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E. I. DuPont

Community Relations Plan

Prepared for
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region III
Philadelphia, PA 19107

June 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXHIBITS

APPENDICES

ATTACHMENTS

I. Community Relations Plan Overview

This Community Relations Plan (CRP) identifies issues of community concern and interest related to the DuPont-Newport Superfund Site. The Site lies within both Newport, New Castle County, and in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware. The CRP outlines community relations activities that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region III Office will conduct during the Superfund remedial process at the Site. The community relations activities outlined in this document help EPA to provide information about Site developments and processes to interested citizens and officials and to highlight several specific areas of community concern. EPA conducts community relations activities to ensure that the community has input into the decisions regarding Superfund actions and is well informed about the progress of those Superfund actions.

EPA based the information in this CRP primarily on data obtained from the following resources:

Technical Site-related documentation, including the Remedial Investigation, Feasibility Study, Proposed Plan, and Record of Decision The 1990 CRP Community interviews with government officials and private citizens from Newport, Silview, and New Castle County

The following sections make up this CRP:

EPA BACKGROUND

This section provides an overview of the Superfund program and the roles of EPA and the State of Delaware concerning the DuPont-Newport Site.

SITE BACKGROUND

This section provides basic details related to the Site. Included in this section is historical, geographical, and technical information.

COMMUNITY BACKGROUND

This section profiles the community in the area surrounding the Site and provides a history of community interest in the Site.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

This section covers the concerns and questions expressed by area residents, local and state government officials, and local businesses.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS OBJECTIVES

This section outlines the community relations objectives that EPA uses as guides in conducting activities to inform the community about Superfund, the Site, and Site activities.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

This section specifies the types of community relations activities EPA will conduct at the Site and when these activities will occur.

APPENDICES

The appendices provide names, addresses, and telephone numbers for: Federal, state, and local officials (elected and non-elected); potentially responsible parties; the public water supply companies; the information repository; and local media that may disseminate Site-specific information.

II. EPA Background Information

II-A. The Superfund Program

The Superfund program is one of the nation's most ambitious and complex environmental programs. Congress created Superfund in 1980 when it passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). CERCLA arose out of the need to protect people from the dangers posed by abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. CERCLA gave the Federal government the authority to respond to hazardous substance emergencies and to develop long-term solutions for the nation's most serious hazardous waste problems. See the flowchart on page 5 for more information.

The term "Superfund" refers to the $9.6 billion Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund established by Congress to pay for clean up and enforcement activities at hazardous waste sites. Congressional appropriations and taxes on the petroleum and chemical industries finance Superfund. The law also enables EPA to recover the cost of cleanup activities from the parties responsible for the problem or to make the parties clean up the hazardous waste site at their own expense.

The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan, or National Contingency Plan, guides the Superfund program. This plan outlines the steps that EPA and other Federal agencies must follow when responding to releases of hazardous substances into the environment. There are two ways in which EPA can respond to hazardous substance releases: removal actions and remedial actions.

Removal actions are short-term actions that help to stabilize or clean up a hazardous waste site. Within hours of being reported, EPA investigates a site to determine whether a removal action is necessary.

Remedial actions are long-term actions (including study, design, and construction) taken to clean up hazardous waste sites. Remedial actions are usually long and complex processes, costing millions of dollars and taking many years to complete.

Identifying Sites for Cleanup

Under the Superfund program, EPA investigates numerous hazardous waste sites throughout the United States. EPA conducts an initial review of each site to determine whether further action is necessary. EPA then evaluates a site by using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS). The HRS is a mathematical tool which scores sites based on the likelihood that contamination will spread through ground water, surface water, or the air. EPA places sites with an HRS score of 28.5 or higher on the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL is a list of the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites that are eligible for long-term cleanup activities (remedial actions) and money from the Superfund.

Selecting and Implementing a Cleanup Plan

After placing a site on the NPL, EPA conducts a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study. The Remedial Investigation assesses the types and amounts of contamination at a site and the threat that those contaminants pose to human health and the environment. The Feasibility Study further evaluates the information from the Remedial Investigation and recommends cleanup methods for removing or reducing contamination at the site.

Exhibit 1

Superfund Flowchart

Following the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study, EPA next announces the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (Proposed Plan). The Proposed Plan identifies and explains the cleanup alternative that EPA prefers for the site. EPA holds a 30-day comment period to allow the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed cleanup plan. Also during this period, EPA holds a public meeting to provide information about the site and to answer questions about the Proposed Plan. EPA reviews all comments received during the comment period and may change the preferred cleanup plan based on citizen input. After the comment period is over, EPA evaluates all comments received and issues a Record of Decision. The Record of Decision is EPA's official report that: documents background information on the site; describes the chosen cleanup plan; outlines the cleanup plan selection process; and summarizes and responds to public concerns and comments.

In the next step, the remedial design and remedial action, EPA supervises the implementation of the cleanup plan outlined in the Record of Decision. During the remedial design, EPA prepares the technical plans and specifications for implementing the chosen cleanup plan. During the remedial action, EPA conducts the construction or other work necessary to implement the cleanup plan. After completing the remedial design and remedial action work at a site, EPA continues to monitor the site during an operation and maintenance phase to ensure that the cleanup levels are being achieved at the site. After determining that all appropriate cleanup actions at a site are complete, EPA will remove that site from the National Priorities List.

II-B. Relevant EPA Groups

EPA has ten regional offices and a headquarters located in Washington, D.C. Each office has both community relations and technical staff involved in Superfund site cleanups. EPA Region III encompasses Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The EPA Region III office is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It houses several branches and sections that work on a number of hazardous waste sites. Below is a diagram showing the EPA Region III Superfund branches. Descriptions of EPA offices involved in the DuPont-Newport Site follow.

Exhibit 2

EPA Region III Branches

Superfund Community Involvement Section

This section oversees communication activities between EPA, residents, public officials, media, and community groups interested in Superfund sites. The Community Involvement Section is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing activities designed to enhance communication and community involvement for each Superfund site. EPA assigns a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) to each Superfund site. The CIC works closely with EPA technical staff to keep the local community informed about and involved in a site cleanup. The CIC for the DuPont-Newport Site is Lisa Brown. Please refer to Appendix A for her address and telephone number.

Superfund Remedial Branch

The Remedial Branch is responsible for overseeing all long-term cleanup work at Superfund sites in Region III. EPA staff in this branch conduct site assessments, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, treatability tests, and other cleanup activities. EPA assigns a Remedial Project Manager (RPM) to each Superfund site. The RPM supervises the work performed by EPA technical staff, contractors, and other parties involved with the site. The RPM for the DuPont-Newport Site is Randy Sturgeon. Please refer to Appendix A for his address and telephone number.

Superfund Removal Branch

The EPA Region III Removal Branch manages short-term actions, including responses to accidental releases of hazardous substances, as well as short-term work at sites on the National Priorities List. An On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) supervises the immediate removal actions at a site. Currently, EPA is not conducting any removal actions at the DuPont-Newport Site.

II-C. State Role

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC)

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is the state agency that supports EPA-led activities at Superfund sites in Delaware. DNREC reviews and comments on site work and studies, participates in community involvement activities, and provides technical assistance to EPA. See Appendix A for information about the DNREC representatives involved with the DuPont-Newport Site.

III. Site Background Information

III-A. SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The DuPont-Newport Superfund Site is located in Newport and unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware, along the banks of the Christina River, near Interstate 95 and Delaware Route 141. The Site includes the DuPont Holly Run Plant, the Ciba-Geigy Newport Plant, two landfills along the north and south banks of the Christina River, adjacent wetlands, and the Christina River itself. The north landfill is a seven-acre parcel of land bounded to the north by the DuPont Holly Run Plant and the Ciba-Geigy Newport Plant and to the south by the Christina River. The south landfill is a 15-acre parcel of land bounded to the north by the Christina River, to the south and southwest by automobile salvage businesses and some residences along Old Airport Road, and to the east by Basin Road. The entrance to the Site lies on James and Water Streets. The maps on pages 12 and 13 show the location and layout of the Site.

III-B. SITE HISTORY

From 1902 through 1929, Henrik J. Krebs owned the Site property. During this period, Mr. Krebs' company produced lithopone, a white paint pigment derived from barium and zinc ores. After extracting the barium and zinc, the company pumped the remaining sludge through a pipe that ran under the Christina River and onto the wetlands across the river, now known as the south landfill. These wastes contained numerous heavy metal contaminants. The company also disposed additional production wastes and general plant debris, such as building materials, in the wetlands on the north side of the river, now known as the north landfill.

In 1929, DuPont purchased the property from Mr. Krebs and continued to produce lithopone. Slowly, DuPont changed and added operations to process other paint pigments including quinacridone, used in red paints, and copper phthalocyanine pigment, used in green paints. Additionally, DuPont received a permit in the 1960s to research the use of thorium as a coating for turbine blades. A small amount of thorium, a heavily radioactive material, is currently buried in the north landfill. After discontinuing thorium research activities, DuPont began producing recording-cassette tape and a coating for the tape made of chromium dioxide. Currently, DuPont produces only the chromium dioxide coating material for recording-cassettes.

In 1984, Ciba-Geigy Corporation bought the portion of the Site used to produce paint pigments. Currently, Ciba-Geigy produces a red paint pigment called quinacridone.

In the 1970s, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) capped the south landfill with soils from the construction of the Christina River Bridge on Highway 141. DelDOT purchased a portion of the south landfill from DuPont to construct the bridge.

Sampling results collected at the Site in the 1970s and 1980s showed high levels of heavy metals including: zinc, barium, and cadmium. Additionally, EPA samples revealed the presence of volatile organic compounds including trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) in the ground water. An investigation of the wetlands and the Christina River found areas of highly elevated metals contamination in the sediments.

Early EPA Involvement

In response to the presence of these contaminants, EPA proposed the DuPont-Newport Site for addition to the National Priorities List in January 1987. On February 16, 1990, EPA formally added the Site to the National Priorities List.

On August 22, 1988, DuPont signed an agreement with EPA to conduct two studies. The first study, a remedial investigation, examined the types and amounts of contamination at the Site and the threat those contaminants posed to people and the environment. The second study, the feasibility study, looked at possible cleanup methods to remove or reduce the contamination at the Site.

After completion of the remedial investigation and feasibility study activities, EPA issued a Proposed Remedial Action Plan (Proposed Plan) in November 1992. In August of 1993, EPA issued its preferred cleanup method in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision addresses the soil, sediment, surface water, and ground water contamination at the Site. The components of this Record of Decision included:

Site Area	Cleanup Plans
Ballpark	Excavate and dispose of contaminated soil in the north landfill.
North Landfill	Cap the landfill; clean, restore, and monitor the wetlands area; install a barrier wall; and recover and treat ground water.
South Landfill	Excavate and consolidate contaminated soil; stabilize the soils; and cap the landfill.
South Wetlands	Excavate, restore, and monitor.
Christina River	Dredge and monitor.
Ciba-Geigy and DuPont Holly Run plants	Install a ground water barrier wall; pave the surface; recover and treat ground water; and institute health and safety measures.
Ground water	Monitor; provide public water supply to Old Airport Road; and establish a ground water monitoring zone.

Data collected during early remedial design activities at the Site indicated that there was more contamination in the south landfill than originally determined. Due to this increased volume of waste, DuPont projected the total cost of the cleanup method outlined in the Record of Decision would be significantly higher than previously estimated. To keep cleanup costs at a minimum yet address the increased volume of contamination, DuPont and DelDOT submitted several alternative cleanup plans.

After thoroughly reviewing the plans submitted by DelDOT and DuPont, EPA decided to make changes to the south landfill cleanup plan described in the 1993 Record of Decision. EPA issued the changes in the August 1995 Explanation of Significant Differences. The following table summarizes the differences between the 1993 Record of Decision and the 1995 Explanation of Significant Differences.

1993 Record Of Decision	1995 Explanation of Significant Differences
Excavate and consolidate landfill soils.	Install a barrier wall around the entire south landfill to prevent ground water from moving through the landfill.
	Install ground water recovery wells within the barrier wall to pump contaminated ground water out of the landfill so it can be treated.
Stabilize the soils in the south landfill by mixing the soil with cement or a cement-like mixture.	Inject sodium sulfate and sodium sulfide solutions in the soil to precipitate and immobilize the contaminants in the ground water.
Install a cap over the landfill to prevent rain water from moving through the landfill.	Improve the design of the cap to better prevent rain water from moving through the landfill.

EPA has taken several steps to clean up the Site since issuing the Explanation of Significant Differences. In August 1995, EPA excavated a small area of lead-contaminated soil in the ballpark. Additionally, during the fall of 1995, DuPont installed a waterline for residents and businesses along Old Airport Road. This waterline connects properties that previously relied on private wells to public water supplies. The extended water line also allowed the installation of fire hydrants along Old Airport Road.

Over the next year, DuPont will continue to monitor the Site and will periodically sample the ground water. These activities will ensure that the existing contamination does not spread.

Upcoming Site Activities

Future plans include addressing the contaminated sediments in the Christina River. Currently, DuPont plans to dredge three areas of the river to remove the contaminated sediments. DuPont will dispose the dredged sediments in the north and south landfills. Additionally, DuPont will remove contaminated soils from the surrounding wetlands areas and consolidate the soils with the other material in the landfills.

After consolidating the soils and sediments in the south landfill, DuPont will treat the contaminated material with a sodium sulfate and sodium sulfide solution. This solution will precipitate the cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, and zinc in their respective sulfate or sulfide compounds. These compounds are highly insoluble and immobile and will not migrate away from the Site area and thus spread contamination.

During the soil treatment phase, DuPont will design a cap to prevent both exposure to contaminated soil and migration of contaminants. The cap will keep water from moving through the contaminated soil to the ground water and will help prevent the contamination from moving. DuPont will install the cap once the soil treatment is complete.

EPA anticipates that future Site cleanup activities will temporarily impact traffic along South James Street and Old Airport Road. In order to clean up and control the contamination at the south landfill, South James Street will be partially closed. EPA, the Town of Newport, and DelDOT will collaborate to minimize disruptions to the flow of traffic.

Exhibit 3

Site Location Map

(Map not available)

Exhibit 4

Site Map

(Map not available)

IV. Community Background

IV-A. COMMUNITY PROFILE

The area surrounding the Site includes the Town of Newport and unincorporated New Castle County. The Town of Newport, which lies north of the river and the Site, is a light industrial town with both commercial and residential development. Unincorporated New Castle County, directly south of the river, supports a number of auto salvage yards and residences along Old Airport Road.

In Newport, railroad tracks separate the Site from the nearby residential properties along Ayre Street. A ball field bisects Ayre Street behind the railroad tracks.

Historically, the Town of Newport has been industrial. Several businesses, including a steel mill, a glue factory, and a cement block factory, employed many Newport residents at various times. Much of industry history in the area can be attributed to Newport's proximity to Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, and the town's access to major waterways including the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays. At one time, ships and barges traveled the Christina River carrying cargo for various industries.

IV-B. HISTORY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Historically, community involvement with the DuPont-Newport Site has been minimal. Many residents feel that "no news is good news," and believe that as long as contamination from the Site is not affecting them directly, that they do not need to be concerned. Many residents have lived in Newport their entire life and believe that if they have not been affected by the Site already, then there is no need for concern.

Although some residents living near the Site have attended most of the past public meetings, others in the area were not aware that there was a Superfund site located at the DuPont and Ciba-Geigy properties. Recent community interviews have shown that community knowledge about the Site is minimal.

To inform more residents about the Site, EPA expanded its mailing list for the DuPont-Newport Superfund Site in 1995. This expansion increased the number of residents living near the Site who will receive information about the Site and Site-related activities. Soon after, EPA produced a four-page fact sheet summarizing the Explanation of Significant Differences. EPA mailed this fact sheet to all parties on the expanded mailing list.

During July 8, 9, and 10, 1996, EPA conducted community interviews to address residents' concerns and questions about the DuPont-Newport Site as well as inform residents about current Site activities. In addition, EPA used these interviews to find the best methods to communicate with the public. The following section summarizes concerns expressed by community members.

V. Community Concerns

Following are summaries of the concerns expressed and questions asked by community members in the interviews conducted during July 8, 9, and 10, 1996:

PLANT EMISSIONS

Many residents expressed concern about emissions from the Ciba-Geigy plant into the air. On several past occasions, winds carried paint pigment from the plant which then settled on houses, cars, sidewalks, and streets. One area resident also has reported premature paint peeling and wood discoloration which may be the result of Ciba-Geigy emissions. However, over the past few years, Ciba-Geigy has reduced its emissions approximately 65 percent.

UNUSUAL ODORS

In the past, many residents have expressed concerns about odors, apparently coming from the Ciba-Geigy plant. However, the number of complaints about odors from the plant has reduced significantly over the past few years. This most likely is due to improvements to the production processes at Ciba-Geigy. During community interviews, some residents stated that, on occasion, they could smell a strong oily odor, and wondered if this odor was from the Site. This odor comes from the Star Oil Refinery, several miles away, and is not from the Site.

GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION

Several citizens expressed concerns about the quality of drinking water in the area and the quality of water in the Christina River. Although all residents of Newport and surrounding communities use public water supplies, many residents questioned whether the ground water at the Site could affect them. Studies show that the contaminants in the ground water under the Site are not moving because certain compounds in the soil and ground water have bonded to the contaminants, making them immobile. The treatment process described in the Explanation of Significant Differences will help to further precipitate and immobilize the contamination in the south landfill.

COST OF THE CLEANUP

Several residents expressed concern about the cost for cleaning up the DuPont-Newport Site. The potentially responsible parties: DuPont, Ciba-Geigy, and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) are paying for the cleanup at the Site. EPA requires PRPs to pay for the cost of cleanup at a hazardous waste Site whenever possible.

FUTURE LAND USE ISSUES

Both residents and local officials expressed concerns about use of the lands surrounding the Site once the cleanup is complete. Currently, the Town of Newport is negotiating a long-term lease with DuPont for use of the ball field that bisects Ayre Street. The Town of Newport hopes to be able to use this undeveloped property as a walking and picnic park for town residents. Currently, EPA plans to keep the landfills vegetated, although the Town of Newport has expressed interest in creating a maintenance yard at the south landfill. EPA and DuPont hope to improve the condition of these wetlands to make the environment better for the plants and animals residing there.

CLOSING OF SOUTH JAMES STREET

During cleanup of the south landfill area, it will be necessary to close all or a portion of South James Street. Currently, the street lies on a section of the south landfill. In order for the cleanup to proceed as necessary, DuPont must dig up the current road, treat and cap the landfill area, and then replace the road. EPA, DelDOT, and the Town of Newport will collaborate on the closure of the road to minimize disruptions to the flow of traffic. During normal business hours, South James Street will remain partially open to allow traffic access.

FISHING FROM CHRISTINA RIVER

Many residents and township officials report seeing people fishing in the Christina River near the Site. These people expressed concern about the safety of catching and eating the fish caught in the river. High levels of PCBs (not Site-related) in the river water and sediments have caused the State of Delaware to post a fishing advisory for the Christina River. However, EPA has determined that no harm should come to fishers as long as they do not eat the fish and simply catch them for sport.

STATISTICS OF ILLNESS OR CANCER

Several residents asked if EPA had conducted any studies indicating an increased rate of illness or cancer in the area around the DuPont-Newport Site. EPA has not conducted a statistical analysis of the illness or cancer rates in the area. However, EPA has developed a Risk Assessment which evaluates the risk posed to humans and the environment by the presence of contaminants at the Site. The Risk Assessment is available at the Site information repository. See Appendix C for information about the location of the Site information repository.

USE OF NEARBY MARSHES FOR RESERVOIR

A number of residents inquired about the possible effects of contamination from the DuPont-Newport Site on nearby Churchman's Marsh. A local water company had proposed to use this marsh as a reservoir for potable water. At the present time, this proposal has been dropped. For further information about a future New Castle County reservoir, please contact Kurt Olinger, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Project Manager, at (302) 323-4540.

VI. COMMUNITY RELATIONS OBJECTIVES

The objectives below have been developed to help guide the EPA community relations program for the DuPont-Newport Site. By meeting these objectives, EPA hopes to facilitate interaction with local and state officials and residents affected by the DuPont-Newport Site. EPA will fulfill these objectives through completion of the activities described in Section VII.

Maintain Effective Communication Among Local, State, and Federal Officials

To meet the needs of the community effectively, EPA will maintain contact with local, state, and other Federal officials concerning the DuPont-Newport Site. EPA will contact these officials through telephone conversations, written correspondence, or meetings. EPA will provide these officials with information about the Site and Site-related activities on a regular basis so that they may respond accurately and in a timely manner to concerned residents.

Provide Site-Related Information to Interested Parties

EPA will provide information to local residents, businesses, and other interested parties regarding Site-related issues in order to increase awareness and understanding of Site activities. EPA will provide citizens with information about the Site history; Site-related activities; technical, program, and community relations documents; and other information about the Site. EPA will provide this information to enable interested parties to remain knowledgeable about the Site.

Provide Information on the Superfund Program and How it Related to the Site

EPA will provide information to interested parties on Superfund and how Superfund relates to the DuPont-Newport Site. Additionally, EPA will provide information to interested parties should new developments or changes to the Superfund program occur. This information will help to explain EPA's involvement at the Site, educate the public about the Site's inclusion in the Superfund program, and describe how the entire Superfund process works.

VII. COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES

To effectively and efficiently achieve and maintain community relations objectives, EPA recommends the community relations activities described in this section for the DuPont-Newport Superfund Site. EPA will conduct these activities throughout the entire Superfund process at the Site to ensure that the public is knowledgeable of Site activities and developments. These activities also will help EPA ensure that the public has sufficient time to express its concerns about the Site and Site-related activities. the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires that EPA conduct all of the activities described below to meet the needs of the community and to achieve the goals of the community relations program. At the end of this chapter is a table that outlines the community relations activities that EPA will conduct and the appropriate timing for each activity.

Provide a Community Relations Coordinator

EPA designates a Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) to provide accurate and timely responses to residents, officials, citizens' groups, businesses, and the media. The CIC is responsible for establishing and maintaining open communication between EPA and the public and for handling inquiries and concerns regarding the Site. The CIC also is responsible for organizing events such as public meetings and developing information products such as fact sheets. EPA encourages the public to contact the CIC with any questions or comments about the DuPont-Newport Site. The address and telephone number of the CIC for the DuPont-Newport Site, Lisa Brown, are in Appendix A of this Community Relations Plan.

Maintain an Information Repository

EPA establishes an information repository to ensure that accurate Site-related information is available to the public. During the remedial stages of work at the Site, EPA regularly updated the repository with Site-related documents and fact sheets as they became available, so that the community was aware of on-going Site activities and developments. The repository also houses the Administrative Record File for the DuPont-Newport Site. The Administrative Record File is EPA's official compilation of documents, data, reports, and other information that support the selection of a cleanup action.

There are three information repositories for the DuPont-Newport Site. Each repository is handicap accessible and contains photocopying capabilities. Refer to Appendix B for the address, telephone number, and hours of the repositories.

Prepare Fact Sheets

EPA prepares informational fact sheets to provide the community with information about the Superfund program and Site-related activities and developments. Fact sheets are an effective means of establishing and maintaining communication with the public. Fact sheets inform the public of current Site status, future Site activities, and developments in the Superfund process. EPA mails the fact sheets to those people or groups on its Site mailing list.

Conduct Community Interviews and Personal Visits

EPA conducts community interviews or personal visits with area residents to address the concerns and needs of the public. These interviews provide an effective way for EPA to learn about community concerns and to answer questions about the DuPont-Newport Site. EPA uses these interviews to inform the public of current Site status and future Site activities. Additionally, EPA uses community interviews in developing the Community Relations Plan for the Site.

EPA most recently conducted community interviews for the DuPont-Newport Site on July 8, 9, and 10, 1996. Summaries of the concerns and questions EPA recorded during these interviews are in Section V of this Community Relations Plan.

Maintain a Site Mailing List

To disseminate information easily and effectively to interested parties, EPA maintains a mailing list in its Region III Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of those individuals, businesses, or organizations interested in the DuPont-Newport Site. The mailing list, developed from meeting sign-in sheets, telephone requests, and letters from the public, includes the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of area residents and businesses; local, state and Federal officials; and other interested groups. EPA uses this mailing list most often for the mailing of Site-related information, such as fact sheets.

Provide News Releases to the Local Media
To ensure that the public receives accurate and timely information on Site-related activities and developments at the DuPont-Newport Site, EPA contacts the local news media. As Site activities progress and significant site events occur, EPA provides information to the local news media about the purpose, location, and time of public meetings. EPA also informs the local media about the availability of Site-related information at the Site repository. EPA sends notices announcing these events to the newspapers and television and radio stations that serve the local community.

EPA plans to provide the local Newport news media with regular updates on the progress of Site activities. EPA staff are willing to participate in radio and television talk shows and to provide area newspapers with information for articles. Attachment B contains a sample public notice for the DuPont-Newport Site.

Hold Public Meetings or Information Sessions for Residents and Local Officials

EPA holds meetings or presents information sessions to inform the community of Site activities. Public meetings offer a forum for the community to learn about the Site, to express their concerns, and to ask questions related to the Site and Site activities. Additionally, public meetings allow EPA personnel to meet the community affected by the Site. Information sessions, such as poster or display exhibits, allow EPA to present Site-related information to the public in an informal setting. EPA will hold public meetings or information sessions about the DuPont-Newport Site when the community requests or when important Site-related events occur. Appendix C lists suggested locations for public meetings or information sessions.

Conduct Visits to Local Schools

If requested, EPA will visit schools in the communities affected by the DuPont-Newport Site to speak with students about the Site. EPA will inform students about the potential dangers of the Site and the effects the Site contamination may have on people, plants, and animals. Visiting schools gives EPA an opportunity to speak with young area residents about the Site. Children often are very concerned about what is happening in their environment. Like adults, they need to be aware of the Site and Site-related activities. During school visits, EPA personnel will present the information in a manner that children of all ages will understand.

Attend Additional Local Speaking Engagements

EPA personnel also are willing to attend meetings of area groups and organizations, such as the Rotary Club or the Women's Civic Club, to serve as guest speakers. As guest speakers, EPA personnel can address concerns of the members of these organizations and maintain contact with area residents. This also provides an opportunity for members of these groups to learn more about the Site and EPA's involvement.

Maintain Contact with Local Officials

EPA maintains regular contact with local officials to inform them of the schedule of activities and major findings at the DuPont-Newport Site. By maintaining contact with local officials, EPA can address public concerns effectively as they arise. As Site events progress, EPA will contact local officials to keep them informed. Local officials can assist in addressing residents' concerns about the Site if they are well-informed of the activities occurring at the Site.

Revise the Community Relations Plan

EPA revises the Community Relations Plan (CRP) to reflect significant changes in the level and nature of community concerns and interests and to update the community relations process for the DuPont-Newport Site. The plan addresses community concerns specific to the Site. Additionally, the CRP presents the goals of the community relations program and the activities that EPA will conduct to achieve these goals. The CRP also updates Site-related information, assesses community involvement efforts, and develops a strategy for future activities. This CRP updates the information contained within the 1990 CRP for the DuPont-Newport Site. Both the 1990 CRP and this updated version are available in the Administrative Record File located at the information repositories (Appendix C). The EPA CIC updates the Community Relations Plan as necessary.

Maintain a Toll-free Telephone Number for Residents

EPA maintains a toll-free telephone number for interested persons or parties to call for information about the DuPont-Newport Superfund Site. Anyone with questions or comments regarding the Site may call this number: 1 (800) 553-2509. When calling the toll-free number, please be sure to refer to the DuPont-Newport Site.

Maintain an E-mail Account for Residents

The EPA CIC for the DuPont-Newport Site maintains an electronic-mail (e-mail) account for residents to send inquiries or comments or to request information about the Site. Refer to Appendix A for the e-mail address of the CIC for the DuPont-Newport Site, Lisa Brown.

Maintain a World Wide Web Site

EPA maintains a location on the world wide web (www) that can be accessed with a computer through the Internet. The www site houses information for all ten EPA regions. To access EPA Region III information, follow these instructions:

EPA's address is http://www.epa.gov

1. Click on Region in the Office, Region, and Laboratories menu item
2. Select Region III on the map or from the listing
3. Select Hazardous Waste Management Division from the next menu listing
4. Click on the Superfund button.
5. Lastly, click on the National Priority List (Superfund Sites) option to view a listing of Region III Superfund sites and their contacts. Information is available for all sites printed in color.

Exhibit 5

Community Relations Matrix

Exhibit 6

Community Relations Activities and Timing

Activity	Timing
Provide a Community Involvement Coordinator	Lisa Brown has been named as the EPA CIC for the DuPont-Newport Site.
Establish and Maintain an Information Repository	Three information repositories have been established and are maintained.
Prepare Fact Sheets	Fact Sheets will be prepared when significant Site-related activities occur.
Conduct Community Interviews and Personal Visits	Interviews and visits will be conducted when requested or when the CRP is updated.
Maintain a Site Mailing List	EPA currently maintains a mailing list in the Region III office.
Provide News Releases to the Local Media	News Releases will be provided when significant Site-related activities occur.
Hold Public Meetings or Information Sessions for Residents and Local Officials	Meetings will be held when significant Site-related activities occur or when requested by local officials or residents.
Conduct Visits to Local Schools	School visits will be conducted when significant Site-related activities occur or when requested by local schools.
Attend Additional Local Speaking Engagements	Speaking engagements will be attended when significant Site-related activities occur or when requested by interested organizations.
Maintain Contact with Local Officials	Contacts will be made when significant Site-related events occur.
Revise the Community Relations Plan	Revisions to the CRP will occur when significant Site-related events occur or following local, state, and Federal officials elections.
Maintain a Toll-Free Telephone Number for Residents	The telephone number currently is maintained to allow interested parties to call for Site-related information.
Maintain an E-Mail Account for Residents	The e-mail account currently is maintained to allow interested parties to write for Site-related information.
Maintain a World Wide Web Site	The EPA www site currently is maintained to allow interested parties access to Site-related information.

VIII. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT (TAG) INFORMATION

EPA provides Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) of up to $50,000 as part of its Superfund community relations program. The Technical Assistance Grant program enables citizens residing near a site to hire a technical expert to review and interpret site reports generated by EPA or other parties. Citizens can find complete information about Technical Assistance Grants in an EPA document entitled The Citizen's Guidance Manual for the Technical Assistance Grant Program. This document is available through the EPA Region III Office. For information on how to apply for a Technical Assistance Grant, or to request a copy of the guidance manual, contact:

Lisa Brown (3HW43)
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. EPA, Region III
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-814--5528
800-553-2509
brown.lisa@epa.gov

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires that EPA accept all applications submitted for Technical Assistance Grants. Only one group per site can receive a Technical Assistance Grant, so EPA urges local residents and groups to join together to apply.

The following are publications about the Technical Assistance Grant program that citizens can obtain by calling EPA's toll-free publications number: 800-553-6847.

Resource Distribution for the Technical Assistance Grant Program

Order No. PB90-249459/CCE

Superfund Technical Assistance Grant Brochure

Order No. PB90-273772/CCE

Superfund Technical Assistance Grant Handbook

Order No. PB91-238592/CCE

Update: Superfund Technical Assistance Grants

Order No. PB90-273715/CCE

APPENDIX A INTERESTED PARTIES

A-1. Federal Agency Officials

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Community Involvement Coordinator
Lisa Brown (3HW43)
215-814-5528
800-553-2509
brown.lisa@epa.gov

Remedial Project Manager
Randy Sturgeon (3HW23)
(215) 566-3227
sturgeon.randy@epa.gov

U. S. EPA Region III
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

A-2. State Agency Officials

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Lisa Fish, Community Relations Officer
Kurt Olinger, Project Officer
715 Grantham Lane
New Castle, DE 19720
302-323-4540

A-3. Federal Elected Officials

Senator William V. Roth, Jr.

104 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-2441

3021 Federal Building
844 King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-573-6291

Senator Joseph R. Biden

221 Russell Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5042

6209 Federal Building
844 King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-573-6345

Representative Michael Castle

1227 Longworth
House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-4165

201 North Walnut Street
Suite 107
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-428-1902

A-4. State Elected Officials

Senator Thomas B. Sharp

Legislative Hall, Room 122
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
302-739-4163

Representative John F. Van Sant

Legislative Hall, Room 29
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
302-739-4351

A-5. Local Officials

New Castle County

800 French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Thomas P. Gordon County Executive
Stephanie Hansen, County Council President
J. Robert Woods, 1st District County Council Representative
302-571-7520

Town of Newport

15 North Augustine Street
P.O. Box 3053
Newport, DE 19804
Donald Mulrine, Mayor
Timothy Neal, Vice Mayor
Mark Donofrio, Town Manager
Kevin Haigh, Commissioner
James Ferland, Commissioner
Michael Spencer, Commissioner
302-994-6403

A-6. Public Water Supply Companies

Artesian Water Company

664 Churchman's Road
P.O. Box 15004
Newark, DE 19711
Stuart Lindner
302-453-6900

Artesian Laboratories Inc.

664 Churchman's Road
P.O. Box 15004
Wilmington, DE 19805
Keith Hausknecht
302-453-6900

United Water Delaware

First State Industrial Park
2000 First State Boulevard
P.O. Box 6508
Wilmington, DE 19804
Shirley Posey
302-633-5900

A-7. Media

Newspapers

Wilmington News Journal

950 West Basin Road
New Castle, DE 19720
Sam Martin, Advertising Director
Bennie Ivory, News Director
Phone: 800-235-9100
Fax: 302-324-5509 (advertising)
302-324-5518 (news)
Circulation: 125,000 Weekly
152,000 Sunday

Television

WHYY, Channel 12

(WHYY is a public broadcasting station and does not post public service announcements)
625 Orange Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Carl Kanefsky, News Director
Phone: 302-888-1200
Fax: 302-575-0346

WCAU, Channel 10

City Line & Montgomery Avenues
Bala Cynwd, PA 19004
Steve Doerr, News Director
Joanne Wilder, Public Service Announcement (PSA)Director
Phone: 610-668-5510
Fax: 610-668-3700 (news)
610-668-7037 (PSA)
PSA Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event

KYW Television

101 S. Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Jeff Bartlett, News Director
Jenine Rutledge, PSA Director
Phone: 215-238-4700
Fax: 215-238-4783 (news & PSA)
PSA Deadline: Four weeks prior to the event

Radio

WDEL & WSTW

P.O. Box 7492
Wilmington, DE 19803-3210
Todd Hallidy, News Director
Nancy Rawdin, PSA Director
Phone: 302-478-2700
Fax: 302-479-1532 (news)
302-478-0100 (PSA)
PSA Deadline: Four weeks prior to the event

WILM

1215 French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Fred Hosier, News Director
John Watson, PSA Director
Phone: 302-656-9800
Fax: 302-655-1450 (news & PSA)
PSA Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event

WNRK

496 Walther Road
Newark, DE 19714
Dave Schmidt, News & PSA Director
Phone: 302-737-5200
Fax: 302-737-7466 (news & PSA)
PSA Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event

WJBR

3001 Philadelphia Pike
Claymont, DE 19703
Valerie Mack, News Director
Joe Robinson, PSA Director
Phone: 302-791-4110
Fax: 302-529-9536 (news & PSA)
PSA Deadline: Two weeks prior to the event

APPENDIX B PUBLIC MEETING LOCATIONS

Kirkwood Library

6000 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19801
Contact: David Hamilton
Phone: 302-995-7663

Newport Town Hall

15 North Augustine Street
Newport, DE 19804
Contact: Mark Donofrio
Phone: 302-994-6403
Fax: 302-996-0214

Minquas Fire Hall

21 North James Street
Newport, DE 19804
Contact: George Thossen
Phone: 302-998-3474
Fax: 302-998-1178

APPENDIX C INFORMATION REPOSITORY LOCATIONS

Kirkwood Library

6000 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19801
Contact: David Hamilton
Phone: 302-995-7663

Hours
Monday, Friday, Saturday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Newport Town Hall

15 North Augustine Street
Newport, DE 19804
Contact: Mark Donofrio
Phone: 302-994-6403
Fax: 302-996-0214

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

U.S. EPA

Administrative Records Room
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Contact: Anna Butch
Phone: 215-814-3157
Fax: 215-814-3002

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

APPENDIX D GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Administrative Record File

A collection of the documents that EPA relied on when selecting a cleanup methods for a Superfund site.

Barium

A silvery, white metallic element used in a sulfate form at the Site as part of the lithopone paint pigment.

Community Relations Plan

A document that highlights a community's concerns about a site and outlines the activities that EPA will conduct to address these concerns and to foster communication between EPA and the community.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

A Federal law (commonly known as "Superfund") passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The law gives EPA the authority to investigate sites where there is a suspected threat to public health or the environment caused by the release or potential release of hazardous substances. The law also created a special tax on the chemical and petroleum industries. Money collected under the tax is deposited into a trust fund to be used to clean up abandoned or uncontrolled waste sites. Under the law, EPA can: pay for the site cleanup when the parties responsible for contamination cannot be located or are unwilling or unable to perform the cleanup, or take legal action to force parties responsible for site contamination to clean up the site or pay back the Federal government for the cost of the cleanup.

Dredge

The removal of mud from the bottom of water bodies.

Emissions

Pollution discharged into the atmosphere from smokestacks, vents, chimneys, cars, or airplanes.

Explanation of Significant Differences

A document that changes a portion of the cleanup plan previously outlined in the Record of Decision.

Feasibility Study

A study that further examines the information in the Remedial Investigation and evaluates possible cleanup methods for a site to remove or reduce contamination.

Hazard Ranking System (HRS)

A screening tool used to evaluate the risks to public health and the environment associated with a hazardous waste site. The HRS calculates a score on the potential of a hazardous substance spreading from the site through the air, water, or soil.

Landfill

An area used to dispose wastes. The wastes are spread in layers, compacted, and covered.

Lithopone

A white paint pigment produced from barium and zinc ores.

National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (National Contingency Plan)

The Federal regulation that guides the determination of the sites to be corrected under Superfund and the program to prevent or control spills.

National Priorities List (NPL)

EPA's list of the nation's most serious hazardous waste sites identified for long term cleanup under Superfund.

Proposed Remedial Action Plan (Proposed Plan)

A plan that discusses the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study and proposes various cleanup methods for a site. EPA's preferred cleanup plan is highlighted.

Record of Decision

A formal document that discusses in detail the cleanup plan EPA has decided to implement at a site.

Remedial

The study, design, and construction of long-term actions to clean up hazardous waste sites. Remedial actions are usually long and complex processes, costing millions of dollars and taking many years to complete.

Remedial Action

The actual construction or implementation phase that follows the Remedial Design of the selected cleanup alternative at a Superfund site.

Remedial Design

The engineering phase that follows the Record of Decision. During Remedial Design, technical drawings and specifications are developed for the Remedial Action at a site. It is similar to a blueprint or work plan.

Remedial Investigation

An evaluation of the type and amount of contamination at a site and the risk the contamination poses to humans and the environment

Removal

Short-term actions that help to stabilize or clean up a hazardous waste site. Within hours of being reported, EPA investigates a site to determine whether a removal action is necessary.

Reservoir

A natural or artificial holding area used to store, regulate, or control water.

Sludge

A semi-solid residue from air or water treatment processes. Sludge can be a hazardous waste.

Superfund

The program operated under the legislative authority of CERCLA to update and improve environmental laws. The program has the authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare, or the environment. The Superfund is a trust fund that can be used to finance cleanup actions at hazardous waste sites.

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)

A clear, liquid, organic chemical compound that is often used to remove grease from metal, or in the dry-cleaning and textile industries.

Trichloroethene (TCE)

A colorless, odorless liquid often used to remove grease from metal.

Zinc

A naturally occurring metallic element used in a sulfide form at the Site as part of the lithopone paint pigment. Zinc is most commonly used as a protective coating of other metals, and also is used to form alloys such as bronze or brass.

ATTACHMENT A SAMPLE FACT SHEET

(Fact sheet not available)

ATTACHMENT B SAMPLE PUBLIC NOTICE

(Public notice not available)

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