Tiffany Sabine
           Terry Spear

 

Teleconference began at approximately 4pm.

1) Discussion followed regarding Terry Spear’s Baseline Risk Assessment Report on OU1, beginning with questions and concerns with assessment procedure. Comments and concerns discussed were the following:

 

a) Are the EPA dosing animals with only smaller fibers?

 

b) Fibers of small length are what the EPA stated they are using, but it is unknown if they can separate studies out within the study.  Comparisons used in the study may not be comparable to Libby Amphibole Asbestos.

 

2) Discussion followed on Cleavage Fragment Concerns:

 

a)       Groups are saying the fragments could be just as toxic.  According to Terry Spear NIOSH held the position that cleavage fragments are just as toxic.

 

b)      There is concern that bias is that cleavage fragments are not toxic, with the elutriator method, cleavage fragments would not be considered.  The Separation of fibers and longer length animal studies has not been agreed upon.

 

c)      Delay in getting studies started has been a disadvantage. 

 

d)      The board concurred that questions need to be generated with Technical Advisor Terry Spear’s assistance, and then be sent to the EPA.  There has been some difficulty in getting a response from EPA.  It was suggested that the questions be forwarded to multiple parties; EPA, senators, delegation, NIOSH (National Institute of Safety and Health. It was suggested that copies to the multiple parties should not be distributed prior to communication.  Distribution to multiple parties named above would be postponed unless EPA communication becomes ineffective.  Letters can be forwarded to the group for approval and then a consensus will be reached as to whether or not it will be distributed and if there will be contact with the senators etc.

 

3) EPA Sampling Methods…

 

e)       Dr. Black and TA Terry Spear concurred, “Bulk Sampling” is ineffective and EPA should be convinced not to use it.  Dr. Black and Terry Spear agreed that soil sampling is complicated, but that it should be tested. Because less than 1% is harmful if disturbed.

 

f)       According to Dr. Black, Childhood Exposure Data was not included in the Baseline Risk Assessment.  No effort has been made to include that information in the Epidemiological Study.  Mathematical resources and models that curve to include childhood exposure are inappropriate to use at the Libby Site. Dr.Black emphasized that to rely on mathematical equations when it is well known that there is a high rate of exposure going on here in Libby is inappropriate, and that Activity base sampling should be done on any high use areas

 

g)      Terry Spear suggested that in his opinion, Surface Samples are superior to MicroVac sampling.

In his opinion both Surface Sampling and MicroVac Sampling should be used.  The wipe method is primarily used for smooth surface sampling, and MicroVac Sampling works well on rough surfaces such as carpets.

     

h)      The Community is concerned that the EPA wants to recover costs, and concerned further that the community will be left with a messy clean up, that the State doesn’t have the money for.  The more RODS’ that are done, the less chance of guarantee for a good clean up.

 

i)        Dr. Black suggested that Terry Spear review the “Rumple” Report.  The Report was released from the Office of the Inspector General, after he came out to Libby in 2006 at the request of the senators.  LeRoy Thom made a motion that a Task Order be signed and sent to Terry Spear for his review the OU1 Summary Alternatives, and his review of the “Rumple Report” prior to the May 12^th  Meeting, Eileen second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

 

4) Board Chairman, Mike Noble proposed that the LATAG Board invite Linda Armour to travel to Libby to assist in further training of the new Grant Administrator, Tiffany Sabine.  JoElyn Brus made a motion to formally invite Linda Armour to travel to Libby to assist and further LATAG training.  Donna Lee Martin second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

 

Next Regular Board Meeting is May 12^th, 7pm @ FVCC Campus.  Terry Spear will be in attendance, with a tentative Wednesday May 13^th, joint Commissioners/County Health Board//LATAG meeting to be arranged after County Health Board Meeting Next Week.

 

6) Dr. Black made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  JoElyn Brus second the motion, motion passed unanimously. Meeting Adjourned at approximately 5:10 pm

 

 

Meeting Adjourned at approximately 5:10 pm