Finding Potentially Problematic ECE Programs and Locations

An important component of a safe ECE siting program is having an established process for finding potential problems. To do so, every program needs to have a way of finding

• ECE programs sited on land or in buildings where the presence of hazardous chemicals could result in harmful exposures.
• ECE programs located next to facilities using hazardous chemicals that could affect the ECE program.
• Locations that might not be safe for siting a new ECE program because of a past use or because of nearby facilities.

Appendix E describes types of former uses or nearby uses that could have left residual contamination. Chapter 4 also has examples of businesses that might pose exposure concerns if operating next to an ECE program.

A safe ECE siting program can be designed using a single approach or multiple approaches for finding problematic ECE programs and locations. Having more than one procedure for finding problem ECE programs and sites reduces the possibility that problems will be missed. Several general approaches can be used to find problem ECE programs and locations. Some approaches are resource intensive, and some require little to no additional resources.

The approach(es) you select will be driven by existing regulations, policies, and procedures and your partner groups. Your program will also be shaped by whether it will place burdens on government entities, on ECE program operators, or both. A program can be established using

• Approaches that rely on regulations to enforce procedures (regulatory model).
• Approaches that can be implemented without the need for regulations (non-regulatory model).
• A combination of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches (hybrid model).

No one type of program is preferred. Every state is different and what works in one state might not work well in another state. Table 5.1 summarizes approaches that could be used to find problem ECE programs and locations. The table is not intended to be exhaustive. Other approaches also could be successful in your state. For each approach, Table 5.1 summarizes how the approach could be implemented and provides advantages and drawbacks for the approach. Each approach is described in more detail after the table.

Table 5.1. Approaches for finding potentially problematic ECE programs and locations for future ECE