H & E Minutes, 7.12.10
7.12.10
NWDA H & E Minutes
Present: Karen Harter, Bob L, Mitch Ritter, Karl Dopelfeld, Lisa Selman, Caroline Skinner, Monica Russell (DEQ) Sharon Genasci
Sharon Handed out Carter Webb’s response to our request that Esco curtail or stop production on air advisory days this summer, to reduce the air pollution in the neighborhood, the group was disappointed in his alternative suggestions:
1. “Adding bike racks to the building and landscaping construction plans now underway
2. Looking at other options for encouraging bike commuting, especially in summer
3. Looking at options for stepping up our employee bus pass program
4. Establishing an “ESCO carpool” program via our internal newsletters and bulletin boards
5. Increasing communications around Clean Air Action Days to alert employees to best environmental practices in their commute, at home and at work.”
We felt that these strategies should have been done already and are completely inadequate in proportion to the impact of odors, VOCs and heavy metals carrying particulate emitted by the company into the neighborhood.
We then discussed Andy Ginsburg’s reply (on behalf of Dick Pederson, Head of DEQ to whom we sent the Esco letter). Most in the group agreed that Allan Classen’s response to Andy was a perfect summation of our own reaction:
“Mr Ginsburg:
I read your email response to Sharon Genasci’s request that Esco shut down on ‘bad air days’. Why are you running interference for Esco?
Wouldn’t a better response have been: “While we have no power to require Esco to accept this suggestion, we would applaud them if they choose to make such a gesture on behalf of cleaner air.”
Next we looked at the letter from Richard Albright, Director, Office of Air, Waste & Toxics, EPA Region 10 in Seattle. This letter will be fully answered by our committee.
We had written to the new Administrator at Region 10, Dennis Mc Lerran, whom we have decided we would like to invite to Portland to meet with both our committee and Neighbors for Clean Air. We will take the lead on arranging the visit.
There was some discussion about the need to explore collaboration with Slabtown on possible URA opportunities for cleaning up the air shed ahead of development on the Conway site.
Finally, The following proposed DEQ rules mostly developed at the previous meeting
were discussed and approved by the group. These will be presented by Sharon in a motion at the next NWDA Board meeting, and then following approval will be
sent to all key ODEQ personnel.
Following are the proposed rules:
1. A strong, enforceable rule for nuisance and odors.
2. A rule on diesel particulate that focuses on portable, but not mobile sources, such as generators, heavy equipment etc. About half of non mobile sources of diesel come from these sources.
3. The above ground oil storage tanks are sources of fuel odors. Some of them are leaking. Hence, a rule to require oil companies to tighten up the tanks and stop the leaks. (The tanks also should be prepared for earthquakes. This would not be a rule, but DEQ discretion could enforce this. And we would like to see DEQ require wind direction and speed monitors on fuel storage tanks).
4. ODEQ should move forward the rule that requires oil companies to reduce the benzene content in fuels in this region to the lower level of the rest of the country a year earlier (they aren’t required to clean the fuels until 2012).
5. A zero emissions rule on the most dangerous, persistent heavy metals, arsenic, lead, manganese and chrome 6.
Sharon Genasci, Chair, NWDA Health & Environment Committee
H & E Minutes – 6/21/10
Present: Bob L, Caroline Skinner, Bob Amundson, Karl Doppelfeld, Kristie Perry (Aide to Sen Bonamici) Allan Classen (NW Examiner) Sharon Genasci
The group welcomed Kristie Perry, Sen Bonamici’s Assistant and Karl Doppelfeld, a new member of the board. We began the meeting by briefing Kristie on the history of the committee’s work with DEQ. Bob Amundson led the discussion of new rules we feel that DEQ has the discretion to promulgate if they wish. They would, we feel, result in real improvements in the air shed.
First, we would like to see action taken on diesel particulate. The rule could focus on portable, but not mobile sources, such as generators, heavy equipment etc. About half of non mobile sources of diesel come from these sources.
Second, the above ground oil storage tanks are sources of fuel odors. Some of them are leaking. A rule should be written to force oil companies to tighten up the tanks and stop the leaks. The tanks also should be prepared for earthquakes. And while this would not be a rule, we would like to see DEQ require wind direction and speed monitors on the tanks to help determine where the odors come from.
Finally, regarding the fuel odors, we would like to see DEQ move forward the rule to require oil companies to reduce the benzene content in fuels in this region to the lower level of the rest of the country a year earlier than planned (they aren’t required to clean the fuels to a higher standard until 2012.
Caroline spoke to her idea to ask Esco not to operate on DEQ Air Advisory Days this summer, as a way to reduce pollution during hot summer months before Esco can make improvements recommended by the independent auditor. Caroline has suggested this for some time. We see this as an opportunity for Esco to demonstrate their good will toward the neighborhood.
Bob L spoke about the odor complaints. We will establish a subcommittee to deal with this. The committee will look at the complaints, compile data and decide how to proceed.
H&E Minutes – 5/10/10
Present: Caroline Skinner, Allan Classen (Examiner) Sujata Joshi (Health Div.) Julie Early-Alberts (Health Div) Monica Russell (DEQ) Bob L, Dr. Bob Amundson, Joe A. Keller, Myrian Alaux, Biljana Milkovska, Dr. Chris Bugas, Paul Koberstein, (Examiner) Sharon Genasci
Sujata Joshi & Julie Early Alberts from the Oregon Health Division spoke to us about their work with the Oregon cancer registry. Sujata, an epidemiologist, is going to work with our neighborhood to provide data from the cancer registry that will be broken down to zipcode or finer levels, so we can look at health data in a particular geographic area.
She was pleased to hear about the detailed monitoring of our airshed over the years by the neighbors, as this will provide more information on possible environmental factors. She took some trouble to point out difficulties in this work, as all results must be age adjusted (older people are more apt to get cancer) people move in and out of the neighborhood, and there is the question of people who work in the neighborhood, but do not live here (they will not be included). Also, the registry depends on doctors reporting a diagnosis. Naturopaths she thought were not included.
The good news is she can access for us by zipcode now, using data from 1996 to 2007. She thought she might be able to access data down to the census track level (2000 people) though there might be confidentiality problems with the smaller group.
She also thought she would be able to compare different neighborhoods.
We will ask our neighbors for a list of questions we want answered, any specific contaminants, childhood cancers, all types of cancers etc.
Paul Koberstein spoke about his research on cancer causing pollutants in the neighborhood air. He then asked the group how the air pollution affected the way they live in the neighborhood? Do they have to buy air purifiers? Do they limit time in the garden? Do they keep windows closed when it is hot? etc.
There was a discussion about prevention needing to be the focus of groups concerned about cancer- rather than paying for the cure, why not prevent it in the first place?
When asked, Monica said that 70 per cent of DEQ’s budget comes from permitting polluters to pollute. Some commented on Esco odors reaching higher on the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park.
Sharon reminded people of the permit hearings coming up: May 17th, 70 Couch Street, Oil Company hearing, White Stag Building, Room 142/144, 6:30 pm.
Neighbors are asked to come to the hearing and speak about any fuel odors they are noticing in the neighborhood.
May 18th, Public hearing on DEQ health benchmarks, 6:00 ODOT building, Main Floor, Conference room AB 123 NW Flanders. Benchmarks are being set for manganese, lead, ethyl benzene and mercury. There are no safe levels for these compounds. Come and testify.
- Sharon Genasci, Chair, NWDA Health & Environment Committee
H & E Minutes, 4.12.10
Present: Bob L, Elizabeth Patte, Allan Classen (Examiner) Monica Russell (DEQ) Bob Stacey, Paul van Orden, Paul Koberstein, Sharon Genasci
First on the agenda was a discussion with Bob Stacey, candidate for Metro President, about air pollution problems in NW Portland, and how Metro might be able to help with these. A very good discussion followed. He was knowledgeable about air pollution in NW PDX, and with his long experience in planning is highly aware of the necessity in seeking compact development (with its conjunction of employment and residential) for the businesses to be clean. He argued for a strong regional standard.
Paul van Orden, a candidate for County Commission, is also knowledgeable about air pollution, as he worked in New Jersey for a regulatory air authority. In PDX he does the noise program at the City. He is very supportive of neighbors’ efforts to clean up the air.
Paul Koberstein spoke about his research on carcinogens and heavy metals in our airshed. He also spoke about his spot us web site (see attached). He needs support from the neighbors for his continued investigative reporting on NW Portland air pollution. He has been researching and writing on these issues for a year now.
Bob L described the new odor complaint form that he designed to replace the one on Survey Gizmo, which is now requiring payment monthly. Neighbors are asked to look over his new form and make any suggestions.
DEQ has set up a telephone conference with Andy Ginsberg and Nina De Concini to talk about the independent audit at Esco. They have drafted an RFP for the audit.
We have requested that Bob Holmstrom, Bob Amundson and Sharon Genasci be included in the call.
DEQ also scheduled a telephone conference call for April 30th @ 8:00 am. for neighbors to testify to the EQC (Environmental Quality Commission) about the benchmarks changes for ethyl benzene, lead, manganese and mercury. DEQ agreed to set up a call-in number for neighbors.
Sharon Genasci, Chair
H & E Minutes – 3/08/10
Health & Environment Committee
Minutes – 3/8/10
Present: Bob Amundson, Bob L., Biljana Milkovska, Caroline Skinner, Elizabeth Patte, Sharon Genasci
We started off the meeting with a discussion about the Earth Day event at Food Front on April 24th from 11-4pm We planned some things for the table, reproductions of Paul Koberstein’s articles etc. volunteer shifts etc. we will leave to our April meeting.
Sharon raised the issue of more odor complaints over March 1 and 2 about the fuel smells. One neighbor moved her children out of the house. I decided to check out complainant’s addresses, and other sites to find the source of the odors. I travelled with Monica Russell, who also planned to investigate for DEQ at the same time. We found no odors at neighbor’s addresses, and then we went to the barrel yard (Meyers Containers) on St. Helens Road which one neighbor felt was the source of the odor.
We found nothing there, but the workers suggested we go to Carson Oil, located directly north of Meyers. Carson Oil provided a worker to take us round the parking lot, where the storage tanks (small, well kept) were located, and the tankers are filled there. It had no odors and was quite clean. Finally, we went to the tank farm, where Chevron, Kinder Morgan and ConocoPhillips are side by side. Some of the tanks look very old and rusty, and the odor was horrific. We agreed it was strong enough to account for odors in the neighborhood when wind blows in the right direction.
But the report from DEQ when we got back (after Monica reported our findings) was that Carson Oil needed more investigation, and perhaps, Meyers Containers, but no mention of the tank farm. (the companies’ permits are up for renewal).
I subsequently sent a complaint about this to Dick Pederson Head, DEQ, Because we were misinformed when DEQ said, no source of the odor was found. This resulted in the Examiner publishing the wrong information as well.
The oil companies permits are up for renewal, and a meeting is scheduled for March 10th to discuss the permits, and get answers from DEQ for our questions before the public hearing, which I requested.
We are still working to manually put all the odor complaints into our system, but that is progressing.
- Sharon Genasci
H&E Minutes – January 11, 2010
Present: Bob L., Caroline Skinner, Kitty Midson, Bob Holmstrom, Paul Koberstein, Sharon Genasci
Bob Holmstrom reminded the group that four oil companies with tanks in the tank farm are coming up for new permits. Sharon agreed to formally ask DEQ for a hearing.
Paul Koberstein was congratulated for another excellent article, this time on past monitoring in the neighborhood, carried out by the NWDA Health & Environment Committee. Dr. Robert Amundson, the scientist who worked with us for many years, was in charge of the monitoring. Paul pointed out how well that data held up over the years in light of new research on air pollution in NW Portland. Part of the monitoring was financed by a $20,000.00 EPA grant raised by the committee, and three years of monitoring was financed by a settlement between Chevron and Don and Sharon Genasci.
Bob Holmstrom reported on the tour of Esco he and Mary Peveto made in December. Fugitive emissions are a problem. Esco’s Carter Webb, stated in a letter to the Examiner that 80 per cent of Esco’s manganese emissions are fugitive – not coming through a stack or any permitted route. He was quite upbeat that Esco seemed interested in making changes to reduce their emissions.
He described the process inside the plant: A major concern is the argon/oxygen process at the eastern end of Plant One, located across from the distillery. This process gets rid of impurities from the scrap in the melt, resulting in a plume of smoke. He suggested the capture hood needs to be significantly improved to reduce fugitive emissions. Another problem area for fugitive emissions is large vents in the roof with fans to push the toxic emissions outside the building.
At the eastern end of the building, where large components are made, he noticed a plastic sheet being used to compact the sand molds. Emissions from burning the plastic were not captured. Nor was there a description of chemicals in the plastic. The group was concerned about possible dioxin emissions.
There was discussion about the scrap used, the need to know where the scrap comes from and what it includes, as the toxics emitted in the foundry process vary depending on paint and other components in the scrap. Pours take place in various parts of the plant, but not all of them have good emission controls.
It was felt overall that there were four main areas for improvement, that could make a difference for the neighbors, 1. The plastic melt needs capture 2. Esco needs to improve control of odors. They say they have been working on this for some time, but odors remain a serious problem for the neighbors. Some say odors are getting worse. 3. Need better capture at the argon/oxygen process. 4. Some type of capture should be placed on the open roof vents with the fans.
The plant does have detectors for radioactive materials at various points on the premises.
There was a discussion about the DEQ Science Advisory Committee meeting to set new benchmarks for manganese. Dr. Matt Brodsky, the neurologist who testified at the last Esco hearing for the H & E Committee, spoke to the Science Advisory Committee about the health effects of manganese exposure. He urged the group to set the lower California benchmark, which they adopted. However, some in the neighborhood would have preferred a benchmark of 0, since there are no safe levels for manganese.
We will examine the Cooper Environmental data for manganese. All present felt the need to place future DEQ monitors near sources where toxics such as manganese are peaking, rather than areas with average levels, which is the DEQ normal process.
- Sharon Genasci, Chair, H & E Committee
H&E Minutes – September 14, 2009
Present: Bob Amundson, Paul Koberstein, Kitty Midson, Bob L., Bob Holmstrom, Chia Yin Hsu, Monica Russell (DEQ), Caroline Skinner, Jo Wilson Greenstreet, Biljana Milkovska, Conde Cox, Mary Peveto, Allan Classen, Sharon Genasci .
Monica Russell briefed the group on the status of the new DEQ permit for Esco (Esco’s permit expired in August, and they have applied to DEQ for a new five year Title V permit). DEQ has now decided on a one to two year public process that will bring the public into the permit process more than in the past. The draft writing of the permit will not occur until a public meeting chaired by Mitch Greenlick has completed its object of raising issues for the permit. There was some concern that neighbors will continue under the current Esco permit with its toxic emissions for one to two years before a new (hopefully improved) permit is in place.
Bob Amundson spoke about the history of H & E’s work to clean up the airshed in NW Portland beginning in the mid 1990s. He began by talking about DEQ benchmarks. Benchmarks were set by the DEQ Science Advisory Committee, one of whose members was Candice Hatch, an Esco contract employee and a member of the Executive Committee of AOI (Associated Oregon Industries). In the DEQ job description for members of the Science Advisory Committee there were to be no conflicts of interest.
Sharon Genasci wrote to DEQ at the time and protested the appointment of a prominent industry representative on a board setting health benchmarks for the state. She is still on that committee, and was known to influence the committee to raise the benchmark for diesel emissions. H & E committee argued for adopting the more stringent California standards at the time.
Dr. Amundson spoke about the DEQ strategy of characterizing the main problems of air pollution coming from individual sources such as lawn mowers or hair spray, rather than dealing with large industrial sources.
Part of that DEQ effort has been to approach air pollution from a regional perspective, tending toward averaging pollution doses over large areas, rather than dealing with high doses over long periods to people living near pollution sources.
Bob Holmstrom reported on a meeting he had with Esco’s Carter Webb .
He gave Mr. Webb information about foundries that have cleaned up their emissions, and asked him to consider taking this step for the neighborhood.
He also met with Earl Blumenauer, who is more familiar with water issues, but was interested to hear about NW neighborhood air pollution problems.
Conde Cox gave a brief explanation of MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) a DEQ pollution control of sources. There was some discussion of Esco’s emissions being greater than the limits of its synthetic minor designation.
Mary Peveto spoke about her meeting with Andy Ginsberg, Head of the Air Division at DEQ. Andy was reporting on Dick Pederson’s response to Mary’s meeting with him. Part of his response is the new public process for the Esco permit, which will take one to two years. Another response is that DEQ is considering arranging for an independent audit of Esco to see what technologies could be utilized to reduce emissions. Our committee asked for this audit several years ago. DEQ did not, however, agree to our selecting the auditor. (We plan to select someone who is familiar with foundries and best technologies for pollution reductions).
- Sharon Genasci
H&E Minutes – August 3, 2009
NWDA Health & Environment Committee
Minutes – August 3, 2009
Present: Caroline Skinner, Monica Russell (DEQ) John Krallman (Lewis & Clark Law School) Kitty Midson, Elizabeth Patte,Bob L, Allan Classen (Examiner), Seshu Vaddey, Marcelle Catuvid, Stacey Vallas, Chuck Johnson, Lisa Selman, Mary Peveto, Paul Koberstein (Cascadia Times), Chandra Bird Tucker, Biljana Milkovska, Sharon Genasci
The meeting opened with a report from Monica about the status of the Esco permit. The permit expires in August. And though the permit application Esco submitted is far from complete, DEQ will not work on drafting the new permit or planning a hearing for the neighbors for at least six months.
Mary Peveto reported on her meeting with Dick Pederson, Head of Oregon DEQ, after consulting with neighbors on ‘asks’. Following are some bullet points from the meeting:
- She asked DEQ to put their Title V permits on-line (they are currently working on doing this).
- Mr. Pederson is concerned about the neighborhood’s lack of confidence that DEQ will use its discretion to force industry to clean up air emissions.
- He will investigate the source (s) of unburned fuel and natural gas odors reported in H & E odor complaints.
- He will investigate the possibility of facilitating an independent audit of Esco Corporation.
- He promised to get back to her in good time with answers to her questions.
The group discussed the upcoming meeting of the Portland Air Quality Workgroup organized by Representative Mitch Greenlick. Several neighbors at the meeting will attend and contribute, including Mary Peveto, (Neighbors for Clean Air). Carter Webb from Esco is also presenting at the meeting.
The group discussed the idea of approaching EQC (Environmental Quality Commission, which oversees ODEQ) with a proposal to adopt the Precautionary Principle. This principle, more widely used in Europe, holds industry to proof that industrial emissions will do no harm.
Sharon reported 66 odor complaints received between June 16.09 and July 30 09. 39 of these were for Esco, 2 for Greenway Recycling, 9 for “natural gas, unburned fuel smells”, 2 for an unknown industrial area source and 4 for Papa Hyden’s smoke. Several of these said the odors were daily – too many to report, and that the odors are getting worse.
Monica spoke about TRI data (Toxic Release Inventory) the source for the USA Today article on industrial air pollution and schools. She said DEQ has no oversight authority for TRI reporting – to test the truthfulness of the reports.
Finally, ODEQ plans a 4.6 percent increase in permitting costs. Title V permitting is fully funded by mainly the costs to industry of the permits.
- Sharon Genasci
H&E Minutes – July 20, 2009
NWDA Health & Environment Committee Minutes
Present: Caroline Skinner, Ann Dart, Mary Peveto, Jane Netboy, Monica Russell (DEQ) Bob L., Paul Koberstein (Cascadia Times), Bob Holmstrom Biljana Milkovska, Sharon Genasci
The meeting opened with Monica Russell reporting the status of the Esco permit and hearing. She said no date was set for the hearing, and the DEQ inspector has not begun work writing the draft permit. Esco’s permit expires in August. However, since they have submitted an application to renew their permit, the process can be delayed while DEQ prepares the new draft. This may take up to six months.
Sharon reported 30 odor complaints from neighbors (most about Esco) from July 1 to 17. We also have now received 73 on-line petitions to DEQ to write an Esco permit requiring best available technology and no operation on air advisory days. (We already submitted over a thousand petitions to DEQ, but the on-line petitions continue to come in).
Paul Koberstein spoke to the group about his research on Portland air
pollution, including Esco and emissions from the tank farms. He pointed out that Esco’s emissions are reaching neighborhoods beyond NWDA and that the tank farm emissions are higher than we expected, since the oil companies began using capture equipment in 2001 (our neighborhood air quality activism was a big factor in forcing the DEQ to belatedly write a rule requiring capture equipment when the eight oil companies in Portland loaded and unloaded the barges on the river).
There was discussion about Mitch Greenlick’s new PDX Air Quality Workgroup, (August 7th 9:00-3:00, Port of Portland Commission Chambers, 121 NW Everett St), which he set up in response to the Air Quality Town Hall meeting at Chapman School where parents expressed concern about their children’s health in schools near industrial emissions, such as those from Esco.
Several people from our group will attend. Carter Webb from Esco and a representative from Associated Oregon Industries will also be present.
Mitch will chair the meeting, and Representatives, Tina Kotek (D-NNE Portland,Michael Dembrow (D-NE Portland) and Ben Cannon (D-NE/SE Portland) are to form an interim workgroup in response to citizen concerns about air pollution. We are hoping a large number of people from NW PDX will attend (contact Tom Powers (503) 297 2416 about agenda, time for public testimony etc.).
- Sharon Genasci
H&E Minutes – April 13, 2009
We decided to meet at our regular time (second Mondays) because there were some who couldn’t make the meeting last week, and asked to have our regular meeting.
We talked about Earth Day (April 25th 10 am to 7 pm), arrangements for the table, fliers etc. to be displayed, more lawn signs organized. The table will have a cover in case of rain. We will share the table with the NWDA Board. Mary Peveto will also have a table with baked goods (“Cookies for Clean Air”) that have been donated by a bakery. We will get petitions signed there etc.
Sharon had copies of the EPA letter sent to Lisa Jackson, the new head of EPA in Washington. Our committee is mystified at the EPA decision to monitor air at Harriet Tubman School, in NE Portland (mainly traffic emissions), rather than Chapman or several other schools in North and NW Portland near industry indicated in the USA Today article about the vulnerability of children at school near industrial air pollution. We learned that ODEQ recommended the choice of Harriet Tubman School.
The group discussed the Marietta, Ohio solution to air pollution from a nearby foundry that involved the neighbors working directly with the offending plant, rather than with a regulatory agency. Sharon mentioned that she has received a number of emails from people wanting to drop support for the DEQ. The group is divided on this issue.
People on the committee are beginning to compile questions for George Davis the new ODEQ Inspector at Esco, who will begin to write the new permit soon. We hope to participate in writing the permit at the draft stage this time.
There was some discussion about the high benzene levels in fuels, and that they won’t be lowered until 2012 (EPA rule). Some people felt that since benzene is a Class A carcinogen, we should ask our lawmakers to move to clean up the fuels much sooner.
- Sharon Genasci
