RCRA Brownfields Prevention Initiative:
Targeted Site Efforts

Round II:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Targeted Site Efforts
A RCRA Brownfields Prevention Initiative Project

What is the Targeted Site Efforts (TSEs) Initiative?

Started in 2001, the Targeted Site Efforts Initiative was developed to provide an infusion of support and attention to a handful of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites to break "logjams" and move the sites forward through the cleanup process. The first round of TSEs was funded at about $10K per site, and focused primarily on providing additional site characterization and community outreach support, through an EPA contract. The second round of TSEs, being launched in early Fall of 2002, will continue to support site-specific projects and is being expanded to focus on options-development for sites that face obstacles to cleanup and redevelopment. Such support may take the form of performing research, facilitating the decision-making process, and/or developing an options paper on approaches to addressing the selected site. The TSE is a Regional-lead effort where each Region, in consultation with States, may nominate a project. TSE candidates should have redevelopment and reuse potential. Each project may receive between $25K and $35K in EPA contractor support. At the conclusion of each round of TSEs a summary report detailing lessons learned through TSE activities will be compiled and made available through the RCRA Brownfields Prevention Initiative Web page.

What kind of activities may be pursued by a TSE?

The 2002 TSE will provide a degree of extra attention and support to languishing sites, serving as a catalyst to identifying, choosing and moving forward with cleanup options to prevent these sites from becoming Brownfields. TSEs could include a variety of activities, such as researching site history and status, identifying options for cleanup, developing materials to support stakeholder outreach and decision meetings, providing technical assistance, site assessment, and preparing a final options document. Examples of good candidates for TSEs include sites that have been inherited by municipalities and financially weak sites.

What information should be included in a proposal?

Proposals can be short (2 pages) and should include:

• the name of the proposed site and brief information about the site,
• stakeholders participating or supporting the proposal,
• contact names at the facility, State and Region,
• a short description of proposed activities and the expected timeframe for the project.

Who can participate?

• High, medium, and low priority RCRA sites may be considered for this initiative.
• TSE sites can also be a part of the RCRA Showcase Pilots. As appropriate, Regions can integrate their TSE and RCRA Showcase Pilot submittals to Headquarters (e.g., proposals and reports.)
• While the TSE Initiative was not designed for sector-wide efforts, we might consider supporting a site, such as a metal-finishing facility, which could serve as a model for similar facilities within that sector.

Who nominates a TSE?

TSE nominations are made by Regional RCRA Senior Policy Advisors.

Key dates: There two important key dates to observe regarding the nomination and implementation of a TSE:
August 15-- last day for the Regions to submit TSE proposals (Regions may submit more than one).
September 28 -- last day to obligate TSE money

Who I can contact for further information?

Sara Rasmussen, Office of Solid Waste
US EPA
Mailcode 5303W
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
703-308-8399
rasmussen.sara@epa.gov

Alison Evans, Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment
USEPA
Mailcode: 5105T
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washignton DC 20460
202-566-2744
evans.alison@epa.gov