Project Highlights:
- Community surveys
- Work notices
- Informational flyers
- Response to public comments
- Production of visual aids and supporting documentation
- Community meetings
EEC Environmental (EEC) supported the public participation program of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for a School located in California on behalf of a Southern California Unified School District, a Southern California Company, and a Southern California City.
EEC’s community relations and public outreach team prepared and implemented a community relations program to provide the community with information regarding environmental site investigations at the school site. EEC developed a Community Survey and several Work Notices to update the community on ongoing site investigation activities at the site.
Many of the concepts and practice areas which are the focus of EEC’s day to day business are extremely technical and can be difficult to understand. Most of our client and other stakeholders involved in environmental projects do not come from a technical background; therefore, a fundamental component of our job is to present information in a manner that is easy to understand. In many cases, our projects required outreach and explanation with the individuals and large community groups.
EEC’s involvement with the public has ranged from the distribution of informational flyers to hosting community meetings with hundreds of residential homeowners. As a member of a community hearing phrases like “No Further Action” or “Human Health Risk Assessment” can be unnerving and it is the job of environmental professionals to present technical information and concepts in a manner that is relatable, easy to understand, and most importantly, results in the alleviation of concerns and worries. At the core of community outreach is meeting with the folks and building a level of trust that only closes from a face to face interaction and a handshake.
