Restoration Advisory Board members were recognized by APG Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton during a recent meeting at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Edgewood. The RAB is a critical component of APG's program to keep the public ...

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Fifteen members of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Restoration Advisory Board received certificates of appreciation from APG Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton during a June 27 meeting at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Edgewood.

The members were recognized for their support, community voice, and contributions that helped APG's Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division win the Army and Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards in the Environmental Restoration- Installation category.

The RAB is a group established to enhance the exchange of information between the Army and the local community regarding the Army's environmental cleanup program. The board discusses ongoing studies, the status of cleanup projects, accomplishments, upcoming activities, and schedules. Members are asked to participate in meetings and to review and comment on technical documents and plans. They are encouraged to discuss the cleanup program with their friends, co-workers, students, neighbors, or with members of any community groups they represent.

RAB members include a community co-chair, Army co-chair, community members, and representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Maryland Department of the Environment and Harford County Government.

Cindy Smith, Environmental Planning and Sustainability Branch Chief, said RAB members bring a fresh perspective and provide valuable feedback.

"What happens at APG affects the whole community," she said.

McClinton said the RAB creates trust and transparency within the community.

"The RAB helps keep us accountable," McClinton said.

RAB meetings are open to the public. Copies of the minutes of the monthly meetings are placed in APG's information repositories at the Aberdeen and Edgewood branches of the Harford County Library and Miller Library at Washington College in Kent County. Copies are also available at the Joppa and Cecilton libraries.

For more information about RAB or APG's environmental cleanup program, call 410-272-8842 or 1-800- APG-9998, or visit www.apg.army. mil/apghome/sites/directorates/DPW/ environment/Restoration/index.cfm.