Superfund Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) for Community Groups at National Priority List (NPL) Sites

Objective

The statutory authority for this project is CERCLA 117(e) as amended by 42 USC 9617(e); it authorizes Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) to be awarded to groups of individuals affected by or threatened by a release at a Superfund site so that they can obtain independent technical assistance to interpret site-related documents and share this information to the rest of the community. The objective of each TAG is to procure an independent technical advisor(s) to review and inform the community on EPA documents related to cleaning up the Superfund site that is affecting them. The technical advisor's information aids the community in their preparation of public comments which assists them to more meaningfully participate in the cleanup decision-making process. Only one grant is available per site, at any given time; subsequent grants may be awarded once the prior grant period has ended. EPA does not prioritize among eligible sites. All TAG applications are given equal priority as long as the site and group are eligible. The applicant group must meet eligibility requirements, and minimum administrative and management capability requirements by demonstrating they have or will have reliable procedures for record keeping and financial accountability related to TAG management. All applications must address the following: plans for using a technical advisor's services, plans and ability to inform other members of the community, and the group's membership (representative of the different individuals/groups affected by the site). Funding must be used to obtain technical assistance that the community can better understand technical issues related to the cleanup of the Superfund site affecting them, and also to help them provide comments on technical issues and decisions throughout the cleanup process. Groups may obtain a technical advisor to help them understand site-related documents and information, such as technical reports, site conditions, EPA’s proposed cleanups and decisions, etc.

Who Can Apply

• Nonprofit Organization

Applicant eligibility is addressed under the TAG regulations, 40 CFR 4020. A group is eligible if: 1. The group is made up of people who may be "affected" by a release or threatened release at any facility listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) or proposed for listing under the National Contingency Plan where a "response action" under CERCLA has begun; 2. The group meets minimum administrative and management capability requirements found in 2 CFR 200 by demonstrating they have or will have reliable procedures for record keeping and financial accountability related to TAG management; and 3. The group incorporates as a state nonprofit for the specific purpose of representing "affected" individuals at the site. "Affected" means subject to an actual or potential health, economic or environmental threat. A group is ineligible if: (a) The group is a "potentially responsible party" (PRP), receives money or services from a PRP, or represents a PRP; (b) The group is affiliated with a national organization; (c) The group is an academic institution; (d) The group is a political subdivision; (e) The group was established or is presently sustained by any of the ineligible entities listed above; or (f) The group is not incorporated as a nonprofit organization for the specific purpose of representing affected people except as provided in 40 CFR 35.4045.

Who Benefits

• Local
• Public nonprofit institution/organization

This program benefits groups of individuals affected by Superfund hazardous waste sites. Groups should be representative of the community affected by the Superfund site, which may include homeowners, land/property owners, local businesses, as well as any other individuals in the general public who live near a site.

Assistance Types

• Grant

Program Contact

gibbons.paige@epa.gov
(202) 566-0395