May 28, 2008 ~ Volunteers overseeing site cleanup feel at risk - Buffalo News, Niagara Bureau

Statement:

"The federal agency responsible for the site says it's moving ahead with replacing the group with a previously established structure that had been overhauled because members say it didn't work."

Fact:

The Corps Buffalo District cannot and is not dissolving the community-based volunteer group. In accordance with federal regulation, the Corps sought input from the community to determine if there was sufficient interest in establishing a Department of Defense Restoration Advisory Board Forum for the Former Lake Ontario Ordnance Works Site. Federal regulation mandates that the Corps seek this type of input from the community every 24 months. The Corps is currently evaluating the input it received and a decision will be made shortly. If a determination is made to establish a DoD RAB, members of the current community-based volunteer group will be invited to participate. The community-based volunteer group may continue to operate as a separate entity. This is their decision; the Corps has no role or decision making authority regarding the future of the community-based volunteer group.

Statement:

"Regulators have yet to respond to a stinging rebuke from State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, even though it has been nearly two months since he challenged them."

Fact:

The Corps Buffalo District responded to the New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo's letter dated March 31, 2008, on April 14, 2008. Both letters are available on our website. (Click Here)

Statement:

"In January, the Army Corps announced it was moving forwarding with organizing a new advisory board, one which it said would meet existing federal regulations."

Fact:

On January 29, 2008, the Corps Buffalo District news release indicated that "…the Commander has decided to assess stakeholder interest in establishing an official Department of Defense (DoD) Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for the Corps' environmental investigations of past Federal impacts at these sites." The Corps formally requested input from the community on establishing a Department of Defense Restoration Advisory Board in its news release of April 1, 2008. (Click Here) In accordance with federal regulation, the Corps sought input from the community to determine if there was sufficient interest in establishing a Department of Defense Restoration Advisory Board Forum. The Corps is currently evaluating the input it received and a decision will be made shortly. The Corps continues to work with the community-based volunteer group.