DTSC RAB statement

[HW1.SBUFORD@HW1.CAHWNET.GOV]

California Department of Toxic Substances Control
Susan Sims, Assistant Director, Office of External Affairs

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) remains committed to the
Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) concept and process. DTSC developed the
initial RAB Guidance, which was adopted and implemented by the Department of
Defense and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in September 1994.
DTSC views RABs as an extension of CERCLA--required public involvement that can
effectively facilitate cooperative remediation at military installations. DTSC
believes that the disbanding of a community advisory board such as a RAB is to
be taken very seriously.

RABs in California have, at almost all bases that have instituted them, been
an effective two way communication process between the community and the
bases. As responsible agencies, DTSC, US EPA and the Army MUST keep in mind
who would be impacted most by suspension of the RAB and who a RAB is designed
to involve, that is, the community.

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