Public outreach in support of environmental investigation and remediation

Craig Communications has worked with local and regional communities to conduct environmental review processes that meet and exceed the outreach activities that are required by law. Our team works with divergent interests to develop sound remediation strategies that are cost-effective, easily implemented, and acceptable to the affected public. We have provided public participation services for the investigation and remediation of over one-hundred contaminated sites throughout California and the western states. These programs are designed to meet the requirements of the National Contingency Plan by following the most recent guidance provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for public participation in the site mitigation process.

Public Hearings/Meetings: Craig Communications has experience in selecting an appropriate and neutral venue, planning an effective meeting format, generating adequate public notice, and performing all administrative functions to ensure the meeting meets all legal and regulatory requirements, as well as meeting the community's needs.

Noticing: Craig Communications goes beyond traditional public outreach methods to ensure that all stakeholders and potential stakeholders are informed of their opportunities to participate in the process. Noticing techniques include: display advertisements in the local newspapers, posting on city and county websites, posting on bulletin boards at local service organizations, newspaper inserts, sandwich boards and other methods.

Public Outreach: We go beyond traditional outreach to ensure all impacted communities have an opportunity to participate in the public review process.

Risk Communication: Craig Communications coaches technical staff on communicating complex risk information in terms that are understandable and meaningful to the target audience. We identify contentious issues that may come up in public forums, anticipate and craft responses to difficult questions, an help our clients communicate in potentially hostile environments.

Informational Materials: Craig Communications works with clients to develop clear and concise project information materials such as fact sheets, videos, PowerPoint presentations, display boards and layperson guides to technical documents.

Community Advisory Groups: Craig Communications has experience in forming CAGs to enhance community understanding of project issues and provide our clients with informed input from the community. We have provided neutral facilitation services for various CAGs and have provided administrative support and training.