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