This research will identify and promote efficiencies that will assist states with effectively implementing their joint superfund responsibilities with EPA, and disseminate information from this…

This research will identify and promote efficiencies that will assist states with effectively implementing their joint superfund responsibilities with EPA, and disseminate information from this research to support fuller state participation in the superfund program. States play a critical role in the identification of contaminated sites, decisions to list sites on the NPL, cleanup decisions, and then assume the lead for operation and maintenance (oandm) of remedies. This project will 1) research priority issues of interest to states relating to federal and state superfund programs; 2) develop and coordinate tools and opportunities for sharing research results, and 3) promote dialogue between EPA and states on issues of importance to the superfund program.activities:to provide for meaningful consideration of projects that can improve cleanup efforts, astswmo will convene focus groups to research priority issues of interest to its state and territorial members (states). These projects will promote state participation in issues related to assessment, remedy design, cleanup, oandm, and enforcement that will improve superfund program implementation. EPA anticipates these activities will include, but not be limited to, assisting state response programs with: -incorporating new and emerging science, including contaminants of emerging concern, into cleanup program activities that will be undertaken at fund-lead NPL or contaminated sites under state authority. -increasing state remedial program managers and staff knowledge and experience with evaluating climate adaption issues and engagement of communities with environmental justice concerns. -disseminating information about EPA guidance and initiatives applicable to state participation in remediation of superfund sites. -supporting state and local efforts to build capacity for the planning, implementation, management and enforcement of institutional controls and oandm activities. -promoting coordination and partnership with CO-regulators (e.g., local governments, tribes) to provide for more effective remedies. -investigating barriers - institutional, technological, and policy - related to effective implementation of the superfund cleanup program. -identifying specific areas within the cleanup enforcement program to improve program and site-specific coordination and data sharing, promote innovation, and maximize efficiencies with states. -research state superfund programs to identify states' best practices/case examples.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:following research, analysis and discussion, astswmo's focus groups will provide briefings, develop written research reports, webinars, best practices guides and similar research products, dialogues and conferences. These tools and opportunities will benefit state and territorial superfund program managers and staff in more effectively achieving their cleanup program responsibilities. These efforts will also help EPA address challenges needing resolution and promote successful approaches with the goal of improving state superfund program implementation.