From: Heard Anne To: LaDierre. Kenneth; Ghosh. Mita Cc: Jones-Johnson. Shea; Jenkins. Brandi Subject: FW: News Article RE: Balch Bingham Date: Friday, June 23, 2017 4:26:02 PM Close Hold. VAH From: Caplan, Robert W. Sent: Friday, June 23, 2017 4:21 PM To: Heard, Anne Cc: Nowell, Valerie Rubini, Suzanne Subject: FW: News Article RE: Balch Bingham Hi Anne. I?m writing to alert you to a development in a story that I understand you were ?rst made aware of about a month ago concerning criminal investigations into a former state of Alabama representative, as well as the Balch Bingham law ?rm and Drummond Company (owner of ABC Coke). Yesterday Representative Oliver Robinson entered a plea to bribery and other charges (see story below). There are stories 011 the internet indicating that there could be more parties that will get caught 11p in potential charges. There are many concerns ?owin out of this situation that we will need to evaluate and monitor imp rcations rat SF w1 nee to eva 11ate. I reve you may a so aware that a former Balch Bingham attorney is now a principle attny general at working 011 environmental matters. Several months ago, he recused himself from working 011 the ABC case. a meet, arr and SF an anyone se to ta a out 115, just et me Robert aplan Senior Attorney US. EPA, Region 4 61 Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303 404-562-9520 From: Rieck, Stephen Sent: Friday, June 23,2017 3:12 PM To: Kemker, Carol Dubose, Dick Lascy?ic- Spagg, Beverly Caplan, Robert W. an Bot guidemgmp; Radford, Nicole Subject: News Article RE: Balch Bingham Here?s the story I discussed during the meeting To: Heard, From: l-iill, Franklin Sent: Sat 6/24/20t7 12:37:22 PM Subject: Re: You got a minute? OK. Will call after get up to speed. VAl-l Thanks Anne. I have been following this story. Anita maybe able to give us a perspective on it. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 23, 2017, at 5:26 PM, Heard, Anne wrote: Franklin, FYI. Below are 2 links to an article on the indictment of former Alabama Legislator Oliver Robinson for, among other crimes, taking a bribe to advocate against the expansion of the B?ham SF site to include the Tarrant community. See: glea/ 7/06/22/formerm The articles suggest more indictments may be coming, and one mentions the possible recording of EPA employees at a meeting. From: Caplan, Robert W. Sent: Friday, June 23, 2017 4:26 PM To: Heard, Anne To: Heard, Ghosh, Jones-Johnson, From: Jenkins, Brandi Sent: Tue 7/18/2017 7:52:00 PM Subject: FW: 35th street and Oliver Robinson FYI From: Davis, Anita Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 2:44 PM To: Jenkins, Brandi Peurifoy, Subject: FW: 35th street and Oliver Robinson From: Caplan, Robert W. Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 2:35 PM To: Davis, Anita Subject: RE: 35th street and Oliver Robinson The press seems to have figured it out. See: attorney ?i and emntoyee ?ihtmi Robert Caplan Senior Attorney US. EPA, Region 4 61 Street Atlanta, Georgia 30303 404-562-9520 From: Davis, Anita Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 1:52 PM To: Caplan, Robert W. Subject: RE: 35th street and Oliver Robinson Any idea who Attorney 1 and Drummed Employee 1 are From: Caplan, Robert W. Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2017 10:00 AM To: Davis, Anita Subject: 35th street and Oliver Robinson Hi Anita. i had seen the indictment against Oliver Robinson but did not see the actual plea agreement until today. The facts set forth in the plea agreement are staggering, astonishing really. i didn?t know if you had seen this, or if you are aware of the vast scope of the lies and deception by Robinson, in concert with Balch and Bingham and Drummond/ABC. These revelations are very troubling. Bob Robert Caplan Senior Attorney US. EPA, Region 4 From: To: Subject: Date: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Megan Medley (megan.medley@mail.house.gov); Paul Housel (paul.housel@mail.house.gov); Cari Kelly (cari.kelly@mail.house.gov); Ray Melick - Birmingham Office, Office of Representative Gary Palmer (ray.melick@mail.house.gov); Chasseny M. Lewis (chasseny.lewis@mail.house.gov); Matt Reel (matt.reel@mail.house.gov); Bill Sullivan - Office of Senator Richard C. Shelby (bill sullivan@shelby.senate.gov); Brandon Middleton; Brennan Johnson - Tuscaloosa Office, Office of Senator Richard C. Shelby (brennan johnson@shelby.senate.gov); Rick A. Dearborn - Office of Senator Jeff Sessions (rick dearborn@sessions.senate.gov) Birmingham RVP relaxation rulemaking Tuesday, June 30, 2015 10:09:00 AM We are pleased to inform your office that on June 25, 2015, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy signed the notice finalizing the Birmingham RVP relaxation rulemaking. We’ve updated our fuel volatility web pages to include the pre-publication version of the final rule and the withdrawal of the direct final rule. We’ve also updated the factsheet. The URL for the OTAQ fuel volatility webpage is: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/gasolinefuels/volatility/regulations.htm We have also updated our web-based Guide on State Summer RVP Standards: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/gasolinefuels/volatility/standards.htm Please let me know if you have any questions about the rulemaking. Respectfully, Dionne Dionne Delli-Gatti Government Affairs Specialist EPA Region 4 404-562-9912 From: Bcc: Subject: Date: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Chasseny M. Lewis (chasseny.lewis@mail.house.gov); Matt Reel (matt.reel@mail.house.gov); Oscar Berry (oscar.berry@mail.house.gov); Bill Sullivan - Office of Senator Richard C. Shelby (bill sullivan@shelby.senate.gov); Brandon Middleton (Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov); Brennan Johnson - Tuscaloosa Office, Office of Senator Richard C. Shelby (brennan johnson@shelby.senate.gov); Rick A. Dearborn - Office of Senator Jeff Sessions (rick dearborn@sessions.senate.gov) EPA is renewing efforts to complete soil sampling at 843 remaining properties within the 35th Avenue Superfund Site Wednesday, July 8, 2015 3:36:00 PM Please be aware that the EPA is renewing efforts to complete soil sampling at 843 remaining properties within the 35th Avenue Superfund Site (Site). Access Agreement letters will be sent via mail to the property owners within the month of July 2015. Following the mailings, the EPA staff will canvass the neighborhoods to obtain access on the remaining properties. The 35th Avenue Superfund Site study area consists of approximately 2,000 properties within the Collegeville, Fairmont, and Harriman Park neighborhoods. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sampled over 1,100 of these properties. Based on the level and type of contamination found and other property-specific factors, cleanup activities have been implemented in a phased approach. During Phases I and II, the EPA completed cleanup on approximately 84 properties. Currently, the EPA is working on Phase III removal activities at about 33 properties at the Site. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Respectfully, Dionne Dionne Delli-Gatti Government Affairs Specialist EPA Region 4 404-562-9912 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Delli-Gatti, Dionne Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) FW: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Thursday, March 3, 2016 9:17:26 AM CERCLAalresolution.pdf CERCLAletterEPAfeb262016.pdf Hi Dionne, Just following up again, as I believe you were out of the office earlier this week. Can you please confirm receipt of the attached? Thank you. Brandon From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 12:57 PM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: FW: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Hi Dionne, I understand you were out of the office on Friday. Can you please confirm receipt of the attached? Brandon From: Davis, Matthew [mailto:Davis.Matthew@epa.gov] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 2:03 PM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions); Haman, Patricia; Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: RE: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Brandon, We’ve received it here in HQ and I’ll pass it along to the appropriate folks. Thanks, Matthew Matthew H. Davis Air Team, Office of Congressional Affairs Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations Office of the Administrator, U.S. EPA 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, MC 1301A Washington, DC 20460 (202) 564-1267 From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) [mailto:Brandon_Middleton@sessions.senate.gov] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 1:44 PM To: Haman, Patricia ; Davis, Matthew ; DelliGatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Good afternoon, Please find attached a letter from Senator Sessions, Senator Shelby, and Representative Palmer regarding EPA administration of CERCLA and related Superfund issues in Birmingham. I have also attached a copy of a resolution from the State of Alabama which addresses this subject as well. Hard copies will follow by regular mail. Can you please confirm receipt and that this letter will be directed to the appropriate personnel in at EPA HQ and at Region 4? Thank you. Brandon M. Middleton Counsel on Environment, Energy & Transportation U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions 202-224-6616 Brandon_Middleton@sessions.senate.gov From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Delli-Gatti, Dionne Wise, Allison; Levine, Carolyn RE: CERCLA meeting Thursday, June 2, 2016 4:55:50 PM Great, thanks for the update Dionne. Brandon From: Delli-Gatti, Dionne [mailto:Delli-Gatti.Dionne@epa.gov] Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2016 4:55 PM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Cc: Wise, Allison; Levine, Carolyn Subject: RE: CERCLA meeting Brandon, We are coordinating schedules both in the region and at HQ currently. I will be back in touch soon. Thanks Dionne Dionne Delli-Gatti Government Affairs Specialist EPA Region 4 404-562-9912 From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) [mailto:Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov] Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2016 11:52 AM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Subject: CERCLA meeting Hi Dionne, I wanted to follow-up on our correspondence earlier and the CERCLA issues raised by Senator Sessions, Senator Shelby, and Rep. Palmer. Would Regional Administrator Toney be available to meet in our office in Washington either on Weds. July 6, or Thurs. July 7? As you recall, the original letter was addressed to EPA Region 4 as well as DC HQ for EPA. Accordingly, we will be requesting that Assistant Administrator Stanislaus attend this meeting as well. Thank you. Brandon M. Middleton Counsel on Environment, Energy & Transportation From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) RE: Confirming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Wednesday, June 8, 2016 2:09:00 PM Thanks Brandon. Will all 3 members be in attendance? Also do you have a proposed agenda yet? I want to make sure we have the appropriate back ground information to address all of the Members concerns. Respectfully, Dionne From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) [mailto:Brandon_Middleton@sessions.senate.gov] Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2016 11:43 AM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: Confirming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Hi Dionne, Thanks for the chat earlier this morning. We look forward to meeting with Asst. Administrator Stanislaus and representatives from EPA Region 4 (including Superfund Director Franklin Hill and yourself) on Thursday, July 7 at 4pm at our office here in DC to review the CERCLA issues we have been discussing. We completely understand Regional Administrator Toney’s circumstances and appreciate her participating in the meeting via a conference call. Thank you. Brandon M. Middleton Counsel on Environment, Energy & Transportation U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions 202-224-6616 Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Delli-Gatti, Dionne; Cutrell, Dayne (Shelby); hunter.hobart@mail.house.gov Levine, Carolyn; Wise, Allison; Jenkins, Brandi; Jones-Johnson, Shea RE: EPA Response to Title V Petitions in North Birmingham Monday, July 18, 2016 10:10:13 AM Thanks Dionne for the update. Brandon Brandon M. Middleton Counsel on Environment, Energy & Transportation U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions 202-224-6616 Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov From: Delli-Gatti, Dionne [mailto:Delli-Gatti.Dionne@epa.gov] Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2016 12:47 PM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions); Cutrell, Dayne (Shelby); hunter.hobart@mail.house.gov Cc: Levine, Carolyn; Wise, Allison; Jenkins, Brandi; Jones-Johnson, Shea Subject: EPA Response to Title V Petitions in North Birmingham Good afternoon. Please be aware that on Friday, July 15, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is denying the ABC Coke and Walter Coke petitions filed by Gasp, an Alabama nonprofit group that advocates for clean air. Gasp filed the petitions claiming that the permits do not assure compliance with general State Implementation Plan rules prohibiting air pollution at the Walter and ABC Coke Plants in North Birmingham, Alabama. The petitions for each facility are very similar. However, the Walter Coke petition includes a public participation claim that is not included in the ABC Coke petition. EPA has determined that Gasp has not demonstrated that the permits are not in compliance. Specifically, Gasp did not demonstrate: 1) That the permits need additional conditions to assure compliance with the general prohibition against “air pollution;” 2) That the permit conditions governing fugitive dust are too vague or too restrictive; and 3) That Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) failed to provide Gasp with sufficient emissions information to participate meaningfully in the permitting process. Public participation on these permits actually strengthened the permits. They now contain specific conditions to control fugitive dust emissions from each plant’s operations. EPA will continue to work with these facilities and the nearby community to be sure that these facilities are in compliance with their emissions requirements and that community members are not adversely impacted by the plants. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions. Respectfully, Dionne Dionne Delli-Gatti From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Delli-Gatti, Dionne Carr, Kerrie (Sessions); Wise, Allison RE: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Thursday, March 31, 2016 1:34:52 PM Thanks for providing letter, Dionne. We are still waiting to hear back from our folks and boss on how they’d like to approach meeting. Thanks for your patience. Brandon From: Delli-Gatti, Dionne [mailto:Delli-Gatti.Dionne@epa.gov] Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 12:55 PM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions); Wise, Allison Subject: RE: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Brandon, You should be receiving the attached response to the letter from the Senator via regular mail soon. Also, have you made any decisions regarding the requested meeting? Thank you, Dionne Dionne Delli-Gatti Government Affairs Specialist EPA Region 4 404-562-9912 From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) [mailto:Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 9:45 AM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) ; Wise, Allison Subject: RE: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Thanks! From: Delli-Gatti, Dionne [mailto:Delli-Gatti.Dionne@epa.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 9:44 AM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions); Wise, Allison Subject: RE: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Brandon, Good morning. We did receive the correspondence and are working on the response. Please let me know if you need anything else. Respectfully, Dionne Dionne Delli-Gatti Government Affairs Specialist EPA Region 4 404-562-9912 From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) [mailto:Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 9:17 AM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: FW: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Hi Dionne, Just following up again, as I believe you were out of the office earlier this week. Can you please confirm receipt of the attached? Thank you. Brandon From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2016 12:57 PM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: FW: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Hi Dionne, I understand you were out of the office on Friday. Can you please confirm receipt of the attached? Brandon From: Davis, Matthew [mailto:Davis.Matthew@epa.gov] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 2:03 PM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions); Haman, Patricia; Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: RE: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Brandon, We’ve received it here in HQ and I’ll pass it along to the appropriate folks. Thanks, Matthew Matthew H. Davis Air Team, Office of Congressional Affairs Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations Office of the Administrator, U.S. EPA 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, MC 1301A Washington, DC 20460 (202) 564-1267 From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) [mailto:Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov] Sent: Friday, February 26, 2016 1:44 PM To: Haman, Patricia ; Davis, Matthew ; DelliGatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: Letter to EPA and Region 4 re: CERCLA administration Good afternoon, Please find attached a letter from Senator Sessions, Senator Shelby, and Representative Palmer regarding EPA administration of CERCLA and related Superfund issues in Birmingham. I have also attached a copy of a resolution from the State of Alabama which addresses this subject as well. Hard copies will follow by regular mail. Can you please confirm receipt and that this letter will be directed to the appropriate personnel in at EPA HQ and at Region 4? Thank you. Brandon M. Middleton Counsel on Environment, Energy & Transportation U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions 202-224-6616 Brandon Middleton@sessions.senate.gov To: Cc: Carr, Kerrie Wise, From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Sent: Thur 6/30/2016 12:07:57 AM Subject: RE: Confirming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Ht Dianne, Here is a rough agenda for next week?s meeting: I. Introductiens 11. EPA and Reginn 4 opening perspective: background, history ef site prepesal, latest deveteprnents (10 mins) 111. Issues of concern a. Ceneerns of area residents b. Process, and coordination with state and teeal entities c. Arranger habihty and air depesttien theery d. Envirenrnental justice e. Data and scienti?c eeneerns IV. Cenelnsien if you have a conference can line fer the meeting, that wentd, be great. Thanks? Branden From: Middieton, Brandon (Sessions) To: Delli-Gatti, Cc: Carr, Kerrie Wise, AllisonlWise.Allison@epa.gov] From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Sent: Wed 6/29/2016 3:09:11 PM Subject: RE: Confirming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Hey Etienne, I plan on having semething for yen by C08 tedey. Thanks. Brenden From: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 11:33 AM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions); Wise, Allison Subject: RE: Confirming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Brenden, (Send l?m fellewing up on a eenple ef items in preparetlnn fer next week?s meeting. De you have a centerenee line that we can use fer the members 0f our team who will be participating remotely? If net we are happy to prevlde one. Also, have you had a chance to eernpleted the agenda yet? We want to ensure we are prepared to address all the members? eeneerns. Please let me knew if yen need anything additinnal from us. Respectfully, From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 1:29 PM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: RE: Con?rming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Hey Dianne, The meeting is en the calendar far all 3 members, each Of whem have expressed strong interest in attending the meeting and further discussing the CERCLA issues raised earlier. As for speci?cs/propesed agenda, intend to be in touch with yen either late next week or early week with thoughts and key issues of interest. Thanks again far your help on this. Branden From: DeIIi-Gatti, Dionne Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2016 2:09 PM To: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: RE: Confirming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Thanks Brandon. Will all 3 members he in attendanee? Alse do yon have a propesed agenda yet? I want tn make sure we have the apprepriate back ground inferrnatien tn address all Of the Members concerns. Respectfully, Dionne From: Middleton, Brandon (Sessions) Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2016 11:43 AM To: Delli-Gatti, Dionne Cc: Carr, Kerrie (Sessions) Subject: Con?rming: Thursday July 7, 4PM Hi Dionne, Thanks for the chat earlier this morning. We look forward to meeting with Asst. Administrator Stanislaus and representatives from EPA Region 4 (including Superfund Director Franklin Hill and yourself) on Thursday, July 7 at 4pm at our office here in DC to review the CERCLA issues we have been discussing. We completely understand Regional Administrator Toney?s circumstances and appreciate her participating in the meeting via a conference call. Thank you. Brandon M. Middleton Counsel on Environment, Energy Transportation US. Senator Jeff Sessions 202-224-6616