Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board Meeting Minutes

Board Meeting Minutes

December 15, 1999

I. OPENING

A.                      Call to Order  

MJ Byrne, DDFO, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. and turned the meeting over to the Chair, Menice S. Manzanares. The agenda was approved as amended.

Sara Galpin moved, seconded by Elmer Torres, to approve the November 17 minutes as amended.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

Jeanne Marie Crockett, New Mexico Environment Department, 2044A Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM 87502 505-827-1542

Jeanne Marie Crockett invited the Board to participate in joint public meeting on environmental monitoring programs for the surrounding Pueblos, the New Mexico Environment Department and LANL.

Ms. Crockett described a recent meeting in Albuquerque of twenty-nine organizations responsible for educating youth about radiation. The next meeting will be on January 21 in Santa Fe.

Menice Manzanares and George Chandler made a presentation of a plaque to Tom Baca, ER/LANL for his support of the Northern New Mexico Citizens’ Advisory Board.

III. REPORTS

A. Environmental Surveillance at Los Alamos During 1998 - Bob Prommel and

Julie Johnston

Mr. Prommel distributed a written report on the Environmental Surveillance at Los Alamos during 1998 Report.

B. Southwest Technology Deployment Workshop - Jim Johnston

Mr. Johnston distributed a written report on the workshop. MJ Byrne asked Tom Baca if the cleanup schedule at Rocky Flats is achievable. Tom Baca thought the schedule was feasible. James Bearzi asked Tom Baca about the comparative funding between Rocky Flats and LANL. Mr. Baca said that Rocky Flats is funded at $600 million a year and LANL is $60 million.

C. Continuation Report on the SSAB Long-Term Stewardship Conference - Anthony Armijo

Mr. Armijo distributed a written report prepared by Fran Berting. Mr. Armijo referred to the "Ten Next Steps for Stewardship" that was distributed with the Board mailing. Mr. Baca reported that LANL’s goal for existing operations is zero discharge. LANL is close to this goal. Long-term stewardship can’t begin until a final redemption agreement is reached with the state. Mr. Vozella said that Doe’s stewardship efforts are beginning at $30 million over seventy years. MJ Byrne asked Tom Baca about what role or initiatives could NNMCAB take on this issue? Tom Baca suggested that the Board be briefed on this issue and that the Board reflect the public’s view about the zero discharge policy and similar topics. Mr. Chandler asked what commitment is DOE making to implement long-term stewardship? Mr. Vozella said that the federal government plans to be in business for a long time and so will fund long-term stewardship over time.

Mr. Chandler said that the Energy Communities Alliance met with several Board members this afternoon. The Alliance has a similar project on long-term stewardship that does not appear to be coordinated with this effort.

Paul Schumann announced the first Environmental Restoration Project availability session on December 16 at the LANL Community Reading Room in Los Alamos. This meeting is a result of NNMCAB Recommendation 99-1 to hold monthly briefings for local governments.

D. Chair Report - Menice S. Manzanares

Ms. Manzanares thanked MJ Byrne and staff for their help with the Open House. MJ Byrne and Ray Armenta provided the food for this event and for the Board meeting.

Ms. Manzanares proposed a one-day Board Retreat on January 29. The Board agreed to this Retreat and promised to give agenda suggestions to MJ Byrne. Ray Armenta will look for a good location.

E. DOE Report

MJ Byrne reported on the recommendations 99-1 to 99-5 adopted by the Board this fiscal year. On June 21, LAAO responded to Recommendation 99-1 that was adopted by the Board at the April 28 meeting. A letter was sent by David Gurulé, Area Manager, asking the Lab to implement this recommendation. On December 14, a letter was sent by LAAO to LANL asking for a formal response to this recommendation.

MJ Byrne observed that the Board Recommendation 98-4 requested that the Board receive the same information that LANL sends to the state on Permit Modifications. Mr. Vozella asked when does the Board want to be involved and receive the information. Mr. Chandler responded where could we have the most impact. Mr. Bearzi suggested that our Board members meet with the Sandia Board to learn what process has worked for them.

1. Ray Armenta distributed a written report with the Board mailing.

2. Ann DuBois distributed a written report with the Board mailing.

F. Environmental Restoration Committee - No meeting this month.

G. Monitoring and Surveillance Committee - Anthony Armijo

Mr. Armijo said that the Committee chose a permanent meeting time of the Wednesday before Board meeting. Tony é agreed to serve on this Committee. The Committee divided into groups for special assignments. Mr. Armijo asked Mr. Vozella about Recommendation 99-4. Mr. Vozella said that a response is being prepared. Mr. Armijo reported on the Long-Term Stewardship conference. The next meeting is January 21.

H. Waste Management Committee - Sara Galpin

Ms. Sara Galpin distributed a written report. Jim Johnston reported on the proposed Transportation Conference. MJ Byrne requested a written formal proposal on this transportation conference before any formal commitments are made with the hotels.

Ms. Galpin asked about the proposed tour for TA-54. Ray Armenta said that he would call Board members to schedule this tour.

Ray Armenta will call the Board members for dates to WIPP tour.

Ms. Galpin will give a full report on the Pollution Prevention Conference at the January Board meeting.

The next Committee meeting will be January 17 at 5:30. The Committee selected Monday a week before the Board meeting.

The Waste Management Committee discussed the recommendation on the Pecos Incident. Mr. Chandler moved and seconded by Jim Johnston the adoption of his recommendation. After discussion Mr. Chandler agreed to rework the recommendation and bring it to the January meeting.

I. Outreach Committee - Elmer Torres

Mr. Torres thanked Tammie Gomez for the excellent first edition of the newsletter.

Mr. Torres reported on his conversation with John Alejandro regarding the Board logo contest. Mr. Alejandro wants to contact forty-five high schools for their junior or senior science classes. His timeline for the completion of this project is March 1. The Board discussed Mr. Alejandro’s idea for a cash award for the student and the class. MJ Byrne requested written proposal and requested feedback from Board. Several members of the Board expressed their opinion that the cash award was too high.

Mr. Torres asked if any one had problems with the Board meeting locations that were sent with the Board mailing packet. There were no objections so these locations will be finalized.

Mr. Torres reported on the work done to update the Board mailing list and the newly redesigned postcard announcing the Board meetings.

Janet German requested that she be named to represent the Board on the Pajarito Plateau Watershed Partnership group. The Board agreed to having Ms. Gerwin represent the Board.

. BOARD COMMENTS - No Board Comments

V. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

The minutes are an accurate and complete summary of the matters discussed and conclusions reached at the Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board meeting held on December 15, 1999.

Certified by:

Menice Santistevan-Manzanares, Chair Date

 

Los Alamos Citizens Advisory Board
P.O. Box 1665
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544
(505) 662-1234  FAX (505) 662-4321
staff@lacab.org