Meeting began at approximately 7:04pm

Introductions:

1)      EPA Report – Mike Cirian

a)      Mike Cirian discussed with board options that are still on the table for OU1.  Options still on the table are 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b (see alternative summary handout).  The city has a plan for the ou1 site.  It is possible that a partial removal will take place over the entire site prior to a cap.  The final plan will be contingent on what the city decides.  Mike felt the site would be contentious for quite some time.  The city would like more parking.  There is no visible underneath the area that has already been scraped.  The traffic has become hazardous to some cleanup workers.  OU1 is expected to be heavily recreated in.  The OU1 and OU2 proposed plans are expected to be released to the public the first week in June, with a public hearing tentatively June 22^nd or 23^rd. 

b)      The board discussed exposure pathways, and not having any guarantee of a complete cleanup.  Mike told the board that the EPA is doing the best they can in cutting down exposure pathways, and that Libby will never be entirely rid of all contamination. 

c)      Mike assured the board that the EPA will not be going anywhere until the ROD is signed and a remedy is in place.  The ERS will not always be the same.  ERS will changeover to OR.

d)      The cleanup of insulation is continuing to take place.  According to Mike, there are no numbers of exactly how many walls have been cleaned.  Mike explained to the board that is would be impossible to guarantee that all insulation contamination within walls will be removed, and the only way to know if it was would be to completely tear out the walls to see where the contamination is and isn’t.  According to Mike the problem is that the insulation is not just in one solid area, it is in some places and not others.  Another five million dollars will be put in by the state when the ROD change takes place.  The ERS right now is funded by the EPA.

e)      Dr. Black expressed his concern again that there is no qualified Risk Assessor on the entire Libby Superfund Site.  Mike told Dr. Black that he believes that the new toxicologist David Barry will be the Risk Assessor on the site.  Mike and Ted were unsure of his qualifications, but believe he is qualified to do the job.  Dr. Black disagreed, and suggested again that the EPA look into it.  Dr. Black told the EPA and board that it is a critical and unique skill set that this site needs to bring balance. 

f)       The Rumple Report was discussed.  Mike told the board that the Corps of Engineers was not part of it.  There were accusations that damage was being done, the memorandum was written and the report derived from there.  Nothing criminal was ever found.  There were problems with CDM and VOLPE, and in part there was a new team with new RPM’s Victor and Rebecca brought in.  According to Mike, the issues are still being worked on daily to insure quality work is being done.  Accusations that contamination is being spread over the city with the EPA water truck are unfounded according to Mike.  Water sampling has been done and all came back non detect.  Water samples are easier, but more expensive.

g)      The EPA construction season has started.  One property has been completed.  There are 43 proposed orders in the task order.  The road department is working with the EPA on signage and safety.  Traffic has become hazardous to cleanup workers. 

h)      Rock is being taken down to OU5 tomorrow.  Temporary parking is being put in.  Stinger is      working with the county and Paul Rummelhart on that project.  Ted told the board that the 5^th Street extension is strictly removal, there will be no encapsulation and enhancements will be added.  Fish wildlife and parks has a plan to possibly put in a kids fishing pond, after Phase Two investigations are complete.  The walking corridors will be an easy removal according to Mike. 

i)         Technical Advisor Terry Spear questioned the EPA’s use of HEPA VAC sampling.  Terry     suggested that the EPA consider the method of wipe sampling as opposed to the HEPA VAC on smooth surfaces.  Mike told Terry that he would look into it.  According to Mike, the MicroVac is representative of what’s actually in the area.  According to Mike even though Crysotyle is being addressed there are still people who do not want external cleaning done on their property. 

j)        Ted informed the board that the Troy Kick-Off will be June 2^nd, and the OU1 and OU2 Public hearing will tentatively be June 22^nd or 23^rd.  Bonny Levell is expected to visit the mine site in June sometime.  The Action Plan and tox studies may not be done until July.  Wendy O’Brien will hold her town hall meeting sometime in July.  The comment period will begin two weeks prior to the OU1 and OU2 public hearing.  A 30 day extension can be requested and in most cases is granted.  Public comments will be included and addressed in the ROD appendix.  The proposed plan should be released the first week of June.  Education will be done through public distribution of handouts. 

2)      DEQ Report – no attendance, no report

3)      W.R. Grace Report – no attendance, no report

4)      LATAG Technical Advisor Report – no attendance, no report.

5) The board tabled meeting minutes until next week.  GA Tiffany Sabine will work on those.  The minutes will be addressed at the next E-Board meeting.

6) The board reviewed the previous and action items generated from this meeting. (see attached).

5)      Treasurer’s Report – JoElyn Brus reported the balance as $18, 738.86 with reimbursement #66 pending.

6)      Sub-Committee Reports – insufficient time remained for these reports

7)      JoElyn Brus made the motion to adjourn, Phillip Erquiaga second the motion, motion unanimously passed.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00pm.