COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN (2024)

COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN

BROWNFIELD CLEANUP PROJECT

ACOMITA DAY SCHOOL SITE

294 PUEBLO ROAD

PUEBLO OF ACOMA, NEW MEXICO

PREPARED FOR:

REMEDIATION OVERSIGHT SECTION

NEW MEXICO ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT

May 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview of the Community Relations Plan ......................................................................................... 1

Spokespersons and Information Repository ........................................................................................ 1

Site Description and History.................................................................................................................. 2

Nature of Threat to Public Health and Environment............................................................................ 2

Proposed Remediation Plan.................................................................................................................. 2

Future Site Use ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Community Background........................................................................................................................ 3

Proposed Community Involvement and Outreach Activities ............................................................... 4

Community Involvement Chronology and Scheduling ......................................................................... 5

Figures

Figure 1:

Figure 2:

Site Vicinity Map

Site Map

Appendices

Appendix A:

Draft Public Notice

i

COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN

ACOMITA DAY SCHOOL, PUEBLO OF ACOMA, NM

BROWNFIELDS CLEANUP PROJECT

May 2024

Overview of the Community Relations Plan

This Community Relations Plan (CRP) was prepared to facilitate communications within the

community and to encourage community involvement in the cleanup planning of the former

Acomita Day School located at 294 Pueblo Road in Pueblo of Acoma, Cibola County, New

Mexico (site).

The public relations process will communicate project status and solicit public input on the

site cleanup from project stakeholders and residents. Public outreach will inform the public

on key issues identified during the cleanup and reuse planning process. The long-term

success of the cleanup and ultimate redevelopment of the former Acomita Day School will

be enhanced by informed citizens’ involvement during the cleanup and redevelopment

planning process.

Spokespersons and Information Repository

The primary spokesperson for this project is:

Donna Martinez, Program Coordinator

Acoma Environment Department

Pueblo of Acoma

505.552.5161

dmartinez@posmail.org

The information repository for this project, including the environmental assessments,

cleanup plans, and other environmental information is located at:

Pueblo of Acoma Community Center

25 Pinsbaari Dr.

Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034

Public meetings will be held at:

Pueblo of Acoma Community Center

25 Pinsbaari Dr.

Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034

1

Site Description and History

The site consists of approximately 1.1 acres at 294 Pueblo Road in Pueblo of Acoma, Cibola

County, New Mexico. The site includes five buildings and two storage sheds. The site is

unoccupied but was previously occupied by the Acomita Day School. Buildings on the site were

formerly occupied by administrative offices, a cafeteria (formerly offices), a dispensary,

classrooms, and a printing press. The buildings were reported to have been constructed in the

1920’s or 1930’s.

Nature of Threat to Public Health and Environment

Based on the document Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Vacant Former Acomita Day

School, (AECOM, April 23, 2018) the past use of one building as a printing press was considered

a recognized environmental condition. AECOM indicated there was a potential for contamination

from chemicals related to the printing press via vapor intrusion and wastewater treatment and

discharge in the septic system. AECOM further recommended asbestos and lead-based paint

surveys be performed prior to renovation or demolition activities.

AECOM performed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment to evaluate the presence/absence

of contamination related to the former printing press operations on site (AECOM, December 10,

2020). Soil samples were collected adjacent to the wastewater line and septic tank and a water

sample was collected from the septic tank. None of the samples contained detectable

concentrations of contaminants of concern.

SMA performed a Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment for asbestos-containing

material (ACM) and lead-based paint (LBP) which identified ACM and LBP in each of the five major

buildings on the Acomita Day School property (SMA, December 16, 2021).

Remedial actions are necessary at the site to abate the ACM and LBP present in site structures.

Proposed Remediation Plan

The cleanup plan includes the abatement of ACM and LBP found throughout site structures

and the demolition of all five single-story buildings (administrative office, cafeteria,

dispensary, printing press, and classrooms). The removal of ACM found in exterior stucco of

the cafeteria building is most critical as the building has observable structural damage including

failed exterior walls and roof, causing community health and safety concerns. ACM found in

exterior stucco and/or roofing paper with tar of the remaining four buildings

(classroom, printing press, dispensary, and administrative offices) also poses health

concerns to the Pueblo of Acoma residents. The removal of LBP found in all five site

buildings including on exterior features such as: exterior window components, exterior

painted walls, and exterior door components, will be completed prior to interior cleanup

activities.

2

The removal of ACM including linoleum and tile flooring within the dispensary and cafeteria

buildings will follow exterior cleanup activities. LBP identified on various features throughout

the interior of all site five buildings will also be removed prior to their demolition.

An Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) will be completed prior to initiation of

cleanup activities and is subject to public comment. The final selected cleanup alternative will

be implemented in accordance with all applicable state, federal and pueblo regulations to

assure protection of public health and the environment.

Future Site Use

The Pueblo of Acoma plans to redevelop the site. Specific plans have not been completed.

Community Background

The Pueblo of Acoma is located approximately 60 miles west of Albuquerque in Cibola County,

New Mexico. According to the 2020 US Census (Acoma Pueblo - Profile data - Census Reporter),

the Acoma Pueblo is a community of approximately 2,982 residents with more than 1,100

housing units, 94% of which are owner occupied vs. renter occupied.

The Pueblo of Acoma is a federally recognized Native American Tribe that is made up of four

communities: Sky City, Acomita, Anzac, and McCartys. The pueblo encompasses approximately

431,664 acres, inhabited by the Acoma People circa 1150 A.D. Predominant land use throughout

the pueblo would be considered agricultural grazing and mixed residential and commercial.

Socioeconomic data indicate the following:

Median Age

Median Household Income

Native

Hispanic

White

Other or Multiple Race

39 years old

$52,667

85%

7%

3%

5%

The Acomita Day School site is comprised of five buildings within the Acomita community of the

Pueblo of Acoma located in the northeastern portion of Cibola County off Interstate-40.

According to the 2000 census 288 people reside in Acomita with approximately 90 households.

The majority of the residents commute to surrounding communities for employment, with the

exception of employment provided by the Pueblo and service industry jobs generated by the I40 travelers.

3

Proposed Community Involvement and Outreach Activities

This section outlines the activities that will be completed to facilitate the Pueblo of Acoma

community involvement of the Acomita Day School project, including issuing public notice and

making the project planning documents available to the affected community.

The Acomita Day School cleanup project was discussed at a meeting of Pueblo Tribal Leadership

and Tribal Council on November 17, 2023, and again at a general meeting of the community on

November 26, 2023.

An administrative record, including hard copies of all project planning documents, will be

established at the Acoma Environment Department. Placing the documents at the Pueblo of

Acoma Community Center will ensure that the public is able to access and comment on the

proposed environmental cleanup. The project planning documents will provide analysis of

various cleanup options, documentation of the chosen cleanup option, all property investigation

reports, the cleanup plan, and cleanup standards used. Documents available for review will

include the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Phase II ESA – former printing press area

Phase II ESA – ACM and LBP sitewide

Community Relations Plan (CRP)

Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA)

Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Final cleanup report

A 30-day public comment period will occur after Pueblo of Acoma, EPA and NMED have provided

review and comment of the Draft CRP and Draft ABCA. The public notice will be completed in

accordance with Pueblo of Acoma’s standard operating procedures for public notice. This may

include notice of available information on the Pueblo of Acoma website, posting of flyers in public

locations, and public meeting(s), as deemed necessary. The public notice will include contact

information for the project manager, as well as the address for the Information Repository,

where the project materials are available for review. Responses to any public comments that are

received, any changes to the cleanup plan, and final verification that cleanup is complete will be

included within the Information Repository.

In order to facilitate ongoing community involvement during the project, the Pueblo of Acoma

will post regular updates to the website including information on who to contact with questions,

comments and concerns. Questions will be answered in a timely manner and the Q&A will also

be posted. Updates will also address milestones and future public meetings to encourage public

participation and maintain an open dialog with the community. A public meeting will be held

when the final redevelopment plans have been completed to explain the plan and solicit

additional comments and/or concerns.

4

Community Involvement Chronology and Scheduling

•

•

•

November 17, 2023 – Tribal Leaders and Tribal Council Meeting

November 26, 2023 – General Meeting of Community

TBD – Public Notice of 30-day comment period on CRP, ABCA

5

Figures

SUBJECT PROPERTY

0

500

1000

SCALE: 1"=1,000 FT.

Basemap from Cubero, NM, USGS Quadrangle (1971)

SOUDER, MILLER & ASSOCIATES

SMA

Engineering Environmental

Surveying

5454 VENICE AVENUE NE, SUITE D

Albuquerque, NM 87113

Phone (505) 299-0942 Fax (505) 293-3430

www.soudermiller.com

Serving the Southwest & Rocky Mountains

Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, Roswell, Santa Fe, NM

Cortez - Grand Junction, CO - Safford, AZ - Moab, UT, El Paso, TX

Drawn

Checked

Approved

AJE

SAM

SAM

Date:

ACOMITA DAY SCHOOL - VICINITY MAP

FEBRUARY 2024

Scale: Horiz: 1= 1,000'

Vert: NA

Project No:

Sheet:

1432164

FIGURE 1

© Copyright 2021 Souder, Miller & Associates - All Rights Reserved

P:\1-NMED Acomita Day School (1430152)\CAD\Civil\2024-02 Brownfields Docs.dwg, 2/13/2024 1:14:35 PM mjk

CLASSROOMS

D

OA

R

O

BL

ADMINISTRATIVE

OFFICES

E

PU

CAFETERIA

DISPENSARY

PRINTING PRESS

SHEDS

0

250

500 FT.

SCALE: 1"= 500 FT.

Legend

Approximate Property Boundary

Building Material with % Asbestos Content

Aerial Photo Courtesy of Google Earth (Image date: 4/7/2019)

SOUDER, MILLER & ASSOCIATES

SMA

Engineering Environmental

Surveying

5454 VENICE AVENUE NE, SUITE D

Albuquerque, NM 87113

Phone (505) 299-0942 Fax (505) 293-3430

www.soudermiller.com

Serving the Southwest & Rocky Mountains

Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces, Roswell, Santa Fe, NM

Cortez - Grand Junction, CO - Safford, AZ - Moab, UT, El Paso, TX

ACOMITA DAY SCHOOL - ASBESTOS DATA

Drawn

Checked

Approved

AJE

SAM

SAM

Date:

FEBRUARY 2024

Scale: Horiz: 1= 500'

Vert: NA

Project No:

Sheet:

1432164

FIGURE 2

© Copyright 2021 Souder, Miller & Associates - All Rights Reserved

P:\1-NMED Acomita Day School (1430152)\CAD\Civil\2024-02 Brownfields Docs.dwg, 2/13/2024 1:15:32 PM mjk

Appendix A – Draft Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANALYSIS OF BROWNFIELDS CLEANUP ALTERNATIVES and COMMUNITY RELATIONS PLAN

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) gives NOTICE OF THE OPPORTUNITY FOR

PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT of the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA),

Community Relations Plan (CRP) and Administrative Record for the former Acomita Day School

site located at 294 Pueblo Road in Pueblo of Acoma, Cibola County, New Mexico.

A Brownfield is a property which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a

hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The former Acomita Day School site contains

asbestos and lead-based paint. The purpose of an ABCA is to provide information about

contamination issues at the property and evaluate the effectiveness, implementability and cost

of different cleanup options. The purpose of a CRP is to facilitate communications within the

community and to encourage community involvement in the cleanup planning.

The Administrative Record contains all documents related to the Brownfields cleanup project.

NMED will allow until DATE, MONTH 2024 to receive written comments pertaining to the

ABCA and CRP. Any person may submit written comments and/or request a public meeting by

writing to NMED no later than 30 days after the date of this publication. If NMED determines a

significant degree of public interest exists, it will schedule the meeting and give notice of the

date, time and place.

The ABCA, CRP and Administrative Record are available for review during normal business hours

(Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM) at Pueblo of Acoma Community Center, 25 Pinsbaari Dr.,

Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034. The ABCA and CRP are also on file at the New Mexico Environment

Department, Harold Runnels Building, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505. Electronic

versions of project documents may be requested via email from the contact listed below or

viewed on the NMED Public Notice website at https://www.env.nm.gov/public-notices/.

All comments must be in writing and addressed to New Mexico Environment

Department, Ground Water Quality Bureau (Attention: Genevieve Morgan), P.O. Box 5469,

Santa Fe, NM 87502-5469; fax 505-827-2965; e-mail genevieve.morgan@env.nm.gov.

Comments may also be submitted online using the Public Comment Portal located at https://

nmed.commentinput.com/.

NMED does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age or sex in the administration of

its programs or activities, as required by applicable laws and regulations. NMED is responsible for coordination of

compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R.

Parts 5 and 7, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 13 of the

Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. If you have any questions about this notice or any

of NMED’s non- discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Kathryn Becker, NonDiscrimination Coordinator, New Mexico Environment Department, 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050, P.O. Box

5469, Santa Fe, NM 87502, (505) 827-2855, nd.coordinator@env.nm.gov. If you believe that you have been

discriminated against with respect to a NMED program or activity, you may contact the Non-Discrimination

Coordinator identified above or visit our website at https://www.env.nm.gov/general/environmental-justice-innew-mexico/ to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.