us finishing/ cone mills february 2012• in november 1980. cone mills submitted a haziu'dous...

$: US Finishing/ Cone Mills February 2012• In November 1980. Cone Mills submitted a HaziU'dous \Va.ste Pemiit .Application. • In 1981. Cone Mills submitted a Notification of Hazardous$
Community Involvement Plan

US Finishing/ Cone Mills

February 2012

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Region 4

61 Forsyth Street S.W.

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Community Involvement Plan US Finishing/Cone Mills Site

Table of Contents

1.0 Overview of Plan 1

2.0 Capsule Site Description 1

2.1 Site Description 1 2.2 Color Coding Pilot 3

2.3 Site History 4 2.4 Potential Impacts on Surrounding Community/Environment 4

2.5 Site Inspections and Cleanup Activities 4 2.6 Removal Action 6 2.7 Future Remedial Action 6

3.0 Community Profile 7

4.0 History and Analysis of Community Concerns 8

4.1 Previous Community Involvement 8 4.2 Analysis of Community Issues and Concerns 8 4.3 Timetable to Complete Environmental Activities 9

5.0 Community Involvement Program 10

5.1 Goals 10 5.2 Objectives 10 5.3 Key Messages 10 5.4 Target Audiences 11 5.5 Community Involvement Activities 11 5.5.1 EPA Points of Contact 12 5.5.2 Site Mailing List 12 5.5.3 Information Repository and Administrative Record 12 5.5.4 Fact Sheets/Neighbor Updates 13 5.5.5 Public Notices/Press Releases 13 5.5.6 Informal Briefings 13 5.5.7 Public Meetings or Availability Sessions 13 5.5.8 Public Comment Period 13 5.5.9 Other Sources of Information 14 5.6 Evaluation of Community Involvement Program 14 5.7 Implementation Schedule 14

6.0 References 16

February 2012 ii


Table of Contents (continued)

List of Appendices

Appendix A Appendix B

Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G

Table

Table 1

Figure

Figure 1 Figure 2

Location of Information Repository and Administrative Record File.... A-1 Location for Public Meetings and Availability Sessions B-1

Key Contacts C-1 Local Media Contacts D-1 Description of Superlund Process E-1 Seven Cardinal Rules of Risk Communication F-1 Glossary G-1

Implementation Schedule 15

Site Layout of US Finishing/Cone Mills Site 2 Color Coding Map of US Finishing/Cone Mills Site 3

February 2012 111

Community Involvement Phin VS Finishing Cone Mills Site

1.0 Introduction

1.1 0\ ei*\ iew of the C oininunity In\ oh enient Plan

1 Tlie Ihhted States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting cleanup activities at the l^S. Einishing Cone Mills Site in Greenville. South Carolina. Tlie l^S. Einishing Cone Mills Site covers 259 acres at 3335 Old Buncombe Road. Small residential areas iii*e adjacent to the site. .Access to the site is closed with either fencing or gate biuriers and is labeled with no trespassing signs.

Tins conununity involvement plan outlines the activities that EP.A will use to communicate with local residents about site activities. Tlie plan includes the following community involvement activities:

• Making community visits to discuss site events. • Setting up iind maintaining a repository of site infonnation at the public libraiy . • Preparing and distributing fact sheets iind press releases about site activities. • Holding meetings and availability sessions on iin as-needed basis. • Soliciting public comments on proposed site cleanup plans.

EP.A is undertaking these activities to inlbnn and include interested community members in site events and to solicit and respond to community concerns about the l^S Einishing Cone Mills Site. Tlie infonnation in this plan comes from site tiles, county and State of South Ciirolina web pages, and meetings with local otTicials iind site neighbors.

2.0 Capsule Site Description

2.1 Site Description

Tlie l^S Einishing Cone Mills site is located at 3335 Old Buncombe Road in Greenville. Greenville County. South Carolina approximately 3 miles from downtown. Tlie property is shaped like a "V". Within the *V* exists fonner millworkers residential housing. The site is bordered to the west by more residential neighborhoods, bordered to the east by the Langston Creek iind Highway 253. bordered to the north by the Old Buncombe Road and bordered to the south by the Reedy River. Liikeview Middle School is directly across Old Buncombe Road from the fonner Northern Reservoir. Tlie main portion of the 259-acre property consists of three buildings, including the approximately 400.000 square foot industrial building that includes basement and two Boors piulially destroyed by a 2003 fire. Tlie property also fonnerly housed seven caustic tanks with an estimated capacity of 10.000 gallons each, a 13.500-gallon chromium storage tiink and underground pipelines directing clu'omium to the storage tiink and then delivering it to the facility. Several surface water impoundments are located or backlllled on the property, including iin aeration lagoon, a fonner sludge settling lagoon: a fonner brine pit: and an impoundment on Liingston Creek. Tlie main tacility utilized two reservoirs: Northern Reservoir

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(northeast of Old Buncombe Road) and Northwestern Reservoir (northwest of residential area). The area of the Northern Reservoir slopes towards Langston Creek; the area surrounding the Northwestern Reservoir slopes towards the Reedy River. The aeration lagoon was also used as a wastewater lagoon to the main facility.

Figure l~Site Layout Map

February 2012


2.2 Color Coclmg Pilot EPA has chosen the l^S. Finishing Cone Mills Site as a color coding pilot project. Tlie Site map included in this tact sheet contains color schemes designed to easily represent the areas of concern iind associated actions. .A legend is provided to brietly explain the colors on the map. EP.A is requesting feedback from your community on whether this map helps better understand the hiizards and steps you ciin tiike for the IfS. Finishing Cone Mills Site. Tins map will be updated periodically as more inlbnnation becomes available from the ongoing studies and cleiinup activities. Please feel free to contact the Community Involvement Coordinator. Neema .Atashi. for iiny comments or questions about the color coding pilot.

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Figure 2 —Site Color Coding Map

2.3 Site History

Operational details from 1903 through 1957 are not available although it is known that the White Oak Mill (facility) was expanded on several occasions. In 1890, the brothers Moses and Caesar Cone formed the Cone Export & Commission Company of Greensboro, North Carolina and had company offices at 61 Worth St. New York City, New York. The most noted of the Greensboro group of mills founded by the Cone Brothers was the White Oak Mills. Construction was begun in 1903 and was completed in 1905. In 1947, the facility was sold to the Aspinook Corporation and, in 1957, to the Cone Mills Corporation (Cone Mills). Cone Mills operated the facility until

February 2012


1984 under the mime Ihiion Bleachery. .Ajiierican Fast Print. Ltd. (AFP) purchased the tacility in May 1984 iind operated until November 2003 under the name l^S Finishing until the main plant was piulially destroyed by fire. .AFP is the cuirent property owner of a hu'ge portion of the tacility. In July 2004. Piper Properties purchased approximately 19 acres along the Reedy River from Cone Mills. The tacility property is cuiTently in temporary receivership.

During the course of histoiy . the operation on site has produced some detectable contamimints. Chromium was detected in surtace water and sediment within Liingston Creek. State otTicials concluded that the point of discharge for the clu'omium was below the Liingston Creek impoundment on the east side of the l^S Finishing Cone Mills property. Ground water is contaminated with clu'omium. and the source was detemiined to be a break in the line supplying clu'omium from the storage tank to the tacility. The Residential .Ai'ea suiTounding the site is connected to city water. .Also, various abiindoned drums and containers suspected of containing hiizardous substances (choroanilines. unknown solids in a swollen drum iind waste oils) were found on site. Tlie site contains substantial tire damaged debris piles which contains visible evidence of asbestos containing material. In addition, asbestos containing materials exists throughout the dilapidated structure in viuwing conditions of disrepair.

In MiU'cli 2011. the EP.A proposed the Site for the NPL on the strength of the surtace migration pathway. In May 2011. the EP.A's Remedial Program refeired the site to the Removal Program for an RSE and is part of the .Agency's Integrated Cleanup Initiative (Id). In September 2011. l^S Einishing Cone Mills site was designated as final for the NPL.

2.4 Potential Impacts on Surrounclmg Conununity/En\ iroiunent

EP.A's mission is to protect human health iind to safeguard the natural environment—air. water, and liind—upon which life depends.EP.A is assessing the risks posed by site conditions related to pa.st waste management activities iind. where necessary, will propose steps to reduce risks to human health iind the environment

2.5 Site Inspection and Cleanup .Acti\ities

Tlie tacility was constructed in 1903 as a texlile bleaching and tniishing tacility iind was operational until November 2003 when the main plant was piulially destroyed by tire. Tlie diimaged structures contain visible evidence of asbestos containing material. In addition, elevated metals (clu'omium and other caustic elements) tlndings on Site gave the facility a high priority for further actions.

Tlie following description is a chronological sumniiUT of environmental enforcement:

• In November 1980. Cone Mills submitted a HaziU'dous \Va.ste Pemiit .Application. • In 1981. Cone Mills submitted a Notification of Hazardous \Va.ste Site to EP.A Region 4. • Eroni 1981 tlu'u 1984. investigations required under South CiU'olina Department of Health

and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) oversight documented excessive chromium

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contamination in Liingston Creek and in groundwater beneath the main tacility plant. SCDHEC entered into a Consent Decree in May 1984 with Cone Mills, and AFP requiring continued recovery and treatment of contaminated groundwater. In December 1985. SCDHEC completed a Preliminaiy .Assessment (P.A) for the Cone Mills Ihhon Bleacheiy Phint documenting clu'omium in groundwater. .AEP completed the Remedial Investigation (RI) from .August 1990 to June I99I. Extensive contamination (metals and orgiinics) was documented at various concentrations in groundwater, sludge pits, aeration lagoon. Reedy River tloodplain dump, the main phint's basement iind chromium and caustic storage iii*eas. In June 1993. the SCDHEC Site Screening Section completed a Site Investigation (SI) for the Cone Mills Ihiion Bleachery Plant. .Additional documentation of chromium contamination was reported in previously documented source areas, surtace waters and fish tissue downgradient of the tacility. Tlie Site was assigned a medium priority under CERCL.A. Entbrcement strategy focused on the PRPs conducting remediation etforts. .As part of a 1993 Settlement .Agreement. Cone Mills conducted contaminated soils removal between 1993 and 1999 of approximately:

3500 tons of hydrocarbons iilTected soil 7000 tons of clu'omium atfected soil and 3000 tons of caustic iilYected soil.

.A tire in November 2003 destroyed much of the main tacility. EitJeen to 25 million gallons of tire suppression water containing unknown constituents from the tacility released to Langston Creek and the Reedy River. Due to an impending banki'uptcy. Cone Mills removed the groundwater recovery and treatment system from operation in June 2004. iitJer 20 years of operation. The system of recoveiy wells and treatment was in place to prevent the clu'omium-contaminated ground water plume from entering Liingston Creek iind the Reedy River. In 2004. SCDHEC completed an Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) for the Cone Mills Ihiion Bleacheiy tacility. Based on the elevated metals tnidings of the ESI. the tacility was given a high priority for further action. Removal activities were perfomied at the tacility between October iind December 2004 by contractors for .AEP (l^S Einishing).

Soil removal activities were conducted at: • S\V comer of main pliint • Sediments from the mainteniince shop • Soils adjacent to iin elevated railroad bed • Brine pit contents • Eomier water treatment basin contents

In .April 2005. SCDHEC conducted site assessment activities to further evaluate the potential threat to huniiin health and the environment. In June 2005. SCDHEC conducted iin ESI l^pdate siimpling event. .AEP. Duke Energy Coiporation. iind Piper Properties of Greenville. Limited Liability Coiporation (Piper Properties entered into a settlement agreement with SCDHEC as documented by a Consent Decree in November 2006.

Duke Energy conducted removal of PCB contiiminated sources

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o In May 2008, SCDHEC petitioned the court to appoint a temporary receiver for property owned by AFP. SCDHEC petitioned the court to appoint a temporary receiver for Piper Properties in April 2009.

In March 2011, the EPA proposed the Site for the NPL on the strength of the surface migration pathway. In May 2011, the EPA's Remedial Program referred the site to the Removal Program for an RSE and is part of the Agency's Integrated Cleanup Initiative (ICl).

The SCDHEC has indicated that it does not currently have sufficient funds to conduct necessary response measures in a time-critical manner. EPA will continue to coordinate activities with SCDHEC.

2.6 Removal Action

A Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) emergency response was initiated on August 9th, 2011 to secure the site via fencing and signage as well as securing and disposing of abandoned containers of suspected hazardous substances. Additional known hazardous substances are present in extensive asbestos containing material (ACM) which is visible as part of the fire damaged facility. The facility has been posted by the local authorities as a "structure unsafe for human occupancy or use". A CERCLA Action Memo for a Time Critical Removal Action was signed September 13th, 2011. The action will include demolition of the fire affected structures and interim on-site staging/storage. Further details can be found at the following website: www.epaosc.org/usfinishingconemills

2.7 Future Remedial Action

EPA, in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), is planning to conduct a Remedial Investigation at the Site in order to fully assess the nature and extent of contamination. Specifically, EPA will collect additional soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water samples from the Site. The results of these activities will be made available to the public through the publication of a "Remedial Investigation Report". EPA will then use the results of the Remedial Investigation to evaluate potential cleanup options for the Site. Field work to support the Remedial Investigation is expected to begin during November 2011.

February 2012


3.0 C'oniniuiiitv Profile

Tlie l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site is located in Greenville. Greenville County. South Carolina. Infonnation in this section profiles the area and community suirounding the site.

Tlie city of Greenville is the seat of Greenville County, which lies in the northwest comer of South CiU'olina. It is the second largest city in South Carolina. .According to the 2010 IfS. census. Greenville. Greenville County. South Carolina has a population of 58.409 people and 25.185 households.

Tlie Fonnerl^S Finishing Cone Mills property is located at 3555 Old Buncombe Road Greenville. South CiU'olina. Tlie property is shaped like a "V". Within the *V* exists fonner millworkers residential housing. In the eiU'ly I900*s. Cone Mills built villages to serve their workers iind families. Tliese villages were company owned towns that were leased to their mill workers. Tlie villages included churches, schools, ball fields, community centers, and compiiny stores in addition to houses. .A separate mill village housed .Africiin-.American workers. .All together there were about 13 villages present during the operation of the facility. .According to a longtime resident, these villages were refeired to as the Ihhon Bleacher Village. The Ihiion Bleacher begiin selling the houses in 1956 in which the villages were slowly populated with new residents. Presently, some of the remaining community members from the villages have fonned a group called the Heritage of Ihhon Bleacher in which they meet weekly.

Several non-profit groups and orgiinizations seek interest in redeveloping the site property for viu'ious uses. These are the following groups and organizations: l^pstate Forever. Jeremiah Project iind Greenville County Greenways.

Greenville. South CiU'olina has a public library (Hughes Main Library) that serves as iin mformation repositoiT for documents related to the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. Interested piulies ciin review iind copy documents related to site activities at the Hughes Main Library.

Tlie most widely read local newspapers in Greenville. South Carolina area are The Greem-ille iind GSA Business Journal.

When asked by EP.A representatives during community interviews in September 2011 where to hold community meetings, residents suggested Piudsview Baptist Church and Liikeview Middle School. Residents indicated Parisview Baptist Church is a well known meeting place for community members, and Liikeview Middle School has students enrolled from the community. Both locations iii*e near residents who live closest to the site. Tlie Principal of Lakeview Middle School (located at 3801 Old Buncombe Road) ofTered her facility to hold public meetings concerning the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site.

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4.0 HISTORY AND ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Tins section sumniiii'izes past EPA community involvement activities for the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site, including the results of the September 2011 community interviews. Interview results focus on community interests iind concerns related to the site. EP.A used interview results in developing this community involvement plan for the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site.

4.1 Pre\ious Coniniunity Iii\ oh eiiieiit

EP.A community involvement activities for the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site begiin in .August 2010 with a site visit. Tlie site visit included a meeting with FP.A project stalT. .ATSDR. and contractors for the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. Tlie site visit also included viewing piii1 of the tacilities at the site and the iii*ea suirounding the site as well as some sampling on site by the contractors

In September 2010. FP.A project stiilYand .ATSDR conducted community interviews with a cross-section of local residents about their interest in the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site, including concerns they may have about pa.st. present, or future site activities.

On October 11. 2011. FP.A hosted a KickotT Meeting at Lakeview Middle School. The KickotT Meeting covered the status of the Integrated Remedial Investigation iind Time Critical Removal .Action. The meeting infonned the community the cuirent status iind background of the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. The l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site was chosen as a Color-Coding Pilot Project. Tlie community was also presented a site map that contained color schemes designed to easily represent the iii*eas of concern and associated colors. FP.A requested feedback from the community on whether the color-coded map improved the presentation of the hazards and precautions the community should take for the IfS. Finishing Cone Mills Site

4.2 .Analysis of Coiiuiiuiiity Issues and Concerns

.As pail of the interview process. FP.A representatives asked where the best place would be to hold a community meeting as site investigation activities proceed. Most of those interviewed suggested Parisview Baptist Church and Liikeview Middle School. Tlie Principal of Lakeview Middle School (located at 3801 Old Buncombe Road) otTered her tacility to hold public meetings concerning the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site.

.As part of the Community Involvement .Activities during the Superfund Remedial Process. FP.A hosted a KickotT Meeting October 11. 2011. .At the end of the meeting, a session of Q&.A was provided for the community to voice their concerns. Chemicals of concern, area of contamination, timeline for cleiinup process. cuiTent owner of site property, kids trespassing the site, and choosing location to dispose the material of the building after the demolition process were the main concerns expressed by the community members. .As part of the Color-Coding Pilot Project, the community was presented a site map that contained color schemes designed to easily represent the areas of concern and associated colors. Overall, the community thought the

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color-coded map was a good tool to understand the hazards iind precautions they should take for the Site. Tlie community suggested some minor changes to improve the map. which has been taken into account in the map revision shown in Figure 2.

4.3 Timetable to Complete Eii\ ironmental -\cti\ities

EPA has pledged to work in cooperation with SCDHEC to perfonn the following activities in conjunction with site investigation and cleiinup activities:

• Monitor site activities for safe operations. • .Alert the community to siilety issues. • Respond promptly to questions concerns. • l^pdate the community on site activities.

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5.0 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM

Tins section establishes goals and objectives for EPA's community involvement program for the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. It describes activities that EPA will use to inlbnn and involve the public as work progresses at the site. EP.A designed this program to address community concerns, as well as infonn residents about site activities iind how they ciin tiike piii1 in the cleanup decision process. EP.A also seeks to respond to community suggestions and requests for additional infonnation throughout cleanup activities for the VS Finishing Cone Mills Site.

5.1 Goals

Tins section describes the community involvement prognim iind its activities that EP.A will implement as the Superfund process unfolds at the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. The program is designed to address community concerns, as well as infonn residents about site activities and how they can take piii1 in the cleanup decision process.

5.2 Objecti\ es

FP.A. in cooperation with SCDHFC. will strive to accomplish the following six objectives:

1. Share site infonnation with the community on a timely basis and in non-technical language.

2. Publicize oppoilunities iind methods for interested citizens to provide input for decisions regarding site cleanup.

3. Maintain site inlbnnation in the community and make it accessible to all interested residents.

4. Listen and respond to community concerns about the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. 5. Promote and maintain open, two-way communication with residents tlu'oughout the

cleiinup process.

5.3 Key Messages

EP.A will use the following key messages for community involvement related to the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site:

• FP.A. in cooperation with SCDHFC. is overseeing iin investigation of site conditions created by texlile bleaching and finishing operations to assess the impact of wa.ste streams on human health, and the overall environment.

• Tlie remedial investigation (RI) is intended to characterize the site and any risks it may pose. Inlbnnation collected during the RI will be used to complete huniiin health and ecological risk assessments. Risk assessment results detennine cleanup goals.

• Tlie feasibility study (FS) identifies and evaluates alternatives to reduce unacceptable risk. Tlie RI FS reports will be available at the Hughes Main Libnuy for community re\iew.

• EP.A is following the Superfund process at the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site, under its Remedial (long-tenn cleanup) Program.

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• Tliroughout activities at the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. EPA will shiii*e inlbnnation about the site with the community and will consider community input in cleanup decisions.

5.4 Target -\uclieiice

Tlie l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site community involvement program will focus on the following audiences:

• Residents living near the site. • Elected and administrative otTicials of local, state, iind federal agencies serving

communities suirounding the site. • Other stakeholders, including organizations and business property owners who are

interested in or atTected by site activities. • .Ai*ea news media as a vehicle for inlbnning the general public.

.Appendix .A. Key Contacts, lists government otTicials. community groups, and other stakeholders identified to date and local news media. EP.A also has developed a site mailing list that includes the Key Contacts, residents, and others in target audiences. The list will be updated after each mailing.

5.5 Coniinuiiity Iii\ oh eiiieiit .Acti\ ities

.Activities outlined in this plan iii*e designed to fulfill public involvement requirements under Superfund. address community concerns regarding the VS Einishing Cone Mills Site, iind provide a viU'iety of opportunities for interested individuals to pmlicipate in the cleiinup decision-making process. During the interviews. EP.A asked community members to identify the most effective methods to provide information, allow for input, and reach the largest number of persons in target audiences. Those interviewed suggested that EP.A use The Greem-ille Abir.y newspapers to shiii*e site infonnation. Community members also suggested holding site meetings at Lakeview Middle School, located at 3801 Old Buncombe Road in Greenville. SC 29617. Principal Tracy Hall volunteered the school facility to hold community meetings concerning the l^S Einishing Cone Mills Site.

EP.A. in cooperation with SCDHEC. will conduct or help support the following community involvement activities:

• EP.A Points of Contact. • Infonnation Repository and .Adnimistrative Record. • Site Mailing List. • Eact Sheets or Site l^pdates. • Public Notices Press Releases. • Infonnal Briefings. • Public Meetings or .Availability Sessions. • Public Comment Period.

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Other Sources of Infonnation.

Tlie following subsections provide highlights of each of these activities.

5.5.1 EPA Points of Contact

Tlie priniiUT point of contact for inquiries regarding site activities is Scott Martin, the Remedial Project Manager assigned to the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. Neema .Atashi. Community Involvement Coordinator, will coordinate implementation of the community involvement program for the site.

Scott Martui Remedial Project Manager Superfund Division IfS. EP.A Region 4 61 Fors\1h Street. S.W. .Atlanta. Georgia 30303-8960

1-800-435-9233 (404) 562-8795 Fax: (404)562-8916 E-mail: niartm.scottvi epa.gov

Neeiiia .Ataslii Community Involvement Coordinator Superfund Division IfS. EP.A Region 4 61 Fors\1h Street. S.W. .Atlanta. Georgia 30303-8960

1-800-435-9233 (404) 562-8150 Fax: (404) 562-8566 E-mail: atashi.iieeiiia'V>'epa.gov

5.5.2 Site Mailmg List

EP.A has developed iind will maintain a mailing list for the l^S Finishing Cone Mills Site. The list includes local, state, iind federal otTicials representing the site community: other groups and organizations involved or interested in site issues, community residents iind neighboring property owners, iind local news media contacts. EP.A will update the list after each mailing.

5.5.3 Infonnation Repositon and .\dnimistrati\ e Record

EP.A has established iin infonnation repositoiy for the l^S Einishing Cone Mills Site at the Hughes Main Libriuw. located at 25 Heritage Green Place in Greenville. SC 29601. Tlie inlbniiation repository includes site work plans and technical documents prepiii*ed as site activities iii*e completed, as well as ftict sheets, other site updates, this community involvement plan, and general Superfund infonnation. The administrative record file is housed at EP.A Region 4 Library in .Atliinta. Georgia. Tlie administrative record file includes all documents and data produced during site investigations and used in developing site cleanup alternatives.

.Appendix .A provides the site infonnation repositoiy location, mailing address, contact

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infonnation. and hours of operation. Interested citizens may also contact EPA to obtain site infonnation. The repository iind administrative record file will be updated as documents are produced in conjunction with site activities. EP.A publishes a notice of availability iind location of the administrative record in local newspapers.

5.5.4 Fact Sheets/Neighbor Updates

EP.A will prepiU'e tact sheets or site updates at key stages of the cleanup process to summiu'ize tnidings or other important infonnation for the community. .A required tact sheet will be prepiii*ed to summarize EP.A's proposed plan for site cleanup. EP.A will make every etfort to use clear, nonteclmical hinguage and include graphics, wherever possible and appropriate. .All written materials will include site contact names and phone numbers, infonnation repository location, iind opportunities for community involvement. Eact sheets iind updates will be placed in the infonnation repository, sent to the site mailing list, and distributed to interested groups for their members.

5.5.5 Public Notices/Press Releases

EP.A will issue notices and press releases to local news media to iinnounce key milestones or to notify the community of important events, such as public comment periods. .As required by Superfund law. EP.A will place a public notice in the fonii of a paid display advertisement in the most widely read local newspapers serving the site area when the proposed phin is released to the community. The advertisement for the proposed plan will include a brief summaiy of cleanup options considered for the site: EP.A's recommended alternative: the date. time, and place of the public meeting: dates for the public comment period: iind sources to contact for additional infonnation.

5.5.6 Infoniial Briefings

Infoniial briefings with community leaders or neighborhood associations may be held. EP.A will make ever\ effort to identify these opportunities and address groups upon request.

5.5.7 Public Meetuigs or .Availability Sessions

Public meetings or availability sessions will be held to explain major site developments iind meet requirements of the Superfund process. EP.A will hold a required public meeting to summarize cleiinup options presented in the feasibility study and receive public comment on the .Agency's proposed phin. Public meetings or availability sessions will likely be held at Liikeview Middle School, located at 3801 Old Buncombe Road in Greenville. SC 29617.

5.5.8 Public Coininent Period

Tlie public comment period gives interested community members an opportunity to provide input on a proposed plan for the l^S Einishing Cone Mills Site. EP.A will consider all comments submitted before making its final decision. .A responsiveness sununaiT will be prepared to

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summarize and address issues raised by those who submit comments.

5.5.9 Other Sources of Information

Information is available online about the Superllind program and sites in EPA Region 4 at www.epa.gov/region4/waste/sf/index.htm . In addition, EPA Headquarters Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response maintains a web site with general information about CERCLA/ Superllind and related programs at www.epa.gov/oswer and www.epa.gov/superfund/. Internet access to questions and answers about Superllind and other waste programs is available at www.epa.gov/ superfund/contacts/index.htm and www.epa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/epa.cfg/-php/enduser/entry. php, and questions may be submitted via the latter web site. Site-specific questions should be directed to the EPA Remedial Project Manager Scott Martin (contact information in Section 5.5.1 and Appendix A).

5.6 Evaluation of Community Involvement Program

EPA will monitor community needs and input regarding the usellilness of the communication activities undertaken in this program. EPA will make every effort to ad(h"ess citizen concerns about the US Finishing/Cone Mills Site using channels and formats suggested by community members. EPA will evaluate and adjust the program as needed to address evolving issues and incorporate new approaches to improve the effectiveness of communication activities during the course of site activities.

5.7 Implementation Schedule

Community involvement activities for the US Finishing/Cone Mills Site will follow Superllind requirements, with supplemental activities at appropriate milestones to address community requests for information and involvement. Table 1 presents the suggested timing for community involvement activities.

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http://www.epa.gov/superfund/


Table 1. Iniplenientation Schedule Technical Milestone

Coiiuiiuiiity In\ ohenient Acti\ities

Start of remedial investigation and feasibilit}' stud\' process

• Establish and maintain information repository' and administrative record file. • (ronduct community inten'iews and develop community involvement plan. • Designate EPA contact person(s). • Develop expanded site plans for the remedial investigation: distribute to site

mailing list and information repository. • Hold public meeting or availability session to explain Superfund process and

remedial investigation work plan. • (rontact local media representatives and issue notices of meetings. • (!)ffer presentations on site activities to community residents and interested

uroups. During remedial investigation and feasibilit}' stud\' process

• N'laintain telephone contact with officials and groups involved in the process: respond to inquiries.

• Issue news releases and site updates as needed to keep media and public informed of progress.

• Hold meetings or availability sessions as needed to address questions about site activities.

(rompletion of remedial investigation and risk assessment

• Distribute a fact sheet summarizing remedial investigation findings and risk assessment results.

• lTp^;late the repository with the remedial investigation and risk assessment reports and other relevant information.

• Hold a public meeting or availabilit\' session. (rompletion of feasibilit\' stud\'

• Publish a notice of availability of the remedial investigation and feasibility study reports and a summary of cleanup alternatives and the proposed plan in major local newspaper.

• .Announce and hold a minimum 3()-day public comment period. • Hold a public meeting to accept comments on the proposed plan. • Prepare a transcript of the public meeting. • lTp^;late repository with remedial investigation and feasibility study reports

and proposed plan documents before the start of public comment period and at least 2 weeks before the public meeting.

• Distribute a fact sheet on the cleanup alternatives and proposed plan to the site mailing list.

• Issue a news release on activities. Record of Decision • Prepare a responsiveness summary.

• Publish a notice announcing EP.A's selection of cleanup remedy and signing of the record of decision.

• lTp^;late administrative record with all documents used in cleanup decision, the record of decision, and responsiveness summary.

• Distribute a news release and or site update. • Hold meeting or conduct briefings for local groups.

Remedial Design and Action ((rieanup)

• Revise community involvement plan. • Distribute a news release and or site update. • Hold meeting or conduct briefings for local groups. • Hold meetings or availability sessioas to discuss site cleanup plans and

activities. • Distribute fact sheets explaining cleanup details. • Issue news releases on site cleanup milestones.

FebnuuT 2012 16


6.0 References

1. Ihhted States Environmental Protection Agency. Region 4: Community Interviews. September 2011.

2. S. Environmental Protection Agency. OtTice of Solid Waste iind Emergency Response. SuperfuncI Coiuiuunity Involvement Handbook.. Washington. D. C. March 2001. EP.A 540-K-01-003.

3. IfS. Environmental Protection .Agency. OP.A-87-020. Seven Cardinal Rules of Risk Comnuinication. .April 1988.

4. Ihhted States Environmental Protection .Agency. Region 4: RI ES KickotT Meeting. October 11. 2011. 6PM at Liikeview Middle School.

Eebriuii-v20I2 17


APPENDIX A

LOCATION OF INFORMATION REPOSITORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD FILE

EPA has established an information repository for the US Finishing/ Cone Mills Site at the following location:

Hughes Main Library 25 Heritage Green Place Greenville, SC 29601

Contact: (864)242-5000 (864)235-8375 (fax) [email protected]

Library Hours: M-F 9:00A-9:00P Sat. 9:00A-6:00P Sun. 2:00P-6:00P

The Administrative Record File for the US Finishing/ Cone Mills Site is housed at the same location, and a copy also is available at the EPA Region 4 offices in Atlanta, Georgia:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, Superfund Division 61 Forsyth Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30303

Contacts: Scott Martin, Remedial Project Manager Neema Atashi, Community Involvement Coordinator Toll-Free: 1-800-435-9233

Hours of operation: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday

February 2012 A-1


APPENDIX B

LOCATIONS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS AND AVAILABILITY SESSIONS

Lake\ iew Middle School 3801 Old Buncombe Rd. Greenville. SC 29617

Contact: Tracy Hall, EdD Principal Telephone: (864)355-6400

(864)355-6416 (tax)

Febriuii-v2012 B-1

A. Governor

Appendix C Key Contacts


Nikki Haley 1205 Pendleton Street Columbia, SC 29201

(803)734-2100

B. State Senate

Jim DeMint 40 W. Broadway Street, Suite 320 Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 233-5366

Lindsey Graham 130 South Main Street, 7th Floor Greenville, SC 29601

(864)250-1417

C. State Representative

Tim Scott, 1st Congressional District 1117 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

Joe Wilson, 2nd Congressional District 2229 Raybum House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Jeff Duncan, 3rd Congressional District 116 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

Trey Gowdy, 4th Congressional District (Greenville) 1237 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-4004

Mick Mulvaney, 5th Congressional District 1004 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515

James E Clyburn, 6th Congressional District 2135 Raybum House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-3176

(202) 225-2452

(202) 225-5301

(202) 225-6030

(202) 225-0464

(202) 225-3315

Febmary 2012 C-1

D. Mavor


Kiiox H. \\ hite Post Office Box 2207 Greenville. SC 29602-2207

(864)467-4426 white^r/greatergreenville.com

E. Citv Council Members

Amy Ryberg Doyle, District 1 Representati\ e POBox 156 Greenville. SC 29602

(864) 232-7179 ADoyle^r/ greenvillesc.gov

Lilliaii Brock Fleimiimg, District 2 Representati\ e 398 Oscar Street Greenville. SC 29601

(864)355-3976 LFlemming^r/ greenvillesc.gov

Jil Littlejohn, District 3 Representative 26 Blair Street Greenville. SC 29607

(864) 283-0455 JLittlejohiVf7greenvillesc.gov

Daxid Suililuth, District 4 Representative 26 McPherson Lane Greenville. SC 29605

(864)282-4912 DSuddutlvfV greenvillesc.gov

Susan Rexiiolcis, .At-Liirge Representati\e 314 West *Eai-le St. Greenville. SC 29609

(864) 232-9298 SReynolds^fV greenvillesc.gov

Gaye G. Sprague, .At-Large Representati\ e 10 Grey Street Greenville. SC 29605

(864)277-6716 GSprague^fV greenvillesc.gov

Febriuu'v 2012 C-2

F. Other Coniniunity Officials

Joseph Kernell County Administrator 301 Ihiiversity Ridge. Suite 2400 Greenville. SC 29601


(864)467-7408

G. City Manager

John Castile 206 South Main Street. lO"' Floor Greenville. SC 29601

Cynthia Vilardo. City Manager Assistant evilardo^r/ greenville.sc.gov

(864)467-5700

H. Federal .\geiicy Officials

Scott Martin Remedial Project Manager Super Remedial & Site Evaluation Briinch l^S. EPA Region 4 61 Fors\1h Street S\V Atlanta. Georgia 30303

Neeiiia .\tashi Coniniunity In\ oh enient Specialist Superfund Remedial & Site Evaluation Briinch l^S. EPA - Region 4 61 Fors\1h Street S\V Atlanta. Georgia 30303

I. .\gency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registn (.\TSDR)

Dana Robison Environmental Health Scientist 4700 Buford Highway. MS F-58 .Atliinta. G.A 30341

(404) 562-8795 1-800-435-9233

Fax (404)562-8916 mailin.scott^fV epa.gov

(404) 562-8150 1-800-435-9233

Fax(404)562-8566 atashi.neeniiVfV epa.gov

(770)488-3744 DRobisoivr/ cdc.gov

Voulanda R. Outui Health Communications Specialist 4700 Buford Highway. MS F-58 .Atliinta. G.A 30341

(770)488-0712 youtiivf/ cdc.gov

J. State .\gency Officials

Greg Cassidy Federal Remediation Section

(803)896-4178 Fax (803) 896-4292

cassidgivf/ dhec.sc.gov

Februiu-v 2012 C-3


Bureau of Land and Waste Management 2600 Bull Street Columbia. SC 29201

FebriuuT 2012 C-4

K. Eii\1roiiiiieiital and Acti\ e Citizens Groups


SjiiTeri-a Kathmi W. Webb. P.G. Principal Innovate 148 River Street. Suite 220 Greenville. SC 29601

kwebb^r/ synteiTacoip.com "(864)421-9999

Upstate Fore^ er Heather Nix Co-Director of Cleiin .Air and Water Program P.O. Box 2308 Greenville. SC 29602

(864) 250-0500 Imix^f/ upstateforever.org

Green\iUe County Greenways Ty Houch Director of Greenvways. Natural and Historic Resources 4806 Old Spailanburg Rd. Tavlors. SC 29687

(864)288-6470 t\^f/ gcrd.org

The Jereniiah Project Joe FaiTV

(864) 238-3440 Joe.tanvf/ funnan.edu

Lake\ iew Middle School Tracy Hall. Ed.D Principal 3801 Old Buncombe Road Greenville. SC 29617

(864)355-6400 thallT/ greenville.kl 2.SC.US

Jill Coniwell Hughes Main Library .Administrative Project Miinager 25 Heritage Green PI Greenville. SC 29601

(864) 242-5000

FebriuuT 2012 C-5


Appendix D Local Media Contacts

Newspaper Contacts The Greenville News WMYA-TV (MNT) 305 South Main Street 33 Villa Rd Ste B105 Greenville, SC 29601 Greenville, SC 29615 (864)298-4301 (864) 297-1313

GSA Business Journal WGGS-TV (Independent) 1204B East Washington Street 3409 Rutherford Road Ext. Greenville, SC 29601 Taylors, SC 29687 (864)235-5677 (864) 244-1616

Television Stations WYFF (NBC) 505 Rutherford St. Greenville, SC 29609 (864) 242-4404

Wlos TV 13 (ABC) 124 Verdae Blvd Greenville, SC 29607 (864) 297-1313

WHNS (FOX) 21 Interstate Ct. Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 288-2100

WSPA-TV (CBS) 25 Garlington Rd. Greenville, SC 29615 (864) 271-9200

WYCW (CW) 250 International Dr Spartanburg, SC 29303 (864) 576-7777

WRET-TV (PBS) 800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 29303 (864) 503-9371

February 2012 D-1


Appendix E Description of Superfund Process

Tlie Comprehensive Environmental Response. Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). commonly known as the Superfund law. was passed in 1980 iind amended by the Superfund .Amendments and Reauthorization .Act (S.AR.A) in 1986. CERCL.A enables EP.A to respond directly to releases of hiiziu'dous substances at uni*egulated or abandoned sites. In addition. CERCL.A allows EP.A to clean up these sites or to require private parties who contributed to creating the site to do so.

CERCL.A established an initial fund of S8.5 billion to pay for the investigation and cleanup of sites when pmlies responsible for the problems are unable or unwilling to pay for the work. EP.A may then, tlu'ough legal action, recover the costs of the investigation and cleanup from the responsible pmlies to replenish the fund for other Superfund projects.

.After a site is discovered. EP.A investigates it iind scores it. using the Hiizard Riinking System (HRS). Tins system addresses several tactors:

• Possible health risks to the human population. • Potential Inizards created by the substiinces at the site. • Potential for the substiinces at the site to contaminate air or drinking water supplies. • Potential for the substiinces at the site to pollute or liiimi the environment.

If a site's HRS score is high enough, it is placed on EP.A's National Priorities List. Every site on the National Priorities List qualifies for the federal Superfund program. .After a site is listed. EP.A undertakes a thorough investigation to identify parties who may be legally responsible for the contamination problems. Tlie search for potentially responsible parties (PRPs) can and frequently does continue tlu'oughout the remedial investigation and feasibility study (R1 ES) for the site. Once identified, these PRPs iii*e asked to piulicipate in the cleanup. If they are able to do so. but still refuse, they may be faced with legal action.

EP.A develops a work plan and conducts an R1 to assess the nature and extent of contamination to chimicterize potential risks to the community and the environment. EP.A then perfomis iin ES to examine various alternatives to coirect or control the contamination. When the ES is completed. EP.A evaluates the alternatives identified and recommends the alternative considered best for the site. .A public comment period follows to give community members the opportunity to submit their comments on the alternatives. .After the public comment period. EP.A considers the community's concerns and chooses a specific long-temi action for the site. Tliis action is presented in a record of decision. EP.A's fomial decision document that summarizes the decision making process and the selected cleanup remedy for a site. .After the record of decision is signed, the design of the remedy is developed iind implemented.

Tlie time needed to complete each of these steps is dilTerent for every site. In general, an R1 ES takes one to two years. Design of coirective action tiikes about six months to one year. Tlie actual coirective action typically takes one to two yeiU's to implement, although treatment of contaminated groundwater may take several years iind groundwater monitoring may continue for

Eebruiii-v2012 E-1


up to 30 years.

EPA monitors the site during all remedial activities. If contiimination becomes an imminent threat to public health or the environment at any time during the remedial process. EP.A may conduct iin emergency action to alleviate the problem. In addition. EP.A keeps residents and otTicials inlbnned about activities at the site and provides opportunities for citizens to pmlicipate in the decision- nuiking process. EP.A considers citizen input in its decision regiU'ding site cleiinup.

Eebriuii-v20I2 E-2


Appendix F

Sex en Cardinal Rules of Risk Conununication

Tlie seven cardinal rules of risk communication were developed by Vince Covello iind Frederick \V. Allen iind published in an EPA pamphlet in 1988 (IfS. Environmental Protection Agency. OPA-87-020. April 1988). Tlie rules, which are appropriate for all Superfund site communications, follow:

1. Accept and involve the public as a legitimate partner.

2. Plan Ciu'efully iind evaluate your elTorts.

3. Listen to the public's specific concerns.

4. Be honest, frank, and open.

5. Coordinate iind collaborate with other credible sources.

6. Meet the needs of the media.

7. Speak clearly and with compassion.

Eebruiii-v2012 E-1


APPENDIX G

GLOSSARY

Administrative Record File A tile maintained for the public that contains inlbnnation used to make a decision about a site under CERCLA. Tlie tile is available for public review, and a copy is usually placed in the same location as the site infonnation repositoiy . A duplicate tile is held at a central location, such as EPA Regional otTice.

Availability Session .An "open house" event hosted by EP.A to meet intbnnally with citizens about site activities.

Cleanup .Actions taken to deal with a release or threatened release of haziu'dous substiinces that could atTect public health or the environment. Cleanup is often used broadly to describe viulous response actions or phases of remedial activities, such as a remedial investigation feasibility study.

Comprehensive Environmental Response. Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA)

CERCL.A or Superfund was passed in 1980 and amended by the Superfund .Amendments and Reauthorization .Act (S.AR.A) in 1986. The .Act originally created a special tax that goes into a fund to investigate and clean up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

Community Involvement Plan .A fonnal plan of communication and public pmlicipation activities developed by EP.A to ensure opportunities for community members to leiim more about Superfund site activities iind provide input for decisions regarding the site. Tlie plan is based on infonnation collected through site-specific community interviews and a review of site-related documents. .A community involvement phin is sometimes called a community relations plan.

Feasibility Study .A study, which follows a remedial investigation, that EP.A conducts to screen and evaluate alternatives to clean up a site based on nine evaluation criteria, including eftectiveness. cost, iind community acceptiince.

Groundwater Water found beneath the emllfs surtace that fills pores between materials, such as sand, soil, or gravel. In aquifers, groundwater occurs in sulTicient qiuintities such that it can be

Eebriuii-v2012 G-1


used for drinking water, iirigation. and other puiposes.

Information Repository A tile containing teclmical reports and reference documents regarding a Superfund site. Tlie infonnation repository is usually in a public building, such as a public school, city hall, or libraiy that is conveniently located for community residents. .As the site proceeds through the Superfund remedial process, the tile at the intbnnation repository may be updated.

Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) .An indi\ idual or compmn (such as owners, operators, transporters, or generators of hiizardous waste) potentially responsible for. or contributing to. the contamination problem at a Superfund site. Whenever possible. EP.A requires PRPs. tlu'ough administrative and legal actions, to cleiin up hiizardous waste sites they have contaminated.

Proposed Plan A public piulicipation requirement of CERCL.A in which EP.A summarizes for the public the prefeired cleanup strategy, rationale for the preference, alternatives presented in the detailed iinalysis of the remedial investigation feasibility study (RI ES) iind cleanup standards that will be applied. Public comment is sought on all the alternatives under consideration.

Public Comment Period Time provided for the public to review and comment on a proposed EP.A action after it is published.

Record of Decision A public document issued by EP.A that explains which cleiinup alternative will be used at a site that is following the Superfund cleiinup process. The decision is based on technical infonnation generated during the remedial investigation and feasibility study and consideration of public comments.

Remedial Investigation (RI) Tlie tlrst of the two-part study known as a remedial investigation feasibility study. The remedial investigation involves collecting and iinalyzing infonnation about a site to deteiniine the nature and exient of contamination that may be present. The risk assessment, conducted with the remedial investigation, deteiniines how conditions at the site may atTect huniiin health or the environment.

Responsiveness Summary A summaiy of oral and written comments received by EP.A during a public comment period on key site-related documents, with EP.A's responses to those comments. Tlie responsiveness sumniiUT highlights community concerns to be taken into account by EP.A in milking decisions on a site iind is a key part of the record of decision.

Eebruiii-v2012 G-2


Risk Assessment .AJI evaluation of the likelihood of exposure iind potential magnitude of future health or environmental effects that could occur if no cleanup action is taken on a site. Risk assessment may include both qualitative (non-numerical) evaluation and quantitative (numerical) calculations based on specific assumptions about long-tenn exposure risks. Ecological risk assessment applies to iinimals. fish, vegetation, and other environmental receptors. Human health risk assessment estimates the potential effects on people. Risk assessment results iii*e used to identify site cleanup requirements.

Siiperfiind Tlie trust fund established under CERCL.A to pay for cleanup of abandoned haziu'dous waste sites if potentially responsible parties cannot be identified. Superfund is the common mime for CERCL.A and is often used as an adjective for haziu'dous waste sites and the investigation and cleanup process directed by EP.A.

Eebriuii-v2012 G-3

us finishing/ cone mills february 2012• in november 1980. cone mills submitted a haziu'dous...

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