Table of Contents


Chapter 1:  Introduction 
     Overview of this Manual............................1-1
     The Big Picture....................................1-3  
     RCRA and its 1984 Amendments.......................1-3
     RCRA Facility Permitting...........................1-4
     The RCRA Corrective Action Program.................1-5
     Public Participation in the RCRA.................. 1-6

Chapter 2:  Guidelines for a Successful Public Participation 
            Program
     What is Public Participation?......................2-1  
     Why Bother with Public Participation?..............2-2
     What Makes a Successful Public Participation            
       Program?.........................................2-3
          Dialogue and Feedback.........................2-3
          Honesty and Openness..........................2-4
          A Commitment to the Public....................2-5
          An Informed and Active Citizenry..............2-5
          Starting Early................................2-7
          Assessing the Situation.......................2-8
          Planning for Participation....................2-14
          Understanding and Interaction Between              
            Stakeholders................................2-18
          Promoting Environmental Justice...............2-18
          Supporting Community-Based Environmental           
            Protection..................................2-21
          Re-Evaluating and Adjusting the Public 
            Participation Program.......................2-22

     Summary............................................2-24

     Exhibit 2-1: Determining the Likely Level of Public     
       Interest in a RCRA Facility......................2-25
     Exhibit 2-2: Steps in Evaluating Facilities and 
       Gathering Information............................2-26

Chapter 3:  Public Participation During the RCRA Permitting  
            Process 
     Introduction.......................................3-1
     Public Participation During the Permit Decision         
       Process..........................................3-3
          Step One:  The Pre-Application Phase..........3-3
               The Pre-Application Meeting..............3-4
               Notice of the Pre-Application Meeting....3-9
               The Facility Mailing List................3-13
          Step Two:  Application Submittal and Review...3-16
          Step Three:  The Draft Permit, Public Comment      
               Period, and Public Hearing...............3-18
          Step Four:  Response to Comments and Final 
               Permit Decision..........................3-20
     Public Participation During the Life of a Facility.3-21
          Interim Status Public Participation...........3-21
          Permit Modifications..........................3-22
     Public Participation in Closure and Post-Closure...3-29
          Closure and Post-Closure at Permitted              
            Facilities..................................3-30
          Closure and Post-Closure at Interim Status         
            Facilities..................................3-30

     Summary............................................3-32

     Exhibit 3-1: Public Participation Requirements for 
       Class 1, 2, and 3 Permit Modifications...........3-34

Chapter 4:  Public Participation in RCRA Corrective Action   
            Under Permits and Section 3008(h) Orders
      Introduction......................................4-1
     Current Status of the Corrective Action Program....4-2
     Special Consideration for Public Participation 
       Activities Under Section 3008(h) Orders..........4-4
     Public Participation in Corrective Action..........4-6
     Initial Site Assessment (RFA)......................4-7
     Site Characterization (RFI)........................4-9
     Interim Actions....................................4-11
     Evaluation of Remedial Alternatives (CMS)..........4-12
     Remedy Selection...................................4-13
     Remedy Implementation (CMI)........................4-15
     Completion of Remedy...............................4-16

     Summary............................................4-17

Chapter 5:  Public Participation Activities:  How to do Them
     Introduction.......................................5-1
     Directory..........................................5-2

Appendices

A:   List of EPA Contacts  (including the RCRA Hotline, the  
     Public Information Center, and the RCRA Information     
     Center)

B:   List of State Environmental Agencies

C:   League of Women Voters Contact List

D:   Environmental Justice Public Participation Checklist

E:   Guidance for Community Advisory Groups at Superfund Sites

F:   Public Participation Regulations in 40 CFR Part 25

G:   Public Participation Regulations in 40 CFR 124 Subpart A

H:   Examples of Public Notices

I:   Examples of Additional RCRA Public Participation Tools  
     (Fact Sheets, News Releases,  Public Involvement Plans)

J:   The Hazardous Waste Facility Permitting Process -- Fact 
     Sheet

K:   RCRA Expanded Public Participation Final Rule and       
     Brochure

L:   Modifying RCRA Permits --  Fact Sheet

M:   Public Participation Resources Available to the         
     Permitting Agency

N:   Memorandum: Implementation of the RCRA Expanded Public  
     Participation Rule

O:   Overview of Public Participation in the Entire RCRA     
     Program -- Excerpt from 1990 RCRA Orientation Manual

P:   Public Participation in Enforcement and Compliance

Q:   RCRA Public Participation Manual Revisions -- Task Group 
     Participants

R:   Accessing EPA Information

S:   Pollution Prevention & Small Business Assistance Contacts

T:   Glossary of Acronyms