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The Voluntary Cleanup Program Step 1: Eligibility and Application Most sites are eligible. The main exclusions are if the site is listed as a Federal or State Superfund site,is a military facility, or if it falls outside of DTSC's jurisdiction,as in the case where a site contains only leaking underground fuel tanks. Another possible limitation is if another agency currently has oversight, e.g., a county(for underground storage tanks). The current oversight agency must consent to transfer the cleanup responsibilities to DTSC before the proponent can enter into a Voluntary Cleanup Program agreement. Additionally,DTSC can enter into an agreement to work on a specified element of a cleanup(risk assessment or public participation, for example),if the primary oversight agency gives its consent. The standard application is attached to this fact sheet. If neither of these exclusions apply, the proponent submits an application to DTSC,providing details about site conditions,proposed land use and potential community concerns. No fee is required to apply for the Voluntary Cleanup Program. Step 2: Negotiating the Agreement Once DTSC accepts the application,the proponent meets with experienced DTSC professionals to negotiate the agreement. The agreement can range from services for an initial site assessment,to oversight and certification of a full site cleanup,based on the proponent's financial and scheduling objectives. The Voluntary Cleanup Program agreement specifies the estimated DTSC costs, scheduling for the project,and DTSC services to be provided. Because every project must meet the same legal and technical cleanup requirements as do State Superfund sites, and because DTSC staff provide oversight,the proponent is assured that the project will be completed in an environmentally sound manner. In the agreement,DTSC retains its authority to take enforcement action if, during the investigation or cleanup, it determines that the site presents a serious health threat,and proper and timely action is not otherwise being taken. The agreement also allows the project proponent to terminate the Voluntary Cleanup Program agreement with 30 days written notice if they are not satisfied that it is meeting their needs. Step 3: Site Activities Prior to beginning any work, the proponent must have: signed the Voluntary Cleanup Program agreement; made the advance payment; and committed to paying all project costs,including those associated with DTSC's oversight. The project manager will track the project to make sure that DTSC is on schedule and within budget. DTSC will bill its costs quarterly so that large,unexpected balances will not occur. October 2002