Meeting Minutes June 21. 2023
The meeting included 24-30 in-person participants at St. Louis City Hall. Chair Jane Jelenek called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
I. Additions to agenda: Ed noted updates following the conference, which is included under upcoming business.
II. Approval of April minutes with corrections; there was no May meeting due to the PBB 50th anniversary conference at Alma College. Doug Brecht moved, Ed Lorenz seconded.
III. Treasurer’s Report: Gary Smith, Treasurer
A. May 2023 (April report attached to minutes)
1. The Mercantile Account ended the month with $3,838.50. The Edward Jones Account earned $233.56 in interest and stands at $60,947.40. The GCCU General Fund Checking balance following donations and t-shirt sales, stands at $6,748.75 and Share Draft Savings Account remains at $5.00. TAG grant money available for the Former Plant Site (FPS) ended the month at $30,603.26 (following payment to TA and transfer of last $20,000 of $50,000 TAG). The Velsicol Burn Pit (VBS) remains at $45,390.88. Velsicol Burn Pit (VBP) Fund Checking has $88.32. The complete reports will be attached to the permanent minutes.
2. Memberships are $5/year and t-shirts are still available. Send checks to P.O. Box 172, St. Louis, MI 48880.
II. Correspondence and Communication: Jane Jelenek, Chairperson
A. Obituary for Carol Layman, who served as co-secretary of the CAG for many years, and who received the CAG Hall of Fame award in 2019. Many remembered Carol demanding of the EPA, “when are you gonna get started on the construction?” as well as efforts to keep general membership meetings on track for a timely conclusion.
B. Articles on PBB 50th commemoration published in Morning Sun, St. Louis Sentinel, WCMU Radio and WOODTV.
C. Article about the Joe Scholtz Memorial Free Fishing Derby in the Gratiot County Herald. The St. Louis VFW and Lions help support the fishing derby, in addition to the CAG, which provides hot dogs and helps organize and host the event.
D. Letter of support to the National Cancer Institute for funding for the PBB researchers at Emory University. Jane provided background context about the relationship between the CAG and Emory, as well as Velsicol’s PBB/Firemaster disaster.
E. Letter to EPA RPM requesting information on the radioactive materials buried at the plant site. Jane noted that there used to be yellow radioactive signs on the fence and that the tombstone also documented the presence of radioactive waste.
F. Response from EPA regarding radioactive investigations on the plant site.
G. Burn Pit Chronology compiled for upcoming technical meeting on Tuesday, June 27 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.
H. PBB Hero Award given to Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force.
1. Tom Alcamo mentioned that Debra Shore, EPA Regional Administrator, sent an overview of the conference for the Region 5 weekly email, which was really nice. He will send it to Jane for the record.
III. Introductions
A. Tom Alcamo introduced new EPA Region 5 RPMs and Quality Assurance representatives.
IV. Program
A. Videos taken by drone of the excavation of PSA 1 at the plant site: Ethan Nordstrom, Civil Engineer with Army Corps, presented the drone footage. He also showed the CAG an old Coca Cola bottle made in Bay City that they uncovered during the recent excavation.
1. Around 50,000 tons of impacted material has been exported to date. The excavation depth is determined by borings to identify NAPL locations, which informed the development of a grid model that coincides with GPS coordinates in digging equipment. They do chase NAPL if it is still present. A surveyor does additional screening to confirm depth, in addition to PID. Range of depth is around 20-30 feet. Each boring is also screened for radioactive material, using EGLE’s confirmation sampling guidelines, on a grid. The grid was 45 x 45 feet for each sample, with additional borings. There was nothing in radioactive material in PSA 1 & 2. EPA used map developed by the state for radioactive materials. EPA hasn’t found metal plates or other evidence of radioactive waste in areas under excavation. There also is very little liquid NAPL (probably 4-6 spots), but mostly black dirt.
2. Community concern remains about the west side of site where there might be radioactive waste.
3. Ethan shared that the excavation team recently uncovered the bottom of above ground storage tank that was “relatively clean”; it was crunched up, will be cut, and then removed off-site to a landfill. It was located close to the original location of tanks according to a 1975 aerial photo overlay with the excavation grid.
4. Ethan shared photos of backfill work in 1 foot lifts with sand and clay, rolled at least three times, then density tested. Every lift has to be density tested.
5. They have encountered a bit of groundwater but not much liquid NAPL or oil in the water, which is pumped into a frack tank; the first truck arrived today to haul the water off-site. Sheet piling is also being cut 1 foot below grade during excavation. Tom noted that the dry weather has caused/helped with the lack of groundwater.
6. Ethan talked about dust control on-site, describing the tech as “most important guy on site” who runs a water truck along sand and clay lifts, as well as hits the topsoil/stockpiles when they start to get dusty. The contractors have also done a few applications of a compound to control dust, as well as odor (Con-Cover and Swat Odor Control Mister). The water for dust control is purchased from the City of St. Louis.
7. Air monitoring is ongoing with no exceedances to date. There are monitors on the perimeter, VOCs and dust, with PID for VOCs. Twice a day the technician goes near adjacent property and on-site to test, too. And there is also work safety monitoring.
8. No safety incidents to report.
9. They are running 25-30 trucks a day, removing 1,500-2,000 tons of excavated materials a day. Ethan reported that there haven’t been any complaints in the ANP based upon his conversations with residents despite presence of some odor. They are also a little bit ahead of schedule.
10. The program ended with discussion of clay cap reuse and the new cap, particularly the height. Gary noted that the frost line was considered previously, which means a thicker cap. Tom noted the possibility of using a bento map product (2 feet of compacted clay underneath, flexible membrane liner, drainage layer—sand/geo drainage tile—then topsoil).
V. EPA Report Velsicol Sites: Tom Alcamo, Project Manager
A. OU3 update
1. EPA met today with EGLE floodplain group and reports that the state will require some floodplain and drainage modeling with rock, but essentially they are working through the issues. Gary asked how this will impact redevelopment plans, especially with desire for riverwalk. The state talked about providing native vegetation, so discussions are underway about restoring the floodplain with consideration of redevelopment.
2. Downgradient Vertical Barrier Wall: EPA hopes to have the design done by August 2023, so that the DGVBW contract will be in place for work starting in 2024, which will allow us to get BIL money.
3. Upgradient slurry wall investigation report under review.
4. In-situ chemical oxidation
5. Predesign sampling started this week
6. Floodplain work and sampling
a) Streambanks and 4 floodplains for DDT
b) Supplement previous sampling
(1) Initially 100 new predesign borings for DDT with many in floodplains and riverbanks, along with athletic fields, to determine what is present.
(2) Samples are 0-1, 1-2, 23 feet w/6-inch increments. Riverbanks and athletic fields will have 0-1 foot excavated. Additional borings will happen if necessary with remedial design done soon.
B. OU4 update
1. Phase 2 carbon amendment pilot study under review
2. Additional ecological work and sampling contracting out, work begins when QAPP approved
3. Additional Carbon Amendment investigation (phase 3)
4. Worm abundance and tissue reduction studies (PBB, DDT, HBB) with Amanda Harwood at Alma College
5. Small mammal survey with sampling
6. Fish tissue analysis later this year and will be compared to prior data for trend analysis; the state is doing a survey in the impoundment and EPA downstream.
7. Environmental benefits analysis
8. Floodplain/sediment/riverbank technical memo (define data gaps for additional sampling)
C. Well 12 construction startup expected in late July
D. Orchard Hills drinking water connection construction is underway; water main and storm sewer complete; EPA is beginning to meet with homeowners to start connection of all 9 homes (all agreed!).
E. Site Redevelopment: EPA contractor met with City — the business strip with the Mexican Grocery and Health Care offices provide the City with $800 a year. A meeting is scheduled for the end of July with the State Land Bank and expect late summer meetings with stakeholders. EPA is still hoping for water treatment, commercial development/solar, and park land/recreational space.
VI. EPA Report Burn Pit Site: Jennifer Knoepfle, Project Manager
A. Upcoming Zoom technical meeting devoted to the Burn Pit OU1 at 7:30-9:00 pm on Tuesday, June 27. The focus will be the ROD and site history, as well as any questions/concerns about recent documents. All are welcome. Please submit questions to Jane beforehand. [UPDATE: This meeting is postponed to July 11, 2023, at 7:00 pm via Zoom]
B. Background of VBP: Jennifer estimates there is 150,000 gallons of NAPL, with a feeling there is likely more based upon the FPS. ISTT is the main remedy. The other part of the remedy is an excavation of the ash piles. The project is supposed to be 28 months, but it is dependent upon how much NAPL is present. Tom said that he never encountered wells with NAPL present at other Superfund Sites, but at this Site, there were wells with 5 feet of it. Jennifer added that the majority of the work will have to be done in level B (with supplied air) because one of the COCs is DBCP (male sterilant). Gary asked about protection for the neighborhood; Jennifer answered that the ISTT mat will hold in the vapor. There will be continuous air monitoring. They are still working on the plans but it will be very similar to the FPS, with four additional monitoring locations. There will also be additional monitoring on-site during drilling near workers to help ensure the safety of people helping level B workers de/suit-up. There will be one phase of heating at the VBP, unlike the series of phases at the FPS.
C. On June 1, 2023, the contract with Jacobs was fully executed. There have been two meetings: one contractual and the other a QAPP kickoff meeting. The QAPP is almost a bottleneck for the work, because it has to be in place and approved by EPA before any sampling or work can be done on-site. Jacobs knocked out the plan in 4-weeks and Jennifer asked EPA for expedited review. They have received the review/comments and will resubmit the plan by the beginning of next week, hoping for approval. It helps that Debra Shore was just here, so there is noted concern about the progress on the Velsicol Sites.
D. Terra Therm is the other contractor in place. JSS, who does civil servicing, has a contract in place too, which includes road building, etc.
E. Access work is ongoing and as of today, EPA has the access they need from all the property owners.
F. The Site Plan is now the focus of their work, as is the QAPP, and air monitoring plan. Wetland delineation is upcoming this week with EGLE. A biologist is also doing a habitat survey to identify bird and bat habitat that might be affected. The biologist has been on both FPS and VBP this week, which can affect the work timeline regarding possible tree removal. Jennifer noted that drilling has to start soon as it will take 4 months, then they will build roads and turn on heaters in October, with hopes for a late winter. There will be equipment on site, with possible drilling next week, but likely early July.
G. Community questions about first, the air sampling: does the community have access to sampling records and data? Tom responded that there was a website for the FPS and Jennifer confirmed that the model will be used at the VBP. The second question was about worker safety, awareness, and compliance—do on-site workers fully comprehend the dangers of exposure? Tom answered that the workers are monitored and there is oversight by the Army Corps on-site, too. EPA does take worker safety very seriously, especially with DBCP at the FPS and VBP.
VII. EGLE Report: Erik Martinson, Project Manager
A. Update on latest fish sampling in the impoundment (updated from May 2023 sampling event). Sampling data collected in 1986, 1989, 1995, 1997, 2010, 2015, 2018, and 2023.
1. May sampling identified 7 fish species, with the minimal amount of carp expected.
2. Historical results
a) Bluegill 75% decrease in DDT concentrations from 2010-2018 from .0517 ppm in 2010 to .013 ppm
b) Large and smallmouth bass
(1) 98% decrease in DDT concentration from 1989-2018 from 3.657 ppm to .043 ppm; 99% decrease in DDT from 97-2018 in smallmouth bass 9.03 pm to .019 ppm
c) Carp results
(1) 98% decreased from 1997-2018 from 25.21 ppm to .291 ppm
3. Water Resources team still working to get fish processed and to MDHHS for analysis; all collected will be analyzed for mercury, PFAS, PCBs, and DDT. The full set of data will be available in 2024.
4. Jane added it should be noted that the amounts in concentrations continued to climb until 1997—dramatically, but then there was a decline in 2006. Theo said it is important to consider that the Pine River wasn’t included in the Superfund Site and that Velsicol walked away from sediment contamination (this was pre-CERCLA SARA). The data from the fish showed increasing trends until 1989-97, which prompted DEQ/EGLE to prompt a removal action, which brought in EPA for sediment removal in 1999-2006. Since that period of remediation the fish tissue concentrations have dropped from 85-95% which is astounding. Scott C. noted the importance of testing methods too, which can influence results. He said there should be an age analysis of fish collected to account for bioaccumulation, but also to determine how/why carp were hard to find and what age they are. CAG members echoed the desire for similar sampling methods to establish consistency and for age to be included in the analysis.
5. There was also a big fish kill in the river with lots of carp upstream of the dam. Tom remembered getting a call about it, with the determined cause being oxygen in water.
B. Update on excavation of DDT contaminated soil in neighborhood
1. Contract awarded for removal with necessary paperwork in place, with exception of some work plans and a schedule. They are hoping for a July excavation.
VIII. Technical Advisor Report: Scott Cornelius, Cornelius Environmental Consulting
A. Scott C. had a chance to tour the site excavation today; he also discussed some plans for Tuesday’s Tech meeting and asked for presentations shared this evening to be posted to the website.
IX. New Business:
A. Report on the 2023 Fishing Derby – Gary Smith
1. There was a good turnout, with about the same amount of people as last year (215 with tags but more than 300 who signed up), going 25 years strong. The biggest fish was 25” 6.8 lb carp by a 7-12 year old. Last year they caught an almost 20 lb carp, so the size is way down this year; moreover, only two carp were caught this year. Only six fish caught in Leppein Park, where a carp die-off happened. This year a otal of 75 fish were caught.
a) Turnout: 110 adults of 215, with the rest being young adults and kids. The event coincides with free fishing day so participants don’t need a license.
b) Gary concluded by asking EGLE for an expedited fish study, noting that this is a different situation. Erik said he was surprised by the answer from his office and promised to follow up. Gary also asked about a commitment for the bird study, a demand echoed by other meeting participants.
2. Contract for proposed documentary — Jane Jelenek
a) Emory’s Michigan PBB Registry Team and the CAG have been asked to sign an exclusive agreement to be included in a documentary film about the PBB disaster. Jane will take it to the Executive Committee and the group will likely consult with an attorney. The upside is that we have hoped for a long time that a documentarian would be interested in producing a film.
X. Ongoing Business:
A. PBB Leadership Team Update – Brittany Fremion, Norm Keon
1. Norm reported ongoing challenges with health records and lost funding due to the consistent delays and roadblocks from MDHHS and MDPHI, which includes the mortality study and cancer registry match. Norm recalled that when he started with the state health department the cancer registry was on little 3 x 5 archived cards. He also reflected upon his father’s passing from stomach cancer; he worked as a machinist at the plant, underscoring the significance of the studies for community members.
2. There are also over 200 records that were transferred from the state to Emory in flux because of MDHHS’s demand for double-checking consent forms, especially for participants who were signed up when youths. There was discussion about possible next steps.
3. There is a trailer traveling to certain counties (MI CHEM) to take blood samples for analysis for PFAS, PCB, PBDE, and PBB-153, as well as heavy metals. Gratiot County is not included despite requests by the local health officer.
4. Emory will present recent publications at the International Society for Exposure Science Conference in Chicago in late August.
B. PBB 50th Commemoration Follow-up Report – Brittany Fremion, Ed Lorenz
1. Brittany provided an overview of the event and action items:
a) Documentary
b) EPA Environmental Justice Grant will fund development of a digital humanities project or conference website, as well as support ongoing public programming related to the PBB disaster and Velsicol Sites in St. Louis.
c) Day of action in the capital
d) Possible white paper
2. Ed reported that the CAG’s website traffic is way up—an 84% increase with a significant number of visitors from all over the US, but following the disaster in E. Palestine, there was an uptick in visitors from Ohio.
3. Ed also shared that there were a lot of people who watched the conference proceedings live online. The recordings can be accessed via the Alma College YouTube Channel.
Please remember to pay membership dues ($5/year). Send check to PO Box 172, St. Louis, MI 48880. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Meeting adjourned at 9:18 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Brittany Fremion, Secretary
Meeting Minutes June 15, 2022
I. Additions to Agenda [00:01:30]: None
II. Approval of May minutes. Brittany Fremion moved, Jim Hall seconded. Motion carried.
III. Treasurer’s Report [00:02:25]: Gary Smith, Treasurer
A. May 2022
1. The GCCU General Fund Checking balance stands at $6,239.64 and Share Draft Savings Account remains at $5.00. The Money Market Account (Oxford Automotive settlement) has $63,783.05. TAG grant money available for the Former Plant Site (FPS) stands at $10,266.06. The Velsicol Burn Pit (VBS) has $48,698.38. Velsicol Burn Pit (VBP) Fund Checking has $131.52. The complete reports will be attached to the permanent minutes.
2. Memberships are $5/year and t-shirts are still available. Send checks to PO Box 172, St. Louis, MI 48880. The website (www.pinerivercag.org) has photos of t-shirts and visitors can also donate di-rectly to the CAG.
IV. Correspondence and Communication:
A. Death of Dr. “Doc” Alpha Clark, a PBB hero and veterinarian [00:06:20] – Norm Keon
1. Norm always had a strong interest in the history of public health and illnesses, and explained how he came to meet Doc Clark and convinced him to donate his PBB research materials to CMU. Norm also shared some powerful memories from mutual friends, his time working with Doc, and the late veterinarian’s efforts to address the PBB disaster. The presentation included slides with some of Norm’s personal photos of Doc. A particularly powerful moment came at the end of Norm’s talk, wherein he recounted the day Doc drove him to the Kalkaska burial site—which was "in the middle of nowhere on a small sandy road.” As they left, Doc told him, “sometimes I just come up here and sit in the quiet and think about it all.”
a) Doc's Collection is preserved at the Clarke Historical Library at CMU, which Norm helped the university acquire. The Finding Aid for the collection can be found at the following hyperlink: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/c/clarke/ehll--clarkalpha?cginame=findaid-idx;id=navbar-
B. Fishing Derby article in the Morning Sun - Many thanks to Doug Brecht for forwarding newspaper arti-cles to share with the group and to Gary Smith for his ongoing work to help organize and run the event.
V. Looking Back [00:20:40]: Advertisement for the Magnetic Mineral Springs (1882)
A. Jane received an email from a community member that included an attachment of a print announce-ment for the opening of the Hotel Park in St. Louis with the duck dinner served that evening. In addition, she shared a photo of a green bottle used for mineral water that she saw in a Facebook group. Norm said that he grew up across the street from the hotel and it was still in operation when he was growing up. He used to play on the hotel grounds and that the north side had beautiful gardens. His family used to dine with the Hess’s on occasion, the hotel owners, and knew the head chef, Stan, who later opened Stan’s Diner in Mount Pleasant.
VI. Technical Advisor Report [00:25:50]: Scott Cornelius, Cornelius Environmental Consulting
A. Scott is preparing for a full review of the OU-3 Focus Feasibility Study (FS) and Proposed Plan, which he’ll do at the same time because they are very interconnected. He has also thought about the railroad study and is grateful for the CAG’s persistence on the issue. He looks forward to seeing what future study might reveal. Gary shared that he saw some EGLE representatives doing additional sampling on some of the neighboring property.
VII. EPA Report Velsicol Site [00:28:35]: Tom Alcamo, Project Manager
A. Tom introduced Adrian Palomeque, who is taking over for Diane Russell as community engagement coordinator until end of September while she is DC on detail duty for the Office of Community Revitali-zation. Adrian shared that EPA plans to publish a proposed clean-up plan for OU-3 around mid-July that will likely include a virtual public meeting, for which he will provide more information next month. He also shared some information about the 5 Year Review interviews, which were conducted by a facilita-tor from the Consensus Building Institute, Stacie Smith, who specializes in community engagement and focused on feedback and concerns from community members about the site up. The summary included 12 people, the interviews were conducted mostly in-person, and that Stacie is still following up with some of the participants. She will provide a synthesis of her conversations at the end of July with a final version of her report ready in July. Adrian reminded the group that the interviews are confidential and thanked those who were involved for their participation.
1. Gary asked for clarification on the reporting, mentioning that Stacie told participants that she would provide them with a draft of her report prior to submitting a final copy. Adrian indicated that Stacie would follow through and that the synthesis review was to ensure confidentiality. Gary also asked about the timing of the community meeting, which will take place approximately one week after the Proposed Plan is produced and prior to the end of the public comment period. The meeting will likely have to be virtual because of EPA Headquarters requirements. Gary emphasized the im-portance of having the document in advance for preparation, especially for consultation from our TA. Tom recommended that Scott review the FS first to make time for the Proposed Plan as soon as it is released.
B. PFAS - In mid-June, EPA will release for public comment listing of PFAS compounds as a hazardous substance, which will enable the agency to address contamination. Tom will pass on information as he receives it but recommending searching the Federal Register.
C. MW-19 investigation - still waiting on results.
D. Slurry wall investigation - still waiting on results.
E. Bathymetric Survey results - still waiting on the results.
F. Pre-design work plan for perimeter drain - still waiting on results.
G. PSA 1 & 2 - EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have finished the technical evaluation of the con-tractors and cost analysis, and the contract will be awarded in early July. The funding is available for work and on-site oversight. He will invite the Army Corps team to join the next CAG meeting.
H. Carbon Amendment Study - Tom just received the Phase 2, Year 1 Report, which will be released be-fore the next CAG meeting. Scott Pratt will provide more information on geotechnical perimeter drain work.
I. OU-4 - Tom is working on contracting to do much more work downstream, including fish tissue sam-pling, which he hopes to have prepared for the July meeting.
J. OU-3 - Expect the Proposed Plan in mid-July.
K. City Drinking Water Supply - Construction on Well 12 began and will conclude early next year (includes the well, well house, pumps, electronics, and transmission main). All the former drinking water wells are closed. Orchard Hills homes will be connected via cooperative agreement, with the project going out to bid this fall and hookups beginning next spring.
L. Discussion:
1. Gary asked for clarification on the role the Army Corps of Engineers will play on site with oversight given that it is a different federal agency; Tom explained that they will be “eyes and ears” on site but that he is still very much in charge. He reassured the CAG that the Army Corps team is very im-pressive and brings much experience. Jacobs will be used as experts should there be any issues that arise unexpectedly.
M. Program: Perimeter Drain/Geotechnical Investigation [00:46:55] - Scott Pratt
1. The Perimeter Drain Investigation includes work to (1) refine the til elevation along the FPS perime-ter and evaluate the possible alignment of the perimeter drain, and (2) waste characterization soil sampling along the perimeter to evaluate soil disposal during future perimeter drain construction activities. This includes 20 soil borings with one waste characterization sample collected per soil boring, work that is underway on site and expected to conclude June 18th.
2. Geotechnical Design Investigation includes the collection of additional geotechnical data along the FPS perimeter to supplement existing geotechnical data (both on-site and river bottom) to inform vertical barrier wall design. The work includes 8 soil borings to approximately 40 feet bgs for obser-vation, logging, and standard penetration testing. This part of the investigation is rescheduled for July 5-13th because of subcontractor COVID issues.
3. Discussion [00:53:30]:
a) Scott P. said he will provide a memo with summary data once the investigation is complete. Gary asked for clarification on whether the sheet piling will go outside of the perimeter wall to create a steel vertical barrier and expressed concern about whether it will be keyed into the till properly given issues with gravel windows that the upgradient slurry wall did not cut off. Scott said they will be able to key the barrier into the till. Gary also asked about sampling in the river to determine if there is movement mid-river, given studies from decades ago by the Borellos. Tom said it’s a multi-component remedy and that coupled with monitoring, that EPA won’t chase contamination in the till seams, but they will address contamination in the shallow zone that will protect the river (this is why they are looking at MW-19 again). They are hopeful that the ISTT and PSA 1&2 excavation will help, too. Gary said that he wants reassurance that the remedies are working. Tom said that there will be monitoring.
b) Jim asked if EPA has ever done reactive chem at the plant site to see how different chemicals would react on site. Tom said no, that given the number of chemicals on site and efforts to con-tain them, they haven’t done specific chemistry analyses on the chemicals. Jim is worried about the threat of more dangerous chemicals with movement and intermixing. Tom responded that he views it all as nasty and worthy of capture. EPA will also have to meet discharge criteria for the state, too. He will have Jason discuss groundwater monitoring soon.
VIII. EPA Report Burn Pit Site [01:03:00]: Jennifer Knoepfle, Project Manager
A. Jennifer began by thanking Norm for sharing his memories of Doc Clark and the looking back portion of the meeting, as it helps to inform her work in significant ways, especially the history of the site and com-munity. She said, “we’re all in it together.” She then provided a presentation based upon the remedia-tion plans for OU-1 and OU-2 of the Burn Pit Site that were presented to the CAG many years ago.
1. Program: Velsicol Burn Pit Superfund Site Selected Remedy Summary
a) The VBP Site has a shared history with the FPS. It is now connected to a golf course, residen-tial properties, and the Pine River. The main contaminants are in the soils and groundwater (Benzene, 1, 2 DCA, as well as NAPL—mix of many toxic compounds, such as DBCP, bromin-ated compounds, DDT and isomers).
2. VBP OU1 Timeline:
a) 2010: Added to the National Priority List (NPL)
b) 2013: Remedial Investigation (RI)
c) 2014: Feasibility Study (FS)
d) 2015: Record of Decision (ROD)
e) 2019: Remedial Design (RD — will likely need changes)
f) Present: Remedial Action (RA)
(1) Update: Jennifer is working on contracting, which went to EPA headquarters, which needed some changes so the Region 5 Contracting Officer is addressing them (to keep current con-tractor) with hope for signatures by June 24th so that the award can be out by the end of this fiscal year (end of September 30th). That means contract in hand and work begins in Octo-ber. She will share more information about the conceptual model when it’s able.
3. The Operable Units (OU) include OU1 and OU2. OU1 includes source material, including NAPL, and will be addressed first. OU2 includes groundwater contaminated by historical disposal opera-tions at the site and will be addressed after the OU1 RA is complete. OU2 will be indirectly affected by work in OU1 (i.e. removing contaminants in OU1 will reduce contaminants to groundwater in OU2).
4. The OU1 Selected Remedy includes ISTT, ash pile/debris excavations, and soil cover. ISTT is de-fined in the 2015 ROD as heating 1.4 acres to depth of the till (~30-60 feet deep); collecting liquid and vapors; treating contaminants in groundwater and vapors (e.g. similar to FPS remedy).
5. Main components of Remedial Action (RA) for OU1 include: site preparation and air monitoring, ex-cavation and offsite disposal of ~1,000 cubic yards of ash/debris, ISTT, treatment of extracted groundwater and soil vapor on-site, short-term groundwater monitoring, site restoration, and institu-tional controls (i.e. deed restrictions).
6. Schedule is approximately 2.5 years in total and dependent upon contracting and funding. The schedule will also consider Golf Course Operations (e.g. peak on- and off-season). The timeframe will also be influenced by the amount of DNAPL recovered and time to diminishing returns.
7. Discussion:
a) Tom noted that there is not a layer of concrete cap material at the VBP site like there was at the FPS. Jim asked if the site will be fenced; Jennifer said yes, in addition to netting to not visually impact golfers. There will also be security to keep people off the active site. There was also con-cern about fencing around line and barges if it is floated across the river. The 5 acre site will have 1.4 acres treated with no plans to do further treatment in the remaining acreage. The ISTT will take place in areas where the highest concentrations are found in groundwater. Gary asked how the cement will be laid, especially with uneven ground. Scott P. said that granulate material will be laid to level-off the area and screened, horizontal extraction wells, followed by gravel and then cement. This will help with vapor and be removed during restoration. Scott C. asked about a website for the VBP and if Jennifer can upload her presentation. She is hesitant to do so be-cause some of the information is still preliminary.
b) VBP Site - EPA Website: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0510389
c) Estimated cost is in excess of $20 million. Jim reiterated the importance of having security for the site to protect the community and river.
IX. EGLE Report [01:31:50]: Erik Martinson, Project Manager - Jane delivered the report
A. Rail siding update - EGLE and Weston have completed the third phase of surface soil sampling and 5 additional borings. They were designed to delineate elevated DDT concentrations to the east. These samples were logged and screened, with no visual evidence of contamination. They were turned into the labs on June 10th for chemical analysis. Severity of contamination will determine the agency’s abil-ity to pursue the investigation further. If not, then we’ve reached a dead end.
B. Other - Trust properties still pending transfer to the State Land Bank.
X. Old Business [01:33:50]
A. Results of the 2022 Joe Scholtz Memorial Fishing Derby, and background on its beginnings – Gary Smith
1. The Derby came back for the first time in two years. Gary said the Derby began in 1999, which means this is the 23rd year. The event is inspired by and named in honor of Joe Scholtz, who said the river was like the tombstone at the FPS. But it was “our river” and something to be proud of and usable. The first year they drew 190 people. Everything was free—they raised $3500. The commu-nity showed up—adults and kids. Politicians weren’t allowed to come and self-promote, and partici-pants had to have fun. Gary said. “The derby clearly demonstrates the importance of the river to the community…and Joe had a big heart and big plans for St. Louis.” This year there were 216 registra-tions, with a peak year being 350, and after a two-year hiatus. About half were adults and 30% caught fish (92 fish total, the biggest a 14 pound carp caught by a 7 year old near the dam; other fish logged include small and large mouth bass, large carp, and small pike, in addition to two paint turtles). A few bikes and other prizes were awarded. Gary noted the increase in algae in the river, caused by farms upriver. He hopes that EPA can support in the future, perhaps with a booth.
B. Five-year review interviews for Velsicol former plant site property and CAG/EPA working relationship -- Various CAG members participated and recalled the consultant saying that she would share a sum-mary of the report with participants. Most reported having productive discussions—and that they could have talked longer. Something notable from the interviews were ideas that might help the EPA and community better communicate. Gary mentioned a few examples, such as a newsletter.
XI. New Business [01:44:58]:
A. Brief mention of PBB 50th Anniversary ideas – Ed Lorenz, Brittany Fremion
1. Brittany provided an update on the 50th/40th anniversary ideas, sharing some details related to a possible conference that would highlight three themes: (1) the significance of the past underscoring the ongoing nature of contaminations both (2) environmentally and (3) in terms of human health. She shared the tentative meeting structure, format, and speakers. The group working to develop events is also hoping to coordinate some monthly events.
a) Discussion
(1) Jim said that there could be bus tours not only in St. Louis and for the FPS, but also Kalkaska to the burial pit for condemned cattle. Gary shared that there isn’t much to see and it’s in a really remote area. There isn’t anything there to mark it despite the site’s signifi-cance. Having people who can talk about the importance of the locations to provide context and answer questions would be good for tours.
(2) Joanne Scalf expressed interest in participating and sharing information from the Multigen-erational study.
(3) Those interested in talking further about the events stayed on the virtual call after the meet-ing ended.
Please remember to pay membership dues ($5/year). Send check to PO Box 172, St. Louis, MI 48880.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.
Meeting adjourned at 8:52 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Brittany Fremion, Secretary