The U.S. Army’s cleanup team for the former Sunflower Army Ammunition plant is looking for volunteers to serve on a Restoration Advisory Board.
Last summer, officials involved with the program gave an update to residents who live near the plant. The plant is set to be cleaned up by 2028, but some residents voiced concerns about hazardous waste and groundwater at the last update meeting.
The board failed to gain interest a couple of years ago, so this will give interested community members another chance to get involved.
According to a press release from Scott Smith, the site’s manager, the Department of Defense recognizes the importance of stakeholders participating in installation restoration programs.
The goal is that the board will improve public participation by involving the community in restoration decision-making processes. Members will act like liaisons with the community and should be available to meet with groups and other community members.
The board will take about 20 hours per year for community members involved. They will be asked to meet quarterly to review and comment on plans relating to the environmental studies at the former ammunition plant.
Members will not be discussing or providing input on the development of the land and will focus only on information about environmental restoration or cleanup.
Cathy Kropp, public affairs officer at the Army Environmental Command, said the board is seeking individuals who are not necessarily technical professionals but people who understand the area, community’s concerns and can provide feedback.
“When we’re getting ready to make a decision to do X, Y, or Z, we need to know what the community’s concerns are related to that so that we can adjust our plans and make sure we’re considering the community concerns as well,” Kropp said.
Community members have knowledge about new development and construction nearby that the Army no longer receives updates on since it doesn’t own the land anymore, she said.
The Army wants to make sure the board represents the community’s different interests, she said.
Restoration Advisory Board meetings will be open to the public. The first meeting is likely to be in the summer.
People interested in participating in the board, can complete an interest form and email it to Scott Smith, BRAC Site Manager and Environmental Coordinator. Smith’s email is [email protected]. The form is attached below this story.
Forms must be received before April 15. If the Army receives sufficient interest, the forms will be reviewed by a panel who will nominate members. Those chosen for the board will be notified by email. Those most affected by the cleanup will be given priority in joining.
If the interest is not sufficient, the Army will schedule another general public meeting to update the community on the cleanup process, similar to the one last summer.
Questions can be directed to Scott Smith at (202) 815-6779 (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or Kathy Baker, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager, at (816) 392-1071.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected]
