Case Studies - Examples of Clark Group's Work

The Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition: Strategy for the Future

In January of 2004 21st Century Partnership, the community partner organization for Warner Robins Air Force Base in Middle Georgia, realized that two federal processes were about to converge and potentially place Robins AFB at risk of closure. US EPA had recently begun its process to designate counties around the country as non-attainment for their new and stricter 8-hour ground level ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard. At the same time, the Department of Defense (DoD) was beginning their data call for military bases in preparation for the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Process (BRAC). The designation as non-attainment for Houston County, home to Robins AFB, would have put the base at risk for closure or at least would have imposed limits to future mission growth. The economic impact of base closure to the community is on the order of a $4 billion loss, in addition to forever changing the character of Middle Georgia.

In cooperation with County elected officials, Georgia's Environmental Protection Division, and the Georgia Congressional delegation, the Clark Group coordinated the review and analysis of air quality modeling studies to show the true nature of Houston County's contribution to this environmental issue. Working with senior regional and headquarters US EPA staff, the Clark Group team made the scientific case for Houston County that allowed EPA to not designate the County.

Going beyond the solution necessary at the moment, the Clark Group team envisioned sustainability for Middle Georgia and Robins AFB by coordinating the formation of the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition (MGCAC).

Understanding that their response needed regional action, the seven counties of Middle Georgia committed to supporting the MGCAC to design a path to attainment. The regional link among these counties has been strong with respect to commerce and economy, but this is the first environmental issue the cities and counties have joined forces to address. It serves as a national model for how both designated and non-designated counties can work cooperatively toward a common goal.

Made up of County Commissioners and Mayors from Bibb, Houston, Monroe, Peach, Jones, Twiggs and Crawford, the Coalition has partnered with the Middle Georgia Clean Cities Coalition, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Georgia Tech, Georgia Department of Transportation (GA DOT), and the Georgia Clean Air Campaign (GCAC).

The purpose of the MGCAC is to accept leadership responsibilities for clean air in the region and to develop strategies to reduce air pollution. Rather than wait until a State Implementation Plan is developed, the MGCAC identified six actions to immediately begin. They are:

• Truck Stop Electrification
• Open Burning Restrictions
• Public Education and Awareness
• Alternative fuels for school buses
• Commuter Solutions

Lastly, The Clark Group is coordinating the development of a Strategy for the Future planning document. It is a comprehensive long-term plan to address regional air pollution to ensure that gains are not only achievable, but will remain for generations to come. The plan sets date-certain goals in the areas of smart growth, alternative fuel vehicles, renewable energy, and local government operations, maintenance, and procurement practices.

Tulalip Tribes and Snohomish County, Washington - Salmon Recovery Project

Initial Situation

• Tulalip Tribes and Snohomish County, Washington jointly hired The Clark Group
• The mission was to develop new solutions to assist with salmon recovery efforts in the Snohomish Basin
• The upper part of the watershed contains numerous dairy farms that contribute to stream pollution.
• Dairy farmers and tribes had been locked in litigation for years.
• Politics of agriculture and tribal interests were splitting the County.

The Clark Group Solution

• The Clark Group proposed that the Tulalip Tribes and the dairy farmers create a Joint Venture to develop a biogas facility:
• A 1 megawatt facility to take dairy waste and turn it into energy.
• The facility cleans up the streams, allows dairy farmers to expand herd sizes, allows dairy farmers to contribute to salmon restoration activities.
• The Clark Group facilitated the Snohomish Basin Biogas Partnership, a coalition of the Tulalip Tribes, Sno-Sky Agricultural Alliance, Northwest Chinook Recovery and Washington State Dairy Federation.
• Secured $250,000 from Department of Energy to conduct a feasibility study of the project.
• Oversaw the feasibility study including selection of consultants, conduct of on-the-ground assessments, etc.

The Clark Groups actions to finish the solution

• Secured $500,000 construction grant from Department of Agriculture.
• Lobbied the Washington State Legislature to gift a $1.5 million piece of property to the Tribes for the facility.
• Helped solicit development and financing proposals.
• Signing agreement with developer to build the facility.