HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAG-2012-02-06Community Advisory Group (CAG) Minutes for February 6, 2012 Present: Nels Bohn as City Facilitator, Ken Deschere, Cynthia Brock, John Graves, Seph Murtagh, Michele Palmer, Kathy Woodcock Minutes from the January 9, 2012 CAG meeting approved for posting. Agenda Additions and/or Deletions • Ithaca Falls Overlook Site Update • City Discussion about Emerson with DEC • DEC Technical Grant – a possible funding source • Hydrofracking Brine used on NY State highways PROJECT SITE UPDATES: *See the Department of Conservation (DEC) update from Karen Cahill and Stephanie Harrington, Syracuse Office – after these Minutes ITHACA FALLS OVERLOOK SITE: N. Bohn EPA contacted N. Bohn with past test site data and gave details of the cleanup which occurred and the stan dards achieved. This information was helpful in determining a focus for the environmental investigative work. This new study needs to be approved by DEC. EPA’s data showed elevated TCE (190 parts per billion) in one of the wells at 50 ft below grade, so more groundwater testing will be needed at the top of the hill and downward to the raceway area. Please note: Five parts per billion is OK for drinking water. EMERSON : N. Bohn Our new Mayor Myrick is up-to-speed on the Emerson contamination issues. DEC invited city representatives to meet at the DEC Syracuse office to discuss Emerson strategy and find common ground. George McGonigal’s creative approach helped in the city’s decision to reject DEC’s recommendation of adding a Spencer Street sewer venting system. The City determined the proposed remediation does not do enough cleanup for residents living in Emerson proximity. As a resident, K. Deschere experienced many contamination source theories over the years. He is disappointed DEC recommends only one partial street sewer vent with no follow-up to determine whether it is working to remove toxins. In his opinion, it is not a satisfactory solution. Emerson is only responsible for bringing the factory area to limited industrial standards. Several interested buyers are talking with Emerson. The city is willing to work with the Town of Ithaca to form a task committee or a development group to encourage a potential buyer. The buyer would have to pay for the additional costs of cleanup to commercial or residential standards. Cynthia Brock said a ROD could be reopened based on new data results. Council members would need to be in agreement, requiring strong community involvement, letters to DEC and press coverage. The fortitude of residents, mayor and city council may be needed.
THERM: Three new wells will be installed on company property to determine whether there is groundwater contamination. The Phase 7 follow-up report showing a passive soil survey needs approval before it is made public. DEC TEC HNICAL GRANT: J. Graves M. Palmer said the Cornell Design Connect Team only input current data but not past data. The CU team gave CAG members, M. Palmer, K. and R. Deschere, a high grade for community participation and help on their project. (Thanks for making CAG look good!) J. Graves will continue to investigate a potential $50,000 DEC technical grant. His grant idea is to pay a professional to finish data input and produce a visual GIS map for better general public understanding about industrial toxin migration. HYDROFRACKING BRINE ON NY STATE ROADS: K. Woodcock K. Woodcock saw a DEC illustrated NY State map showing where PA hydrofracking brine is being spread to salt roads. This brine contains carcinogenic chemicals and radiation which could disperse into groundwater and could contaminate drinking sources. It is being spread south of Cayuga Lake, so there is some concern. TOPICS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: • Where are we? Overview status of all CAG concerns and efforts in 2011. • What’s next for 2012? • CAG status as an “ad hoc” committee – need for defined term of service? • Utilize the EPA Human Health Assessment (Leia wrote Op-Ed article) Assignments: Nels, Cynthia, Ken – Meeting at DEC office with Mayor Myrick John – Investigate DEC Technical Grant Ka thy – Type CAG Progress Report showing accomplishments and upcoming items of concern Next Meeting Schedule: Monday, March 5, at City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Updates from DEC: Karen Cahill: We are hoping to complete the Phase VII follow -up work and sampling this week. The final report is complete. Just waiting for EA to pull together. Therm's consultants will be in field in few weeks to install new 3 well pairs on Therm facility per an approved work plan (I should have final work plan this week). DEC received draft report from Therm's consultant on Passive Soil Vapor Survey investigation and are discussing results and recommendations. We also met with Emerson last week to discuss the AOC 1 and FWR PDI reports. The meeting went well and Emerson has proposed some additional pre-design investigative work. I will forward letter work plans once approved. Stephanie Harrington: 315 N. Meadow Street: still working on the wells Clinton West: groundwater pilot study continues; indoor air sampling of nearby resident to occur in February as part of ongoing soil vapor monitoring program