EPA to hold Citizen’s meetings Sept. 12

Jackie Young shows samples of two types of Geofabrics that were used to cap the Waste Pits. The Geotextile in the foreground was used on most of the cap, and the Geogrid beyond was used on steep slopes where the fabric would not stay in position.
Jackie Young shows samples of two types of Geofabrics that were used to cap the Waste Pits. The Geotextile in the foreground was used on most
of the cap, and the Geogrid beyond was used on steep slopes where the fabric would not stay in position.

The San Jacinto River Coalition heard updates from Jackie Young on the condition of the Waste Pits, at their last meeting on Tuesday, August 7th. In addition, Young announced that the EPA was returning to Highlands to conduct one-on-one interviews.

Young also revealed that Congressman Brian Babin had toured the Waste Pits site, along with EPA region 6 Superfund Manager John Meyer on July 22nd. This interest in the Superfund site by Babin was considered as a positive indicator for the project. Babin urged EPA in 2016 to remove the waste pits without delay. About this visit, he said, “I have driven by here 100 times, but this is actually the first time I’ve been on the ground here.”

Ms. Young announced that the EPA is returning to Highlands on September 12th, to conduct interviews of anyone that wants their opinion included in a report that is being prepared, known as the CIP, or Community Involvement Plan.

The Community Involvement Plan serves as a guide for the EPA in sharing information and providing opportunities for public input on site cleanup of the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site and other activities outlined in EPA’s October 11, 2017 Record of Decision (ROD).

The EPA is in the process of revising the San Jacinto River Waste Pits CIP, The updated CIP will identify areas of current interest and potential concerns of the local community and other stakeholders at the site. To help update the CIP, the EPA will interview community members impacted by the site starting on September 12 in Highlands.

The EPA welcomes your feedback and suggestions on how to improve our communication efforts. You are invited to share your thoughts with Janetta Coats, the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site Community Involvement Coordinator, at coats.janetta@epa.gov or 1- 800.533.3508 (toll-free).

One-to-One interviews with Coats will take place September 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Highlands Community Center.