Technical Assistance Plan (TAP)
A Technical Assistance Plan (TAP) enables community groups to retain the services of an independent technical advisor to help interpret and understand technical site information. The TAP can also provide resources for a community group to help other community members learn about site decisions.
Unlike other forms of community technical assistance, which are funded by EPA or other government entities, TAPs are funded by potentially responsible parties (PRPs) through provisions in a negotiated settlement agreement. TAP provisions ensure that communities affected by such settlements have a technical assistance opportunity at least equivalent to opportunities available to other communities via Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs). PRPs are usually in charge of implementing a TAP. EPA retains a strong oversight role.