## ![](media/image1.png){width="1.2291666666666667in" height="1.5902777777777777in"}[Full Board Meeting]{.smallcaps} 

> **Morgan Township Administrative Building**

## Saturday, February 12, 2005

### Draft Minutes 

The Fernald Citizens Advisory Board met from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on
Saturday, February 12, 2005 at the Morgan Township Administrative
Building.

Members Present: Jim Bierer

Marvin Clawson

> Lisa Crawford

Steve Depoe

Lou Doll

> Pam Dunn
>
> Jane Harper

Graham Mitchell

> Robert Tabor
>
> Gene Willeke

Members Absent: French Bell

Katie Brown

> Sandy Butterfield
>
> Gene Jablonowski

Designated Federal Official: Bill Taylor

The Perspectives Group Staff: Douglas Sarno

> David Bidwell

Fluor Fernald Staff: Sue Walpole

Approximately 15 spectators also attended the meeting, including members
of the public and representatives from the Department of Energy and
Fluor Fernald.

**Announcements and Updates**

Jim Bierer called the meeting to order. He announced that there would be
an SSAB Chairs meeting on April 27-29, 2005 in Augusta, Georgia. Jim and
Lisa expressed the importance of having an FCAB board member attend the
meeting. Pam Dunn, Bob Tabor, and Gene Willeke expressed interest in
attending if their schedules allowed. The meeting will consist of a tour
on Tuesday, and meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. Jim will participate
in the SSAB Chairs call on February 27^th^ and will summarize the call
for the CAB. He anticipated an agenda for the Chairs meeting would be
solidified during the call.

The Board approved the January minutes. The December minutes will be
approved at the March meeting.

Bill Taylor told the CAB that 183 of the 255 buildings on the site had
been dismantled, and 78 of the 179 trailers had been removed. 67% of the
soils had been certified clean and the details were released to the
press and public. The deep holes left from the cleanup will become ponds
on the site post-closure. The OSDF placement was delayed due to the poor
weather conditions. Bill told the CAB that a contractor had been
selected to remove the Silo 3 waste, which allows Silo 3 to be
dismantled along with Silos 1 and 2. Silo 1 has been emptied, and the
bottom portion has been grouted. The majority of weir boxes in Silo 2
have been removed, and the bottom of the silo will be grouted soon.
875,000 tons have been moved off-site in 81,033 rail cars. 490 items
have been donated to the townships through the Community Reuse
Organization (CRO). The 14^th^ annual Science Bowl was held on February
5^th^; Bill thanked Sue Walpole for her work on that event.

Dennis Carr noted that an article had been published that morning in the
Cincinnati Enquirer pertaining to a Defense Facilities Nuclear Safety
Board (DFNSB) letter regarding the recently performed Readiness
Assessment for the Silos 1 and 2 treatment facility. Dennis explained to
the CAB that he had declared the treatment facility ready and began
demonstrations. The demonstrations did not go as planned, because the
cement mix was "soupy" and not acceptable for use. The DFNSB sent a
letter declaring that the treatment facility was not ready and
complaining that the Readiness Assessment had been requested
prematurely. Dennis explained that after retesting the systems, it was
discovered that there was a glitch in the controls.

Doug Sarno stated that the letter intimated the review should not have
occurred until the facility was truly ready. He asked if Dennis thought
that was a fair point. Dennis explained that while he believed that was
a fair comment, the site is not required to do readiness reviews for the
Silos Projects. He continued that a lot of time and effort is put into
trying to catch everything, including administrative issues. Lessons are
learned through these processes, and it is important to remember that
the work is being done below budget and in an extremely safe manner.
Dennis explained that the facility would continue to run for 8 days (4
full shifts), and if all goes well, will be re-declared ready. Another
Standard Startup Review (SSR) will occur, and a notice will go out to
the community. Dennis concluded that the Critical Analysis Team (CAT)
had been involved in earlier reviews of the facility. The CAT would be
at the site again in March.

# Silo 3

Because the award of the Silo 3 disposal contract means packaging and
shipment of the waste will begin soon, Doug asked Dennis Carr to
summarize the Silo 3 project. He explained that Silo 3 is a 60-year old
structure that sits inside of a fabric structure. It contains 5,900
cubic yards of extremely dry powder materials. The powder is considered
hydroscopic and has a moisture content of about 2.7-8%. Inhalation is
the primary hazard as the dust contains Thorium 230. He further
explained that pneumatic retrieval would be used to transfer the
material into soft-sided shipping bags that will then go into SeaLand
containers and be shipped to Envirocare. Around 225 SeaLands containing
approximately 1,900 bags will be shipped. Personal protective equipment
(PPE) will also be included with the material and will add volume to the
bags. Moisture will be added to the material to help stabilize it. The
materials will reach a moisture content level of approximately 15%,
which basically causes the powder to become like a log in the bag.
Additional moisture would cause the material to turn too sticky.

Dennis continued that due to some stratification of concentrations in
the silo waste, about 20 bags of lower-concentration material will be
kept at the site and will be used to reach the WAC for Envirocare, which
is averaged for each SeaLand. Aside from those 20 bags, shipment will
take place in real-time. Dennis explained that he wants to start the
process slowly with single shifts running during the first week of
operation around February 28^th^. The first bags will be sampled and the
facility will shut down for one week in order to get feedback and review
data on airborne levels. The facility will then run in 4 twelve-hour
shifts until AWR is completed, when it will swith to four 24-hour
shifts. The operation will take approximately 4-5 months to complete.

Dennis explained that the air system would run continuously, but that
the retrieval system could be started and stopped. Graham Mitchell added
that 15-day notice had been given for startup. Dennis explained that
once the bags are at Envirocare, they would be removed from the
SeaLands, covered in soil, split, and spread into layers. The original
plan to bury the bags in sand would have required a license
modification. Envirocare has handled higher-level waste successfully in
this manner. The materials will present less risk to Envirocare workers
due to the pretreatment at the Fernald site. Dennis concluded that
Envirocare would keep the SeaLands per their contract.

Gene Willeke asked about the possibility of moving the SeaLands by rail
instead of by truck to Envirocare. Dennis Carr explained that because of
project delays, they are attempting to ship 5 unit trains per month to
complete waste pits and Soil Pile 7. It would be impossible to push more
cars through the system and Envirocare doesn't have ability to deal with
more trains. Envirocare is now also receiving shipments by rail from
Rocky Flats, causing logistical problems. Dennis explained that the
SeaLands would be shipped during a six-month shipping campaign, in which
10-15 trucks each week would leave Fernald. They will be the only trucks
carrying material from the site at that time.

Gene reiterated that if there were any way to ship by rail, it should be
done; however, delaying shipment of the materials from Fernald is not an
option. Dennis agreed that it would be preferred to ship by train, but
would not be possible due to the logistical difficulties at both Fernald
and Envirocare.

**Silos 1 and 2**

Dennis stated that there were responses to the RFP for storage of Silo 1
and 2 waste, but that an award was not made. Dennis and Bob Warther
(DOE-OH) went to Texas to testify in front of the State Senate's Natural
Resource Committee. Initially there were misunderstandings and
negativity, but by the end of the session there was some clarification
on the issues. He continued that there was a reasonable belief that a
license for storage would be issued. Bill stated that discussions are
continuing with both the Natural Resource Committee staffers and with
the Governor's office. Dennis expressed that he believed that the
committee is attempting to draft legislative language to collect fees
before they would allow Waste Control Specialists (WCS) to accept the
silos waste.

Bill stated that the new Energy Secretary and the acting EM-1 team at
DOE had reaffirmed closure of Fernald for 2006, and added \$5 million to
handle the costs related to silos waste disposal and storage. DOE is not
willing to take on the Nevada Attorney General at this time, in order to
dispose of the waste at the Nevada Test Site. Bill also said that he
would not go so far as to state that the Nevada option is completely off
the table.

# Additional Updates

Graham Mitchell told the CAB that he had sent a letter to DOE and Fluor
the previous month encouraging public outreach and offering the
assistance of Laura Hafer from the EPA office. He continued that a lot
was happening behind the scenes regarding the Natural Resource Damages
(NRD) lawsuit, but that they were still waiting for a response from DOE.
Graham also announced that the Governor of Ohio is suggesting a solid
waste tax, which would reduce the waste coming from out-of-state to
Ohio. Graham offered additional information upon request.

Lisa Crawford expressed concern over the possible reductions to the
current \$329 million budget, particularly a reduction in the funds
allotted for public involvement. Lisa and Pam Dunn requested a breakdown
of the budget. Johnny Reising agreed to provide them with the numbers
and to review it with Lisa and Pam.

Lisa announced that a public meeting had been held between the community
and two local chemical companies. A follow-up meeting was planned for
sometime in March. The meetings are significant to the community at
large, because of possible contamination from the companies' operations.
Ohio EPA was in the town of Fernald in early February placing vapor
monitors in neighbors homes and in their yards. She said that although
the issue is completely separate from the FCAB, the community should be
aware of it. Graham added that there had been concerns about these
companies at the same time as the initial concerns arose about the
Fernald contamination. When problems were found, those companies put the
neighbors on public water. A new model shows that volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) could be seeping into the basements of homes in the
neighborhood.

Jane Powell of LM announced that her team had worked on the Legacy
Management and Institutional Controls Plan (LMIC) during the first week
of February and that a new version of the document had been delayed
until April 15^th^. The delay will give LM time to improve the Community
Involvement Plan (CIP). She also announced that the property transition
from EM to LM had been discussed and that an internal site transition
document would be sent to DOE HQ by the end of February. The document
would then be released for public comment. Jane requested comments on
the CIP by March 4th, so that they may be addressed in the next version
of the LMIC.

Steve Depoe announced that the next Fernald Living History, Inc. (FLH)
meeting would be held on March 7^th^, and Lisa Crawford announced that
the next FRESH meeting would be held on March 24^th^.

# Transition of Public Participation from EM to LM

Audrey Berry of LM spoke to the CAB about Local Stakeholder
Organizations. Doug expressed the importance of offering the CAB's
experiences to LM, so that there would be continuity of institutional
knowledge, and also to pass-on the concept of community-based
stewardship. The community itself has been the one true continuous
presence at Fernald. He continued that community knowledge is critical
to performance of institutional controls, and that the community
knowledge is in fact an institutional control. He stressed that the
importance of having an on-site information center is to create
community awareness.

Steve stated that he believed that the quality of DOE's decision-making
has improved due to its interaction with stakeholders. He further stated
that the improvement had been facilitated by the knowledge of the
community, and that there are benefits of ongoing consultation to DOE.

Audrey Berry requested that the CAB draft a letter to Mike Owens,
highlighting some of the concerns and thoughts for LM regarding the
Local Stakeholder Organizations (LSO). She also requested formal or
informal feedback from FCAB members. She is currently gathering comments
from the 3 sites designated for LSOs - Mound, Fernald, and Rocky Flats.
She explained that the legislation says that LSOs will consist of local
elected officials or their designees, and that the "or their designees"
language was added due to the diligence of the Fernald stakeholders.
Locally elected officials are frequently very busy and may not be able
to participate at the level they would like to. There is no legislation
that states that the LSOs can't include ex-officio members.

The FCAB discussed specific points to be included in an FCAB
recommendation on a LSO. Topics included the definition of "local,"
representation of townships, facilitation, convening of the LSO,
decision-making processes, and the role of the LSO in post-closure
decisions.

Doug asked if the elected officials would have to actually designate
those people. Audrey replied that she is trying to find that out, and
that the Secretary of Energy would have ultimate approval of LSO
members. Steve added that the community involvement plan (CIP) has a
placeholder for the LSOs. Audrey asked to receive comments in next two
weeks, in order to draft a concept by March 4th. She said that she would
like to have everything in place soon, in order to ease the transition
from the FCAB to the LSO. She continued that there had been some
discussion about whether the LSOs should or must comply with the FACA,
and that the issue is under review by the DOE counsel.

In a response to questions from both Lisa and Jane, Audrey reiterated
that a more developed LSO concept would be ready for the community to
review in March. Doug responded that the CAB needed to look closely at
all of the issues today in order to help LM see what characteristics
have made this Board work. Doug further stated that the FCAB needs to
have a clear understanding of the missions of the LM and the LSOs. Doug
also reminded the group that in January, Dave Geiser said that it took
completing the Weldon Spring site to attract partnerships and interest.
At this time, Fernald is seen as a waste site, and the community needs
to understand that this site is something worth investing in.

# History Discussion

David Bidwell asked the FCAB to review a draft outline of the FCAB
History Project. Notes and comments made by the group in previous
meetings and communications had been incorporated into the outline. The
FCAB committed to review the outline in detail and provide comments to
David by February 21^st^.

David told the CAB that he had met with Sue Walpole and Dave Hinaman
regarding possible formats that the CAB could use to present their
history. Dave suggested creating a user-friendly website, or DVD that
emulated a website, to present the full history of the site. The content
would be presented in a non-academic format, with a complete
bibliography included for those who would like to see further detail.
The bibliography could be linked to the Grand Junction website or to the
new LM website at [www.lm.doe.gov](http://www.lm.doe.gov/).

The website or DVD would provide hotlinks to data, reports, and photo
galleries of events like the FutureSite Game. David continued that it is
important to develop the text portion first and add to the resources
portion as time and resources become available. Dave agreed to provide
samples to the CAB of history websites and DVDs from other outside
projects. He will also provide budget estimates.

David told the group that he had reviewed some archived video from the
site, and although he wished there were more available, he found some
valuable video to use in the History Project. Pam recommended that an
Excel databases be used to catalog information so that users could
search for specific information. David asked her to provide details to
him by email.

Steve stated that he teaches an Environmental Communication course twice
per year and from a student's point of view, the bibliography is an
essential tool. Lisa added that it would also be very important to
remember that a large portion of the community does not have Internet
access. David responded that it would be important to keep the audience
in mind when creating the website or DVD. Historians, teachers and
librarians would be more likely to use the piece to teach lessons, as
opposed to community members viewing it in their homes. He also added
that the piece would could be available in the proposed educational
facility.

David told the CAB that Sue was making connections with historical
societies, universities, and other parties who would be interested in
participating in a History Roundtable in April. He also explained the
importance of attracting groups that would be genuinely interested in
the project and developing a relationship with the FCAB.

The FCAB discussed the agenda for the March FCAB meeting. Possible
agenda items include, planning of workshops or roundtables, FCAB
History, budget issues, updates on LM and LSO concepts, and planning for
a tour of the site in June.

Meeting adjourned.

# Next Meeting

The next meeting of the FCAB will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2005,
from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Ross Township Firehouse.

James Bierer Date

Fernald Citizens Advisory Board Chairman

Gary Stegner Date

Deputy Designated Federal Official