RE: Local Communication /State-EPA Cooperation

[Denise Battaglia <battaglia.denise@epa.gov>]

I agree with you, David, that coordination between EPA and the States is essential.  Anything less is really counterproductive for both Agencies and a disservice to the public!

And, you're right, community advisory groups (CAGs) are not the end all.  We need to be sure that we're listening to everyone in a given community, not just taking the views of a CAG as being fully representative. 

For the most part, I think we've done a decent job of doing this in EPA's midwest region.  In addition to working with a CAG, we normally update local officials on a regular basis.  Also, we try to meet on-on-one with residents who are not affiliated with a CAG or local group during our community interview process.  Community interviews are conducted early on in order to identify public concerns/issues surrounding a Superfund site.