HomeMy WebLinkAbout950571.tiffRESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO THE U.S.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SERVICES' RADON AWARENESS PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with an Application for Federal Assistance for
the Radon Awareness Program between the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through
the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Health Department
Environmental Protection Services, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, commencing
June 1, 1995, and ending May 31, 1996, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said
application, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said application, a copy
of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the Application for Federal Assistance between the County of Weld, State
of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the
Health Department Environmental Protection Services, and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chairman be, and hereby is, authorized
to sign said application.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by
the following vote on the 27th day of March, A.D., 1995.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST. L,I !/
/ vv+nal;Cd
Weld County Clerk to the Board
BY:(/ /'�/C�„ef
Deputy Clerk to the Board
1 I COUNTY, CVLO ;�1.O
Dale K. Hall, Chai
an
FXrLISFf)
Barbra J. Kirkmeyer, Pro-Tem
George Baxter
APPRO D AS TO FORM: C
Constance L. Harbert
Attorney
FXN JSFf) f)ATF lF APPROVAI
W. H. Webster
(AYE)
950571
HL0021
COLORADO
mEmoRAnuum
To John Pickle Date March 23, 1995
From
Jeff Stoll
Subject: Radon Grant Proposal
Attached is a grant proposal the U.S. EPA Office of Environmental Justice.
Pollution Prevention Grants Program for a radon awareness program. Weld County
has been designated by the EPA as a Zone 1 area, an area where radon levels are
greater that 4pCi/1 (pico Curies per liter). The purpose of this project is to
increase Weld County residents knowledge of radon. Through the Weld Radon
Awareness Program (WRAP) it is anticipated the public will address the problem
of radon in their homes. Not only will residents become more informed of the
dangers of radon gas, but also test for and mitigate homes with elevated levels
of radon. A second component of the program is to evaluate the distribution of
radon in low socioeconomic homes.
The development and implementation of this program will involve a project
supervisor to oversee the project, a quarter time office technician and interns
from the University of Northern Colorado. For the project supervisor we would
utilize existing staff. The Environmental Specialist will develop and present
the quarterly programs. In addition, a one -quarter time Office Technician I is
requested for one year.
The Division is in a unique position because of the close proximity to the Well
Child, Pre -natal and Family Planning clinics which are held in the same building.
The target population is of low socioecomonic status and access this facility for
a variety of clinical services.
JS/hd-467
950571
INTRODUCTION
The Weld County Health Department Environmental Protection Division is a multi-
faceted organization. The goal of the Division is the protection of public health and the
environment within the borders of Weld County. The Division is pursuing an
Environmental Justice through Pollution Prevention Grant (the EJP2 Grant) to assist in the
development of a Radon education, testing, and mitigation program.
Weld's population is increasing county wide. In 1994, the Weld County
Environmental Protection Services Division issued a record 591 Individual Sewage
Disposal System (ISDS) permits for county residents. As the area grows, the health
department is uniquely positioned to increase radon awareness and encourage new home
builders to incorporateradon resistant building techniques into new homes.
In the past, Weld County has worked successfully as a community outreach
resource to mitigate problems with lower income groups. These residents have received
assistance from various public and private entities to complete repairs to their homes. The
assistance these individuals have received has been used to repair failing septic systems
and for other home improvement projects: The Radon Program will also function as a
resource to assist residents with testing their homes for radon and provide mitigation to
selected homes as well as assist in contacting private and public agencies for funding to
accomplish testing and mitigation.
Weld County has been designated by the EPA as a Zone 1 area, an area where radon
levels average greater than 4 pCi/1. The EPA has determined that no level of radon in the
home is safe and that mitigation of any radon problem is essential. The purpose of this
project is to increase Weld County resident's knowledge of radon. Through the Weld
Radon Awareness Program (WRAP) the public will become more knowledgeable about the
problem of radon in their homes. Not only will residents become more informed of the
dangers of radon gas, but will also have the opportunity to test for and mitigate homes
with elevated levels of radon.
A critical consideration of this project is the distribution and impact of risk among
lower socioeconomic groups. The testing of homes for radon concentrations will be a
major part of the project. Identifying and mapping of the information gained from such
tests will show the geographic and economic distribution of homes with elevated levels of
radon.
The EPA estimates that 7,000 to 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United
States are caused by exposure to radon in the home. However, public awareness
concerning exposure is limited. The Indoor Radon Abatement Act of 1988 directed the
EPA to identify areas of the United States that have elevated radon gas levels. The United
States Congress has set a long term goal to reduce indoor radon levels so that they are
equal to or below outdoor levels. Typical outdoor levels average no more than 2pCi/l.
The purpose of this EJP2 Grant proposal is to identify low socioeconomic households
within Weld County, test their homes for radon levels and propose mitigation for select
homes with elevated levels (greater than 4pCi/1). An ongoing educational program
(WRAP) will be available to all residents of Weld County.
950571
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Goals:
1. Raise the level of awareness of the risk to exposure to radon in residents in Weld
County.
2. Report on the risks through evaluation, analysis, and determination of the
distribution of environmental risk across various population groups.
(socioeconomic, geographical, etc.)
Objectives:
Outcome Objectives:
1. Select random as well as low socioeconomic income homes which have the
highest potential for health risk from radon exposure for mitigation project
by October 1, 1995.
2. Reduce by 50 percent radon levels in homes modified through mitigation.
Impact Objectives:
1. Radon press releases and public service announcements will be distributed
to all Weld County media by December 15, 1995 for Radon Awareness
Month, January 1996.
2. One (1) percent of households (500) in Weld County will be randomly
surveyed by telephone to determine attitudes regarding radon by December
31, 1995.
3. One (1) percent (500) of homes in Weld County will be tested for radon
concentrations by September 1, 1996. According to the 1990 census there
are 47,566 homes in Weld County.
4. The homes of 250 low socioeconomic families will be selected for radon
testing by February 1, 1996. Low income participants will be selected
through participation in Weld County Health Care Clinics and the screening
of responses to the public service anouncement and press release campaign.
5. Community members attending WRAP (Weld Radon Awareness Program)
presentations will demonstrate a greater understanding of the importance
of radon testing and mitigation.
950571
Weld County has been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
as a Zone 1 radon area, which is an exposure level greater than 4pCi/l. To respond to this
concern, the environmental justice through pollution prevention project involves
education, training, testing, and selection of homes for mitigation as a method of radon
pollution prevention in homes in Weld County.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH PROGRAM
PHASE I - The Weld Radon Awareness Program (WRAP) is a program that targets
all residents in Weld County. The purpose of this program is to educate the population on
the importance of radon testing and to provide funding resources for mitigation projects.
The development and implementation of this program will involve a supervisor to
oversee the project, one Environmental Specialist to develop and present the quarterly
programs and a one quarter time office technician. The Division is in a unique position
because of the close proximity to the Well Child, Pre -natal and Family Planning clinics
which are housed in the same building. The target population is of low socioeconomic
status and uses the Health Department for a variety of clinical health care services.
Low income Weld County residents will be contacted when they seek services
offered at the various health department clinics mentioned. Clients will receive education
on importance of understanding radon and its health effects through a waiting room video
and educational materials. University of Northern Colorado interns will provide the test
kit and instruction to participants on its proper set up. A postage paid return envelope
will be provided to return the test kit to the laboratory for analysis. The possibility of dual
results notification will be explored with the laboratory. This will provide results to
clients, as well as the health department. This will allow the WRAP program tho follow up
with residents whose homes demonstrate radon levels above 4pCi/l.
Materials developed for the programs will be culturally sensitive and reading levels
and educational needs will be considered. All materials used will be in Spanish and
English in order to target each specific population. Topics included in the presentation
include:
• Pre -construction mitigation
• Mitigation of existing homes
* Provide mitigation funding resources available to low income residents:
Environmental Justice Pollution Prevention Grant Fund
Weld Housing Authority
Housing and Urban Development
Habitat for Humanity
* Importance of risk reduction through mitigation
* Test kit availability and importance of testing
* Importance of testing prior to purchase of home
* Distribution of EPA radon pamphlets:
Citizen's Guide to Radon
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction
950571
The Weld Board of County Commissioners will be asked to proclaim January as
Radon Awareness month. Community awareness of WRAP will be accomplished by
distributing public service announcements concerning radon to the media serving both
the English- and Spanish-speaking communities (radio, newspapers, and local television
station) county wide prior to and during Radon Awareness Month (January 1996). A
bilingual information hotline will be established to provide consultation on radon -related
questions or test results interpretation.
Quarterly WRAP programs will be held in low income areas (Island Grove Village,
area churches, and in outlying communities)as well as any other communities requesting
a presentation. Each participant in the WRAP program will receive a pre-test to complete
prior to the training to determine current knowledge level of radon. Following the
training a post-test will be given to determine amount of knowledge gained through the
class. An instructor evaluation will also be distributed to gather information regarding the
program's strengths and weaknesses. This educational program will continue to be held
quarterly or on an as need basis after the testing phase is completed. The ongoing training
of individuals will heighten the publics awareness of risk of exposure to radon, testing for
radon in the home, and the mitigation of problem levels.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
PHASE 2 - A telephone survey will be conducted by interns from the University of
Northern Colorado. It is anticipated that between three (3) and five (5) interns will be
employed for this purpose. At least one of the interns selected will be Spanish-speaking
to eliminate any communication barriers. A phone list of Weld County will be used to
ensure the selection of a completely random sampling of residents. The survey will consist
of no more than ten (10) questions relating to radon, for example: the location of the
home, whether the participant rents or owns, the participant's income level, whether or
not the home been tested and if so, whether or not mitigation was done for elevated levels
found in the home.
There are 47,566 residential units in Weld County; 1% of these homes will be tested
by September 1, 1996. Of the 500 homes tested 50% percent (250 homes) will be homes
occupied by low socioeconomic residents. These residents will be identified during Weld
County Health Care Clinics and response to the public service announcement/press
release campaign. Those interested will be shown an educational video on radon and
given a radon test kit as well as instructions on conducting the test. Each participant will
receive both written and verbal instructions about the test. Results of each test will be sent
to both the participant and the Health Department.
Test results will be plotted on a Geographic Information System (GIS) map to
determine cluster areas with elevated radon levels and by socioeconomic status. This data
will be used during phase 3 to help determine appropriate distribution of mitigation funds.
The Environmental Specialist will be available for telephone consultation on radon -
related questions or test results interpretation.
950571
MITIGATION
PHASE 3 - The third phase of this project is the selection of homes for actual
mitigation. Mitigation would be funded by the EJP2 Grant. The homes chosen will be
selected from homes which have radon levels of 4 pCi/1 or higher and which meet income
criteria established by the WRAP project. Ten (10) homes will be selected for mitigation.
Mitigation will be performed by contractors meeting EPA requirements or state
certification criteria. Follow-up testing will be conducted on the modified homes.
CONCLUSION
The final technical report of this environmental justice pollution prevention project will
be completed within 90 days following the end of the project period. The evaluation will
include the following:
1) Evaluate radon test results.
2) Evaluate socioeconomic variables.
3) Compile answers from phone survey to determine proportion of households that
have been tested, socioeconomic and other demographic variables.
4) Map test results on GIS map.
5) Compile number of phone calls received on hotline concerning radon.
6) Compile number of tests given out.
7) Calculate amount of money spent and number of homes mitigated.
8) Evaluate post -mitigation test results to determine the effectiveness of the repairs.
Successful completion of this project will be demonstrated by changes in community
attitudes about radon and increased community awareness as measured by telephone
survey results and post presentation feedback. All materials will be made available to
other communities interested in increasing public awareness concerning, radon testing,
mitigation and pollution prevention education.
950571
APPLICATION FOR
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE MARCH 23, 1995
Appendix C
•- OMB Approval No. 0348-0043
2. DATE SUBMITTED
Applicant Identifier
I. rive of SUYMSS10te
Application
.Carnatio
RR
s AUCMET EVONIM110N
pawPOcaEen-
❑ CConstructionw • HonCo"Fctio'
i DATE FROMED BY STATE
Sot Application Mantilla
4. DATE RECSV50 SY FEDERAL AGENCY
Fader Meridac
LAO WELD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Adden (D^'e city, count% state. and sits =Mk
•1517 16TH AVENUE COURT
GREELEY, WELD COUNTY
COLORADO 80631
a cleLOYEn ielnfCATNTN N WRIER (EAI
6
0
0
0
8
1
IL -TMs OF anucAnpt
® . Ns ❑ Ganrrason ❑ Revision
V 1110101. am .caoRrielo HMIs) in b04n1 O O
A Masai Award Q Osasas Award. C. Incises LANES'
0. Ovasefe Duration Osier (weotk
ORTWwWWWErna
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SERVICES
Name ad telephone number of the person to De contacted on natters i VONir9
the application (sin arse code)
• JEFFREY L. STOLL •
1-303-353-0635 EXT 2229
T. THE Of APPLICANT:
A State
B. Gating
C. Municipal
0. TowNio
E Magnate
F. YnwrtYical
a ERROR Oiollie
lens, apppryiaa a in Doty)
X. Independent School OIL
L Stall Controlled Inartution d HNOhe Leeman;
d Pdale t essils
K Indian Time
L Individual
IL Prank Orgniaden
K CUs Wpedtk
l NAME OF ROM. AOBICY:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
K Witco or REOERAL
MICE OdlO7C
6
6
46 1
nne ENVIRONNFNTAL JUSTICE. SMALL
GRANTS PROGRAM
is MIMS AFFEOTEEI BY MORE= Iciest caamaa. states. Mak
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
4
l I. IMSCN/TIYB mu cc AFlUGNTI NNOJECE
POLLUTION PREVENTION THROUGH WRAP -
WELD RADON AWARENESS PROGRAM
Of:
SW bete1 Ending Oats a Applicant - ..
06/01/95 05/31/96 4TH - WAYNE ALLARD
ESTIMATED tWNONEO: 1l IS AMC -ATM R TM SORER TO REVIEW SY STATE EIlEMITNE OMER tan PROCESS?
a YES, TIES PREAPPLICATIOWAPPUCATION WAS MACE AVAILABLE TO THE
STATE EXN EXECUTIVE C RIDER 17372 PROCESS Fps. REVIEW OM:
F
PROPOSED
ROOST: i4.
COMOIMSStOMAL DISTRICTS
1s.
11
a
ederal
S
50,000 ,
.00
o AOtd"•ant
$ .00
c State
$
.00
d. Lad
$
a Other
$
.00
OATS
D Project
4TH -.WAYNE ALLARD
D NO. ® PROGRAM is NOT COVERED BY EA. 17377 ..
❑ OR PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN SRECT® BY STATE FOR REVIEW
I. Program Income
1
AD
O. TOTAL
$
• .00
-50;000
it TO THESEST CF MY...w...-=ANDsamE ALL DATA IN TINE MNJG710tW APPLICAfON AS TRUE AMC COMMt THE OOCUMSET INS BEETOULY
AUTHORED BY THE OOVENMaO BODY Of THE APPLICANT AND THE ARROGANT WILL COMPLY WWII* THE ATTACHED ASSURANCES /THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED
'brute CHAIRMAN, c Telephar number
WELD CO. BOARD OF COMMISSTO RS 1-303-4000 X
a ban Send
3/27/95
a. Typed Name ci Aelvan d RepMsnaN'w
DALE K. HALL
17. M flit AMUGMT 06RIOUENT ON ANY FSEIAL 09R
_area
❑ YesN Yea; Mad. eAr4lensaa.
No
Primers ions Not
Authorized tor Local Reproduction
star and Fern 424 ?REV 4451
Prencnbd by OMB Gauls A-102
950571
420(
(
INS7..UCTIONS FOR THE SF 424
This is a standard form used by applicants as a required facesheet for preapplications and applications submitted
for Federal assistance. It will be used by Federal agencies to obtain applicant certification that States which have
established . evi: and comment procedure in respon to Executive Order 12372 and have selected the program
to be included in their process, have been given an opportunity to review the applicant's submission.
Item: Entry:
1. Self-explanatory.
2. Date application submitted to Federal agency (or
State if applicable) & applicant's control number
(if applicable).
3. State use only (if applicable).
4. If this application is to continue or revise an
existing award, enter present Federal identifier
number. If for a new project, leave blank. -
5.__ Legal name of applicant, name of primary
organizational unit which will undertake the
assistance activity, complete address of the
applicant, and name and telephone number of the
person to contact on matters related to this
application.
6. Enter Employer Identification Number (EIN) as
assigned by. the Internal Revenue Service.
7. Enter the appropriate letter in the space
provided.
8. Check appropriate box and enter appropriate
letter(s) in the space(s) provided:
—"New" means a new assistance award.
—"Continuation" means an extension for an
additional funding/budget period for a project
with a projected completion date.
-"Revision" means any change in the Federal
Government's financial obligation or
contingent liability fromtn existing
obligation.
9. Name of Federal agency from which assistance is
being requested with this application.
10. Use the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
number and Aide of the program under which"
assistance is requested.
11. Enter a brief descriptive 'title of the project. if
more than one program is involved, you should
append an eiplanation on a separate sheet. If
appropriate (e.g., construction or real property
projects), attach a map showing project location.
For preapplicationause a separate sher to.
provide a summary description of this project.
Item: Entry:
12. List only the largest political entities affected
(e.g., State, counties, cities).
13. Self-explanatory.
14. List the applicant's Congressional District and
any District(s) affected by the program or project.
15. Amount requested or to be contributed during
the first funding/budget period by each
contributor. Value of in -kind contributions
should be included on appropriate lines as
applicable. If the action will result in a dollar
change to an existing award, indicate only the
amount of the change. For decieases, enclose the
amounts in parentheses. If both basic and
supplemental amounts are included, show
breakdown on an attached sheet. For multiple
program funding, use totals and show breakdown
using same categories as item 15.
16. Applicants should contact the State Single Point
of Contact (SPOCI for Federal Executive Order
12372 to determine whether the application is
subject to the State intergovernmental review
process.
17. This question applies to the applicant organi-
zation, not the person who signs as the
authorized representative. Categories of debt
include delinquent audit disallowances, loans
and taxes.
18. To be signed by the authorized representative of
the applicant. A copy of the governing body's
authorization for you to sign this application as
official representative must be on file in the
applicant's office. (Certain Federal agencies may
require that this authorization be submitted -as
part of the application.)
IF 424 (REV 448) Back
950571
appendix C
9
3
0
0
0
3
O
g
V
ase
O
V .
C "
O .:
7
O
0
Q
L
cc
H
W
I,
O.
D
co
o-
A
11 -
M
N.
•
is
_
N
M
M
•
.1
•
S. TOTALS
M
N
M
•
O
O
0
O.
O
N
O
O
O
0
O
:o
O
O
1/4O
O
O
O
O
O
0 0
H n
4 X6;0
5 O
H ` 'Si O
�0'u,
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
i
a
t
0
tl
a. Psnonml
e
s
a
a
t-.
J
C
d
3
5
I
3
a
s
1:
M
950571
a
N
ra
U
3
0
a
O
A
0
0
.O
;.
N
0
3
Hello