EP 1110-3-8
9 Apr 04
EPA Regional Administrator. The PM will ensure that RAB members reflect the diversity of the
community.
b. RAB members will be selected in a fair and open manner, as outlined in paragraph 3-5.
All selections will be made in cooperation with the appropriate Federal, state, and local
regulators and affected community members. The size of the RAB will depend on the
complexity of the situation, the number of stakeholders, and the level of community interest.
The number of RAB members should be large enough to reflect community diversity, yet small
enough to be workable. It is recommended that the RAB consist of no more than 20 members.
c. The RAB will be jointly chaired by the PM (or some other, higher-level USACE
manager) and a community representative. The PM co-chairperson and community co-
chairperson will share leadership responsibilities. The PM should obtain training in Robert's
Rules of Order to ensure that meetings are effectively conducted. The responsibilities of each
chairperson, listed in paragraph 3-6, will be defined in the RAB's operating procedures.
d. RABs will meet the requirements of 10 USC 2705(c) of the Defense Environmental
Restoration Program statute which required DOD to establish TRCs. Where TRCs or other
similar advisory groups already exist, they will be considered, in consultation with the state and
where appropriate EPA, for conversion to RABs, rather than creating a separate board. These
conversions will include the selection of additional community representatives, the selection of a
community co-chairperson, and the establishment of a policy whereby meetings are open to the
public. As a general rule, TRC members should be given preference in obtaining seats on the
RAB in order to preserve the continuity of the restoration process. In all cases, the diversity of
the current TRC membership should be evaluated to ensure that the RAB is representative of the
community's diverse interests.
e. The RAB will remain active until the response alternative(s) for the FUDS property has
been selected through the ROD, the DD, or the Action Memorandum. During the remedial/
removal response action phase, RAB meetings will be held either once a quarter or semi-
annually at a minimum. More frequent meetings may be held as appropriate based on the RAB
Operating Procedures. The RAB will be adjourned when the remedial/removal response action
is complete. When multiple projects are being conducted at a FUDS property, and the RAB was
established for all projects being executed at the FUDS property, the RAB will not be adjourned
until all projects have reached the decision point.
3-5. RAB Formulation and Selection, Announcement, and Training of RAB Members.
a. RAB Formulation. The PM should begin informing and educating the community about
the purpose of the RAB and opportunities for membership and participation before any RAB
formulation meetings are held. Early on in the member recruitment process, the PM will ensure
that all potential public members of the RAB understand that their service will be entirely
voluntary and that they will receive no monetary compensation for their service. (See paragraph
3-4
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