Proposed CERCLA Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement; River Forest Dry Cleaners Site, River Forest, Cook County, IL, 71342-71343 [2011-29757]

Download as PDF jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 71342 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2011 / Notices numbered consecutively and three copies of the comments. For attachments, provide an index, number pages consecutively with the comments, and submit an unbound original and three copies; or • Hand Delivery: The OEI Docket is located in the EPA Headquarters Docket Center, EPA West Building, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center’s Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202)–566– 1744. Deliveries are only accepted during the docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. If you provide comments by hand delivery, please submit one unbound original with pages numbered consecutively and three copies of the comments. 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[FR Doc. 2011–29749 Filed 11–16–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–9493–4] Proposed CERCLA Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement; River Forest Dry Cleaners Site, River Forest, Cook County, IL Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice; request for public comment. AGENCY: In accordance with Section 122(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (‘‘CERCLA’’), 42 U.S.C. 9622(i), notice is hereby given of a proposed administrative settlement for recovery of past response costs concerning the River Forest Dry Cleaners site in River Forest, Cook County, Illinois with the following settling party: Edward Ditchfield. The settlement requires the Settling Party to pay $39,926, plus any interest accrued between the date of receipt of notice by the Settling Party that EPA has signed the CERCLA 122(h), 42 U.S.C. 9622(h) Settlement Agreement (Agreement) and the Effective Date of the Agreement, to the Hazardous Substance Superfund through an escrow account to be established by the Settling Party. The settlement includes a covenant not to sue the Settling Party pursuant to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Section 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9607(a), and contribution protection for the Settling Party pursuant to Sections 113(f)(2) and 122(h)(4) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9613(f)(2) and 9622(h)(4). For thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this notice, the Agency will receive written comments relating to the settlement. The Agency will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. The Agency’s response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at the EPA, Region 5, Records Center, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., 7th Fl., and Chicago, Illinois 60604. Comments must be submitted on or before December 19, 2011. DATES: The proposed settlement is available for public inspection at the EPA, Region 5, Records Center, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., 7th Fl., Chicago, Illinois 60604. A copy of the proposed settlement may be obtained from Peter Felitti, Assoc. Regional Counsel, EPA, Office of Regional Counsel, Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., mail code: C–14J, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Comments should reference the River Forest Dry Cleaners Site, River Forest, Cook County, Illinois and EPA Docket No. and should be addressed to Peter Felitti, Assoc. Regional Counsel, EPA, Office of Regional Counsel, Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., mail code: C–14J, Chicago, Illinois 60604. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Felitti, Assoc. Regional Counsel, EPA, Office of Regional Counsel, Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., mail code: C– 14J, Chicago, Illinois 60604. The River Forest Dry Cleaners Superfund Site is located in River Forest, Cook County, Illinois. After EPA received an email from a concerned teacher, U.S. EPA conducted indoor air and sub-slab samples in facilities around the Site in November 2009, February 2010 and March 2010. The results did not indicate any level of contamination that warranted a removal action. The removal assessment was completed in March 2010. U.S. EPA issued a Demand Letter to the Settling Party in September 2010. Between September 2010 and July 2011, EPA and the Settling Party negotiated the present proposed Administrative Settlement. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM 17NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 222 / Thursday, November 17, 2011 / Notices Dated: September 28, 2011. Richard C. Karl, Director, Superfund Division. [FR Doc. 2011–29757 Filed 11–16–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION [FCA–PS–81; NV 11–25] Ethics, Independence, Arm’s-Length Role, Ex Parte Communications and Open Government Farm Credit Administration. Policy statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Farm Credit Administration (FCA or Agency) Board was created by Congress to serve the public interest in ensuring a source of affordable and dependable credit to agriculture and rural America. In fulfilling this obligation, the FCA Board should ensure that the Agency has conducted a thorough, independent and objective analysis of every matter brought before it for action, and that varying viewpoints and interests are considered by the FCA Board prior to making any substantive decision. As reflected by its current policies, the FCA Board believes that it must place emphasis on the independence and objectivity of itself and all FCA employees in dealing with representatives of the Farm Credit System (System) and the public. The FCA Board also is committed to the ethics principles and laws governing all Executive Branch employees and to the Agency’s strong ethics program. DATES: Effective Date: November 7, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wendy R. Laguarda, Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Farm Credit Administration, McLean, VA 22102–5090, (703) 883–4020, TTY (703) 883–4020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following policy reaffirms the Board’s commitment to the ethics laws and regulations, its avoidance of ex parte communications in its judicial and rulemaking roles, its commitment to open Government and its role as an independent, arm’s length safety and soundness regulator: jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: THE FCA BOARD HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING POLICY STATEMENT Ethics, Independence, Arm’s-Length Role, Ex Parte Communications and Open Government FCA–PS–81 [NV 11– 25] DATES: Effective Date: 7–NOV–11. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:25 Nov 16, 2011 Jkt 226001 Effect on Previous Actions: None. Source of Authority: Sections 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, and 5.11 of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as amended. Ethics. The body of ethics law, rules and policies are designed to ensure that every citizen can have complete confidence in the integrity of the Government. FCA, as an agency in the executive branch, is subject to the Federal criminal conflict of interest laws and Office of Government Ethics (OGE) regulations and oversight, including the 14 General Principles of Ethical Conduct and the Uniform Standards of Ethical Conduct (Code) (5 CFR part 2635), the restrictions on certain noncareer employees (5 CFR part 2636), the regulations on ethics program responsibilities (5 CFR part 2638), the financial disclosure regulations (5 CFR part 2634), the regulations on acts affecting a personal financial interest (5 CFR part 2640), and the postemployment restrictions (5 CFR part 2641). FCA also has issued supplemental ethics rules with the concurrence of OGE (5 CFR part 4101). In addition, the FCA Board Members, as Presidential Appointees with Senate confirmation (PAS), are subject to any further applicable ethics restrictions that may be imposed by the President of the United States. Pursuant to the body of ethics laws cited above, the FCA Board will continue to hold itself to the highest standards of ethical conduct in recognition that its commitment and adherence to the Agency ethics program sets the standard for the commitment and conduct of Agency staff. Board Members should avoid actions that could create the impression that they can be improperly influenced. They should also avoid actions that could create the appearance of violating the law, the ethical standards set forth in the Federal and FCA ethical standards of conduct, or other applicable guidance. In decision making, a Board Member should be guided by the integrity of the Farm Credit Act, as amended, and also by the knowledge that he/she is acting on behalf of the public. Independence. The FCA has been established as an independent Agency to administer laws enacted by the Congress. Its PAS Board Members serve fixed terms as provided by law. Because of its independent status, Board Members should not let their official decisions be swayed by partisan demands. Although the Agency works cooperatively with Congress and the White House, Board Members and employees must remain mindful of their duty to make independent PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 71343 determinations on matters being considered by the Agency. The decisions made by a Board Member will reflect objective understanding and knowledge of the complexity of the matter under consideration. Arm’s-Length Role. The FCA Board Members and Agency staff are committed to maintaining an arm’slength relationship with the System. This means Agency decisions must be independent of any undue influence, favoritism, or special access so that all parties coming before the Agency stand on an equal footing. The Board Members, as final arbiters of Agency actions affecting the System, as well as all Agency employees who have decision-making authority affecting System institutions and related entities, must be especially mindful to conduct themselves in a fair and impartial manner, avoiding any actions that create an appearance of a loss of impartiality. This is especially important in light of FCA’s examination, rulemaking and adjudicatory functions. While open and informative communications with regulated parties is essential for an effective regulator, the FCA Board and staff will strive to maintain an appropriate balance in its communications with the System, keeping in mind the totality of the circumstances—including the content, timing and setting of such communications—before engaging with the System. FCA Board and staff will consult with the ethics staff whenever in doubt about the propriety of such communications. Determination of Appearance of Loss of Impartiality. Under the Code’s impartiality rule, an appearance concern is judged on the basis of the individual Board Member or employee determining that the circumstances would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question his or her impartiality in the matter. The rule also permits the DAEO or ethics designee to make an independent determination of whether or not a potential appearance problem would cause a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts to question a Board Member’s or employee’s impartiality in a matter. Ex Parte Communications. In its judicial functions, the Board Members and staff avoid all discussions with persons outside the Agency and its staff as set forth in Agency regulations at 12 CFR part 622.7(j). Specifically, this regulatory provision, in part, prohibits any FCA Board Member or employee who is or may reasonably be expected to be involved in the decisional process from making or knowingly cause to be made an ex parte communication E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM 17NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 222 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71342-71343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29757]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9493-4]


Proposed CERCLA Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement; River 
Forest Dry Cleaners Site, River Forest, Cook County, IL

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with Section 122(i) of the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended 
(``CERCLA''), 42 U.S.C. 9622(i), notice is hereby given of a proposed 
administrative settlement for recovery of past response costs 
concerning the River Forest Dry Cleaners site in River Forest, Cook 
County, Illinois with the following settling party: Edward Ditchfield. 
The settlement requires the Settling Party to pay $39,926, plus any 
interest accrued between the date of receipt of notice by the Settling 
Party that EPA has signed the CERCLA 122(h), 42 U.S.C. 9622(h) 
Settlement Agreement (Agreement) and the Effective Date of the 
Agreement, to the Hazardous Substance Superfund through an escrow 
account to be established by the Settling Party. The settlement 
includes a covenant not to sue the Settling Party pursuant to Section 
107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9607(a), and contribution protection for 
the Settling Party pursuant to Sections 113(f)(2) and 122(h)(4) of 
CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9613(f)(2) and 9622(h)(4). For thirty (30) days 
following the date of publication of this notice, the Agency will 
receive written comments relating to the settlement. The Agency will 
consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent 
to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations 
which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper, or 
inadequate. The Agency's response to any comments received will be 
available for public inspection at the EPA, Region 5, Records Center, 
77 W. Jackson Blvd., 7th Fl., and Chicago, Illinois 60604.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before December 19, 2011.

ADDRESSES: The proposed settlement is available for public inspection 
at the EPA, Region 5, Records Center, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., 7th Fl., 
Chicago, Illinois 60604. A copy of the proposed settlement may be 
obtained from Peter Felitti, Assoc. Regional Counsel, EPA, Office of 
Regional Counsel, Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., mail code: C-14J, 
Chicago, Illinois 60604. Comments should reference the River Forest Dry 
Cleaners Site, River Forest, Cook County, Illinois and EPA Docket No. 
and should be addressed to Peter Felitti, Assoc. Regional Counsel, EPA, 
Office of Regional Counsel, Region 5, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., mail code: 
C-14J, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Felitti, Assoc. Regional 
Counsel, EPA, Office of Regional Counsel, Region 5, 77 W. Jackson 
Blvd., mail code: C-14J, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The River Forest Dry Cleaners Superfund Site 
is located in River Forest, Cook County, Illinois. After EPA received 
an email from a concerned teacher, U.S. EPA conducted indoor air and 
sub-slab samples in facilities around the Site in November 2009, 
February 2010 and March 2010. The results did not indicate any level of 
contamination that warranted a removal action. The removal assessment 
was completed in March 2010.
    U.S. EPA issued a Demand Letter to the Settling Party in September 
2010. Between September 2010 and July 2011, EPA and the Settling Party 
negotiated the present proposed Administrative Settlement.


[[Page 71343]]


    Dated: September 28, 2011.
Richard C. Karl,
Director, Superfund Division.
[FR Doc. 2011-29757 Filed 11-16-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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