1)      Meeting began at approximately 7:07pm

2)      Meeting minutes for review and approval:

a)      April 8^th, 2008 Regular board meeting minutes were reviewed.

i)        JoElyn Brus made the motion to accept the minutes as written, Phillip Erquiaga second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

 

3)      Treasurer’s Report:

a)      The Treasurer reported that no reimbursements have been submitted and the current grant balance remaining is $35,099.29.

4)      Old Business:

a)      Since Dr. Henningsen is not present no action items with his responsibility was addressed.

b)      Summary Report of toxicity studies has been received by Dr. Black.

c)      Summary report for ABS first round findings will be presented during this meeting.

d)      DEQ Inspection results will be available in October 2008.

e)      Toxicity study summary (see summary report of toxicity studies) – received.

f)       January 2008 Denver meeting minutes were received by Dr. Black.

g)      ERS Report will be available May 22^nd, 2008.

5)      EPA Report – Paul Peronard

a)      The problem is the need for lower detection for soil samples tests, is the current method sensitive enough to determine the exposure risk, and what is the exposure level with daily activities?

i)        Ambient air – The big Three 1) ambient air, 2) indoor air, and 3) disturbance of outdoor soil.

ii)       ABS Data is not conclusive, but a snap shot of data.

(1)   Outdoor sampling is designed with two seasons “summer” – July – September; and round 2 “spring” April – June.

(2)   Indoor sampling is designed for “winter” October – April.

b)      ABS Data “snap shots” 1^st round results presentation (see attached documents)

i)        Figure 1. SQAPP Outdoor ABS Data – (bar and whisker graph)

(1)   The x axis is polarized light method results, Bin A represents non-detect (by PLM), Bin B1 and B2 are detect results; “x” represents the highest concentration.

(2)   Repeat soil sampling causes different results always.

(3)   Potential variables are 1) soil concentrations, 2) energy of activity (behavior drives a higher exposure level) and, 3) sample quantities, a larger number of samples is needed and more time is needed for sampling.

(4)   Need second round outdoor sampling.

c)      Air sampling utilized TEM method

i)        Figure 4. Total LA Levels in Personal Air Samples (etc.)

(1)   Driven by exterior soil to interior air.

(2)   Indicates day to day exposures with visible vermiculite shows lower interior air exposures.

(3)   When does it stop? When does it start?

d)      The ambient air in Libby Montana causes no worries regarding asbestos exposure.

i)        Exposures are driven by outdoor contributors.

(1)   Phillip Erquiaga Question – older homes and renovations of those homes it must be presumed will cause more exposures and hurt the people of Libby.

(2)   Response (Paul) – the study does not speak to remodeling. O&M finances will provide for the potential exposures during remodeling. It is necessary to address exposures now. ERS is currently designing for remodels and with a GPS database to track cleaned homes. It isn’t possible to get everything and homeowners will remodel regardless of exposures. Education is needed to make compliance easier to lower the risk of exposures.

(3)   Phillip Question – Evergreen Hotel soil is being removed and equipment cleaned in the street gutters.

(4)   Response (Paul) – day to day operations regarding this type of activity needs to be addressed by Mike Cirian – he will look into this event.

(5)   Cross contamination is a great concern and it is not being addressed the way it needs to be addressed (statement by Phillip).

(6)   Discussion followed regarding the demolition of the old Eagles building which was all approved by the State of Montana.

6)      DEQ Report

a)      The Troy meeting was attended by approximately 40 people. Quality issues regarding the Libby cleanup versus the planned Troy cleanup was discussed. Inspections will begin in early June and they want to spot check previous data.

7)      Technical Advisor Report – no report

8)      Sub-Committee Reports

a)      Communications Committee – Phillip Erquiaga (chairperson)

i)        LATAG got 701 signatures on the response letter to the Attorney General.

ii)       CAG was going to amend the letter, but LATAG received no feedback regarding the amendment, their letter was available at St. John’s Hospital for signatures. It is unknown how many signatures CAG received.

(1)   Catherine LeCours confirmed the governor’s office received letters; they will write a letter back to CAG regarding their findings.

b)      Health/Safety Committee – Alvin Benitz/Nancy Hogan (co-chairs)

i)        Planning on reporting next month.

c)      Nomination Committee – Helen Andries (chairperson)

i)        No Report

d)      O&M Attendance Committee - Mike Noble/LeRoy Thom (co-chairs)

i)        No attendance from LATAG at the previous meeting.

ii)       Catherine LeCours reported that continued work is being done on the export plant plan.

e)      Technical Advisor Committee – Dr. Brad Black (chairperson)

i)        Wendy O’Brien, Region 8 toxicologist provided a report on their research and development of the toxicology project.

(1)   Animal studies are being conducted as well as cellular (Petri dishes) and NCEA toxicity values for worker/cohort studies. Analytical studies are being done with low level soil sampling, monthly meetings and attempts to refine dosing material.

9)      New Business

a)      Discussion followed regarding the demolition of the old “Eagles” building.

 

10)   Action Items

a)      Identify responses of Gerry Henningsen’s concerns to EPA and EPA’s response to those issues. Gerry Henningsen to provide to LATAG.

11)   Next Regularly Scheduled LATAG meeting June 10^th, 2008.

 

12)   Adjourn

a)      Phillip Erquiaga made the motion to adjourn, LeRoy Thom second motion. Motion unanimously passed.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:02pm.