Advisory group urges collaboration with EPA, plans concept-model review and August meeting

Members of the advisory group discussed coordination among stakeholders, collaboration with EPA and next steps for reviewing a concept model of site conditions.

A participant thanked volunteers and emphasized the value of coordination: "we learn from each other as we went on," the speaker said, noting the working group will review the next concept model and discuss options and criteria before providing comments.

The same speaker urged EPA to consider using its staff and consultants and highlighted the value of local volunteers and resources. "We have the wonderful folks at EPA… we would like to help as much as we can," the speaker said, asking the agency to consider additional characterization work and potential federal funding to support it.

A concern about public engagement surfaced when a participant said public comment opportunities were not available until the proposal stage, suggesting the group should seek more intentional community involvement earlier in the process.

The advisory group confirmed there will be no July meeting because of the holiday and that it will reconvene in August; attendees were invited to suggest agenda items for the next meeting.