Keystone Corridor Ground Water Contamination SiteIndianapolis, Indiana

April 2016

Community Involvement Plan

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .........................................................................................................1Describes the purpose and intended uses of this Community Involvement Plan.

Site Overview ......................................................................................................3Provides the background information including the location and history of the site.

Community needs and concerns ......................................................................7Summarizes what the community members are concerned about, the questions they asked and what they told EPA.

Community involvement goals and activities ................................................15Highlights EPA’s goals, activities and timeline for conducting site-specific activities to keep the public informed and involved during the cleanup process.

The Community ................................................................................................19Provides background information on the city of Indianapolis, profiles the economic and ethnic makeup of the community, and summarizes the community’s history.

AppendicesAppendix A – Glossary - Initials - Acronyms: Lists the definition of key words, initials and acronyms (words in bold throughout the text are defined in this appendix)

Appendix B – List of Contacts: Provides a list of federal, state, and local agencies and neighborhood organizations

Appendix C – Community Resources: Identifies places where community members can find more information about the site and possible meeting locations.

Appendix D – Community Engagement and the Superfund Process: Gives an overview of the step-by-step process the EPA follows to determine the best way to clean up a contaminated site and opportunities for community involvement throughout the process.

Appendix E – Environmental Justice: Describes Environmental Justice and EPA’s commitment to the affected community.

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INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepared this Community Involvement Plan, or CIP, to engage and support the community affected by the Keystone Corridor Ground Water Contamination Superfund site hereinafter referred to as the Keystone Corridor site, located in Marion County, Indianapolis, Indiana.

If you are interested in submitting comments or have questions or suggestions concerning this CIP, please contact:

Heriberto León Community Involvement Coordinator

EPA Region 5 (SI-7J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd.

Chicago, IL 60604-3507 312-886-6163

leon.heriberto@epa.gov

This CIP provides information about current community concerns and presents a plan to enhance communication between local residents and the EPA as the investigation and cleanup of this site progress.

This CIP also provides background information about the site and recommends activities for the EPA to continue to inform the public and local officials about progress at the site and to encourage community involvement during the site cleanup.

The EPA wants the members of the community to know and understand when and how they can participate in decision-making during the cleanup activities at this site. The EPA is committed to promoting effective and meaningful communication with the community and wants to make sure the community’s concerns and information needs are considered as activities at the site progress.

This CIP describes the EPA’s plan for addressing community concerns and keeping residents informed and involved in cleanup activities. We will use this document as a guide to communicate with, and involve residents, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local government in the Indianapolis area.

(Words in bold are defined in Appendix A.)

The CIP is a working document that will evolve as the investigation and cleanup continue and input is received from the community. It is intended to be flexible, adaptable and used as a guideline for EPA’s communication with the community.

Goals of EPA’s community engagement program:

» Assist the public in understanding thedecision-making process during projectdesign and cleanup and the community’srole in that process

» Give the public accessible, accurate, timelyand understandable information about theproject as it moves forward

» Ensure adequate time and opportunity forthe public to give informed and meaningfulinput and for that input to be considered

» Reflect community concerns, questions andinformation needs

» Respect and fully consider public inputthroughout the process as the projectmoves forward

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SITE OVERVIEW

Map of Keystone Corridor Ground Water Contamination site. The shaded area shows the approximate site boundary which is located in an area near municipal wells.

E 45th StE 45th St

E 46th StE 46th St E 46th StE 46th St

E 47th StE 47th St

E 48th StE 48th StE 49th StE 49th St

E 45th StE 45th St E 45th StE 45th St

E 44th StE 44th St

Evanston Ave

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Crittenden Ave

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E 43rd StE 43rd St

E 42nd StE 42nd St

Meadows Pkwy

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Fall Creek

Duke StDuke St

Caroline Ave

Caroline Ave

Hillside Ave

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Millersville Rd

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Millersville DrMillersville Dr

E 40th StE 40th St

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Fairfield Ave

Fairfield Ave

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Hillside Ave

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Tocoma Ave

Hillside Ave

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Caroline Ave

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Orchard Ave

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KEYFall CreekMunicipal Wells

This sections provides a brief overview of the background, including location and history, of the Keystone Corridor site.

Location and Site Features The Keystone Corridor Ground Water Contamination site is located approximately 6 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis, in an area that is both commercial and residential. The center of the site is designated as the intersection of Keystone Avenue and East Fall Creek Parkway North Drive. The approximate boundaries are 45th Street on the north, Eastern Avenue on the east, 38th Street on the south, and Norwaldo Avenue on the west. Fall Creek well field and potential sources of the ground water contamination are located within the site.

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Site Background History

The site includes an approximate 4,500‑foot long by 1,500-foot wide plume or underground mass of ground water contaminated with chlorinated solvents located near the intersection of East Fall Creek Parkway North Drive and Keystone Avenue. The plume consists of chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The chemicals are primarily tetrachloroethene, or PCE; trichloroethene, or TCE; cis-1,2-dichloroethene, or cis-1,2-DCE, which is a breakdown product of PCE and TCE; and vinyl chloride. The sources of the contamination have not yet been identified.

In 1989, elevated levels of VOCs were found in soil near the former Tuchman Cleaners property, at 4401 North Keystone Avenue. From 1953 until 2008, Tuchman Cleaners, operating as a dry cleaner, used PCE, generated PCE waste and had documented PCE releases at the property.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management, or IDEM, has investigated soil and ground water contamination near the property. The site owner also conducted some cleanup work from 2003 to 2006; however, the Tuchman property remained contaminated. When the Tuchman Cleaners’ parent company declared bankruptcy in 2008, all cleanup efforts at the site stopped.

From 2009 to 2011, IDEM performed additional investigations and inspections at the Tuchman site and surrounding properties which included Thomas Caterers of Distinction and Purtee Plating properties. Elevated levels of PCE and TCE were found in ground water and soil.

The City of Indianapolis oversaw the demolition of the Tuchman Cleaners building in November

2011 and IDEM asked for EPA’s help to finish the cleanup. A site assessment was conducted in 2012 and cleanup at Tuchman Cleaners began.

IDEM also conducted an investigation at the nearby former Vantage Point Cleaners property, which operated as a dry cleaner from 1986 to 1997 using and disposing of PCE waste. IDEM’s investigation showed elevated levels of PCE in the ground water on the property.

IDEM’s investigations have not determined the specific source or sources of contamination at the Keystone Corridor site due to the area’s complex geology, the number of potential sources, and the mixing of the contamination. Over 40 known users or handlers of solvents in the area have

been identified as possible sources.

The local water company, Citizen’s Water, operates 10 active municipal drinking water wells in the Fall Creek Station well field. VOCs have historically been found in five of the wells. But in only one

of the 10 drinking water wells, vinyl chloride was detected above the Safe

Drinking Water Act, or SDWA, maximum contaminant level. However, that well has been removed from service.

To clean up the chemicals released into the soil and underground water supplies at the Tuchman Cleaners property, in September 2012, the EPA began a time-critical removal action. The EPA calls the cleanup a time-critical removal action because the pollution posed an imminent threat to people. The cleanup included removing soil that posed a direct contact threat (danger from touching the soil); backfilling excavated areas; and transportation and disposal of hazardous material off-site.

Besides removing the contaminated soil from the Tuchman Cleaners property, the EPA checked nearby residential properties for gases seeping into buildings through cracks and holes in their

Citizen’s Water

removed the only identified well with

vinyl chloride above SDWA maximum

contaminant level from service in

2011.

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foundations. These gases can cause unsafe indoor air pollution through a process known as vapor intrusion. The EPA installed vapor intrusion mitigation systems at buildings where gasses had accumulated to unsafe levels.

At the same time, an investigation at the Lumberman’s Wholesale Supply and nearby former Imperials Cleaners properties was also completed. Soil and ground water samples collected at each property were inconclusive as to the source(s) of contamination.

A Hazard Ranking System, or HRS, report, completed in May 2013 by EPA, identified impacts to the City of Indianapolis’ well field. The HRS report identified the following six properties as having historical releases of contamination: Tuchman Cleaners, Thomas

Caterers of Distinction, Vantage Point Cleaners, Purtee Plating, Lumberman’s Wholesale Supply, and Imperial Cleaners. In December 2013, the Keystone Corridor site was placed on the National Priorities List, or NPL, mainly in response to the contaminated municipal drinking water well that was removed from service in 2011.

The EPA’s 2016 plans include conducting ground water, soil and air sampling as part of the site’s cleanup investigation. The EPA will use the sampling results to try to determine the source(s) of the contamination and identify appropriate long-term measures for ground water cleanup. Once the investigation is completed, the EPA will inform the public of its findings and present recommendations on future actions at the site.

Fall Creek

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COMMUNITY NEEDS AND CONCERNS

This section focuses on the concerns and questions community members shared with the EPA about the Keystone Corridor site during interviews held in 2012 and 2015.

tested for potential health problems from the contamination. Those individuals stated that if the EPA would not be testing people, the EPA should explain why not.

Lag timeAll individuals interviewed also expressed concern about the lag time between the cleanup started by Tuchman Cleaners, which stopped in 2008, and the EPA cleanup that began in 2012.

They said they were concerned that the EPA knew about the contamination for

several years, but had not made the community aware. They

said they were particularly concerned that the people in the neighborhood were only now being told about the potential vapor intrusion. They also asked why it took so long to get the cleanup

started again.

Ground water contaminationSeveral people said that they were

concerned about the ground water contamination and the potential impact

to the community’s drinking water. They were particularly concerned because of the proximity to the Fall Creek Municipal wells.

Lack of communicationThree people interviewed said that they were especially concerned about the lack of communication between the EPA and the community during the lag time in the cleanup.

Summary of Community Interviews

EPA representatives first talked with residents and officials from Marion County and Indianapolis about the contamination associated with Tuchman Cleaners in October 2012. The EPA developed a CIP for the Tuchman Cleaners site based on these interviews.

The EPA met one-on-one with residents, local officials and business owners again in September 2015 to discuss current community issues and concerns about the Keystone Corridor site. In November 2015, additional interviews were held via telephone. A total of 25 people were interviewed in 2015.

2012 interviews

The following is a summary of the community concerns expressed during the 2012 community interviews about the Tuchman Cleaners site.

Health concernsThe biggest concern raised by everyone interviewed in 2012 was the potential risk to people’s health posed by the site. Those interviewed stated that they were concerned about getting sick from vapor intrusion if it was found in the neighborhood. They expressed concern that they may have already been breathing contaminated vapors since the contamination at Tuchman Cleaners was discovered years ago, but the potential for vapor intrusion was only beginning to be studied. Two interviewees asked if people would be

Note to the reader:

This summary is intended to faithfully record and reflect

the issues and concerns expressed to the EPA by residents, officials, and others on the days of the community

interviews. By necessity, this is a collection of opinions, thoughts and feelings.

Therefore, please be cautioned that the statements contained in this section may, or may not, be factual and the

opinions and concerns expressed are those of individual

interviewees alone.

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They expressed concern that the local residents and officials had not been informed about the contamination or the potential for vapor intrusion during the years while the cleanup was at a standstill. They further stated that they wanted to be sure that the EPA not only kept the community informed while the current cleanup and vapor intrusion investigation was ongoing, but would follow up with the community to ensure that the community knows when the issue has been resolved. Those interviewees said that they had had an experience at another EPA site where people still felt that the area was contaminated even though it has been cleaned up. They said that lack of information caused people in the other community to feel neglected and fearful and that potential investment into that neighborhood had been limited as a result. They said that they did not want to see that happen at this site.

Information requestedThose interviewed asked for information on how far the contamination had spread. They said they would also like information on how high the contaminant levels were as well as the results of the vapor intrusion testing. In addition, information on the track record of similar sites was requested; they want to know if similar sites have been successfully cleaned up.

2015 interviewsThe following provides a summary of the questions asked by the EPA during the 2015 interviews and answers provided by members of the community:

Are you aware of contamination at the Keystone Corridor site?

The majority of people interviewed were aware of the contamination at the site.

If so, what do you know about the site? How long have you been aware of the site?

Several people knew that the contamination was associated with Tuchman Cleaners and the chemicals they used. One interviewee knew about the site for over 10 years; most of the other interviewees had been aware of the site between 1 and 6 years.

Where do you live in proximity to the Keystone Corridor site?

Only three of the people interviewed actually live within the site boundary. Several live within a few miles of the site. Five of the interviewees own commercial property within the site boundary; one person works in an office within the site boundary.

What are your concerns about the contamination at the Keystone Corridor site?

Most people interviewed were concerned about water quality. This included drinking water, water for bathing and showering, private wells on properties, and the threat to creek water.

One person said he was worried about renters in the site area not receiving information from their landlords about the contamination.

Other concerns mentioned included declining property values, vapors inside buildings, health of pets, community development, flooding, wildlife, available resources for low-income residents, and potential displacement of residents due to cleanup activities.

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Are you interested in receiving more information about the site? If yes, what’s the best way to provide that information to you (email, regular mail)?

The majority of those interviewed said they would be interested in receiving more information about the site and would prefer to receive it via email. Several stated they would prefer receiving information via regular mail.

Do you feel the site has received adequate coverage by the local/regional media?

The majority of interviewees said that they felt the site had not received adequate coverage by the media.

What type of media (newspaper, Internet, social media, radio, TV) do you rely on for Indianapolis-area information? Are there particular newspapers, radio or TV stations, or Internet sites that you prefer?

Newspapers, television and the Internet are the main types of media used to obtain information about the Indianapolis area. The Indianapolis Star and The Indianapolis Business Journal were mentioned as the newspapers of choice. Television channels watched include WRTV, FOX 59, WISHTV-Channel 8, and WTHR-Channel 13.

Several listen to radio stations to get news information including NPR, WIBC-93.1, and the Amos Brown Show on AM 1310. A few use social media (Facebook and Twitter) to obtain information.

How frequently do you think public meetings about the site should be held? Where is a good location for meetings? Would you attend?

Some of those interviewed felt that having an initial public meeting was necessary, and then to have follow up meetings as activities or updates occur.

Suggested meeting places include:

Greater Indianapolis Deaf ClubIndiana State FairgroundsIndianapolis Public Library-College Avenue BranchMarion County Public Health DepartmentSchool for the Deaf AuditoriumLocal schoolsSierra ClubYMCA

When possible, site information is posted on the EPA’s website. Have you visited the EPA’s website?

Most of those interviewed had not visited the EPA’s website at the time of the interviews, but many said that they would look at it in the future.

The EPA typically houses its documents locally (usually public libraries). Would you look at documents pertaining to this project at a local public library?

The majority of people that answered this question said that they would not go to a library to look at documents that pertained to the site.

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What types of environmental issues, in general, interest you?

The environmental issues that interviewees said they are most interested in are:

Clean healthy livingCoalEcologyEnergyForestryGeneral sustainabilityGlobal warmingRecyclingRedevelopmentTrashWasteWaterWildlife

Are there any other people or groups you think we should talk to because they have unique information to share—or they would like to know more about the site from the EPA?

The following people/groups were suggested:

BWI ConstructionChamber of CommerceDestination Fall CreekDirty Dozen Fishing ClubGovernment officialsHoosier River Watch SiteIndiana Association for Community Economic DevelopmentIndiana Deaf ClubIndiana University School of Public and Environmental AffairsIndianapolis Neighborhood Housing PartnershipIndy Parks Department Insight

Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Indianapolis

Mapleton Fall Creek DevelopmentMeadows FoundationMozel Sanders FoundationOaks AcademyReconnecting our WaterwaysSenior citizen groupsUnited Way of Central IndianaVisit Indy

Questions that the community asked the EPA

The following is the list of questions asked by community members during the 2015 interviews with answers provided by EPA. For more information about the site, visit www.epa.gov/superfund/keystone-corridor-groundwater.

Ground water contamination

How was the contamination discovered?Site investigations have identified releases in the wellhead protection area of the Fall Creek well field that serves Indianapolis-area customers. The Site consists of a plume of ground water contamination that impacts the municipal wells near Fall Creek and the potential sources of the ground water contamination. EPA added the site to the Superfund program’s NPL in December 2013. Adding the site to the NPL enables EPA to study site conditions further, identify possible sources of the contamination and develop a comprehensive strategy to address all locations and sources of the VOC contamination.

Is the contamination on both sides of the Fall Creek?

Yes, according to historical ground water data for the area. However, EPA will be better able to determine the nature and extent of contamination during the remedial investigation at the site. Field activities including soil and ground water sampling are anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016.

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Are the chemicals toxic now? By touch or ingestion?

Refer to the answer to “What side effects can we expect?” below.

Why are we affected by ground water? If the VOCs are high, how high?

The site poses a risk to the community due to actual and potential contamination in municipal wells and in several monitoring wells. The ground water has been affected by a chlorinated solvent plume. VOCs have historically been detected in five of the municipal wells that draw water from the ground water. In one of the five wells, vinyl chloride has been detected above the SDWA maximum contaminant level of 2 parts per billion. However, that well has been removed from service. The water company treats all water and continuously monitors and blends the water before distributing it to the public.

Does our water come from a well down the street?Citizens Energy Group has information on its water supply and sources at www.citizensenergygroup.com/My-Home/Utility-Services/Water/Supply-and-Sources.

Why does our water smell like chlorine or dead fish? Why is our water blue?

As required by the EPA, Citizens Energy Group has a printable water quality report available at www.citizensenergygroup.com/My-Home/Utility-Services/Water/Water-Quality/Water-Quality-Report. If you have any questions or concerns after reading this report, you may contact Citizens Energy directly at 317-924-3311.

Is there something that we could put on our water line to filter the water? If so, do we need something like that?

The EPA has information and frequently asked questions regarding home drinking water filtration systems at www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/home-drinking-water-filtration-fact-sheet.

If the water is not safe to drink, is it safe to bathe in?

Citizens Energy’s 2014 Drinking Water Report states that they were in compliance for the contaminants that were tested. Indianapolis water quality data is found at www.citizensenergygroup.com/My-Home/Utility-Services/Water/Water-Quality/Indianapolis-Water-Quality-Data-(1).

Raw water may contain cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants. Water treatment technologies effectively inactivate the microbial contaminants; however, some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised people, such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. (Source: Citizens Energy Group, 2014 Drinking Water Report.)

Could this be the cause of household appliances that use water wearing out quickly?

EPA recommends contacting household appliance manufacturers directly for questions regarding appliance performance and the water used.

Has the water tested better or worse since 1995?Public water systems oversee the drinking water delivered to your home. You should first contact your drinking water provider. If you do not obtain a satisfactory explanation, your next step should be contacting your state drinking water program office, which has the regulatory enforcement authority to ensure water systems in the state are meeting all drinking water standards. Information on Indiana’s

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water quality program can be found at http://in.gov/idem/cleanwater/. Also, the EPA may be able to help. Contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or go to www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline if you need assistance in obtaining contact information.

What is the threat to the water in the creek?Historical ground water data indicates that VOCs are potentially migrating to Fall Creek at concentrations that may pose a risk to ecological receptors. As a result, the ground water to surface water interface pathway will be evaluated as part of the remedial investigation activities.

What concerns should I have about the plume impacting the recreational activities that involve the creek?

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has certain fish consumption advisories for rivers and streams, which would include Fall Creek. An ecological survey and risk assessment will be conducted by EPA during the remedial investigation to evaluate the surface water interface pathway in Fall Creek.

Health Concerns

What side effects can we expect?It is important to note that the well contaminated with vinyl chloride above the SDWA maximum contaminant level has been removed from service. This well is not contributing to the city water supply.

For more information on the most frequently asked health questions regarding contaminants of concern at this site, visit the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry site: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/index.asp.

Contaminants of concern at this site include:

Tetrachloroethene (PCE)

Trichloroethene (TCE)

cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE)

Vinyl chloride

Can this cause COPD?EPA does not have any information on a relationship between contaminants of concern for the Keystone Corridor site and COPD.

Cleanup

What is the process for cleaning up the site?Cleaning up Superfund sites is a complex, multi-phase process. See Appendix D or visit this web page www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-cleanup-process for more information on the cleanup process and opportunities for community involvement.

What can you do to make the plume go away?There are a number of technologies that have been developed to treat or remediate contaminated ground water. Ground water remediation systems remove contaminants and can use passive or active methods. Passive ground water remediation allows contaminants to biologically or chemically degrade or disperse in situ (while it is still in the aquifer) over time. Active ground water remediation involves either treating contaminated ground water in situ or extracting contaminated ground water from the aquifer in order to treat it. Active in situ methods generally involve injecting chemicals into the contaminant plume to obtain a chemical or biological removal of the contaminant. Extracting and treating contaminated ground water can involve physical, chemical, and/or biological processes.

What is a vapor mitigation system? Vapor mitigation systems are often used to reduce naturally occurring radon that seeps into homes in some geographic areas. These systems, called radon mitigation systems, also remove soil vapors from below basements or foundations before they enter homes. Vapors are vented outside of the homes where they become dispersed and harmless.

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What does the sampling effort look like from a resident’s perspective?

Steps in the study of vapor intrusion:

EPA first takes samples of gas in the soil and ground water near a site with known contamination. If we do not find the type of contamination that can turn into a gas – known as “volatile” – then vapor intrusion should not be a problem. If we find volatile contamination, we may widen the search to include sampling closer to or on individual properties. The next step is to take vapor samples from the soil under building foundations. These are called “sub-slab soil” gas samples.

The results of these samples will tell EPA if indoor air samples are needed. The indoor air samples will tell us if there are vapors in the indoor air. The samples will also show if the vapors pose a health risk, or if they are at levels normally present in most buildings.

EPA does not generally recommend indoor air sampling before sub-slab sampling because indoor air quality varies widely day to day. Also, household products may interfere with sampling results. Finally, we will determine if there is enough of a problem to take action. Environmental law and EPA regulations tell us when we need to do something to protect your family’s health.

Would the drilling cause any impact to make the contamination worse?

The drilling completed as a part of the investigation will be conducted by professional well drillers licensed to operate in the State of Indiana in accordance with Agency-approved work plans. As such, precautionary measures will be taken to ensure that the drilling activities do not inadvertently cause the spread of the ground water contamination through cross-contamination of ground water zones.

How deep will you drill?During the first phase of the field investigation, soil borings will be drilled to approximately 80 feet below the ground surface.

What are you going to sample for?The ground water plume consists of volatile organic compounds, including tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE) which is a breakdown product of PCE and TCE, and vinyl chloride.

All samples will be analyzed for these chemicals along with additional volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in accordance with EPA-approved laboratory methods.

Will local residents be hired to help with sampling?Local residents will not be hired to help with sampling. EPA has hired a contractor to perform the sampling activities. When EPA hires a contractor, they have to meet specific requirements in accordance with federal acquisition regulations.

Do we have any financial recourse?The Superfund program allows EPA to clean up hazardous waste sites and to force responsible parties to perform cleanups or reimburse the government for cleanups led by EPA. Citizens who are interested in seeking individual financial recourse should consult personal attorneys.

How will this affect property values?Many people that face the possibility or certainty of a hazardous waste site in their community have questions about how their property values may be affected. EPA suggests you consult a professional in your community who can give you a more accurate and current answer. Real estate agents, banks and other lenders, appraisers, and public and private assessors should be able to answer this question for you. Local government agencies—such as your taxing

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authority or planning commission—may also be able to give you information on property values.

Communication

What is the timeline for cleanup activities?The remedial investigation is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2016. Superfund cleanups are very complex and require the efforts of many experts in science, engineering, public health, management, law, community relations, and numerous other fields. The cleanup activities could be long-term as it may take years to clean up the ground water contamination.

Why are we just hearing of this now if this has been going on for years?

Superfund sites are “discovered” when the presence of hazardous waste is made known to EPA. The presence of contaminants is often reported by residents, local, state, tribal or federal agencies, or businesses. Sometimes these hazardous wastes are found by EPA during inspections or investigations into complaints.

Once EPA becomes involved in a site, the agency encourages and engages in community involvement throughout the Superfund cleanup process. You and your community can be involved in this process throughout its various stages. See Appendix D or visit www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-community-involvement for ways you and your community can be involved in the Superfund process in your community.

How and when will the EPA inform the public about test results?

EPA is currently in the process of updating the webpage for the Keystone Corridor Site. The webpage will track cleanup progress and activities to date. Test results also may be distributed by mail or email if requested by the public.

Superfund

What does Superfund mean?Superfund is the program operated under the legislative authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, known as CERCLA, that funds and carries out EPA solid waste emergency and long-term removal and remedial activities. These activities include establishing the National Priorities List, investigating sites for inclusion on the list, determining their priority and conducting and/or supervising cleanup or other actions. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/superfund.

Are there any limitations for development on a Superfund site?

EPA’s goal is to make sure site cleanup is consistent with the likely future use of a site. Consideration of reuse at a site can occur at any point in the Superfund cleanup process, from site investigation activities to deletion from the NPL. EPA works with communities to make sure sites or portions of sites are used safely. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/superfund/about-superfund-cleanup-process.

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

This section highlights EPA’s goals, activities and timeline for conducting community involvement activities to keep community members informed and involved during the cleanup process.

When establishing the objectives for a site‑specific community involvement program, the EPA considers several factors, including federal requirements and the nature and extent of known or perceived site contaminants, as well as known community concerns and requests.

To be effective, a community involvement program must be designed to meet the community’s need to know, give information in a timely manner and accommodate the community’s interests and its willingness to participate in decision-making processes. The EPA must also share information in language the public can understand.

The EPA has, or will put in place, processes to actively engage the community in decisions regarding the cleanup of the Keystone Corridor site. The EPA developed this CIP to facilitate communication between the community and the EPA and to address key concerns and questions raised during the 2012 and 2015 community interviews.

To meet the needs of the community, to respond to information obtained during community interviews and meetings, and to meet federal requirements, the EPA has established the following objectives for community involvement:

» Enlist the support, coordination and involvement of local officials and community leaders

» Monitor community interest in the site and respond accordingly

» Keep the community informed of ongoing and planned site activities

» Explain technical site activities and findings in an understandable format

» Get public input on key decisions

» Change planned activities, where warranted, based on community input

» Update the EPA’s website regularly with useful information for the community

» Hold public meetings, when necessary, within the community to give all residents an opportunity to attend

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Specific community involvement activities

The EPA will inform, involve and engage the community during cleanup decisions and efforts. As the needs of the community change, the EPA will modify the community involvement strategies used to address them. To address the initial community concerns and questions described in the community needs and concerns section (see page 7), the EPA has conducted (or will conduct) the following activities:

» Establish a toll-free number for residents to ask questions and receive information. As questions or concerns arise, Mr. León and Ms. Blake can be reached using their respective toll-free numbers.

» Maintain communication with local officials. The EPA will continue to maintain communication with local officials throughout the cleanup process.

» Share site information on the Internet. Site information is provided on the EPA website and will be updated as events occur: www.epa.gov/superfund/keystone-corridor-groundwater.

» Update and maintain the site mailing list and email group. A mailing list and email group comprised of local residents, organizations, businesses and officials have been established for the site. The mailing list and email group will be updated regularly to reflect address changes, changes in elected officials, and to add new people.

The EPA typically mails written information to ensure that people who do not have access to the Internet still have a way to receive information.

These mailing lists are for EPA use only and are not shared with outside entities. If someone is interested in being placed on the mailing list, they should contact Mr. León.

» Prepare and distribute written materials. Fact sheets, letters and updates summarizing current information about the site and

Heriberto León Community Involvement Coordinator Phone: 312-886-6163 or 800-621-8431, ext. 66163 leon.heriberto@epa.gov

Leslie Blake Remedial Project Manager Phone: 312-353-7921 or 800-621-8431, ext. 37921 blake.leslie@epa.gov

describing upcoming activities may be prepared and sent to those on the mailing and email lists. The materials will be written in non-technical language. The EPA will include current contact information for project staff on all written materials and will notify the community of any contact information changes.

In addition to being shared with individuals on the site mailing lists, fact sheets and site updates are also placed in the information repository and posted on EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/superfund/keystone-corridor-groundwater.

» Establish and maintain a site-specific information repository. The EPA has set up a local information repository for the site at the following location:

Indianapolis Public Library College Avenue Branch 4180 N. College Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205

The repository is a collection of site-related documents available to the public for reading and photocopying or printing. Documents include technical reports, the CIP, fact sheets, general Superfund information and other documents. The EPA adds new documents about the site as they become available. Information repositories give residents local access to site information in forms that can be easily read and photocopied or printed for future use. An online information repository is also available on the EPA’s website.

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» Establish and maintain the administrative record. A copy of the administrative record, a file that contains all written documents for the site, can be found at the Indianapolis Public Library-College Avenue Branch and at the EPA Superfund Records Center in Chicago (see Appendix C). The EPA will update the administrative record as necessary. The administrative record gives residents a paper trail of all documents EPA relied on or considered, to reach decisions about the cleanup.

» Write and distribute news releases and place public notices. The EPA will place large display advertisements in the local newspaper, such as The Indianapolis Star, to announce significant site investigation findings, completion of major milestones, significant scheduling information and other pertinent site-related information.

News releases allow the EPA to reach large audiences quickly. They will also be posted on EPA’s website: www.epa.gov/superfund/keystone-corridor-groundwater. The EPA will issue news releases and public notices as site activities progress. Copies of the news releases and public notices will also be available at the information repository.

» Conduct public meetings, hearings and information sessions. A public meeting is an opportunity for the EPA to present specific information and a proposed course of action. EPA staff is available to share information and answer questions. A public meeting is not a formal public hearing where testimony is received. Instead, it might be a meeting to exchange information or comments. A public hearing is a formal meeting where EPA officials hear the public’s views and concerns

about an EPA action or proposal. There are specific regulations about when the EPA is required to consider such comments when evaluating its actions. Public

hearings are recorded by a professional transcriber and become part of the administrative record. The comments are also posted on the Internet.

In addition, EPA may hold an informal open house-style meeting, called an availability session, where residents can meet EPA experts one-on-one to discuss the activities at the site. Either type of meeting allows community members an opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions of the EPA, state or local government officials. Public meetings or availability sessions can be held at various times throughout the investigation and cleanup process. A meeting is typically scheduled when there are technical milestones or the community has expressed an interest in having a meeting.

The EPA will consider conducting additional meetings at different times and different locations throughout the community to give all residents an opportunity to attend as needed.

» Assist the community in forming a community advisory group. A CAG is made up of local residents representing community organizations, associations, businesses, etc. and provides a formal mechanism for community members to have a voice in decisions. EPA encourages the formation of CAGs. CAGs meet periodically to discuss site events and create partnerships with the surrounding community. They also provide community recommendations on cleanup decisions to the EPA. CAGs are best for communities willing to attend regularly scheduled formal meetings for ongoing needs. More information on CAGs

Portion of Monon Trail over E. Fall Creek Parkway.

18

can be found at www2.epa.gov/superfund/community-advisory-groups.

» Evaluate community involvement and outreach efforts and make adjustments as warranted. This CIP was designed to consider site‑ and community‑specific factors as well as to comply with federal requirements. The objectives of the community involvement program for the site and the specific activities to address these concerns described in this CIP are based to a large extent on information obtained during the 2012 and 2015 interviews with local residents and officials. The EPA recognizes that changes in community perceptions, information

needs, and population demographics can occur over time. Such changes may require a revised approach to conducting community involvement activities. To determine whether the activities in this plan are achieving their intended objectives, periodic reviews will be done to determine whether other activities are needed or whether changes to current methods outlined in this plan are necessary. As the needs of the community change, the EPA will modify the community involvement strategies and address them in a CIP revision.

Timeframe for conducting community involvement activities

The following table presents the general timeframe for the EPA’s community involvement activities.

Community Involvement Activities Timeframe

Maintain point of contact Completed

Establish a toll-free number Completed; publish on written materials and EPA website

Maintain communication with local officials, agencies and community residents

Ongoing as needed

Share site information on the Internet Completed; update as needed

Update and maintain the site mailing list and email group Completed; update as needed

Prepare and distribute fact sheets and site updates If needed

Establish and maintain a site-specific information repository Completed; update as needed

Establish and maintain the administrative record Completed; update as needed

Conduct public meetings, hearings and information sessions If needed

Place public notices As needed

Evaluate community involvement and outreach efforts and make adjustments as warranted

Periodically throughout the process

Throughout the investigation, the EPA’s Community Involvement Coordinator (Mr. León) and Remedial Project Manager (Ms. Blake) will respond to questions and concerns from those interested in the site. They will also be available to speak to local citizen groups upon request. The EPA’s toll-free telephone number and Mr. León’s and Ms. Blake’s direct numbers and email addresses will be included on all community involvement material and email correspondence.

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THE COMMUNITY

This section presents background information on the city of Indianapolis, profiles the economic and ethnic makeup of the community and summarizes the community’s history and past involvement at the site.

History

The area where the city now stands was home to the Delaware Nation, a small settlement on the White River at the mouth of Fall Creek that became the county seat of Marion County in 1821, and the Indiana state capital, in 1825. Beginning in the early 1800s, Europeans and Americans with European ancestry began to settle in Indianapolis, but later the city attracted other ethnic groups. The city grew because of its geographic location, close to the state’s geographic center. Indianapolis’ flat, rich soil, and central location within Indiana and the Midwest, helped it become an early agricultural center. Being close to the White River provided power for the town’s early mills in the 1820s and 1830s, and the arrival of the railroads in the 1840s established Indianapolis as a manufacturing hub and a transportation center for freight and passenger service.

The first steam railroad in Indiana arrived in Indianapolis in 1847. By 1850, eight rail lines reached the city and Indianapolis became a transportation hub for the region, which helped improve the city’s commercial trade, increased property values, and encouraged further development. The Monon Railroad operated almost entirely in the state of Indiana. (Source: www.monon.org/history.php).

Indianapolis community profile

Indianapolis is the state capital and the county seat of Marion County. It is the largest city in Indiana, encompassing an area of about 372 square miles. It was founded in 1821 as a planned city for Indiana’s state government. As the result of a 1970 consolidation of city and county governments, known as “Unigov,” the city of Indianapolis merged most government services with those of the county. This resulted in a union of Indianapolis with its immediate suburbs. The current government is a mayor-council type.

Indianapolis is nicknamed the Crossroads of America because it is the intersection of four interstate highways, six U.S. highways, and three state roads. Other nicknames for the city include the Circle City, Naptown, and the Racing Capital of the World.

Indianapolis is host to the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500.

Indianapolis has a diverse economy, relying on trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services government, retail trade, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. Three Fortune 500 companies are based in Indianapolis: Anthem Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, and Calumet Specialty Product Partners.

Railroad tracks near the site.

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Indiana’s first state fair was held on the grounds of what became known as Military Park, west of downtown Indianapolis in 1852. In 1860 a new location for the fairgrounds was established north of the city.

During the American Civil War, the county fairgrounds was transformed into Camp Morton, a prison camp for captured Confederate soldiers. During the war years no state fair was held, but it was resumed again in 1865 and held in Fort Wayne. The Indiana State Fairgrounds on East 38th Street opened for the first time in 1892. Since then, the fair has continually been held in Indianapolis and is host to numerous small and large events throughout the year.

Indianapolis had become a large automobile manufacturer by the 1900s. Auto-oriented areas and strip malls began being built after World War II. The population of Indianapolis began to grow rapidly.

Parts of Indianapolis fell into disrepair in the 1970s and 1980s. There was an acceleration of growth in the outskirts of the metropolitan area of Indianapolis in the 1980s because of major revitalization of the city’s distressed areas. (Source: www.wikipedia.org).

Indianapolis was ranked the worst in the nation for food deserts in 2014. In a food desert, residents must travel miles to get groceries. Getting fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy food has become difficult for many east side residents since they do not own cars. (Source: www.indianapublicmedia.org/news/indianapolis-ranks-worst-nation-food-deserts-67800/)

The Indy Council approved a loan in September 2015 that

would bring in a new grocery store on the east side of Indianapolis and would serve an estimated 4,600 customers.

Other new construction projects and revitalization of businesses are increasing. New mixed‑income housing units are being built in an area once called the Meadows. The Meadows was once a thriving, vibrant neighborhood with shopping, a theater, and quality housing. The neighborhood declined over the years when poverty and drugs made the area unsafe.

The former Homer J. Williamson Chocolate Factory has been vacant for many years. The chocolate factory is now being renovated to become The Overlook at the Fairgrounds. It will be a four-story, $13.5 million, 49-unit apartment complex with a rooftop terrace and balconies

Indiana State Fairgrounds

Sign showing the planned renovation of the former Homer J. Williamson Chocolate Factory.

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overlooking the fairgrounds and will include a training center. (Source: www.unecdc.org/overlook-at-fall-creek-ground-breaking/)

Culture

Indianapolis has seven designated cultural districts that hold historic and cultural importance to the city. The districts have become revitalized in recent years and are becoming major centers for tourism, business and residential living.

Constructed between 2007 and 2013, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an urban bike and pedestrian path that connects the city’s five downtown cultural districts, neighborhoods and entertainment amenities, and serves as the downtown hub for the entire central Indiana greenway system. The trail includes benches, bike racks, lighting, bike rentals/drop-offs and local artwork.

The Fall Creek Trail runs 7 miles from Skiles Test Nature Park to the Monon Rail Trail, with plans to extend the trail to the north and south. The trail runs parallel to the Fall Creek. Users of the Fall Creek Trail can travel from 38th Street

northeast to Fall Creek Road without stopping to cross a street.

At the center of Indianapolis is Monument Circle, a traffic circle at the intersection of Meridian and Market streets, featuring the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Monument Circle is depicted on the city’s flag. The city has many other monuments. It is second only to Washington, D.C. for the number of war monuments inside the city limits.

Cyclist enjoying the Fall Creek Trail.

Fall Creek Trail mile marker.

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Indianapolis demographics

The U.S. Census Bureau considers Indianapolis as two entities: the consolidated city and the city’s balance. The consolidated city covers an area known as Unigov and includes all of Marion County except the independent cities of Beech Grove, Lawrence, Speedway, and Southport. The city’s balance excludes the populations of 11 semi-independent locations that are included in totals for the consolidated city. The city’s consolidated population for the year 2012 was 844,220. The city’s balance population was estimated at 834,852 for 2012, a 2 percent increase over the total population of 820,445 reported in the U.S. Census for 2010.

Beech Grove

Southport

Lawrence

Speedway

Towns

BEECH GROVE

LAWRENCE

SOUTHPORT

SPEEDWAY

Interstates

Ramps

Thoroughfare

Major Streets

Streets

Railroad

Rivers

Ponds

Streams

Parks

Airports

Airfields

Schools

Parcels

February 29, 20160 4.5 92.25 mi

0 7 143.5 km

1:200,000

Meridian Hills

Speedway

Williams Creek

North Crows Nest

Warren Park

Beech Grove

Homecroft

Southport

Cumberland

Crows Nest

Spring HillWynnedale

Lawrence

Rocky Ripple

Clermont

Map of Indianapolis’ consolidated city, showing the excluded independent cities.

Map of Indianapolis’ city’s balance, showing excluded independent cities and semi-independent locations.

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The EPA considers the neighborhood affected by the Keystone Corridor site an environmental justice community. This means it is a community that historically is under-represented, with minority and low‑income areas burdened with significant environmental challenges.

Total Population: 27,471 people

between 2010 and 2014

WhiteHispanic Other

African-American

$28,916median income*16 years and over

52.8% family households

27% of the family householdswith children under the age of 18

$125,200median homevalue

11,448total occupiedhousing units

44.6%owner-occupied

22.4%Age 17 and under

8.8%Age 65 and over

52.3% 41% 3.5% 3.2%

46205 Zip Code DemographicsAverage Age:34.2 years old

Source of demographic data – 2010-2014 American Community Survey:www.factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml

8%

families live below poverty

20.4%

$

19.9%

93.6%age 5+spoke

English only 58.8%

age16+ employed

$

$762 median rent

age 25+ werehigh school gaduates

had a bachelor’sdegree or higher

86.2%

33.6%housing vacant

Intentionally left blank

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APPENDIX A

Glossary - Initials - Acronyms

1,2-dichloroethene. A highly flammable, colorless liquid with a sharp, harsh odor. It is used to produce solvents and in chemical mixtures. This chemical evaporates rapidly into air. Most 1,2‑dichloroethene in the soil surface or bodies of water will evaporate into air. It can travel through soil or dissolve in water in the soil. It is possible that it can contaminate ground water. In ground water, it takes about 13‑48 weeks to break down. Exposure may come from breathing the chemical that has leaked from hazardous waste sites and landfills, drinking contaminated tap water or breathing vapors from contaminated water while cooking, bathing, or washing dishes. Breathing high levels of this chemical can make you feel nauseous, drowsy, and tired; breathing very high levels can kill you. More information can be found on the following website: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=463&tid=82.

Administrative Record. The body of documents that forms the basis for the selection of a particular response at a site. For example, the Administrative Record for the cleanup plan includes all documents that were considered or relied upon to select the remedy through the record of decision.

Availability Session. An open-house style meeting where people can meet and talk one-on-one with EPA staff.

CAG. See Community Advisory Group.

CERCLA. See Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

CIP. See Community Involvement Plan.

cis-1,2-DCE. See 1,2-dichloroethene.

Cleanup. Actions taken to deal with a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance that could affect people and/or the environment. The term “cleanup” is sometimes used interchangeably with the terms “remedial action,” “remediation,” “removal action,” “response action,” or “corrective action.”

Community Advisory Group. A committee, task force, or board made up of residents affected by a hazardous waste site. CAGs provide a public forum for community members to present and discuss their needs and concerns about the decision-making process at sites affecting them.

Community involvement coordinator. The EPA official whose lead responsibility is to involve and inform the public about the Superfund process and response actions in accordance with the interactive community involvement requirements set forth in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.

Community Involvement Plan. A plan that outlines specific community involvement activities that occur during the investigation and cleanup at the site. The CIP outlines how EPA will keep the public informed of work at the site and the ways in which residents can review and comment on decisions that may affect the final actions at the site. The document is available in the site’s information repository maintained by the EPA. The CIP may be modified as necessary to respond to changes in community concerns, information needs and activities.

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Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. A federal law passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Commonly known as Superfund, CERCLA is intended to protect people’s health and the environment by investigating and cleaning up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Under the program, the EPA can either:

» Pay for site cleanup when parties responsible for the contamination cannot be located or are unwilling or unable to do the work; or

» Take legal action to force parties responsible for site contamination to clean up the site or pay back the federal government for the cost of the cleanup.

Contamination. Introduction into water, air and soil of microorganisms, chemicals, toxic substances, wastes or wastewater in a concentration that makes the medium unfit for its next intended use. Also applies to surfaces of objects, buildings and various household use products.

Emergency response action. A quick response to immediate threats from hazardous substances. The first priority is to eliminate dangers to the public ‑‑ to make sites safe for those who live or work nearby. Emergency response actions are quick, relatively low-cost activities that address substantial threats from hazardous substances. Typical situations requiring emergency response actions include chemical fires or explosions, threats to people from exposure to hazardous substances, or contamination of drinking water supplies.

Environmental justice. The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, income, and educational levels with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of protective environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

EPA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Food desert. Parts of the country where fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods are difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to a car. Food deserts are usually found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.

Ground water. Ground water is an environmental term for an underground supply of fresh water.

Hazard Ranking System. A screening tool the EPA uses to evaluate uncontrolled waste sites for possible addition to the NPL. The system uses information from initial, limited investigations to assess the relative potential of sites that pose a threat to people’s health or the environment. The system assigns each site a score ranging from 0 to 100. Site receiving scores of 28.50 and above are eligible for the NPL. EPA generally considers additional factors before listing a site on the NPL.

HRS. See Hazard Ranking System.

IDEM. See Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management. State agency specializing in air, land, pollution prevention and water quality issues, whose mission is to implement federal and state regulations to protect people’s health and the environment.

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Information repository. A file containing current information, technical reports and reference documents about a site. The information repository usually is located in a public building convenient for local residents such as a public school, town hall or library.

National Priorities List. The EPA’s list of serious uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites identified for possible long‑term cleanup under Superfund. The list is based primarily on the score a site receives from the Hazard Ranking System. The EPA is required to update the National Priorities List at least once a year.

National Priorities List Deletion. EPA may delete a final NPL site if it determines that no further response is required to protect human health or the environment.

NPL. See National Priorities List.

PCE. See Tetrachloroethene.

Preliminary assessment/site investigation. The PA/SI is the process of collecting and reviewing available information about a known or suspected hazardous waste site or release. The PA/SI usually includes a visit to the site.

Public hearing. A public hearing is also a public meeting and may occur as part of a regular public meeting. But the main purpose of most public hearings is for the EPA to obtain public testimony or comment and not to address substantial matters. Formal public hearings usually involve the use of a court reporter to record a transcript of the testimony or comments. In the Superfund process, formal public hearings are required only for the proposed plan and Record of Decision amendments.

Record of decision. A ROD is a legal, technical and public document that explains which cleanup alternative will be used at a Superfund NPL site. The ROD is based on information and technical analysis generated during the remedial investigation and feasibility study and consideration of public comments and community concerns.

Remedial Design/Remedial Action. Remedial design is a phase in the CERCLA response process in which technical drawings are developed for the chosen remedy, costs for implementing the remedy are estimated and roles and responsibilities of EPA, states and contractors are determined. During the remedial action phase, the remedy is implemented generally by a contractor, with oversight and inspection conducted by EPA, the state or both.

Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study. The remedial investigation is a study designed to collect the data necessary to determine the nature and extent of contamination at a site. The feasibility study is an analysis of the practicality of a proposal—e.g., a description and analysis of potential cleanup alternatives for a site such as one on the National Priorities List. The feasibility study usually recommends a selection of an alternative. It usually starts as soon as the remedial investigation is under way; together, they are commonly referred to as the remedial investigation/feasibility study.

Safe Drinking Water Act. Congress enacted the SDWA in 1974 to ensure the quality of Americans’ drinking water. It authorizes the EPA to set national standards for drinking water to protect against health effects from exposure to naturally‑occurring and man‑made contaminants. Drinking water standards only apply to public water systems (not individual private wells). EPA works with states, localities, and water suppliers who carry out these standards.

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SDWA. See Safe Drinking Water Act.

Superfund. The program operated under the legislative authority of CERCLA that funds and carries out EPA solid waste emergency and long-term removal and remedial activities. These activities include establishing the National Priorities List, investigating sites for inclusion on the list, determining their priority and conducting and/or supervising cleanup or other actions.

TCE. See Tetrachloroethene.

Tetrachloroethene. A chemical used mainly as a solvent for dry cleaning and metal degreasing. PCE is also found in paint strippers and spot removers. It has a sweet odor and is a colorless liquid. PCE breaks down very slowly in the air and so it can be transported long distances in the air. It evaporates quickly from water into air, but is slow to break down in water. PCE may filter through the soil and into the ground water below. It is generally slow to break down in soil. Exposure to PCE is most commonly through breathing air that has PCE vapors, drinking or showering in contaminated water. Long-term exposure to this chemical is suspected of causing cancer, as well as problems of the liver and kidneys. More information can be found on the following website: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=264&tid=48.

Time-critical removal action. Removal action where on‑site activities must begin within six months of determination by a site evaluation that the threat to public health or welfare of the environment is imminent.

Trichloroethene. A chemical which is used as a solvent to remove oils and grease from metal products and is found in adhesives, paint removers, typewriter correction fluids and spot removers. TCE is a colorless liquid with an odor similar to ether and is a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally in the environment. It minimally dissolves in water and can remain in ground water for a long time. TCE evaporates from surface water and soil, although it evaporates less easily from soil. Exposure from TCE is most commonly through breathing air that has TCE vapors, drinking or showering in contaminated water, or direct contact with contaminated soil. Long‑term exposure to this chemical is suspected of causing cancer, as well as problems of the liver and weakening of the immune system. More information can be found on the following website: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=172&tid=30.

Vapor intrusion. Occurs when underground pollutants release chemical vapors that travel up through the soil and accumulate beneath building foundations. Air in the building becomes polluted when vapors enter through cracks or holes in foundations and crawl spaces.

Vapor intrusion mitigation systems. A system installed to reduce health risks in buildings where chemical vapors from contaminated soil and ground water may be inhaled by occupants. Pipes are placed near the basement walls, in closets and in low‑traffic areas. Vent pipes and a fan may be visible on the outside of the building. The fan in the system runs continuously.

Intentionally left blank

30

Vinyl chloride. A colorless gas that has a mild, sweet odor that does not occur naturally. It can be formed when other substances like tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are broken down. Vinyl chloride is used to make polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is used to make a variety of plastic products, including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Exposure to vinyl chloride occurs mainly in the workplace and long term exposure can result in permanent liver damage, immune reactions, nerve damage, and liver cancer. More information can be found on the following website: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=281&tid=51.

VOCS. See Volatile Organic Compounds.

Volatile organic compounds. A type of organic compound that tends to change from a liquid to a gas at low temperatures when exposed to air. As a result of this tendency, VOCs disappear more rapidly from surface water than from ground water. Since ground water does not come into contact with air, VOCs are not easily released and can be remain in ground water that is being used for drinking water, posing a threat to people’s health. Some VOCs are believed to cause cancer in humans. More information can be found on the following website: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxchemicallisting.asp?sysid=7.

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APPENDIX B

List of Contacts

EPA Region 5 Project Contacts Heriberto León Community Involvement Coordinator 77 W. Jackson Blvd. (SI-7J) Chicago, IL 60604 312-886-6163 800-621-8431, x66163 leon.heriberto@epa.gov

Leslie Blake Remedial Project Manager 77 W. Jackson Blvd. (SR-6J) Chicago, IL 60604 312-353-7921 800-621-8431, x37921 blake.leslie@epa.gov

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryMark Johnson, Ph.D. 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Room 433, M/S 4J Chicago, IL 60604 312-353-3436 Johnson.mark@epa.gov

Federal Elected OfficialsDan Coats Senator

1650 Market Tower Indianapolis, IN 46204 800-382-9841

493 Russell Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-5623

André Carson Representative

300 E. Fall Creek Pkwy. N. Dr. Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-283-6516

2453 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4011

Joe Donnelly Senator

115 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 3200 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-226-5555

720 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-4814

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State Elected OfficialsMike Pence Governor State House Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-232-4567

Jean Breaux State Senator 200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 800-382-9467 s34@iga.in.gov

Greg Porter State Representative 200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 800-382-9842 h96@iga.in.gov

Greg Taylor State Senator 200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 s33@iga.in.gov

State and Local AgenciesDouglas Petroff Environmental Manager Indiana Department of Environmental Management 100 N. Senate Ave. IGCN 1101 Indianapolis, IN 46204 800-451-6027 dpetroff@idem.in.gov

Pam Thevenow Administrator Marion County Public Health Department 3901 Meadows Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-221-2266 www.mchd.com

Local OfficialsJoe Hogsett Mayor 2501 City-County Bldg. 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-327-3601

William (Duke) Oliver City-County Councilor, District 9 241 City-County Bldg. 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-201-6770 william.oliver@indy.gov

Michael J. McQuillen City-County Councilor, District 4 POB 50022 Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-374-1481 mike@mikemcquillen.com

Maggi Lewis City-County Councilor, District 10 200 E. Washington St., T241 Indianpolis, IN 46204 317-327-4242 maggie.lewis@indy.gov

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Christine Scales City-County Councilor, District 3 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-578-8901 cscales_2000@yahoo.com

Local OrganizationsUnited Northeast Community Development Corp. (UNEC) 3636 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46218 317-546-6240 www.unecdc.org

Indy Chamber 111 Monument Circle, Suite 1950 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-464-2222 www.indychamber.com

Indiana School for the Deaf 1200 E. 42nd St. Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-550-4800 www.deafhoosiers.com

Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter 1100 W. 42nd St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-822-3750 www.hoosier2.sierraclub.org

Community Action of Greater Indianapolis 3266 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-396-1800 www.cagi-in.org

NewspapersThe Indianapolis Star 130 S. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46225 317-444-4000 www.indystar.com

The Indianapolis Business Journal 41 E. Washington St. Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-634-6200 www.ibj.com

Indianapolis Recorder 2901 N. Tacoma Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46218 317-924-5143 www.indianapolisrecorder.com

Television StationsWXIN-FOX59 6910 Network Pl. Indianapolis, IN 46278 317-632-5900 www.fox59.com

WISH-TV (Channel 8) 1950 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-923-8888 www.wishtv.com

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WRTV (Channel 6) 1330 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-635-9788 www.theindychannel.com

WTHR (Channel 13) 1000 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-636-1313 www.wthr.com

WIPX TV (Channel 27) 2441 Production Dr., #104 Indianapolis, IN 46241 317-486-0633

Radio StationsWOLT (103.3 FM) 6161 Fall Creek Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-257-7565 www.alt1033.com

WNTR (107.9 FM) 9245 N. Meridian St. Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-816-4000 www.tunein.com/radio/1079-The-Mix-s23244

WIBC (93.1 FM) 40 Monument Circle, Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-266-9422 www.wibc.com

WYFI (90.1 FM) 1630 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-636-2020 www.wfyi.org

WYXB (105.7 FM) 40 Monument Circle, Suite 400 Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-681-1057 www.b1057.com

WYFI (90.1 FM) 1630 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46260 317-636-2020 www.wfyi.org

The Light (AM 1310) 21 E. St. Joseph St. Indianapolis, IN 46204 317-266-9600 www.praiseindy.com

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APPENDIX C

Community ResourcesEPA Website

The EPA maintains a website for the Keystone Corridor Ground Water Contamination site:

www.epa.gov/superfund/keystone-corridor-groundwater

Information Repositories and Administrative Record

The EPA maintains information repositories where site information is available:

Local Information Repository Indianapolis Public Library 4180 N. College Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46205 317-275-4320

Administrative Record EPA Superfund Records Center Room 711 Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 312-886-6541 (Call for an appointment)

Possible Meeting Locations

» Greater Indianapolis Deaf Club

» Indiana State Fairgrounds

» Indianapolis Public Library-College Avenue Branch

» Marion County Public Health Department

» School for the Deaf Auditorium

» Local schools

» Sierra Club

» YMCA

The Indianapolis College Avenue Branch Public Library serves the local community and houses the Information Repository.

The School for the Deaf auditorium was suggested by several as a potential public meeting location. Marion County Public Health

Department was suggested as a good location to hold public meetings.

Exhibit Hall and Auditorium is just one of the possible public meeting venues at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds.

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APPENDIX D

Community engagement and the Superfund process

Superfund is an environmental cleanup program enabled by a federal law enacted in 1980 known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also called Superfund. In 1986, another law, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, reauthorized CERCLA to continue Superfund cleanup activities. CERCLA gives the EPA the authority to require those parties responsible for creating hazardous waste sites to clean up those sites or to reimburse the government if the EPA cleans up the site. The EPA compels responsible parties to clean up hazardous waste sites through administrative orders and other legal agreements. The EPA is authorized to enforce the Superfund laws within Indian reservations, in all 50 states and in U.S. territories. Superfund site identification, monitoring and response activities are coordinated with state, tribal and territorial environmental protection or waste management agencies.

There are several steps involved in cleaning up a contaminated location. Once the EPA has been made aware of a contaminated area from

individual citizens, local, tribal or state agencies or others, it follows a step-by-step process (see the Superfund process steps illustration on the next page) to determine the best way to clean up the area and protect people’s health and the environment.

If a site poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment, the EPA can intervene with an emergency response action. The goal of the EPA’s Emergency Response and Removal Program is to protect the public and the environment from immediate threats posed by the release or discharge of hazardous substances.

The Superfund program encourages active dialogue between communities affected by the release of hazardous substances and all of the agencies responsible for carrying out or overseeing cleanup actions. The EPA considers community involvement to be an important part of the Superfund program and opportunities for community involvement occur throughout the process.

Visit these EPA websites for more information on the Superfund process:

Superfund: www.epa.gov/superfund

Cleanup Process: www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-cleanup-process

Community Involvement: www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-community-involvement

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Reuse of siteAfter the site is cleaned up, EPA will work with your community to help return the site to productive use.

• Provide EPA with any information you have about the site

• Request TASC* program if necessary

What will happen? What can I do?

• EPA reviews existing information about the site• The site is inspected• Meetings are held with local officials and key

community members to obtain historical information

The Superfund Process

• Provide comments about the site• Read the final deletion report• Plan a community event to celebrate deletion

from NPL

• The site may be deleted from the NPL if all cleanup goals are met

• Public comments are solicited on deletion of site from NPL

NPL Site Deletion

• Work through your TASC or CAG for information• Contact EPA with questions

• Routine maintenance takes place once construction is completed to protect human health and the environment

• EPA reviews the site every 5 years

Maintaining Site Cleanup over the

Long-Term

• Read fact sheet about the work including planned work hours, truck traffic, noise and health and safety precautions

• Attend meetings

• Cleanup methods are developed• A fact sheet is issued. EPA may hold meetings to

describe the final design• Construction or implementation

stage of cleanup begins

Remedial Design/ Remedial Action

• Read the ROD at the information repository or on EPA website

• The selected cleanup plan, including responses to public comments, are included in the ROD Record of

Decision

• Review and comment on the proposed plan• Attend public meeting discussing the proposed

cleanup method

• A cleanup plan is proposed, highlighting EPA’s recommended cleanup method

• A public meeting is held• 30-day public comment period issued

Proposed Plan

• Participate in community interviews• Review site information at the information

repository or on EPA website• Join or form a CAG*

• Soil, surface water, ground water, and waste samples from site are analyzed

• Cleanup methods are explored• Community Involvement Plan is developed• Information repository is established

Remedial Investigation/

Feasibility Study

• Read EPA’s proposal to add site to NPL• Submit any comments during public comment

period• Apply for TAG* if your community qualifies

• A Hazard Ranking System is used to evaluate dangers the site may pose to human health and environment

• Proposal published in the Federal Register, requesting public comments on whether site should be included in the NPL

National Priorities List

Preliminary Assessment/Site

Investigation

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PUBLIC LIBRARY

For more information on the Superfund Process, visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-cleanup-process*See following page for more information about CAG and TAG groups and TASC program.

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Community Advisory Groups

A Superfund Community Advisory Group, or CAG, is made up of representatives of diverse community interests. Its purpose is to provide a public forum for community members to present and discuss their needs and concerns related to the Superfund decision-making process. A CAG can assist EPA in making better decisions on how to clean up a site. It offers EPA a unique opportunity to hear-and seriously consider-community preferences for site cleanup and remediation. However, the existence of a CAG does not eliminate the need for EPA to keep the community informed about plans and decisions throughout the Superfund process.

For more information about CAGs, visit www.epa.gov/superfund/community-advisory-groups.

Technical Assistance for Communities

The national Technical Assistance Services for Communities, or TASC, program provides independent assistance through an EPA contract to help communities better understand the science, regulations and policies of environmental issues and EPA actions. Under the TASC contract, a contractor provides scientists, engineers and other professionals to review and explain information to communities. The services are determined on a project‑specific basis and provided at no cost to communities. This assistance supports community efforts to get more involved and work productively with EPA to address environmental issues.

For more information about TASC, visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/technical-assistance-services-communities-tasc-program.

Technical Assistance Grant Program

A Technical Assistance Grant, or TAG, helps communities participate in Superfund cleanup decision-making. It provides funding to community groups to contract their own technical advisor to interpret and explain technical reports, site conditions, and EPA’s proposed cleanup proposals and decisions. An initial grant up to $50,000 is available to qualified community groups.

For more information about TAGs, visit: www.epa.gov/superfund/technical-assistance-grant-tag-program.

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APPENDIX E

Environmental justice

The Keystone Corridor site is located in a low-income neighborhood of Indianapolis and qualifies as an environmental justice project. Environmental justice involves the fair treatment of all people affected by pollution and environmental laws.

The Environmental Justice Act of 1992 obligates federal agencies to make environmental justice part of its overall mission by “identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations.” Following this order, EPA’s Office of Environmental Equity became the Office of Environmental Justice. The EPA considers the neighborhood affected by the Keystone Corridor site an environmental justice community. This means it is a community that historically is under-represented, with minority and low‑income areas burdened with significant environmental challenges.

When making cleanup decisions and planning a community involvement program for a community, the EPA must take environmental justice issues into account. As part of this effort, the EPA collaborates with the state agencies, representatives from the city of Indianapolis, and concerned citizens in addressing environmental challenges in more effective, efficient, and sustainable ways.

The EPA defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, or commercial operations, or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.

Meaningful involvement means that potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate in decision-making about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health.