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Federal Facilities Research Center Subcommittee
Clarence Smith (IL), Chair
clarence.smith@illinois.gov
Dania Rodriguez, ASTSWMO Staff
daniar@astswmo.org
The ASTSWMO Federal Facilities Research Center is directed by the Federal Facilities Research Subcommittee, whose current membership consists of the Subcommittee chairperson and the chairs of five programmatic focus groups (Base Closures, State-Federal Coordination, Policy & Technology, Radiation, and Community Involvement). These programmatic focus groups serve as the core agents for all of ASTSWMO’s Federal Facilities research activities, including determining information needs; researching innovative or alternative treatment technologies; defining and scoping projects; obtaining appropriate information; evaluating and interpreting research outcomes; preparing project specific recommendations; and publicizing and presenting research results.
Mission
The mission of the Federal Facilities Research Center and the five Focus Groups is to serve as a clearinghouse for States and Territories on information relative to federal facilities and the implementation of cleanup and waste management issues at these sites. The Subcommittee also serves to promote policies which preserve and enhance States’ rights. The Subcommittee is responsible for providing guidance to, and oversee the work of its Focus Groups, and participates with the EPA, ACOE, DOD, and other associations/agencies on a variety of issues.
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Base Closure Focus Group
Rick Moss (CA), Chair
rmoss@dtsc.ca.gov
Mission
The mission of the Base Closure Focus Group is to facilitate and promote a stronger coordinated State role in the cleanup and reuse of closing military facilities. The Focus Group will also promote and strive to enhance the overall EPA, DoD, and State relationship and will participate in the development of OEW regulation policy and guidance
Past Work Products
In October 2006, the Base Closure Focus Group published the State Regulator’s BRAC Guide, which is available at: http://www.astswmo.org/files/publications/federalfacilities/Final-BRAC-Guide.pdf This document assists State and Territories in identifying changes to the BRAC process and the path to protective and expeditious cleanup and property transfer.
Current Work Efforts
The Focus Group is currently in the process of developing a Munitions Resource Guide that will assist State and Territories in addressing Ordnance and Explosive Waste (OEW) cleanup. Another project is the development of the Fact Sheet on environmental contaminants that may be unique to BRAC sites and further deemed emerging, with the Radiation Focus Group.
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State Federal Coordination Focus Group
Jennifer Roberts (AK), Chair
jennifer.roberts@alaska.gov
Mission
The mission of the State Federal Coordination Focus Group is to investigate issues arising from State involvement in the regulation and remediation of federal facilities. The Focus Group strives to: influence national policy; strengthen State programs; identify and highlight methods to improve and streamline the cleanup process at federal facilities; and enhance communication between the State-Federal partnerships.
Past Work Products
In December 2006, the State Federal Coordination Focus Group published the Removal Action s at Federal Facilities document, which is available at: http://www.astswmo.org/files/publications/federalfacilities/FinalRemovalActionsFFPaperJune07.pdf. The document explores how federal agencies use their removal authority and outlines recommendations to improve the process.
Current Work Efforts
The Focus Group is currently composing a manual on Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigation (PA/SIs) for State and Territorial Federal Facility Managers in reviewing these documents for munitions sites. The group has also started to research how effective the FUDS MAPs have been in improving communication, coordination and funding.
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Radiation Focus Group
Jeff Deckler (CO), Chair
jeff.deckler@state.co.us
Mission
The mission of the Radiation Focus Group is to identify national level radiation issues, coordinate State input, encourage improved partnership between State and Federal Agencies; and produce issue papers and other products as necessary to promote State interests on national radiation issues involving site cleanup and health and safety at federal facilities and other sites. The group acts as a resource to States in researching issues regarding radiation, providing information to States, and assisting in building State radiation program capacities, as requested by members.
Past Work Products
In 2006, Radiation Focus Group in coordination with the Solid Waste Subcommittee distributed a data query that will assist CRCPD and HPS regarding model regulations and standards for the management of (short-lived) radionuclides at solid waste.
Current Work Efforts
The Focus Group has finalized the data query and will soon publish the results on the ASTSWMO homepage. The group is also working in coordination with the Base Closure Focus Group on the Fact Sheet.
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Policy and Technology Focus Group
Millie Garcia-Serrano (MA), Chair
millie.garcia-serrano@state.ma.us
Mission
The mission of the Policy and Technology Focus Group is to identify issues of common interest, coordinate State input, encourage improved partnership between State and Federal Agencies; and produce issue papers and other products as necessary to promote State interest on issues affecting environmental restoration at federal facilities and promote future coordination among other training/technology groups.
Past Work Products
In March 2008, the Focus Group hosted the March 12-13, 2008 Federal Facilities Managers Symposium in San Diego, CA. This is the biennial symposium to showcase the work products of the Federal Facilities Research Center as well as promotes the State-Federal partnership on Federal Facilities. The group also completed the Institutional Controls/Land Use Controls Documentation at Federal Facilities paper. This document is available at: http://www.astswmo.org/files/publications/federalfacilities/6-25-07ASTSWMOICdocfinal.pdf
Current Work Efforts
The group is in the process of collecting research on Tungsten issues and the effects of such a remediation challenge at federal facilities. Phase I of this Focus Group project will consist of developing an outline and compiling/evaluating the most relevant information on assessing and cleaning up Tungsten contaminated sites. The group will also research the current available technology, policies and guidance, and toxicology of this contaminant.
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Community Involvement Focus Group
Dave Allison (UT), Chair
dallison@utah.gov
Mission
The mission of the Community Involvement Focus Group is to identify issues of common interest, encourage improved partnerships between States, Communities and Federal agencies, and produce issue papers and other products as necessary to promote State and Territorial interest on issues affecting public information and community involvement at cleanups across the country.
Past Work Products
In June 2007, the Community Involvement Focus Group published the Community Involvement Report, which is available at: http://www.astswmo.org/files/publications/federalfacilities/CommunityInvolvementWebversion.pdf. This document highlights State/Territorial CI contacts, resource materials, State web site, and other information that are useful tools when working with communities.
Current Work Efforts
The group is currently using the 2007 Report to assist them with their research in developing the CI Resource and Reference Guide. This document will provide guidance on CI activities, existing resources on risk communication and other related information.
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