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EPA and GSA Announce Environmental Working Agreement for GSA Facilities at Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas City - Interagency Leadership Council Also Being Established to Provide Coordination, Community Input Sought

Release Date: 04/30/2010
Contact Information: David Bryan, 913-551-7433, bryan.david@epa.gov


Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., April 30, 2010) - EPA Region 7 and GSA Heartland today signed an Environmental Working Agreement that outlines a plan to further investigate and manage environmental conditions at GSA-managed facilities within the Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas City, Mo.

The agreement provides a joint commitment to the public. GSA will perform site investigations, removal assessments and response actions under EPA oversight to address areas identified in a May 2008 Site Preliminary Assessment and Site Inspection.

As part of the combined effort to improve environmental management at the Bannister Federal Complex, EPA and GSA also announced today the activation of a community advisory panel. That panel, functioning as an independent, community-oriented advisory group, will provide input to a newly created Interagency Environmental Leadership Council on environmental and redevelopment issues. The community advisory group also will act as a communication conduit and forum for stakeholders within the community surrounding the Bannister Federal Complex.

The citizens’ group will be formed with the advice and assistance of community members and local, state and federal officials who represent the community. It will receive technical and professional assistance funded by EPA.

Agencies also have agreed to establish an Environmental Leadership Council. The council will provide a forum for information sharing and action coordination among the federal and state agencies that have responsibility for environmental management and economic redevelopment of various portions of the Bannister Federal Complex. Members of the council will be high-level managers for GSA Heartland, EPA Region 7, National Nuclear Security Administration Kansas City Plant, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The council will share information about environmental and redevelopment issues affecting the Bannister Federal Complex.

“EPA’s duty to protect the environment and public health also gives our agency powerful tools to help everyone concerned accomplish the long-term productive use of the Bannister Federal Complex property,’’ said Karl Brooks, Region 7 administrator.

In preparation for the work to be done under provisions of the new EPA-GSA working agreement, GSA has already selected nationally regarded independent environmental contractors to conduct environmental investigatory work. All work plans must be approved by EPA so they reflect current best practices and scientific methods for environmental assessment, investigation and mitigation.

"I remain committed to serving our tenants at the Bannister Federal Complex and being a good neighbor in the south Kansas City community. I expect the EPA agreement and formation of the two councils to enhance our already thorough environmental program," said Jason Klumb, GSA Regional Administrator.

EPA and GSA reached agreement earlier this year for EPA to conduct samplings in and around Buildings 50 and 52 at the complex. A day care facility operates in Building 52. Results from the first round of vapor intrusion sampling showed no health concerns. Results from the second round of sampling at the two buildings are expected soon.