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Develop a Work Plan for Investigating Site Contamination
Congratulations! The Brownfield Cleanup Program application has been accepted. The project leader should now work with partners in the community to secure Funding and hire a consultant to develop a Work Plan for the site. This work plan explains the technical features of the site investigation, such as the number of soil samples needed, levels of testing performed and quality control measures implemented. In addition, the project leader will develop a Citizen Participation Plan to ensure adequate community involvement. The Citizen Participation Plan should include a Site Contact List so that interested citizens and groups can receive information and meeting notices regarding the cleanup effort.

Both the DEC and the New York State Department of Health are responsible for reviewing the Work Plan to make sure it's thorough and that all environmental and public health issues are properly addressed.

Be sure to attend the public hearing where the consultant will explain the work plan to the community. You can also ask the DEC and DOH to clarify anything that might be confusing.
Questions to Ask:
Work Plan and Cleanup Questions
bullet Who are the decision-makers?
bullet When will decisions be made?
bullet Will local response agencies be notified of any impending site investigation or cleanup activities on the property?
bullet How long will it take to develop the Work Plan?
bullet Does the Work Plan include considerations for adjacent properties that might be affected by the contamination?
bullet Who determines the number of soil samples and other specifics detailed in the Work Plan?
bullet Does the Work Plan outline a monitoring protocol to ensure that no contaminants are released during the site investigation?
Citizen Involvement Questions
bullet How will the public be kept informed of the progress of a project accepted into the Brownfields Cleanup Program?
bullet How will the public be kept informed during the different phases leading up to and including the site cleanup?
bullet Will there be regular public meetings about the project?
bullet Who can I call for information on the project?
bullet How will the community be notified when decisions are made?
bullet Is there an opportunity for community input into the development of the Work Plan?
Contamination and Health Risk Questions
bullet What is the area affected by the contamination?
bullet Who determines the extent of the site investigation?
bullet How long will it take to develop the Work Plan?
bullet Are there any schools or health centers nearby that might need consideration for special protections during the site investigation and cleanup?
bullet Are there any imminent threats posed on the site?
bullet What protections will be taken during the investigation to make sure any contamination won't spread?
bullet Will there be a community health and safety plan developed?
Funding Questions
bullet Is there any assistance available to help the community understand the Work Plan?
bullet What is a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG)? (PDF/17KB)
bullet Who is eligible to apply for a TAG?
bullet What constitutes an eligible community-based organization?
bullet How and when can my community-based organization apply for a TAG?
bullet What can the money from a TAG be used for?
Illustrations by Dan Baxter.
Step 4 Illustration
Download all 8 Steps (PDF/692KB)
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