PROTECT GAINESVILLE’S CITIZENS MOVING KOPPERS FORWARD

April 2011

There is a perception in the community that since the ROD has been issued, Koppers is essentially a “DONE DEAL.” Fortunately for all of us, this is not the case.  We did not get all we wanted but we got most of what we wanted.   Now, we must move forward. We have the opportunity over the next several months to get ahead of the curve. There are issues of remediation design, site reuse, neighborhood dislocation and site development that are not rocket science, have been done before in other communities and will be done here. Now is the time for our community to determine the future use of this parcel including, who pays for what, when!

An informed and engaged community is essential to Gainesville getting the best and highest use for this parcel and a healthy vibrant community surrounding it – at the least cost to the tax payer.

PGC has identified several areas where additional research  and some pre-planning at this time will provide a better foundation for effective decision-making. These include the following:

Neighborhood Support.
1. Task – Remediation Process:

How the remediation process has been implemented in other communities, problems that arose, and how these were resolved.
2. Task – Relocation

Reassurance that once remediation is completed it is safe to return.  How have EPA relocation guidelines been implemented at other locations.  What are the procedures for “Temporary Relocation” and “Permanent Relocation?”

What are the ways to provide support to individuals and engage the Stephen Foster Neighborhood Association for resident’s participation and
feedback.

3. Task – SFN Master Plan

This may lead to opportunities to assist in creating and implementing a master plan that could enhance the neighborhood.

Institutional Controls

1. Task – Identify State of Florida’s Current Tracking System for Institutional Controls

One of the problems frequently encountered is tracking and enforcing the land use controls that will be in place. Understanding the range of common problems in maintaining these LUCs would help lead to a more effective process for the complex matrix of these that may in place following remediation including tracking these institutional controls.  The strategies, role of local governments, and potential financing of this effort by the PRP should be reviewed to prepare for future effective implementation of this component of the remedy.

Site Reuse Options/Issues.
1. Task – Interim ReUse of Koppers Parcel

Residual contamination will remain across much of the Koppers site beneath the cap or cover and the selected remedy was to support future commercial uses. EPA guidance considers various aspects to redevelopment, including identifying as early as possible components of the remedial design that may increase flexibility for future use. This information should be understood when preparing comments on the draft remedial design document.

2. Task – Redevelopment of Koppers Parcel

Many remediated superfund sites remain unused and fenced.  Identifying impediments to redevelopment as well as potential future costs/responsibilities of the local government may allow the community better prepare to face these challenges.

3. Task – Communications

Keeping the public aware of the progression of events and providing a consistent and useful message from local government.