addition, copies will be available at the information repository.
• Timing: EPA will prepare and distribute fact sheets as needed.
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Activity 1C: Meet with local community groups
• Objective: To provide community leaders multiple opportunities to get involved in collaboration.
• Method: Contact the community leaders and keep them informed of what is happening at the site.
• Timing: On-going.
Issue 2: Staying current
Activity 2A: Provide a toll-free 800 number for the community to contact EPA
• Objective: To enable citizens to get the latest information available when they want it rather than having to wait for a meeting or a fact sheet, and without incurring any cost.
• Method: EPA has activated the 800 number and will publish it periodically in the local paper and in all fact sheets.
• Timing: The line is currently operational at 1.800.533.3508.
Activity 2B: Maintain a mailing list for the Site
• Objective: To facilitate the distribution of site-specific information to everyone who wants to be kept informed about the Site.
• Method: EPA will create a mailing list that includes all residences adjacent to the Site, in known or suspected paths of migration, or those otherwise affected by the Site. EPA will also solicit interested parties via fact sheets, newspaper articles, public meetings, etc.
• Timing: EPA will review/revise the mailing list periodically to keep it current.
Activity 2C: Establish and maintain an Information Repository
• Objective: To provide a convenient location where residents can go to read and copy official documents and other pertinent information about the Site and EPA activities.
• Method: The repository is a reference collection of site information containing the Administrative Record file, other site-specific information, the Community Involvement Plan, and the general Superfund process. The Community Involvement Coordinator will work with a local contact to establish the local repository. This repository will be accessible to the physically challenged, will
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have copier facilities, and will be available to residents during normal business hours and at least some evening and/or weekend hours.
• Timing: EPA has established the local repository at the Marion City Hall, 398 Main Street, Marion LA, 71260, 318.292.4715.
Activity 2D: Provide Site and Superfund Information on the internet
• Objective: To provide key resources for searching and listing both general and specific information about Superfund and hazardous waste issues.
• Method: A Site Status Summary for this site can be found at http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6sf/6sfnm.html. Information about EPA and Superfund can be found at: 1. EPA Headquarters: http://www.epa.gov 2. EPA Region 6: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6 3. EPA Region 6 Superfund Division: http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6sf/html
• Timing: Site Status Summaries are updated on a monthly basis.
Issue 3: Community Involvement
Activity 3A: Make informal visits to the community
• Objective: To help keep community member informed about the Site, while providing EPA with feedback about site activities and the community’s opinion.
• Method: EPA will establish a presence in the community through informal, often unscheduled visits to talk spontaneously with local residents.
• Timing: Throughout the entire Superfund process.
Activity 3B: Hold public meetings
• Objective: To update the community on site developments and address community questions, concerns, ideas, and comments.
• Method: The EPA will schedule, prepare for, and attend all announced meetings. EPA will provide at least two weeks’ notice of the scheduled meeting. The Regional Project Manager, Community Involvement Coordinator, and other appropriate EPA staff will attend.
• Timing: The EPA will hold public meetings as appropriate.
Activity 4B: Solicit comments during a Public Comment Period
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• Objective: To give community members an opportunity to review and comment on various EPA documents. This provides the citizens with meaningful involvement in the process and also provides the Site Team with valuable information for use in making decisions.
• Method: EPA will announce each comment period separately. Announcements will be published in local newspapers and EPA fact sheets. These will include particulars about duration, how to make comments, where to submit comments, etc. EPA may solicit comments on the following information/draft documents: draft Community Involvement Plan, draft summary of test results (not individual tests) and initial interpretation, preliminary finds about the Remedial Investigation and a list of possible remedies likely to be considered, preliminary findings of the Feasibility Study and a brief summary of the leading contender for the proposed remedy, and preliminary plans for implementation and construction.
• Timing: Comment periods will be announced as appropriate. A comment period is required in conjunction with the announcement of the Proposed Plan and will last a minimum of 30 days.
Activity 4C: Prepare and issue a Responsive Summary
• Objective: To summarize comments received during comment periods, to document how the EPA has considered those comments during the decision- making process, and to provide responses to major comments.
• Method: EPA will prepare a Responsive Summary as a section of the Record of Decision. The Responsive Summary will include four sections: (1) Overview (2) Background about Community Involvement (3) Summary of comments received and Agency responses (4) Remedial Design/Remedial Action concerns. All information, both technical and nontechnical, will be conveyed in a manner that is easily understood.
• Timing: EPA will issue the Responsive Summary as part of the Record of Decision.
Activity 4D: Revise the Community Involvement Plan
• Objective: To identify and address community needs, issues, or concerns regarding the Site or the cleanup remedy that are not currently addressed in this Community Involvement Plan.
• Method: The revised Community Involvement Plan will update the information presented in the previous version of the Community Involvement Plan.
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• Timing: EPA updated the Community Involvement Plan in April 2011. EPA will continue to revise the Community Involvement Plan as community concerns warrants or at least every three years until the Site is closed.
4.2 Time Frame Summary for Community Involvement Plan
ACTIVITY TIME FRAME
Designate an EPA Community Involvement Stephen Harper, 214.665.2727 or Coordinator (CIC) 1.800.533.3508 (toll free)
Prepare and distribute site fact sheets and technical As needed, at least two yearly summaries
Involve students, parents, teachers through area As needed, at least annually schools
Provide a toll-free "800 number" for the community to contact EPA 1.800.533.3508
Maintain a mailing list for the Site On-going
Establish and maintain Information Repository Established, update as needed
Provide Site and Superfund information on the Currently available; update as Internet needed
Provide Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) If site is added to the NPL information
Establish and maintain the Administrative Record Established, update as needed
Conduct special events As needed
Hold community/public meetings As needed
Encourage formation of a Community Advisory Group (CAG) On-going
Make informal visits to community On-going
Solicit comments during a Public Comment Period If site is added to the NPL
Prepare and issue a Responsiveness Summary Following public comment periods
Revise the Community Involvement Plan (CIP) As needed, at least every 3 years
Technical Services to the Community As needed
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APPENDIX A EPA Regional Contacts
Bart Cañellas Stephen Harper Remedial Project Manager Community Involvement Coordinator/SEE US EPA Region 6 (6SF-RL) US EPA Region 6 (6SF-VO) Tel: 214.665.6662 Tel: 214.665.2727 Fax: 214.665.6660 Fax: 214.665.6660 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
John Hawk Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality 602 N 5th St Baton Rouge LA 70802 225.219.3652
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APPENDIX B Local Officials
Mayor Kenneth Franklin 572 Main Street Marion, LA 71260 318.292.4485
Aldermen: Johnny B. Gilliam P O Box 408 318.292.5550
Bubba Hoggatt P O Box 376 318.292.5419
Ann Miller 1042 Main Street 318.292.5405
Danny Smith 172 Concord Road 318.292.5249
Ralph Holley 231 Crow Street 318.292.5332/5471
Chief of Police: Mark Doff 572 Main Street Marion, LA 71260
Union Parish Policy Jury P O Box 723 Farmerville, LA 71241
President: Johnny Buckley Vice President: A J Smith Secretary/Treasurer: Dan Morgan Parish Engineer: David Dumas Parish Attorney: Bruce Hampton Public Works Director: Michael Holley
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APPENDIX C State Officials
Governor Bobby Jindal P O Box 94004 Baton Rouge LA 70804 225.342.0919
Senate House
Senator Mike Walsworth, District 33 Representative Hollis Downs, District 12 4007 White’s Ferry Rd, Ste. A 207 W Mississippi, Ste. 300 West Monroe, LA 71291 Ruston, LA 71270 318.396.5499 318.251.5039
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APPENDIX D Federal Elected Officials
Senators Representatives
Senator David Vitter Congressman Rodney Alexander 516 Hart Senate Office Bldg 316 Cannon House Office Bldg Washington DC 20510 Washington DC 20515 202.228.5061 202.225.8490
David Vitter Rodney Alexander 1217 N 19th St 1900 Stubbs Ave, Ste B Monroe LA 71201 Monroe LA 71201 318.325.8120 318.322.3500
Senator Mary Landrieu 431 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington DC 20510 202.224.5824
Mary Landrieu U S Courthouse 300 Fannin St, Rm 2240 Shreveport LA 71101 318.676.3085
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APPENDIX E Environmental and Active Citizens Group
Louisiana Environmental Action Network P O Box 663223 Baton Rouge LA 70896 225.928.1315
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APPENDIX F Media Contacts
Newspapers
Monroe News-Star 411 N 4th St Monroe LA 71201 318.322.5161
The Ouachita Citizen 1400 N 7th St P O Box 758 West Monroe LA 72194 318.322.3161
Radio Stations
KEDM-FM (NPR) University of Louisiana-Monroe 255 Stubbs Hall Monroe LA 71209 318.323.1717
KMLB-AM 1109 Hudson Ln Monroe LA 71201 318.388.2323
KHLL-FM 704-C Trenton St West Monroe LA 71219 318.323.5994
TV Stations
KAQY-TV (ABC) 3100 Sterlington Rd Monroe LA 71203 318.325.3011
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KNOE-TV (CBS) 1400 Oliver Rd Monroe LA 71201 318.388.8888
KTVE-TV (NBC) 200 Pavilion Rd West Monroe LA 71292 318.323.1972
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APPENDIX G Meeting Location
Marion High School Cafeteria 3062 Taylor Street Marion LA 71260 318.292.4410
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APPENDIX H Repository Location
Local Repository:
Marion City Hall 398 Main Street Marion LA 71260 318.292.4715
LDEQ Repository
602 N 5th St, 1st Floor Baton Rouge LA 70802 Edms.deq.louisiana.gov/app/help/faq.aspx
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APPENDIX I Hospitals
Union General Hospital 901 James Ave Farmerville, LA 71241 318.368.9751
Tri-Ward General Hospital 409 First St Bernice, LA 71222 318.285.9019
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