FR 2021-04128

The document is a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about a modification to a pre-existing settlement concerning the Koppers Co., Inc. Superfund Site located in Charleston, South Carolina. This modification comes under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The primary change involves the inclusion of a newly acquired parcel of land that was not part of the original agreement reached in 2019. The public is invited to submit comments on this modified agreement, and the EPA will entertain these until the end of March 2021, potentially altering the settlement if deemed necessary.

General Summary

This notice serves as an official announcement that the EPA has amended an existing settlement regarding environmental clean-up and redevelopment efforts at a site in Charleston. The settlement, initially effective from March 11, 2019, had involved HR Charleston VII, LLC, agreeing to undertake certain redevelopment activities. The modification primarily pertains to the inclusion of an additional piece of land to the agreement, possibly hinting at expanded responsibilities for clean-up and redevelopment efforts.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable issue is the lack of detailed financial information related to this modification. Without specifics on costs or funding implications, stakeholders and the public may find it challenging to gauge the potential for effective use of resources or to identify possible financial inefficiencies.

Another concern is the absence of an explanation as to why the newly acquired parcel was omitted from the original agreement. Such information could provide insight into the decision-making processes of involved parties and whether similar oversights might occur in future agreements.

Moreover, the document does not elaborate on the specific redevelopment work HR Charleston VII, LLC is obliging to perform. This lack of detail limits the ability to critically assess the sufficiency and appropriateness of the tasks provided for in the revised agreement.

Additionally, the methods for submitting public comments are somewhat limited. The document lists an email address but does not provide alternative methods such as mail or phone contact, which could potentially restrict participation from interested parties without internet access.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, particularly residents of Charleston, this document signals the EPA's ongoing commitment to addressing environmental and safety concerns at a significant former industrial site. The efforts to expand coverage of the agreement may reassure the community about the thoroughness of the cleanup and redevelopment plan.

However, the limited scope for public input, reflected in the narrow avenues for comment submission, might stymie broader public engagement or could result in a less representative set of feedback influencing the final decision-making process.

Impact on Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved, such as HR Charleston VII, LLC, the land acquisition could either present opportunities for further development or additional burdens depending on the specific requirements and expectations now attached to the settlement.

Legal and environmental professionals might find the enforcement of this modification noteworthy, as it highlights procedural aspects under CERCLA and could set precedents for similar cases in the future. Furthermore, local policymakers and community planners could interpret this as an avenue or model for advancing redevelopment initiatives in other industrially impacted areas.

In summary, while the document outlines a substantive change to a previously established agreement, it leaves out several crucial details that might facilitate a deeper understanding and appraisal of the settlement’s implications. How these changes affect the local community and those directly involved will largely depend on the interpretation and execution of the revised terms.