The Department of the Army recognizes the importance of stakeholder participation in USACE Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act (CERCLA) response actions. Therefore, the Portland District is announcing the establishment of a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). The RAB is being created to improve public participation by involving the community and the tribal nations (the Tribes) in the environmental cleanup at the Bradford Island Superfund Site.
To avoid confusion, the RAB is replacing the previously announced Community Advisory Group (CAG). Although RABs and CAGs serve the same fundamental community involvement purpose, the DoD RAB rule will cause the RAB to look a little different than a CAG. For example, a USACE representative will serve as a co-chair of the RAB alongside a community member co-chair. A RAB bridges the gap between local knowledge and agency technical findings in the development of a comprehensive cleanup plan.
“Establishing a RAB is part of the Corps’ ongoing commitment to a robust public involvement program,” said Chris Budai, project manager for the site. “This means bringing together those who reflect the diverse interests of the local community enabling early and continued two-way flow of information, concerns, values, and needs between the affected community and the district.”
The RAB will include community and tribal members who reflect the diverse interests of the local community. RAB members will be asked to review and comment on plans and technical documents relating to the ongoing environmental studies and response activities at the Bradford Island site. Members will also be expected to serve as voluntary liaison between the community and the USACE district and be available to meet with community members and/or groups.
Community and Tribal RAB members will receive no compensation for their service. RAB meetings will be open to the public. Members will be expected to serve a 2-year term and attend RAB meetings regularly. The first RAB meeting will be announced at a later date.
How to Become a RAB Member?
RAB membership applications can be requested from John Morgan using the contact information below. RAB membership applications will also be distributed via email and are encouraged to be forwarded to other interested parties. Please email and mail hard copy completed applications to:
John L. Morgan, Public Affairs Specialist
503-201-0856
John.L.Morgan@usace.army.mil
333 SW 1st AV
Portland OR 97204
Hard copies of the RAB membership applications will also be available at the Stevenson Community Library, at the following address: 120 NW Vancouver Ave, Stevenson, WA 98648
All RAB member application forms must be received by January 20, 2023. Forms will be reviewed by a RAB selection panel, which is being organized by the Portland District, in coordination with other interested parties. The selection panel members will represent a cross section of community members, tribal members, and organizations, representing a balance of interests. The selection panel will make recommendations for RAB membership to the Portland District for approval.
Interested parties are encouraged to attend a webinar to learn more about the RAB and ask remaining questions. The Portland District will conduct this meeting on January 11, 2023, from 12pm – 1pm. The webinar can be accessed using either the following link or call-in number.
Forms will be reviewed by a RAB selection panel, which is being organized by the Portland District, in coordination with other interested parties. The selection panel members will represent a cross section of community members, tribal members, and organizations, representing a balance of interests. The selection panel will make recommendations for RAB membership to the Portland District for approval.
Interested parties are encouraged to attend a webinar to learn more about the RAB and ask remaining questions. The Portland District will conduct this meeting on January 11, 2023, from 12pm – 1pm. The webinar can be accessed using either the following link or call-in number:
WebEx: https://usace1.webex.com/meet/daniel.j.carlson
Call-in: +1-844-800-2712 (US Toll Free)
Access code: 199 264 0101
For additional information, please contact John Morgan, Public Affairs Specialist, 503-201-0856, John.L.Morgan@usace.army.mil and visit our website at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/bonneville/bradford-island/