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.