The Community Outreach Group
In 1999, the Alabama Department of Transportation ("ALDOT") learned that the groundwater beneath an area near the Coliseum Boulevard in north Montgomery contained trichloroethylene ("TCE"), a chemical solvent that was used at the ALDOT Test Laboratory. The affected area, referred to as the Coliseum Boulevard Plume ("CBP"), includes parts of the Vista View, Eastern Meadows, Chisholm, and Highland Gardens. Upon the discovery of the CBP, ALDOT implemented efforts to provide timely, on-going notice to the public of the investigation and remediation of the CBP that may interest the community.
In 2002, ALDOT created a Community Outreach Group ("COG") comprised of nine citizens who either live in the area or have a business interest in the area. The COG members were selected by an independent panel of representatives from the Mayor's office, the Montgomery City Council, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The COG meets once per year depending on project activity levels. Typical topics include:
- Site investigation activities and update reports
- Remediation plans
- Public Involvement
- Community Concerns
- Institutional Control Program
COG members provide a link between the communities within the CBP and ALDOT. In periodic meetings with the ALDOT team responsible for investigation and remediation of the CBP, the COG members:
- Become knowledgeable of project activities and findings
- Assist ALDOT in keeping the community informed about the conditions and activities at the CBP site;
- Provide input to ALDOT about the proposed plans and activities from the community's perspective; and
- Provide input in the planning of CBP Public Meetings.
