Meeting began at approximately 6:30pm

Introductions:

The following meeting is considered a strategic meeting regarding upcoming events, presentations and challenges for LATAG.

1. Discussion followed regarding Dr. Black’s presentation on Health Effects on Low Level Exposures.
   1. It was recommended to invite the new Region 8 Administrator to the presentation. The presentation will first be given to the LATAG Board for educational purposes and to generate discussion points to be presented to EPA. The presentation is tentatively scheduled for March, generating discussion points, then presenting to EPA with LATAG’s concerns regarding low level exposures.
   2. Abe Troyer mentioned worker safety as related to the baseline risk assessment whereas gaps exist in worker safety during the sampling process. Discussion followed regarding after a cleanup is completed there is still exposed vermiculite at depth before capping the area.
   3. Dr. Black recommended providing a general outline to the community regarding the exposures, details needed to be added reflecting current cleanup processes.
   4. Gordon Sullivan asked if LATAG has the expertise to provide this information, and Dr. Black responded that general recommendations need to be brought to the County Commissioners and the general public. Gordon commented that in the years 2003 and 2004 exposures were different based on the cleanup procedures, which were based on a different standard. Dr. Black responded that visible vermiculite should be a single trigger initiating a cleanup. Gordon’s response was the cleanup criteria changed from 2003/2004 and in 2007, that EPA is now encapsulating the contamination instead of removing it.
   5. Discussion followed regarding the science that is available to understand the basis of the cleanup processes; this science should be based on fact and it should be “cut and dried” science.  Discussion points need to be created, addressed and move forward regarding understanding the cleanup process.

                                                               i.      Gordon commented that over 450 homes were cleanup under the old criteria and families are at extreme risk of still being exposed.

                                                             ii.      Dr Black commented that EPA started pulling back when Paul Peronard was pulled off the Libby site, and “chasing” visible vermiculite was no longer a trigger for EPA. Discussion points need to be developed but LATAG needs a firm understanding to education the commissioners and general public. County Health will take a roll in this education as well. LATAG’s recourse for resolution is with the commissioners.

                                                            iii.      Mel Parker requested clarification on the low exposure presentation. Dr. Black responded that basic education of the low exposure dosing would be helpful to put together discussion points to be presented to the new EPA administration head during a public meeting. Teamwork is not being seen from EPA and it is perceived that they do not have the best interests for Libby.

                                                           iv.      Dr. Black discussed the major flaws in the current science being used; LATAG needs to understand why it is flawed and why EPA is using it. A decision was made to have Dr. Black present the health effects on low level exposures Friday, January 30^th, 2009 at FVCC (ACTION ITEM).

2. Discussion followed regarding OU1 which is anticipated to be addressed by EPA at the Town Hall meeting scheduled for Monday, February 9^th, 2009 at the Little Theater at 7:00pm.
   
   
3. It was asked if Dr. Black’s presentation on January 30^th, on the health effects on low level exposures would be a public meeting and the response is yes. This will be an education presentation primarily for LATAG with their questions and discussion points. The public is invited.
   
   
4. It was decided to schedule the $100K grant renewal meeting for Friday, February 13^th, 2009 at 3:00. The Board is invited, but primarily the Executive Board needs to outline the renewal process.
   
   
5. Discussion followed regarding inviting Terry Spear for an interview with Phillip Erquiaga on the KVRZ radio station. It was asked if this was a reimbursable (LATAG) activity or gratis? If this is a reimbursable activity through LATAG, then questions/statements needs to be approved through the LATAG Board (ACTION ITEM). The interview has been tentatively scheduled for March 11^th, 2009.
   
   
6. JoElyn Brus made the motion to adjourn, Dr. Black second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:35pm.