EPA Seeking Feedback on Community Involvement Plan From Area Residents

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Published: Thursday, 19 September 2024 18:19

EPA is seeking feedback from community residents on the Upper Columbia River investigation and how they would like to be informed of site-related news. This is your opportunity to share thoughts, questions, and concerns about the Upper Columbia River investigation and provide input on the Community Involvement Plan.

The first round of interviews will start by the end of September and will continue through October. There will be other opportunities for interviews if EPA receives more interest through next spring. Contact Kristin Ching, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at (206) 900-4344 or Ching.Kristin@epa.gov.

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Here is additional information from EPA's Kristin Ching:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working on an update of the Community Involvement Plan and a Technical Assistance Needs Assessment for the Upper Columbia River study area. We’re conducting interviews and would like to hear from you if you are a member of the community or if you represent a community organization, Tribe, government agency, other interested party involved in the Upper Columbia River. The information gained from these interviews will inform EPA’s approach to community involvement and information sharing efforts during the investigation and cleanup process. All interviews will remain anonymous and confidential.

During these interviews, we want to hear about:

  • How can we effectively engage with communities?
  • How do communities prefer to receive site-related information from the EPA?
  • What are the primary concerns about the Upper Columbia River?
  • How might a Community Advisory Group help the affected communities and entities to work together and address the impacts on the community?
  • How can technical information about the site best be provided by EPA to the community?

For more information about CIPs and TANAs, please visit this link.

We’ve asked our contractor, Skeo Solutions, to assist with interview logistics. If you are interested in participating in these discussions, please let us know and a representative from Skeo Solutions will contact you to set up an interview. Please specify if you would like an in-person or virtual interview, or if you would rather provide a written response via email. Please also let us know if you would like an EPA representative to be present during your interview.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We hope to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Kristin Ching (she/her)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Region 10

Cell: 206-900-4344 | Ching.Kristin@epa.gov 

Note: Video presentations from the July 17 community meeting in Northport are now available. Links to the presentations, including an explanation of EPA Community Involvement Plans and Technical Assistance Programs, are posted on EPA’s UCR website at https://www.epa.gov/columbiariver/upper-columbia-river-study-area#TAG.