HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Hill Air Force Base’s Environmental Restoration Advisory Board, or RAB, is seeking applicants interested in representing the community of Hill AFB in important environmental cleanup decisions that affect both the base and surrounding communities. Base housing residents and workers are encouraged to apply.
Established in 1995, Hill’s RAB was formed to enhance community participation in the cleanup process and provide a forum for meaningful dialogue between community members, stakeholders, and Hill AFB environmental officials. The RAB is composed of community and local government representatives from the seven cities surrounding the base, environmental regulators, Air Force representatives, and other interested parties.
While the Air Force’s interests are fully represented on the RAB through an appointed Air Force co-chair, those who live and work at Hill should also have representation as those that experience Hill AFB as their home and workplace. The Hill AFB community position is currently vacant.
“Public participation is crucial to the success of the cleanup program. This is especially important as we continue investigating contaminated soil areas in Upper Area F Base Housing,” said Mark Loucks, Hill Section Chief. “We hope to see a lot of interest in this position and welcome everyone. Applicants do not need any special training.”
Community RAB members serve voluntarily, without compensation, for a two-year term. Members are expected to attend quarterly meetings and can expect to devote up to three hours per month to their responsibilities, which include reviewing cleanup plans, providing feedback on technical documents and reports, and attending training events.
“I have learned so much about how Hill AFB takes seriously the efforts being made to restore the ground and groundwater,” said Bambi Gibson, the Sunset community representative. “The engineers and professionals that present the plans and findings to the RAB are so respectful and explain all the efforts in a way that is understandable to the average citizen.”
As a liaison between the community and the Air Force, members should also be available to discuss concerns with their constituents.
“Over the years I have been able to help other community members understand what is happening and that there are caring people committed to solving these problems,” Gibson said.
Those interested in applying can request an application by calling 801-775-6760. The application with submission instructions is also available online at www.hill.af.mil/RAB-Application. Applications must be postmarked or received by midnight on April 9.
The RAB will review applications and select a representative at the April 24 meeting. Applicants are encouraged to attend and will have an opportunity to briefly introduce themselves. RAB meetings are open to the public and are held at the Sunset City Offices, 200 West 1300 North in Sunset, at 6:30 p.m.