Community Involvement/ Engagement Plan · EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant EPA Cooperative Agreement No. BF00D59317-0 April 4, 2018 – Updated August 23, ... Grant funding to provide

Community Involvement/Engagement Plan

Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus Consolidated Government, GeorgiaEPA Brownfields Assessment Grant

EPA Cooperative Agreement No. BF00D59317-0

April 4, 2018 – Updated August 23, 2018Terracon Project No. E2177122-Task 03A

Prepared for:Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus, Georgia

Prepared by:Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Lawrenceville, Georgia

and

Hester Group, LLCJacksonville, Florida

Community Involvement/Engagement PlanColumbus Consolidated GovernmentEPA Brownfields Assessment GrantApril 4, 2018 ■ EPA Cooperative Agreement BF00D59317-0

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Table of Contents1 Community Involvement/Engagement Plan Overview 32 Brownfield Project and Area Description 3

Project Description 3Project Area 4Community Involvement/Engagement Plan Objectives 5

3 Community Involvement/Engagement Activities 5Point of Contact 7Distribution of Information 7Public Meetings and Town Hall Forums 8Community Support 9Digital Engagement 9Proposed Schedule 10Table 1 - Community Involvement Activities 10

4 Project Location 10Brownfield Project Area Description 10Site Selection 11Site Documentation 11

Appendix A – Contact Information 12A.1 Community Contacts 12A.2 Environmental Consultant Contacts 13A.3 Federal Elected Officials 13A.4 State Elected Officials 13A.5 Local Officials: 14A.6 EPA 15A.7 State Environmental Agency Officials 15A.8 Media 15Appendix B – Columbus Brownfield Program – Digital Engagement Plan 17Appendix C – Information Repository and Meeting Location 19C.1 Information Repository 19C.2 Meeting Locations 19Appendix D – Glossary of Terms 20Appendix E – Acronyms 21Appendix F – Project Map 22


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1 Community Involvement/Engagement Plan Overview

The Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG) will use the EPA Brownfield AssessmentGrant funding to provide environmental-related development resources for target area projects.The CCG’s primary goals of this grant will be (1) to provide economic incentives for thedevelopment and redevelopment of underutilized properties, (2) to promote opportunities forjob creation, and (3) to facilitate the protection of human health and the environment throughthe completion of the EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant awarded to the CCG. To meet thesegoals, the CCG will provide, among other things, environmental assessment and environmentaltechnical assistance to encourage and stimulate redevelopment and reinvestment in identifiedBrownfields sites.This Community Involvement/Engagement Plan (CEP) describes in this document the methodsof outreach and communication the CCG will use to inform the community about proposedproject activities. The CEP describes how the CCG will encourage community participationthrough various methods of communication as the project unfolds. This plan is a livingdocument and will be amended as necessary to meet these expectations. The CCG, as astarting point, has identified the following actions to establish a groundwork dialog with thecommunity:

· Identify community stakeholders, including but not limited to: local residents,businesses, churches, schools, and property owners; CCG personnel and officials; andother interested parties.

· Assist in the development of community flyers and other public information to informand educate the local community as to the activities to be performed under the grant,while soliciting input concerning the best use of Brownfields sites.

· Develop a webpage for the CCG’s website and social media outlets to apprise the public.

· Facilitate community kick-off meeting and community informational sessions.

· Establish a clear understanding throughout the community of the project outcome(s).

· Provide the community the opportunity to engage in this project and provide feedback tofurther develop and refine community engagement activities that create value for thecommunity.

2 Brownfield Project and Area Description

Project DescriptionThe Columbus Consolidated Government was awarded a US EPA Brownfields AssessmentGrant to provide funding for the identification, prioritization and environmental assessment oftargeted Brownfields properties located in Columbus, Georgia under the CooperativeAgreement Number BF 00D59317-0. The project will support the CCG’s efforts to performcommunity-wide hazardous substance and petroleum assessments on multiple sites in thegrant designated area. Tasks within the grant program include: Community Engagement, Site



Inventory, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, Phase II Environmental SiteAssessments, and Remediation and Reuse Planning. These tasks are described below.Community Engagement – The CCG team members and consultants will engage partnersand stakeholders to invoke participation and input from the community. This includesengagement and outreach methods of seeking input, methods of communicating progress andeducation/information sharing with community members and potential partners.Site Inventory – The CCG team members will evaluate and where necessary prioritize thesites to undergo Phase I and Phase II assessments. The criteria for prioritization will focus onsite viability and potential redevelopment supported projects such as sustainable development,reduction of blighted and vacant properties, and providing green space areas and other viableuses of underutilized properties.Phase I Environmental Site Assessments – Sites selected as viable redevelopmentopportunities and those based on the inventory process will undergo a Phase I EnvironmentalSite Assessment (Phase I ESA). The Phase I ESA will be completed in accordance with theAmerican Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1527-13, Standard Practice forEnvironmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process and theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI)standards.Phase II Environmental Site Assessments – Based on the results of a Phase I ESA, a sitemay have an identified Recognized Environmental Condition (REC). RecognizedEnvironmental Conditions are defined by ASTM E 1527-13 as “the presence or likely presenceof any hazardous substances or petroleum products in, on, or at a property: 1) due to anyrelease to the environment, 2) under conditions indicative of a release to the environment, or3) under conditions that pose a material threat of a future release to the environment. Deminimis conditions are not recognized environmental conditions.” If a REC is identified and theCCG determines that a Phase II ESA is a viable path for redevelopment, a Phase II ESA scopeof work will be developed for the collection of samples from the site. Based on the evaluationof the data collected, the Phase II ESA may determine that environmental cleanup work(remediation) may be needed on certain sites.Reuse, Remediation and Area-Wide Planning – For the sites selected that requireremediation, the CCG may develop remediation and reuse planning to facilitate thedevelopment of environmentally-impaired properties. The CCG will complete necessaryremediation planning under the EPA terms and conditions based on the applicable GeorgiaEnvironmental Protection Division (GA EPD) requirements.

Project AreaThe CCG’s Community-wide Assessment funds allow the CCG to characterize environmentalcontamination of properties and to develop Cleanup Plans for Brownfields sites that areintertwined within our community. The targeted area for this grant consists of the 2nd AvenueCorridor, which includes the neighborhoods of the City Village, Bibb City, and North Highlandsthat are located directly north of Uptown Columbus.Within these boundaries, the CCG has designated several potential nodes for redevelopmentbased on historical land uses and proposed plans for the target area. See attached in Appendix



F Exhibit 1 -Topographic Map of the project focus area. As a former textile mill area, the 2nd

Avenue Corridor has multiple sites with potential contamination issues from hazardous and/orpetroleum substances. These historic land uses have been noted to leave a residual impact onproperties and can often be a barrier for redevelopment initiatives.

Community Involvement/Engagement Plan ObjectivesThrough this CEP, the community will be provided opportunities for participation andengagement through effective and efficient two-way methods of communication. It is the goalof this plan that members of the community will gain knowledge of the Brownfields assessmentand redevelopment process and will be provided opportunities to participate in the decisionmaking process. The CCG will maintain an open line of communication with the community sothat the community will remain informed throughout the project.

3 Community Involvement/Engagement Activities

The Columbus Consolidated Government has worked diligently to identify key partners in thecommunity to assist in this Brownfields grant project. The CCG will continue these partnershipsat the local level in addition to working with state and federal agencies to keep relevant partieswell informed of the project activities and opportunities for participation. The following listhighlights some of the key stakeholders; their contact information can be found in Appendix A:

Officiating Bodies / Elected OfficialsCongressional Representatives• Georgia Senate• Georgia House of Representatives• Office of the Mayor• CCG Council• Government Agencies

Key Stakeholders• Department of Housing and Urban Development• Georgia Department of Transportation• GA EPD (Georgia Environmental Protection Division)• Development Authority of Columbus• River Valley Regional Commission• Columbus Housing Authority• Uptown Columbus



• Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber• Columbus Technical College• Muscogee County Board of Education• Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley• Piedmont Columbus Regional Health• Troy University• Community Organizations• Faith-based Organizations• Senior Centers• Non-profits

The following activities will be proposed to encourage stakeholder participation and provideopportunities to sustain involvement throughout the grant period of this project:

· The CCG will conduct two initial community meetings regarding the Brownfields grantproject. The first meeting will consist of a community informational meeting to preparefor the implementation of the grant and provide general information about the grantprocess and the focus area. The first community meeting invitees include the EPA’sRegion 4 Brownfields Grant Project Officer, GA EPD Brownfield Project Manager, CCGofficials and employee, Community-based organizations (CBOs), and other identifiedkey stakeholders. Project stakeholders will be asked to extend invitations to their targetconstituents to attend this meeting. The meeting will be held within the grant focus areaand the proposed location and date of the meeting are listed in Section 3.3 of thisdocument.

· The second community meeting will be focused on educating local developmentprofessionals (developers, lenders, realtors, etc.) and CCG officials and councilmembers on how the CCG Brownfield Program will be implemented and how the EPAAssessment Grant may benefit the community. The proposed location and date of themeeting are listed in Section 3.3 of this document.

· Progress update meetings will be scheduled with other community meetings during thegrant period. The proposed location and date of the meetings are listed in Section 3.3 ofthis document.

· A brochure will be developed to inform and educate the community of the activitiesperformed under the grant (required printing will be conducted by the ColumbusConsolidated Government). The brochure will be available to distribute and will includethe CCG contact information to further engage the community in this project and theColumbus Brownfield Program.

· A technology based outreach program will involve developing a Columbus BrownfieldProgram website that will provide additional information about the 2nd Avenue EPABrownfield Assessment grant, ongoing community outreach activities, meeting datesand locations, and other related announcements. The Columbus Brownfield Program



website will be linked to the Columbus Consolidated Government website. In addition tothe website, the technology outreach program will also include other online basedapplications such as online surveys and utilization of the public interface programMindmixer. Refer to section 3.5 for details about the technology based outreachprogram.

Point of ContactMs. Laura Johnson, Director of Community Reinvestment, Columbus ConsolidatedGovernment, will serve as the CCG Grant Project Manager and will serve as the spokespersonfor the CCG. Ms. Johnson’s role is to provide direct access between the CCG and thecommunity of Columbus, Georgia and to provide any necessary updates to this CEP during thecourse of the project. She will also serve as the Emergency Contact should any issues ariseduring the course of the project.Information will be distributed to the community on the CCG Brownfields website that is alsolinked to the CCG site www.columbusga.org. Additional information will be circulated throughbrochures and handouts presented at public meetings. Ms. Johnson’s contact information is asfollows:Laura JohnsonDirector of Community ReinvestmentColumbus Consolidated Government420 10th Street, Columbus, GA 31901-2736Phone (706) 653-4613Email: [email protected].

Additional points of contact for community stakeholders, media, and federal, state, and localrepresentatives are presented in Appendix A.

Distribution of InformationInformation will be provided on a dedicated Columbus Brownfields website that will have a linkfrom the CCG site, www.columbusga.org. The site will include information regarding thisproject; other CCG-wide Brownfields projects and links to other local redevelopment efforts.Important dates and information will also be provided on the website including any pre-scheduled meetings. Announcement of additional or un-scheduled meetings will be distributedto the community at least 2 weeks (10 business days) prior to the meeting.Presentations and agendas from public meetings will be archived on the Brownfields Programwebsite and will be made available upon written request to the CCG’s Project Manager for theBrownfields Program.Project information will be released in appropriate newspapers and press releases. The CCGregularly communicates with residents via its website and email distribution lists to establishand maintain interest in ongoing projects. In addition to web based information, writtencorrespondence and community meetings, the local media outlets are alternative sources ofinformation for the community regarding the project. The CCG also uses government access



television to provide information on public meetings and to provide project updates. Contactinformation for the media is provided in Appendix A.Inclusiveness is a goal, while English is the dominant language spoken in the target area, theCCG will take measures to accommodate persons with Limited English Proficiency eitherthrough oral or written translation services and/or providing translated project updates uponrequest of these services.

Public Meetings and Town Hall ForumsThe CCG has actively sought and encouraged citizen input throughout the establishment of aBrownfields outreach program. It will continue these efforts throughout the grant implementationprocess, including preparing outreach/promotional materials to be distributed via email,neighborhood and stakeholder meetings, professional association meeting(s), newspapers,through social media blasts, and postings on the Columbus website. Government AccessChannels provides a portal for residents to view programming that is vital to keeping thecommunity informed such as the Brownfields initiative. Local officials and Community-basedOrganizations (CBOs) involved in the initial grant process will be included and kept informed ofcommunity meetings and project status. Meetings are always open and accessible to the public.The use of public meetings and town hall forums are vital to the exchange of informationbetween the CCG and community stakeholders. To provide ample opportunity for fullparticipation of stakeholders, meetings will mostly be held during evening hours. Meetinglocations are selected based on proximity to the affected Brownfield target area, the followingis a list of potential facilities that are heavily utilized by the community and are handicapaccessible:

1. Bibb City – Public MeetingDate: May 3, 2018Proposed Location:Comer Recreation Center107 41st StreetColumbus, GA(706) 653-4504

2. Development Professional MeetingDate: May 22, 2018Proposed Location:Mildred L. Terry Public Library640 Veterans ParkwayColumbus, GA(706) 748-3248

3. Bibb CityDates: Winter 2019Proposed Location:Comer Recreation Center107 41st StreetColumbus, GA(706) 653-4504




Community SupportThe Columbus Consolidated Government will continue its partnership with the communitystakeholders; as well as state and federal agencies. The grant project values the support oflocal partnerships that are detailed within Appendix A under Contacts. Community Contacts areoutlined as well as federal, state, local, environmental, municipal, state agencies and media.The CCG is open to and encouraging new partners to join the initiative.

Digital EngagementKeeping the public and community informed about the CCG’s Brownfields Program andbenefits to local stakeholders is an essential economic development strategy. The CCG willestablish and maintain a dedicated Brownfields website that links to the CCG website to providegeneral information and meeting notices to support of the program. The CCG will make projectrelated information available to residents within the Brownfields website. Information that needsCommission action will be advertised per CCG regulations and be readily available for thepublic, municipal, officials, agencies, partners and media for easy access and review.

In addition to the Brownfields website, the Brownfields Program with work with the consultantteam to will use digital engagement, to reach community members and stakeholders in theproject area. Hester Group will use digital engagement, as a discipline to reach communitymembers and stakeholders within the Columbus, Georgia community. Digital engagement is atechnique that utilizes principles of digital marketing with disciplines of community outreach.Hester Group will use various forms of software and social media platforms to enable thecommunity and stakeholders to engage with the brownfield project. Platforms that will be usedas part of the digital engagement strategy includes email, a website, Facebook, and MindMixer.Digital Engagement occurs throughout the duration of the project.

The purpose of email is to establish communication, and to begin engagement with thecommunity stakeholders and leaders. Email communication will be sent several timesthroughout the project, including announcing the public meetings and provide various links tosocial media platforms that are available for community members to ask questions or voicetheir concerns. Email communication will also act as a follow-up to the attendees of themeetings with information about the project. Hester Group will obtain email lists from theTerracon, CCG, meeting attendees, and other community leaders.

A website will be created to provide overview information about the Columbus BrownfieldProgram. The website will provide viewers with contact information for the project leaders, andlinks to the other digital engagement platforms (Facebook page, Mindmixer, and the CCGReinvestment website). The website will be completed prior to the start of the first publicmeeting and updated as needed, to ensure current and accurate information is displayed.

The CCG Community Reinvestment Facebook page will be used for the project and will providecurrent and updated information on the project. The updated information will include meetingand project announcements, project pictures (to show the ongoing project and updates), andlinks to websites and MindMixer. This page currently has an established following, which allows



for the posting to reach various members throughout the community. It is anticipated that theproject team will post on the Facebook page routinely to provide up to date information with thecommunity.

MindMixer is a web-based community engagement platform that enables local organizations,local government, community members, and stakeholders to participate and engage in varietyof events and/or projects that occur in the community. MindMixer will be used, as one of thetools for the Columbus Brownfield project, to post various questions and survey polls that willallow the community to respond. The team will post 3-5 topics (questions) to engage thecommunity. MindMixer posts will occur at various strategic points throughout the project.

See Appendix B for the Digital Engagement Plan. An Information Repository will be establishedwhere the public can access project documents. See Appendix C for locations.

Proposed Schedule The Columbus Consolidated Government has proposed the following schedule for communityinvolvement/engagement activities. As the schedule is developed, the CCG will coordinate thecalendar of planned activities through the identified methods of communicate to include theBrownfield Advisory Board, identified stakeholders, city staff and council members, andcommunity based organizations.

Table 1 - Community Involvement ActivitiesDate Event Representatives/AttendeesCompletedNovember 2017

Brownfields Kick-Off CCG Personnel, andBrownfields Project Team

April 2018 Develop BrownfieldBrownfields Brochure

BF Staff participation andconsultant

May 3, 2018 Public Outreach Meeting Community Members,Stakeholders, CBO’s, CCG staffand officials, and BrownfieldsProject Team

May 22, 2018 Development ProfessionalsMeeting

Development Professionals,CCG staff and officials, andBrownfield Project Team

4 Project Location

Brownfield Project Area DescriptionThe Columbus Consolidated Government Community-Wide EPA Brownfields AssessmentGrant focus area encompasses the 2nd Avenue Corridor Project Area. The project will identifyand prioritize various potential Brownfields sites within the designated area. The 2nd Avenue



Corridor Project Area Map is included in Appendix F. With the assistance of appropriatecommunity members, the CCG council, and Terracon will assist the CCG in developing abrownfield site inventory for the target area.

Site SelectionThe CCG will encourage the community to submit site application forms for consideration.These sites will be entered into a scoring system that will be evaluated by the CCG project teamand then will be sent to the Brownfield Advisory Board for their review and input. The CCGproject team and the Brownfield Advisory Board may evaluate and rank sites based on theredevelopment goals of the target area and input received from the community.In addition to the CCG’s site inventory, sites may be identified through other sources includingenvironmental data review of the area, feedback from CCG personnel, and communitystakeholders. The CCG may also seek input from community-based organizations on potentialbrownfield sites for redevelopment.An inventory will provide a baseline of potentially impaired sites that can be evaluated andmeasured during implementation of the grant. All sites will be divided into those with suspectedenvironmental impairment due to either petroleum and/or hazardous substances. Phase I ESAresults will include recommendations for Phase II ESA, if applicable. Sites and areasrecommended for additional environmental investigation work will be prioritized.

Site DocumentationDocuments related to this project are available for public review at the sites listed below and atthe designated website: www.columbusgabrownfields.com

1. Community ReinvestmentCCG Annex Building420 Tenth StreetColumbus, GA 31901(706) 653-4613

2. Columbus Public Library3000 Macon RoadColumbus, GA 31906(706) 243-2669

The following items are currently available or will be made available upon completion:

· Community Involvement Plan (CEP).

· Generic Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).

· Informational handout available during public meeting.· Any additional required documentation if applicable.



Appendix A – Contact Information

A.1 Community Contacts

Laura Johnson, Grant ManagerColumbus Consolidated GovernmentDirector of Community Reinvestment(706) [email protected]

Kevin GarzaColumbus Consolidated GovernmentCommunity Reinvestment(706) [email protected]

Leah BraxtonW.C. Bradley Co. Real Estate, LLC(706) [email protected]

Verona CampbellThe Housing Authority(706) [email protected]

Betsy CovingtonCommunity Foundation of theChattahoochee Valley(706) [email protected]

Ross HornerUptown, Inc.

(706) [email protected]

Louise HurlessColumbus Area Habitat for Humanity(706) [email protected]

Justin KriegHistoric Columbus(706) [email protected]

Jim LivingstonRiver Valley Regional Commission(706) [email protected]

Billy HolbrookMercyMed(706) [email protected]

Cathy WilliamsNeighborWorks(706) [email protected]



A.2 Environmental Consultant ContactsAmanda M. Herrit, M.S.Project ManagerTerracon Consultants, [email protected](423) 602-2109

Dallas WhitmillEnvironmental Department ManagerTerracon Consultants, [email protected](423) 499-6111

Belinda RichardNational Brownfields Program ManagerTerracon Consultants, [email protected](813) 321-0345

A.3 Federal Elected OfficialsUS Senator Johnny Isakson120 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510(202) 224-3643www.isakson.senate.gov

US Senator David Perdue416 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, D.C. 20510(202) 224-3521www.perdue.senate.gov

A.4 State Elected OfficialsOffice of Governor Nathan DealState of Georgia214 State Capitol BuildingAtlanta, GA 30334(404) 656-2881Gov.georgia.gov

GA House Representative, District 133John David Pezold (Republican) P.O. Box 1595 Fortson, GA 31808Phone: (404) 656-0220legis.ga.gov

GA House Representative, District 137Debbie Buckner (Democrat)R.T. 1 Box 76Junction City, GA 31812Phone: (706) 656-6372legis.ga.gov

GA House Representative, District 134Richard Smith (Republican)P.O. Box 2122Columbus, GA 31902Phone: (706) 442-3480legis.ga.gov

GA House Representative, District 135Calvin Smyre (Democrat)P.O. Box 181Columbus, GA 31902Phone: (706) 649-2243legis.ga.gov

GA House Representative, District 136Carolyn Hugley (Democrat)P.O. Box 6342Columbus, GA 31902Phone: (706) 687-4327legis.ga.gov



Georgia Senate, District 15Ed Harbison (Democrat)P.O. Box 1292Columbus, GA 31902Phone: (706) 687-3899senate.ga.gov

Georgia Senate, District 29Joshua McKoon (Republican)P.O. Box 2565Columbus, GA 31902Phone: (706) 442-9130senate.ga.gov

A.5 Local Officials:Mayor of ColumbusTeresa Tomlinson (Non-Partisan)P.O. Box 1340, Columbus, GA 31902Phone: (706) 653-4712Email: [email protected]/mayor

District 1Jerry “Pops” BarnesP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 442-0249

District 2Glenn DavisP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 323-1005

District 3Bruce HuffP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 322-8713

District 4Evelyn Turner PughP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 649-3661

District 5Mike BakerP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 568-3186

District 6Gary AllenP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 596-3306

District 7Evelyn “Mimi” WoodsonP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 689-7009

District 8Walker GarrettP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 761-8028

Post 9 At-LargeJudy ThomasP.O. Box 1340Columbus, GA 31902(706) 327-4926

Post 10 At-LargeJohn House7618 Eagle DriveMidland, GA 31820(706) 573-2389



A.6 EPARegion 4 OfficialsEPA Project OfficerOlga Perry(404) [email protected]

A.7 State Environmental Agency OfficialsEPD Brownfields Program ManagerShannon Ridley(404) [email protected]

A.8 MediaLocal Newspaper

Ledger-Enquirer945 Broadway, Suite 102Columbus, GA 31901(800) 282-7859

Columbus and the Valley MagazineP.O. Box 229Columbus, GA 31902(706) 324-6214

The Columbus TimesPetra Ophelia Gertjegerdes, Publisher(706) [email protected]

Local RadioWAGH 101.3, WDAK 540, WHTY 100.1, WGSY 94.7, WSTH-FM 106.1, WVRK 102.9iHeart Media(706) 576-3000

Davis Broadcasting, Inc.WFXE-FM 105, Praise 100.7, ESPN 95.7, WOKS 1340 AMGreg Davis, Jr.(706) [email protected]

WJSP-FM Public BroadcastingAlfonsus Pynenburg(706) [email protected]



Columbus TVCCG TV Onlinewww.columbusga.org/ccg-tv

Ft. Benning TVwww.benningtv.com

Local News

WTVM ABC Channel 91909 Wynnton RoadColumbus, GA 31906(706) 494-5400

WRBL CBS Channel 31350 13th AvenueColumbus, GA 31901(706) 323-3333

WLTZ NBC Channel 386140 Buena Vista RoadColumbus, GA 31907(706) 507-6397

WXTX Fox Channel 541909 Wynnton RoadColumbus, GA 31906(706) 494-5400



Appendix B – Columbus Brownfield Program – Digital Engagement Plan

Hester Group will use digital engagement, as a discipline to reach community members andstakeholders within the Columbus, Georgia community. Digital engagement is a technique that utilizesprinciples of digital marketing with disciplines of community outreach. Hester Group will use variousforms of software and social media platforms to enable the community and stakeholders to engage withthe brownfield project. Platforms that will be used as part of the digital engagement strategy includesemail, a website, Facebook, and MindMixer. Digital Engagement occurs throughout the duration of theproject.

The purpose of email is to establish communication, and to begin engagement with the communitystakeholders and leaders. Email communication will be sent several times throughout the project,including announcing the public meetings and provide various links to social media platforms that areavailable for community members to ask questions or voice their concerns. Email communication willalso act as a follow-up to the attendees of the meetings with information about the project. Hester Groupwill obtain email lists from the Terracon, CCG, meeting attendees, and other community leaders.

A website will be created to provide overview information about the Columbus Brownfield Program. Thewebsite will provide viewers with contact information for the project leaders, and links to the other digitalengagement platforms (Facebook page, MindMixer, and the CCG Reinvestment website). The websitewill be completed prior to the start of the first public meeting and updated as needed, to ensure currentand accurate information is displayed.

The CCG Community Reinvestment Facebook page will be used for the project and will provide currentand updated information on the project. The updated information will include meeting and projectannouncements, project pictures (to show the ongoing project and updates), and links to websites andMindMixer. This page currently has an established following, which allows for the posting to reachvarious members throughout the community. It is anticipated that the project team will post on theFacebook page routinely to provide up to date information with the community.

MindMixer is a web-based community engagement platform that enables local organizations, localgovernment, community members, and stakeholders to participate and engage in variety of eventsand/or projects that occur in the community. MindMixer will be used, as one of the tools for the ColumbusBrownfield project, to post various questions and survey polls that will allow the community to respond.The team will post 3-5 topics (questions) to engage the community. MindMixer posts will occur at variousstrategic points throughout the project.



Data and ReportsAnalytical data is an important part of digital engagement. Hester Group will use various tools to trackthe metrics of the engagement level for the various social platforms that will be used during this project.Main engagement metrics includes website visits, follower growth, likes, comments and topic ideasubmissions, shares, and reach. These analytics will be presented in monthly, quarterly, and annualreports.

Digital Engagement PlatformsEmailFacebookMindMixerWebsite

EmailUsed to engage stakeholders and key community members. Emails will be sent several timesthroughout the project.

· Email 1- Announce (or re-announce) the start of the Brownfield project. Provide links toWebsite(s) and social media platforms.

· Email 2- Announce date of public meeting.· Email 3- Follow up email that will be sent after 1st public meeting.· Email 4- Announce 2nd public meeting· Email 5- Follow up email that will be sent after 2nd public meeting

Website:Used for general information about the Columbus Brownfield Program.

· 3-4 Pageso Home Pageo About Brownfield Granto Contact Information

MindMixer:Used to engage the community. Allow people to post ideas about what development they want to seein their neighborhoods. Use to gather polling information.

· Designated page· 3-5 Topics (questions)

o 2 open-ended questionso 1-2 poll question

Facebook:Develop a Facebook Page to provide update information on the project. Post pictures, and Links to theWebsite and MindMixer to the page.

· Use the CCG Reinvestment Page· Approximately 4 posts per month (can be increased as needed)· Provide Project Pictures· Post updates and announcements in reference to the Columbus Brownfield Program· FB Live Community Meeting (optional)



Appendix C – Information Repository and Meeting Location

C.1 Information RepositoryDocuments related to this project will be available for public review at the sites listed below:

1. Community ReinvestmentCCG Annex Building420 Tenth StreetColumbus, GA 31901(706) 653-4613

2. Columbus Public Library3000 Macon RoadColumbus, GA 31906(706) 243-2669

C.2 Meeting LocationsPublic meetings will be held at:

5. Bibb City – Public MeetingDate: May 3, 2018Proposed Location:Comer Recreation Center107 41st StreetColumbus, GA(706) 653-4504

6. Development Professional MeetingDate: May 22, 2018Proposed Location:Mildred L. Terry Public Library640 Veterans ParkwayColumbus, GA(706) 748-3248





Appendix D – Glossary of Terms

Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternative (ABCA): Remedial plan document that includes analysisof cleanup alternatives: identifies the objectives of the cleanup and provides an analysis of cleanupalternatives based on effectiveness, ability to be implemented and cost; documents if the situation meetsthe need for a cleanup; provides information pertaining to the site background and health and safety;and identifies the proposed action, and explains the rational for its selection.Brownfields: Abandoned, idled, or under used industrial, commercial, or residential facilities/siteswhere expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.Community: An interacting population of various types of individuals in a common location; aneighborhood or specific area where people live.Community Involvement: The term used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify itsprocess for engaging in dialogue and collaboration with communities. EPA community involvement isfounded in the belief that people have a right to know what the Agency is doing in their community andto have a voice in it. The purpose is to give stakeholders the opportunity to become involved inBrownfields activities and help shape the decisions that are made.Community Involvement Plan: A management and planning tool outlining the specific communityinvolvement activities to be undertaken during the course of a site investigation and cleanup. It isdesigned to (1) share communication between the affected community and the EPA, and (2) providecommunity for public input in the decision-making process related to the affected communities.Grant: An award of financial assistance, including cooperative agreements, in the form of money, orproperty in lieu of money, by the Federal Government to an eligible grantee.Information Repository: A dedicated Brownfields Website that is convenient for local residents,community members, stakeholders and developers.Objective: Something that one’s efforts or actions are intended to attain or accomplish; purpose; goal;target.Public: The community or people in general or a part or section of the community grouped because ofa common interest or activity.Public Meeting: Formal public sessions that are characterized by a presentation to the public followedby a question and answer session.Site: Location selected for Brownfields or environmental activity; place for potential redevelopment.Spokesperson: An advocate who represents the policy or purpose of a particular organization/entity.Stakeholder: Any organization, government entity or individual effected by the project or with aparticular interest in the project.Preservation: To maintain in safety from injury, peril or harm; protect.Enhancements: To make greater, as in value, beauty, or effectiveness; augment.



Appendix E – Acronyms

ABCA Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives

CEP Community Involvement Plan

CRA Community Redevelopment Agency

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

EPC Environmental Protection Commission

ESA Environmental Site Assessment

QAPP Quality Assurance Project Plan



Appendix F – Project Map

Topographic Map

Focus Area2nd Avenue Corridor

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP IMAGE COURTESY OF THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEYQUADRANGLES INCLUDE: SMITHS STATION, AL (1/1/1983), FORTSON, GA (1/1/1985), PHENIX CITY, AL (1/1/1984) and COLUMBUS, GA (1/1/1999).

51 Lost Mound Drive, Suite 135Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406

E2177122Project Manager:

Drawn by:

Checked by:

Approved by:

AMH

DEW

DEW

1”=2,000’E2177122

2/12/18

Project No.

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File Name:

Date:1

ExhibitAMH

APPROXIMATESITE BOUNDARY