A process in the Cleanup of the TVA Kingston Disaster includes as part of the Superfund, the formation of a community group....

In the TVA disaster, it will most likely be what is called a CAG, or Community Advisory Group. A Community Advisory Group is a term EPA uses to define a committee, task force, or board comprised of residents affected by a hazardous waste site.

CAGs are made up of members of the community and is designed to serve as the focal point for the exchange of information among the local community and the EPA, the State regulatory agency, and other pertinent Federal agencies involved in the cleanup of the Superfund site.

CAGs enhance public participation in the cleanup process by providing a public forum where representatives of diverse community interests can discuss their concerns and learn from each other.

The CAG can assist the EPA in making better decisions on how to clean up the site. It offers EPA a unique opportunity to hear and seriously consider community preferences for site clean up and remediation.

The size of the CAG will depend on the needs of the affected community. Typically CAGs have 15-20 members, who are willing to devote at least 2 years to the CAG. Some CAGs continue for longer periods of time, due to the extent of a particular cleanup. Anniston Alabama has a CAG that has been ongoing since September 2003, and continues due to the large scale cleanup needed in that area: (link...)

CAGs will also provide information to the public regarding the cleanup and progress. The CAG will received a grant to hire an independent Technical Advisor to assist with the information processes related to data received from all entities working within the clean up site.

To learn more: (link...)

Superfund Today - Focus on the Community Advisory Group
(link...)

CAGs; Case Studies:
(link...)

The TVA/Roane County CAG is now forming. There are currently 12 core members, with nominations being accepted until next Thursday, August 6th.

If you would like more information regarding Nominations, or are interested in applying for the position of Technical Advisor you may contact the group at roanecountycag@gmail.com

Applicants for the Technical Advisor position should be someone who can provide at least the following:

Help our community to better understand cleanup technologies and their effectiveness;

Be responsible for reviewing, interpreting, and explaining technical materials in an understandable way;

Meet with our community to answer questions and to listen to our concerns;

Please note: The technical advisor is a paid position, and the CAG is currently asking for interested persons to send a resume by email to:

roanecountycag@gmail.com with the subject line Technical Advisor.

The group would prefer someone locally (East Tennessee), due to the cost of travel.

If you have any questions, the group will do their best to answer them, just send them an email. roanecountycag@gmail.com

Thank You

WhitesCreek Would be a Good One for the Position

WhitesCreek would be a great one for that position. I hope that he applies.

I too believe WC would be

I too believe WC would be great if is plate is not full.

Randy Ellis
randyellis@gmail.com

Farmer Leaf for Technical Advisor

Farmer Leaf has far and away the most technical experience and knowledge about TVA, pollution, and the river.

I'm worried about this CAG though. Hasn't the Coal Ash Survivors' Network applied to get that advisor? Isn't the CAG really under TVA control? Isn't TVA excluding from the CHA anyone with legal representation? Or am I confused?

-- OneTahiti

The TNCASN

I was present at the last CAG meeting. The TNCASN applied just to get the ball moving in the right direction. They have now submitted a name change to the application. The core members are currently made up with people from each group and 3 individuals from Roane County. I honestly believe that the core members of this group have the best intentions for the county. All member are already very involved in what has been happening over the past 7+ months. Putting their resources together will only help to get our communities the right information in a more reasonable time frame.

TNCASN is only a small

TNCASN is only a small component of the CAG it is made up of members of the community, TNCASN, Emory River Group, and the LTRC. It has been a joint effort from the beginning. It is called the Roane County Community Action Group

Randy Ellis
randyellis@gmail.com

RandyEllis

Thanks! :)

The CAG ought to have an interactive website like this one for its members, with a public comment area as well. What is its URL? Who is doing this? Does it need help?

-- OneTahiti

the group would like...

The core group has discussed this and WANTS and NEEDS to have a website. OT, I thought of you immediately regarding our past conversations.

Anniston has one, and I have a link in my first post. I don't think it is "interactive" but that would be a great idea.

So, I guess the answers to your questions are.. yes we need one, we don't have a URL yet, we haven't elected/nominated the position for "media relations" yet, and yes we need help.

Can we contact you for your technical assistance on the website once the CAG is formed and positions voted?

Thanks so much!

nomorelifeonswanpond

Please give me time to compose it, then see my answer sent via private message. :)

-- OneTahiti

OT

Your the bomb! Check your PM's....

Thanks!

hope this answers some...

TCASN did apply for the TAG (Technical Assistance Grant) with the intention of getting the community going, and forming a CAG, which was their intent from the start. Knowing that this group would require dedication, hard work and commitment it was essential to have a strong community base in order to go forward.

The TAG was amended and the application will be for the CAG (community advisory group) to obtain the technical assistance needed to assist the community in deciphering reports and other technical information made available from TVA, EPA, TDEC ect.

The TAG is not under the control of TVA. TVA, being the entity accountable for the disaster, will be required by the EPA to pay for the TAG grant (which will most likely be renewable each year based on the length of the cleanup.)

TVA cannot exclude any parties regardless if they have legal representation. The CAG or any other type of community group is required through the Superfund/CERCLA order.

Hope this helps...

OneT

CAG is controlled by the citizens who dedicate at least 2 years to serve. It is part if the CIRCLA order. It is established by the EPA. However, the EPA can only advise. TNCASN has agreed to let the established groups such as Emory River Group and members of the community, come together and form one group. They revised the grant application in hopes that it will go to CAG.

This is the short version. And I am sure others can explain it better. And, I hope there are people reading this who is interested in being part of CAG.

links

Please see the links on the first post for more information regarding the CAG....
and more info here:

Community CAGS
(link...)

CAG Resources
(link...)

Technical Assistance Grants:
(link...)

Community Toolkit PDF
(link...)

nomorelifeonswanpond

Thanks for all the links! :)

-- OneTahiti

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