DRAFT The RCRA Cleanup Vision for 2020 “Where are We Going? Matt Hale Director, Office of Solid Waste U.S.EPA

RCRA Cleanup Vision for 2020: Facilitator: Matt Hale, Director, U.S.EPA Office of Solid Waste Ed Galbreath, State of Missouri Diane Duva, State of Connecticut Richard Collins, Arcadis Lloyd Dunlap, Atlantic Richfield Company, BP

What is the 2020 Challenge? Included in EPA and the States “Beyond RCRA: Waste and Materials Management in the Year 2020” Marianne Horinko set forth the challenge on May 11, 2004 at the National Corrective Action Conference. By 2020, RCRA corrective action at facilities that manage hazardous waste will largely be completed.

Why a 2020 Challenge? We need a long-term vision and goal for the Corrective Action Program. –Communities need it. –Private sector wants it. –Congress expects it.

RCRA Sites under the Challenge Under RCRA corrective action requirements, companies that manage hazardous waste must clean up contamination from past practices. 3,000 – 6,000 sites included in the corrective action “universe.” Approximately 2000 considered “high priority.”

RCRA Sites under the Challenge Sites run a full spectrum, from Superfund-like in scope to minor properties requiring minimal if any cleanup. Universe includes: –Many operating industrial facilities, addressing past problems (e.g., chemical plants, steel mills, petroleum refineries). –Numerous smaller facilities, and facilities that have long since ceased managing waste (electroplaters, wood treaters). –Federal facilities, e.g., military installations and DOE nuclear weapons production complexes –Present and past hazardous waste management sites

To Achieve the 2020 Challenge Most states now largely run corrective action. –40 states “authorized,” most others play strong role. –The major opportunities are at state level. Virtually all states use non-RCRA state cleanup programs at RCRA sites. –State Superfunds and remedial authorities –Water laws –Voluntary cleanup programs –Brownfields programs –State property transfer laws

Meeting the Goal Meeting 2020 goal will be enormous challenge. Looking for new approaches and tools. –Facility lead approaches –Reliance on wide range of authorities and programs –Results-driven thinking Land reuse and revitalization is a critical piece.

Opportunities for Land Reuse Many RCRA sites are good candidates for reuse and revitalization. –Region 5 survey of “high priority” sites concluded that over half expected to be put to new use. –Similar experience in California. Uses include residential, industrial, wildlife habitat. Examples range from enormous (Atlantic Station, Atlanta, GA) to small (Dayton Tire, Oklahoma City, OK). May include reuse of portions of a facility, or continued industrial use.

Challenges As 2020 unfolds, increased opportunities for redevelopment. But challenges: –RCRA stigma –Technical challenges –Procedural challenges –Institutional controls –Resources –Liability

Challenges To Achieve the 2020 Goal Many examples of the difficulties being overcome. Focus on results over process. –Early identification characterization. –Involvement of all stakeholders of end uses and end goals. –Focused site.

Opportunities State “voluntary” programs –Memorandums of Understanding Innovative sources of money –Brownfields Grants –Virginia Water Revolving Loan Fund Liability and comfort tools

EPA and States’ Challenge Full use of all authorities and programs. Memorandums of Understanding –Focus on state voluntary programs Other state opportunities. –Virginia: Water Revolving Loan Funds. – Environmental Covenants Act

Conclusion: What 2020 Challenge Means for Brownfields Regulatory focus on moving sites to conclusion Looking for new and creative approaches Reuse and redevelopment are a key critical element to success