Mike Cirian

 

1.       Meeting began at approximately 7:00pm

2.       Introductions

3.       Meeting minutes to be reviewed:

a.       Meeting minutes from the November 6^th, 2007 regular board meeting were reviewed.

                          i.      Eileen Carney made the motion to accept the meeting minutes as written. Dr. Brad Black second the motion. Motion unanimously passed.

 

4.       Treasurer’s report – JoElyn Brus

a.       Current grant balance reported is $38,040.38; this does not reflect a pending reimbursement (#50) in the amount of $840.49.

b.       It was asked of the Grant Administrator to forward the Treasurer’s report to the Technical Advisor, and when the TA detail report is available to forward that as well (ACTION ITEM).

 

5.       Old Business

a.       The floor was opened for nominations for the Ad-Hoc position that will need to be replaced in January of 2008.

                           i.      No additional nominations were made at this time.

b.       Additional information is needed regarding the environmental assessment and the due date of this document. A request has been received for quarterly updates. (ACTION ITEM).

c.       Detailed reimbursement paid distribution is pending (ACTION ITEM).

d.       Grant Administrator’s expenditures needs are pending (ACTION ITEM).

e.       Yearly invoice for latag.org domain name is pending (ACTION ITEM).

f.        Web master invoice is pending (ACTION ITEM).

g.       $100k grant renewal document is pending (ACTION ITEM).

h.       The Grant Administrator reported that EPA has “accepted” the TA contract and both the GA and TA contracts have been signed by the contractor, LATAG, and copies sent to EPA (Denver).

                           i.      It was reported that the TA contract might not be “accepted” yet by EPA, this needs to be confirmed (ACTION ITEM).

                         ii.      Dr. Gerry Henningsen voiced his concerns regarding the modifications that EPA requested of LATAG on his contract. These modifications include work where some was completed in 2007, but continued work will be billed for 2008. The concern exists around the probability that EPA will see “double billing” for the same tasks.

 

6.       EPA Report (work in progress)

a.       Libby Area – Mike Cirian

                           i.      The construction season for 2007 is completed. Currently EPA is working on planning and the design stages for this next year. A total estimated 954 properties have been completed.

                         ii.      Activity Base Sampling – currently 50 properties are participating in this activity, they are completed the second pass of sampling. 58 properties are completed with a scheduled completion date of January 12^th or 15^th 2008. There will be a third pass completed after January 15^th, 2008. EPA wanted to express their appreciation to the community for their sacrificing for the community sampling processes. At this time, the availability of the report is unknown.

1.      Dr. Gerry Henningsen commented that activity base sampling is only a part of a screening process, with the upcoming extensive testing to be completed, he does not consider activity base sampling to be remedial actions.

                        iii.      Ambient Air Sampling – currently there are four additional stations in town that EPA may cut back on. These stations have been in place for one year.

                       iv.      The Flower creek cleanup will be utilizing the emergency response contract monies.

                         v.      ERS Costs – a report maybe available January 8^th, 2008 covering the time period of October 2006 through May 2007, and June 2007 through November 2007. EPA is currently working on an ERS plan.

                       vi.      2008 EPA budget:

1.      $17 Million has been slated for 2008 cleanup. Approximately $6.25million has been salted for “pipeline” which includes the following projects:

a.       Ambient Air Sampling

b.       Inside/Outside Activity Base Sampling

c.       Baseline Risk Assessment

d.       Mine Site

e.       Processing Areas (screening/export plant)

f.        Troy Asbestos Property Evaluation (TAPE)

g.       OU4

2.       The toxicity study has been allocated funds, but the epidemiology studies have not been allocated funds, there are staff issues.

a.       According to Dr. Black it is approximately $5 million lacking in funds. Funds are also needed for the data system.

b.       According to Dr. Henningsen the risk assessment, toxicity study, epidemiology studies all require full time staffing needs. Gerry is concerned regarding the lack of personnel resources does not support timely studies being completed. There is a “brick-wall” being encountered regarding funding and resources for these needed studies. There was a meeting involving Region 8 in July of 2007 but no movement has been seen to remedy the situation. It was requested that a letter be generated to the Governor and the Senators of Montana to get these issues addressed.

                      vii.      Dr. Gerry Henningsen asked some issues:

1.      Will EPA expedite risk assessments for smaller OU’s?

a.       RESPONSE: There is no status at this time for this (Mike Cirian)

2.      Are there pending documents that LATAG needs to have reviewed?

a.       RESPONSE: Unknown, Mike Cirian will look into this (ACTION ITEM).

3.      Does LATAG need to review the SWQAPP?

a.       RESPONSE. Unknown, Mike Cirian will look into this (ACTION ITEM).

 

                    viii.      Phillip Erquiaga asked if EPA would have the 2008 work plan available before the town meeting on January 10^th, 2008.

1.       RESPONSE: Unknown, but Ted Linnert should know or this could be referred to Paul Peronard.

b.       Troy Area – Mike Cirian

                           i.      There have been identified six properties that have a high priority, more may be added.

 

7.       Technical Advisor Report – Dr. Gerry Henningsen

a.       Gerry will provide an in-kind report in a simple format for time spent between April 30^th, 2007 and the date of his signed contract (November 26^th, 2007). This time can be included in LATAG in-kind report. The report will be available by year end (ACTION ITEM).

b.       Gerry expressed the need to improve communications with the community, he asked who the point of contact is.

                           i.      RESPONSE: Helen Andries is the Chairperson for the Communications committee. Gerry will send some thoughts her way.

c.       Budget for TA contract allows one trip, when would LATAG like to see Gerry next?

                           i.      RESPONSE: Attend the January LATAG meeting and town meeting between January 8^th and 11^th allowing additional days for travel. LeRoy Thom made the motion to have the TA travel to Libby during this time, Eileen Carney second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

 

8.       Sub-Committee Reports

a.       Communications – Helen Andries (chairperson)

                           i.      Newsletters – more copies are needed for distribution

1.      The possibility of an electronic version of the newsletter maybe available.

2.      JoElyn Brus asked about the frequency of the newsletters, Helen Andries reported they would be generated on a quarterly basis.

                         ii.      Upcoming newspaper articles will be distributed for review.

                        iii.      Web Site status will be available in January 2008.

b.       ERS – Mike Noble (chairperson)

                           i.      See above report by EPA (Mike Cirian).

c.       Nomination – Helen Andries (chairperson)

                           i.      No Report

d.       O&M – Mike Noble/LeRoy Thom (co-chairpersons)

                           i.      No LATAG presence from this past month at the O&M meeting

                         ii.      Mike Cirian reported about the attendance of the Portland University group and an overview of their activities. Also OU #1 document is past the outline stage.

e.       Technical Advisory – Dr. Brad Black (chairperson)

                          i.      Dr. Brad Black made the motion to have LATAG generate a letter to the Governor and the senators regarding the concerns of LATAG for resources needed to generate complete studies of the Libby amphibole fiber, Phillip Erquiaga second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

1.       Gerry mentioned that Senator Baucus’s office requested an update from LATAG regarding their concerns (and or needs). It was discussed that the right people need to be aware of LATAG and their needs, and the current positions of their technical needs.

2.       Discussion followed regarding the needs of LATAG versus the projected response of EPA regarding the lack of lobbying activities.

a.       Discussion followed regarding the level of education and knowledge that the general community has and how to increase this.

b.       Dr. Black mentioned that there is a Marysville article that he will share with the board.

 

9.       New Business (none)

10.   Open Discussion (none)

11.   Review and agreement on action items

a.       See attached

12.   Next Meeting Scheduled January 8^th, 2008.

 

13.   Adjourn:

a.       JoElyn Brus made the motion to adjourn, LeRoy Thom second the motion. Motion unanimously passed.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00pm