Assistance program
Superfund Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) for Community Groups at National Priority List (NPL) Sites
$2.2 Million committed in FY2018–FY2026
- Agency
- Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Protection Agency
- Assistance
- Project Grants
- CFDA number
- 66.806
- What it does
- The statutory authority for this project is CERCLA 117(e) as amended by 42 USC 9617(e); it authorizes Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) to be awarded to groups of individuals affected by or threatened by a release at a Superfund site so that they can obtain independent technical assistance to interpret site-related documents and share this information to the rest of the community. The objective of each TAG is to procure an independent technical advisor(s) to review and inform the community on EPA documents related to cleaning up the Superfund site that is affecting them. The goal of each TAG is that the technical advisor's information aids the community in the preparation of public comments which assists the community to more meaningfully participate in the cleanup decision-making process. Only one grant is available per site, at any time. EPA does not prioritize among eligible sites. All TAG applications are given equal priority as long as the site and group are eligible. The applicant group must meet eligibility requirements, and minimum administrative and management capability requirements by demonstrating they have or will have reliable procedures for record keeping and financial accountability related to TAG management. In addition, all applications must address the following: plans for using a technical advisor's services, plans and ability to inform other members of the community, and the group's membership (representative of the different individuals/groups affected by the site). Funding must be used to obtain technical assistance so that the community better understand technical issues related to the cleanup of the Superfund site affecting them and to provide comments on technical and decisions throughout the cleanup process. Groups may obtain a technical advisor to help them understand site-related documents and information, such as: the nature of the environmental and public health hazards at the site; the various stages of health and environmental investigations; cleanup and operation and maintenance activities for a site; exposure investigation and health studies; site monitoring plans and reports; the remedial investigation feasibility study, record of decision, remedial design documents; site reuse options and considerations; selection and construction of remedial action; removal activities; and operation and maintenance.