General Membership Meeting Minutes – October 21, 2020

The meeting began at 6:53 pm via Zoom with Secretary Brittany Fremion as host, with at least 20 participants.

Chairperson Jane Keon called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.

1. Minutes for July were approved with changes (Liz/Wayne).

2. Treasurer’s Report [00:01:25]: Report delivered by Gary Smith, Treasurer.

   1. Gary reported that the General Fund Checking balance stands at $5,307.56. The Money Market Account (Oxford Automotive settlement) has $65,042.72, TAG grant money available for the Former Plant Site (FPS) stands at $22,359.26. The Velsicol Burn Pit (VBS) has $48,744.28. Velsicol Burn Pit (VBP) Fund Checking $80.62. The complete reports will be attached to the permanent minutes.

   1. EPA denied the CAG’s final objection over payment to technical advisor.

   1. Quarterly Performance and VBP Output and Outcomes Reports submitted by secretary and treasurer to EPA for TAG Program.

3. Correspondence and Communication (shared via agenda).

   1. News articles in Gratiot County Herald, Morning Sun, Circle of Blue, Environmental Health News, and Great Lakes Now about progress at the plant site, the virtual PBB Community meetings, past environmental disasters, and current pollution problems in the Pine River.

   1. Quarterly Progress Report for the Velsicol Site.

   1. Velsicol Burn Pit Outputs and Outcomes.

1. Technical Committee Report [00:08:00]: Report delivered by technical advisor, Scott Cornelius of Cornelius Environmental Consulting.

   1. Update on discussion with EPA, EGLE, consulting firms and Alma College representatives following a conference call on October 2, 2020, about slurry wall investigation.

   1. Presentation on EPA Slurry Wall Investigation. The slurry wall was installed by Velsicol in the early 1980s.

      1. Objectives of investigation were to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the upgradient slurry wall (UGSW); (2) conduct a data evaluation to assist in the design of a perimeter containment and groundwater collection trench (i.e. prevent migration); and (3) apply similar investigation methods to previous slurry wall evaluations. The focus of investigation is on the portion of the wall along adjacent neighborhood properties (ANP), away from the river, with hope of retaining that portion.

      1. Conclusions from study [00:47:00] reveal that (1) groundwater mounding inside the UGSW is apparent over majority of extent, indicating that it is working as a barrier to groundwater flow over majority of the area; but, (2) groundwater appears to migrate along the UGSW area near ANP, suggesting it’s not completely keyed into the till, which is the portion EPA seeks to retain.

   1. Discussion:

      1. [00:49:00] CAG hopes for further study, which takes community concerns into consideration, especially with possible breach in slurry wall EPA seeks to keep. The ROD signed in 2012 stipulated a new wall around the entire plant site. When EPA suggested reusing wall along east side of plant site, community and CAG, especially raised questions of legality. CAG also wants to ensure the wall safe and there’s much distrust in walls integrity following RI and now this investigation. Further investigation needed.

      1. [00:55:00] Concern expressed about investigation and breach, especially over health of Pine River and drinking water supply. Scott Pratt, EPA consultant, clarifies that dye test results reveal that while there is some migration, it is well below any level of concern. He also pointed out that this has been an issue since the UGSW was installed—it’s not new. Jane Keon, CAG chair, reinforced community preference for 2012 ROD sheet pile wall around entire perimeter, rather than reusing any portion of UGSW as EPA suggests. In addition, ROD includes pumping wells that will be installed around the site to collect contaminated groundwater for treatment at an on-site plant, providing an additional barrier.

      1. [1:07:00] Data in mid-1990s showing that water migrates off plant site (ATSDR 1993 indicated the system is failing), based on other data, which investigators should find and consult. It’s important to know that there is additional evidence that demonstrates the UGSW is a long-term failure because original remedy was not a good one.

2. EPA Report [01:09:00]: Tom Alcamo, Project Manager.

   1. Update on Area 2, Phase 1 of the Velsicol Site: no update.

   1. State of progress in Area 2, Phase 2 of the Velsicol Site: EPA is now working through the winter to prepare the site, which includes removing all heaters and refabricating for new area with additional changes made to the flexible membrane liner, extraction wells, and liquid lines associated with the system. The treatment plant has been winterized as well. Big news is work with city to provide additional electricity to the site; the city will be boring under North Street to do so. Expected to finish preparing the site in January with start up by late March. Money is available for work, despite funding at EPA being really tight, especially for design work (EPA end of year is October 1), which will be done primarily next year. Additional sampling will be done this fall and presented at November meeting. Predesign for perimeter drain and barrier wall, with possible addition of collection trench, in the works too.

   1. State of progress on OU-3 and OU-4 of the Velsicol Site: Expect to finish carbon amendment study (RI and/or FS) in early January. Still waiting on some property owner releases for floodplain work.

3. EGLE Report [01:17:30]: Erik Martinson, Project Manager.

   1. No progress in connecting with Dr. Matt Zwiernik regarding dead bird and nest/egg studies.

   1. EGLE plugging Dow brine wells in Gratiot County, with closes being right on county line. There are a number that are along the Pine River, but none within St. Louis city limits. The project will take about 10 years to finish, with next set of wells expected to be done in next year. There are some Velsicol brine wells in area.

   1. Still facing complications with railroad company over access, but intend to continue to pursue so that the investigation can proceed. Erik will clarify questions about work plan with Gary.

4. Old Business [01:27:00]:

   1. Progress on website improvements: Ed Lorenz, vice chair, has most of the narrative for the website prepared, it just needs published to the website by Matt Ogle, CAG tech guru.

   1. Report on virtual PBB Community meetings: Ed, Jane, and Brittany all participated. Approximately 180 people total attended the meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 8:39 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Brittany Fremion, secretary