Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
TARP treatment plant
Tucson Airport Remediation
Project (TARP) plume
TCE plumes
Tucson International Airport
Air Force Plant 44
1,4-Dioxane plume
FIGURE 8.11
Groundwater contamination occurrence in the TIAA Superfund Site Project areas.
8.7.4 C OMMUNITY I NVOLVEMENT
In the face of rising community concerns about the TCE discovered in the groundwater on the south
side of Tucson, the USAF in the early 1990s developed a facility-wide community involvement pro-
gram. This included holding meetings of a group that evolved to become the Unii ed Community
Advisory Board (UCAB), which involves all the parties at the Superfund Site. The USAF participates
in the UCAB because it is the lead agent for the cleanup of AFP 44. Negative publicity for the site
(measured by media coverage, letters to elected ofi cials, and other activities) decreased by 89% fol-
lowing the onset of this program. In addition to support provided to the UCAB, the USAF has coordi-
nated and documented public meetings, responded to community comments, and provided information
about the ongoing cleanup at AFP 44 to community residents. Through this proactive public participa-
tion program, the USAF has been able to improve public opinion about the overall cleanup effort.
In addition to its support for the UCAB, the USAF has cohosted an ongoing community outreach
program that includes tours of AFP 44 and special events such as ribbon cuttings and environmental
fairs for middle schools located near the Superfund Site. The Air Force and the UCAB (with as
many as 20 other area organizations) have provided opportunities for more than 1600 students from
the south Tucson area to learn about environmental science issues and technologies. Additionally,
the USAF works with three different area middle schools to highlight their environmental science
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