Site Mitigation & Restoration Program

We protect and maintain California’s land and places
by setting strict standards for land restoration and cleanup

Public Engagement & Tribal Engagement Quick Reference Guide

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) requires public engagement activities to be conducted for projects undergoing cleanup. However, public engagement strategies are developed on a project-by-project basis and may be requested for projects in other phases as well.

The public and Tribal engagement process is discussed with the party entering into the agreement (Proponent) during the voluntary agreement scoping meeting. Each project is different, and the public outreach process may vary based on community demographics, the level of community or media interest, the proposed land use, and other considerations. Learn more about public participation at DTSC.

A DTSC representative addresses a community meeting.

A DTSC representative addresses a community meeting.

Tribal Engagement

DTSC has implemented a collaborative process to ensure respectful engagement with Native American tribes recognized by the federal government or the California Native American Heritage Commission. DTSC Tribal Liaisons work with tribal governments identified by the Commission as being traditionally and culturally affiliated with a geographic area where project sampling or cleanup is anticipated. Previous site disturbance or the presence of fill material does not preclude the implementation of this process. DTSC will approve sampling or cleanup plans once this phase of tribal engagement is complete. DTSC will approve sampling or cleanup plans once this phase of tribal engagement is complete. Learn more about tribal engagement at DTSC.

If there are no special circumstances, DTSC follows California Health and Safety Code sections sections 25358.7, 25356.1(e), and 25395.96(1) support the cleanup process as follows:

  • DTSC conducts a community assessment using a variety of methods, including site visits, letters, surveys, and interviews with community members, stakeholders and elected officials to evaluate community interest.
  • The Proponent develops an informational flyer and mailing list. Upon DTSC approval, the Proponent also conducts the mail-out and translation, if needed.
  • Proponent develops a notice on the cleanup document availability for public review. Upon DTSC approval, the Proponent publishes the notice in local newspapers.
  • The public comment period lasts at least 30 days.
  • DTSC may require the Proponent to set up a community meeting to provide information and encourage feedback.
  • After the public comment period closes, DTSC will prepare a document responding to the comments received.
  • Cleanup documents may be revised based on the comments received.
  • If significant changes to the cleanup documents are required, additional activities, including an additional review and public comment period, may be required.
  • DTSC will approve the cleanup document for implementation upon completion of the public outreach processes and other statutory requirements.

For more information, contact Maryam.Tasnif-Abbasi@dtsc.ca.gov.

Download a collection of all DTSC Voluntary Agreements Quick Reference Guides

DTSC’s Voluntary Agreements – Assessment and Cleanup Process: 1) Agreement: a) Standard Voluntary Agreement b) California Land Reuse and Revitalization Act Agreement c) Reimbursement Agreement d) Prospective Purchaser Agreement e) Local Agency Oversight Agreement 2) Scoping Meetings a) During negotiation or shortly after agreement execution b) Establishes strong working relationship between DTSC, the Proponent, and the environmental consultant c) Also may be held prior to submitting any documents to DTSC for review 3) Evaluation a) Preliminary Endangerment Assessment (PEA) b) Supplemental Site Investigation c) Remedial Investigation d) Report of Findings Possible End Point 4) Remedy Selection a) Feasibility Study b) Removal Action Work Plan c) Remedial Action Plan d) Response Plan 5) Implementation a) Removal Action Implementation b) Remedial Design c) Remedial Action Implementation d) Response Plan Implementation 6) Certification & Stewardship a) No Further Action b) Certificate of Completion c) Land Use Restriction d) Operation and Maintenance e) Five-Year Review Possible End Point During Remedy Selection, there is a Public Comment Period and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). During this entire process, Public Participation Activities and Tribal Consulation is included, as needed. Possible End Points: 1) Based on site evaluation, projects may conclude without need for any further action; 2) Based on site evaluation, projects may conclude with the need for a Land Use Covenant, in which case a public notice process will be implemented through a Preliminary Endangerment Assessment, Report of Findings, or equivalent documents; and 3) Cleanups may either be conducted to unrestricted land use levels, or may require long term stewardships.

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This document is intended to be guidance only and it does not supersede or implement laws or regulations. The information in this advisory is intended solely as guidance and as educational reference material and should not be considered enforceable or regulatory in nature.

 

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