Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC)

A Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC) is formed to assist the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division (SRMT) by providing recommendations on implementing the Remedial Action Plan (RAP). RAPs are to identify and expedite the necessary events to restore and protect the beneficial uses. The invited members of the RAC are to further nominate persons for additional selection and designation as members of the committee. DEC and SRMT will appoint members. The membership objectives are to include people familiar with the environmental issues of the Area of Concern (AOC) and to create a committee based on EPA guidelines for balanced membership:

1. Private citizens who incur no financial gain or loss as a result of the agency’s programs,
2. Citizen representatives of organizations with substantial economic interest in the RAP,
3. Elected and appointed Federal, State, local, and tribal officials; and,
4. Representatives of public interest groups with non-economic interests in the action.

The Remedial Advisory Committee continues the commitment to involve citizens in the RAP process. No honorarium or travel expenses will accompany appointment to the committee.

Selection of RAC Members

Remedial Advisory Committee members are to be chosen based on the following categories:

• Public and environmental interests
• Economically affected interests
• Mohawk culturally affected interests
• Government interests (county and local elected officials, and agency personnel)
• Individuals at large
• Academic community

Remedial Advisory Committee Charge

The Remedial Advisory Committee will advise DEC and SRMT during the development and implementation of the RAP. Specifically, the RAC will:

• Advise DEC and SRMT in developing priorities for RAP implementation activities;
• Advise DEC and SRMT in the preparation of RAP documents;
• Assist DEC and SRMT in building a constituency for implementation of RAP recommendations:
• Review and comment on current environmental initiatives and issues affecting the RAP;
• Assist in developing and seeking funding for a list of RAP implementation activities requiring funding: and
• Advise DEC and SRMT on ecological, social, cultural (Mohawk), and economic impacts of RAP implementation.

DEC and SRMT seek advice from interested persons who wish to participate in the RAP process. Committee members are encouraged to offer differing viewpoints on issues and possible areas of compromise or solutions as they become apparent in the course of discussions. It is not intended that the RAC take formal positions on issues by voting to pursue a course of action by majority rule; however, majority beliefs can be useful in conducting RAC business. Differing viewpoints, compromise, and consensus opinion each play a role in communicating the committee’s priorities and in developing a comprehensive response. RAP members are appointed by DEC and SRMT.

If you are interested in participating on the SLR AOC at Massena/Akwesasne RAC, please contact, Co-Coordinator Christopher Fidler from the New York State Department of Environment Conservation (christopher.fidler@dec.ny.gov – 518-783-8001) or Co-coordinator Aimée Benedict, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (aimeebenedict@srmt-nsn.gov – 518-358-5937 ext. 5051)