Tracy, Eddie, Natalie, Andrew, Monique

Tracy, Eddie, Natalie, Andrew, Monique

Team #2: RAB

In an effort to better community involvement, Restoration Advisory Boards (RABs) were formed. These boards enroll public participation regarding environmental restoration projects and offer anopportunity for the discussion and exchange of environmental restoration information between members of the local community, military installation representatives, and regulatory agencies (epa.gov). RABs are comprised of local community members, representatives of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, military representatives, and local environmental groups or advocates (acq.osd.mil).

The advisory board should mirror the diverse interests, concerns, and values of the community. Community members should be selected by a nomination process and RAB membership is considered voluntary (epa.gov). RABs bring together people who reflect the diverse interests within the local community, enabling constant communication between the members of the community being affected. RAB community members will provide advice as individuals to the decision-makers on restoration issues and will provide a voice for the community. They are responsible for identifying standards for proposed cleanup levels and reviewing documents involved with restoring the environment. They are responsible for attending meetings regularly that are open to the community and schedule them at a time and place that is convenient for everyone. RAB members are also responsible for documenting decisions made at meetings and making the information available to the public.

The Alameda Naval Air Station Restoration Advisory Boardis the group established by the Navy in 1993 to provide a citizen’s perspective on the cleanup of the Superfund site(archeology.org). The Alameda Point RAB is comprised of volunteer members of the community and environmental regulators that advise the Navy on the cleanup of Alameda Point (arcecology.org). Through focus groups and public participation, the RAB has enabled more meaningful public participation that has forced a more thorough investigation and cleanup of Alameda Point (arcecology.org). The RAB members need to have a strong commitment and desire to better their community because their position is only voluntary. They are not paid to offer their input and help so they have to take time out of their busy schedules for something they are very passionate about. They do their community a wonderful service and through their efforts, the community’s voice and input is heard.

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