DOE/RL-97-56

Public Involvement Opportunities

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation encourages agencies to "seek and consider the views of the public when taking steps to identify historic properties, evaluate effects, and develop alternatives" (ACHP 1986, § 800.1(c)(2)(iv)). Opportunities for public involvement have been and will continue to be incorporated within the development and implementation of this Treatment Plan. The elements of the Treatment Plan and the streamlined compliance strategy allowed for under the Historic Buildings Programmatic Agreement (DOE 1996a) were presented in three public meetings held by DOE-RL on July 16, 1996, November 19, 1996, and April 23, 1997. An extended discussion on these topics preceded an open working session of the Historic Buildings Task Group wherein the Task Group and the public reviewed and evaluated properties within the 700 Area on January 29, 1997. A similar session was held on February 10, 1997 for properties within the 1100 Area.

Distribution of this Treatment Plan was the first opportunity for the public to review the list of properties selected as representatives of the 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 Areas (see Table A.5 in Appendix A). In their review, the public was asked to evaluate the representativeness of the list in its entirety by examining the entries made in Tables A.5 and A.6 to determine whether the best mix of contributing properties had been achieved in Table A.5.

A column was added to these tables so that properties could be identified for future use. Codes were provided to facilitate that identification. However, a narrative was also requested to support selection(s) made. This information will be utilized by DOE-RL in making their final determination regarding which properties will receive individual documentation, and which properties will be identified within the Hanford Strategic Plan (DOE 1996b) for retention in place.

Methods used to distribute the Treatment Plan and request public comment included the following. First, a direct mailing was made to those individuals who had attended the public meetings held thus far. Second, a targeted mailing was made to local and state interest groups such as the B Reactor Museum Association, the State Railroads Historical Society, the Hanford Retirees Association, the State Historical Society and others. Third, a general mailing was made to public reading rooms within the Tri-Cities and elsewhere according to DOE-RL's established document distribution procedure. Finally, the Plan was placed on the Internet via DOE-RL's Home Page. Ninety days were allowed for public comment. Three letters were received. These letters and responses to the review comments contained therein are provided in Appendix C.

Following this comment period, DOE-RL held a public Issues Exchange meeting on October 29, 1997 at which the Treatment Plan, particularly the need for public input on the identification of buildings to retain in place, was discussed. On December 2, 1997 another Issues Exchange was held to follow up on this need. As a result of this meeting, a Federal-public working group was formed to address the related issues of preservation in place and heritage tourism.

On an annual basis, as sections of the Final Report are produced, the public will be invited to comment on the draft chapters through the channels listed above.