Development of the US Environmental Protection Agency's approach to community involvement from the inception of superfund in 1980 thorough 2009: Case studies of the Tar Creek and Libby, Montana Superfund Sites

Since its inception, an important component of the EPA Superfund Program has been public participation. In the early days of the Program, this was more closely akin to 'community relations' but this has changed over time. The impact of the Superfund cleanup process primarily has local effects; therefore members of the affected communities deserve an opportunity to participate in decision-making regarding cleanup. This thesis analyzed relevant literature, and presents case studies of community involvement at the Libby Asbestos and Tar Creek Superfund Sites. This thesis argues that a Community Involvement Coordinator and the EPA Superfund Team can meet all the regulatory requirements for public participation and still fail to connect with the affected community. The findings of this thesis suggest that raising the bar on what is required by regulation for Superfund community involvement would ensure a more universal application across the country. A formal change to Superfund regulations on community involvement would help assure equal treatment of affected communities.