This handbook serves as program guidance to EPA Regional Offices and states for conducting community relations activities in the Superfund program. The Superfund community relations program encourages two-way communication between communities affected by releases of hazardous substances and agencies responsible for cleanup actions. The program attempts to provide communities with accurate information about problems posed by releases of hazardous substances; at the same time, it gives local officials and citizens the opportunity to comment on and provide input to technical solutions to site problems. The handbook presents guidelines for developing community relations programs for removal actions and remedial actions. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various activities that may be included in a community relations program. The handbook explains the administrative requirements for the program. Guidance on managing community relations activities during enforcement actions will be added to the handbook at a later date. Appendix A discusses how to draft community relations plans and presents examples of community relations plans for removal and remedial actions. Appendix B provides guidance on how to conduct on-site discussions with local officials and citizens and on how to assess community concerns on the basis of these discussions.

"EPA-68-02-3669" "September 1983." "Prepared by ICF Incorporated for the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under EPA contract 68-02-3669"--1st prelim. page.