Superfund Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) for Community Groups at National Priority List (NPL) Sites

The statutory authority for this project is CERCLA 117(e) as amended by 42 USC 9617(e); it authorizes Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs) to be awarded to groups of individuals affected by or threatened by a release at a Superfund site so that they can obtain independent technical assistance to interpret site-related documents and share this information to the rest of the community. The objective of each TAG is to procure an independent technical advisor(s) to review and inform the community on EPA documents related to cleaning up the Superfund site that is affecting them. The technical advisor's information aids the community in their preparation of public comments which assists them to more meaningfully participate in the cleanup decision-making process. Only one grant is available per site, at any given time; subsequent grants may be awarded once the prior grant period has ended. EPA does not prioritize among eligible sites. All TAG applications are given equal priority as long as the site and group are eligible. The applicant group must meet eligibility requirements, and minimum administrative and management capability requirements by demonstrating they have or will have reliable procedures for record keeping and financial accountability related to TAG management. All applications must address the following: plans for using a technical advisor's services, plans and ability to inform other members of the community, and the group's membership (representative of the different individuals/groups affected by the site). Funding must be used to obtain technical assistance that the community can better understand technical issues related to the cleanup of the Superfund site affecting them, and also to help them provide comments on technical issues and decisions throughout the cleanup process. Groups may obtain a technical advisor to help them understand site-related documents and information, such as technical reports, site conditions, EPA’s proposed cleanups and decisions, etc.