CALL (812) 333-8888 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR E-MAIL info@copa.org
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CALL (812) 333-8888 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR E-MAIL info@copa.org | |||||||||||||||
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Meetings: CIC | |||||||||||||||
Citizens Information CommitteeMinutes of Public MeetingMarch 6, 1997 Summary The CIC meeting revealed a number of interesting facts about the different sites, as well some insights of the wrangling that is occurring amongst the Parties to the Consent Decree. Ombudsman A case has been opened by the Ombudsman's office. Any citizen wishing to submit a petition of concerns to the Ombudsman's Office may do so. The case concerns the issues of whether the EPA followed its own rules in the shaping of the Consent Decree. Winston-Thomas A DNR approved fence [with 6" holes] will soon be erected around the contaminated section on the west side of Clear Creek. The area is currently flooded, and it is not expected that much PCB is escaping through leaching. Westinghouse has been asked to begin work this year on a number of aspects of this cleanup, including the start of dredging the tertiary lagoon. It seems that the only alternative technology being considered for the site is the "dig and haul" scenario, with waste most likely to go to Utah. Magistrate A facilitator, Nancy Newkirk, has been hired by the Parties to asset the decision making process that has so far hampered progress. The City has gone a step farther, and has petitioned the Circuit Court to appoint a Magistrate, who would have decision making power. It was suggested that perhaps the Court or the EPA should be petitioned to fine Westinghouse for its delaying tactics. Lemon Lane There was talk about the water/sludge treatment plant that must be built at the ICC Springs to treat the contamination that escapes there during high water events. This plant must be operated in perpetuity, as the PCBs have migrated into the karst below Lemon Lane, and can not be removed, except by the movement of water and sediment during storms. The Westinghouse plan is to recap Lemon Lane and treat the water that comes out at the ICC Springs. Westinghouse is experimenting with berming and water redirection, hoping to decrease PCB concentration coming out at ICC Springs. This way Westinghouse will be able to plan construction of the smallest possible facility that will do the job. There was discussion as to how soon the plant should be constructed. Various citizens recommended that work on this begin as soon as possible, as an emergency measure, to stop continuing contamination of Clear Creek. The EPA offered the opinion that it would be better to wait till work was done at Lemon Lane to see the effects the flow of water and PCBs. Sampling Water and soil sampling results from the last two years of sampling data were released by the EPA in the form of a Summary. This Summary of Lemon Lane Sampling data can be obtained through the PCB Repository at the MCPL, or you can call COPA at 333-8888 for a copy, or email; mitch@copa.org. The results showed that the SW corner was not as contaminated as thought, but very high contaminations were found all along the south side of the dump. The southeast corner seems to have high numbers as well, but more sampling must be done there to determine the extent of contamination. There were signs of PCBs almost everywhere sampling was done, but not all hits are considered significant. In a hotspot removal as proposed by the EPA, these areas outside of the highly contaminated south side would be covered and left, especially if there is evidence that they stay dry. Some of the boring samples were dry, others came out wet. Ecological Sampling This was done last year in Clear Creek. Fish and crayfish were taken at six stations along Clear Creek. The results are being analyzed by Dan Sparks of the USFW Service. He found quite a few "hot", or highly contaminated fish. The State advisory against eating any fish at any time from Clear Creek is still in place. Human Health Risk Assessment There is to be sampling around Lemon Lane for human health assessment. There has been a lot of contention as to how to conduct and analyze the study. The EPA wants this to proceed expeditiously, but this has not happened, due to disagreements over the plan. It is hoped that by taking the time now to resolve all issues, there will be an easier road when these studies are needed at the other sites. Neal's Landfill Low flow studies are not yet ready. The schedule for remediation has been delayed, do to problems resolving issues at Lemon Lane. Work may begin in 1998. Information Exchange None of the parties have responded to COPA's call for a format standardization, so that all documents can be in a single digital format, preferably Adobe Acrobat, which is the format that the EPA is now using, and is free for all readers. The PCB Repository at MCPL has not been receiving reports issued by Westinghouse, and this is why they were not there for the public. COPA will archive for the public any documents it receives through the City. Next Meeting April 29, 1997 |
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