ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD

 

      JANUARY 2004

 

           Regular Meeting

         Municipal Building, Training Room

         Thursday, January 8, 2004 - 7:30 p.m.

 

      MINUTES

 

A.         Call to Order

 

            The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

1. Introduction of EQAB members and recognition of visitors:

 

            Members Present:                      Visitors:                                     Staff:

 

            Ellen Smith, Chair                  Mark Belvin, DOE                   Amy Fitzgerald

            Chuck Agle

            Shelaine Curd-Hetrick                             

            Jimmy Groton

            John Huotari                          Members Absent:                      

            Ann Huston                         

            Mike Maston                          Charlie Burger

            Aaron Peacock                                    Tyler Johnson

            Sara Sams                           

            Al Skyberg                                   

                                                                       

2.            Recognition of Recording Secretary:            Amy Fitzgerald

 

3.            Amendments to the Agenda:            None

           

            4.            Announcements:            Jimmy Groton announced a meeting of the Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning for January 20, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Club Room of the Civic Center.  An interpreter for the National Park Service was to give a lecture on the history of the Obed Wild Scenic River designation.

 

B.            Approval of Minutes from December 4, 2003

 

            A motion was made by Al Skyberg to approve the December minutes. Upon second by Mike Maston the minutes, as written, were approved by unanimous vote.

 

C.            Presentation

 

            None.   

 

D.         High School Representatives (Sara Sams, Ann Huston)

 

            Ann discussed the article about America Recycles Day that appeared in the Oak Leaf  Student Newspaper at the High School. Sara reported that she attended the National League of Cities meeting in Nashville in December.  Ellen added that a Household Hazardous Waste Day is being planned for April.

 

E.         Report on DOE-related matters (from EQAB Regulatory Oversight Committee and DOE representative Mark Belvin). 

 

            Ellen reported that several members had reviewed the EIS on depleted uranium.  Mike had a minor concern regarding a seeming inconsistency in the assessment of risk associated with transuranics in the tails.  Chuck noted that the materials would always be contained.  No further action was taken. 

 

            Amy reported her conversation with Bechtel Jacobs regarding the expansion of the Environmental Management Waste Management Facility (EMWMF), a.k.a. the CERCLA waste disposal cell.  After discussion, the group decided to ask DOE to arrange a presentation at February’s meeting.  Amy accepted the action item to make the request.

 

            Al had a question about the SWSA 4 groundwater treatment Ion exchange unit, and discussion regarding this topic ensued.  Mark had nothing additional to report.

           

F. Communications

 

Amy distributed two communications for review: (1) TDEC's notice to reissue a hazardous waste post-closure permits for S-3 Site, the Oil Landfarm, and the Bear Creek Burial Grounds/Walk-In Pits; and (2) Notice from the New Mexico Environment Department to approve an agency-initiated modification to the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit for WIPP.   No action was taken.

 

G.         Staff Report

 

Amy reported that the DOE Headquarters had extended the comment period for the draft Risk-Based End State report until late February.  The discussion regarding Committee assignments was postponed.

 

H.         Planning Commission (Chuck Agle)

 

            Chuck reported that the Regional Planning Commission would be reconstituted to the Oak Ridge Municipal Planning Commission.  By law, the reconstituted commission will have a maximum of ten members.

 

            Nothing new was reported on the Landscape Ordinance.  Chuck reported a proposed Professional Services PUD near the Masonic Lodge.

 

I.            Committee Reports

1. Regulatory Oversight (items not covered under E) (Ellen Smith, Chair)

a. Local Oversight Committee (LOC)

b. LOC CAP (Al Skyberg).  None.

c. Stewardship Team (Tyler Johnson). 

d. CROET (Jimmy Groton).  None

e. Stormwater Management.  None

f. Health Effects activities.  Upon motion by Mike Maston and second by John Huotari, members voted unanimously to submit an endorsement of Al Skyberg for membership the Health Effects Panel.

g. Other

2.            Resource Conservation and Management (Chair Vacant)

a. Anderson County Solid Waste activities.  None.

b. Tree-planting follow-up.  Ellen reported she was still waiting on a report from Marty Cole.  She also noted that Charlie talked to Larry Bailey and that the city’s bid came in under budget, which should mean more trees.  Ellen expressed a desire for trees for Mona Lane.  Charlie had suggested that EQAB make a recommendation regarding locations and types. Mike suggested site of new soccer fields at Haw Ridge.  Chuck noted the site might not be ready; Al suggested Robertsville Road. Mike suggested looking into offering trees via the Urban Design Committee to businesses.  No further action was taken.

A motion by Mike, and seconded by Shelaine, to make a suggestion to staff to buy as many trees as the grant would buy. The motion was adopted by unanimous vote. Ellen will contact Larry Bailey.   She added that the new grant deadline is April.

c. Other

3. Urban Design (Tyler Johnson, Chair)

4. Greenbelts & Open Space (Jimmy Groton, Chair)

a. Greenways Oak Ridge (Charlie Burger)

Several issues were discussed, including trash along greenways and Emory Valley greenway location.

b. Greenbelt Ordinance and Management Guidelines

5.            Special Projects

a. Karst and Mona Lane

b. ORHS Stakeholders Committee.   (Ellen Smith).  Ellen reported that the committee had met and were to hear the report of the architects on January 14th.

 

J.            Unfinished Business

 

K.         New Business

 

            Mike asked about the Ernie’s Creek CIP item and the number of lanes that are being dredged on Melton Lake.  A discussion was held regarding the use of an EPA Section 319 grant to assist in the Ernie's Creek project.  Mike agreed to follow-up on cost estimates and options.

 

L.            Adjournment

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

 

                                                                        _________________________________

                                                                                    Amy S. Fitzgerald

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Last updated February 13, 2004