EMCAG Members and Alternates Present: Jim Condict, Linda Cook, Tom Essex, Neal Meglathery, Kendall Mix, Sheldon Novick, Gwenda Smith, Bob Walker, and Steve Willbanks
Strafford Technical Advisor: Sally Mansur
Copperas Hill Coalition: Kathy Hardy, Fred Moody
Technical Assistance Grant: Richard Downer, Peter Gregory
Facilitator: Cindy Cook, Adamant Accord

The meeting began at approximately 7:07.

Approval of August 8 and August 22 Meeting Summaries

The CAG approved the August 8th and August 22nd meeting summaries.

Discussion re Cleanup Alternatives

The CAG discussed the merits of alternatives 2C (capping) and 3D (hardpan). Sheldon indicated that 3D may involve less truck traffic, because less cover material is needed for 3D that for 2C. In response to a question from a CAG member, Sheldon and Cindy explained that the two alternatives cannot be combined, because 2C is designed to keep water away from the tailings, and the hardpan layer of 3C requires that water come in contact with the tailings. Linda Cook noted that the thickness of the cover system may affect the future use of the site.

Tom Essex noted that he does not want any field testing that EPA does of the hardpan formation process to delay the cleanup. Bob Walker asked if the CAG supports the RCC wall. Tom said that he does not like the aesthetics of the proposed wall.

Discussion w/ TAG Consultant Dr. Richard Downer re Community Concerns

CAG representatives and alternates all briefly described their concerns to Richard Downer, who is providing the CAG with technical assistance during the EE/CA review process. Richard summarized these concerns and distributed them to the CAG. A copy of this summary is attached hereto.

Sheldon stated that "EPA and its contractors have done a remarkable job of incorporating all of our interests into the alternatives, and an admirable job in preserving historic properties".

Redevelopment Initiative Update

Sally Mansur reported that the Future Committee recommends issuing a Request For Qualifications for consultants who can help the CAG work with EPA in developing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) regarding historic mitigation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. She also indicated that she will check at Dartmouth to see if they have the resources to develop a model of the site that depicts topography, hydrology, historic resources, and the cleanup alternatives.

FacilitatorÕs Update

Cindy Cook announced that Kierstead will make a presentation on the history of the mine on September 16 at 2 pm at Barrett Hall as part of Vermont Archaeology Week.

She also announced that the historic preservation workshop proposed by Emily Wadhams will be held on October 27th.

Site Access

Linda Cook announced that her family intends to establish four days per year for site visits for technical groups on her family's mine property.

Agenda for the September 26th Meeting

Cindy noted that the draft EE/CA and mechanisms to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup will be discussed at the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

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