HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE minutes 110810
FROM: Commission for the Environment
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting
DATE: November 8, 2010
LOCATION: Southern Human Services Center (Chapel Hill)
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Kaiser (Ch), Renee Price (V Ch), Lucy Adams, Lynnette Batt, May
Becker, Peter Cada, Loren Hintz, Michael Hughes, David Neal, Tom O’Dwyer, Gary Saunders
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Adams, Michelle Drostin, David Welch, Clay Hudson
STAFF PRESENT: Rich Saw and Tom Davis GUESTS: Tom Konsler and Betty Cross
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I. Call to Order: 7:40 pm
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – None
III. Approval of Minutes
Hintz asked to add the information he announced under the Updates and
Information Item. Price motioned to approve the October 11 meeting summary
as amended. Motion seconded by L. Adams. Approved unanimously.
IV. Overview of Biosolids Land Application
Konsler (Environmental Health Director) presented an overview of the
production of biosolids and the spreading of biosolids on area farmland pursuant
to permits administered by the NC Division of Water Quality and monitored
locally by the Orange County Health Department
Konsler identified the following emerging concerns: 1) changing nature of waste
(e.g., metals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals); 2) unknown effects on aquatic life,
surface/ground water; 3) airborne pathogens; 4) public concern and sentiment
Konsler answered many questions from CFE members and from guest Betty
Cross (Sewage Sludge Action Network); Shaw reviewed that the CFE had
advised the BOCC on this subject by way of memoranda in 2008 and 2009
V. Annual Report and Work Plan
Shaw presented a revised draft annual report and work plan (Draft #2), which
highlighted changes that were made in response to CFE comments in October
Further additions and revisions were recommended by CFE members; Saunders
and O’Dwyer offered to provide further suggestions in follow-up email to Shaw
Shaw will prepare a revised draft (Draft #3) and circulate to CFE members by
email for approval before submitting to BOCC Clerk by November 30 deadline
VI. Election of Officers
Kaiser (Chair) and Price (Vice Chair) were re-elected by a unanimous vote
VII. Committee Assignments
CFE members were each assigned to one of four standing committees.
VIII. Updates and Information Items
Staff provided updates on issues (Unified Development Ordinance, Lands
Legacy Action Plan) and information on other topics of interest (Parks &
Recreation Advisory Council, Groundwater Guardian Green Sites, NC’s
response to EPA air quality rules, Holly Springs wastewater reclamation)
Meeting adjourned at: 9:40 p.m.
Name of Minute Taker: Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff