The Adak Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) met for its regular monthly meeting on March 21, 2001, at 6:00 p.m. (Adak time) and 7:00 p.m. (Anchorage time). The RAB met at the CSO Conference Room, Bob Reeve High School, Adak, Alaska. Others participated by telephone conference from Anchorage, Alaska.

Administrative Note: The summary of discussions during RAB meetings is not intended as a transcript of the meeting. A recording of the RAB meeting is obtained at every meeting and in the event that a more complete transcript of a discussion is needed for a specific issue, this recording can be accessed. While participants at RAB meetings are strongly encouraged to review the meeting minutes prior to finalization of the minutes, it is recognized that there is the possibility that participants in the discussions have not reviewed the minutes to confirm that they accurately reflect the content of the discussion.

1. Welcome, Introductions, and Meeting Purpose

   Ms. Villa called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. (Adak time). A quorum was present.

   1. Approval of Agenda

      The agenda was approved.

   2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes (11/15/00 and 2/21/01)

      IT WAS MOVED by Ms. Grisco AND SECONDED by Ms. Yoon that the minutes of the November 15, 2000 and February 21, 2001 meetings be approved as written. THE MOTION PASSED with unanimous consent. Note: Ms. Yoon will submit some minor/informal information changes to amend the 2/21/01 minutes. Mr. Gates noted that he technically represents TAC.

   3. General Announcements

      There were no general announcements.

      1. Administrative Issues
         1. Concerns, Issues, and Questions

            Action Item: OASIS is to mail extra RAB materials to Tim Roy, P.O. Box 1999, Adak, Alaska, fax (907) 592-4262.

            Action Item: Ms. Villa will e-mail recruitment questionnaires and items to post on Adak.

            Ms. Villa asked what educational system was in place on the island. Mr. Gates said the blue card system is still being used. The briefing is now on an updated videotape.

            Mr. Martin said consistent sound and phone connections as well as timely delivery of the presentation materials to Adak is still lacking. Mr. Gates requested that a Navy policy decision be made to increase the quality of the communications between Adak and Anchorage. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Stoll said there were practical limits, but would do their best to better the meeting quality. Mr. Gates requested technical help to improve visual availability and sound clarity. Ms. Romig said she has been emailing/mailing the presentation materials two weeks prior to the meetings. Adak residents can be added to her email distribution list in order to receive electronic copies of the minutes and handouts.

            Mr. Gates said the detailed schedule of Navy tasks and actions between 2/1/2001 and transfer was promised at the last BECT meeting. Ms. Kelly said additional dates and items were being added and the schedule should be available within a week.

            Mr. Gates said he talked with the repository librarian who reported the last submission was 12/1/2000, and the most recent document was dated 9/29/2000. Mr. Murphy said anyone may contact the Navy and request documents and that he will follow-up on repository problems. Mr. Murphy said the Navy has regularly been sending documents to Adak and to the repository.

         2. March 21st BECT Meeting - Brief Discussion

            Mr. Stoll reported the BECT meeting was brief. Topics of discussion included the fish advisory and whether or not warning signs should be posted in Sweeper Cove and Kuluk Bay. Mr. Tutiakoff believed the signs were too aggressive and suggested the information be combined in the education program. No decision was reached. Possible solutions will be submitted to the RAB for comment..

            Ms. Kelly pointed out that TAC is attempting to attract the fishing industry to Adak. The fish advisory and the associated risks pertain only to local subsistence users and long-term consumers. Ms. Villa agreed with Mr. Tutiakoff and said there should not be any signs, rather the information should be handled through education. Ms. Yoon noted the installation of signs was included in the ROD. This does not mean the decision cannot be changed, however it cannot be voted away at this meeting.

            Action Item: Ms. Kelly will provide a list of chemicals of concern in Kuluk Bay and attach them to these minutes.

            Action Item: RAB members are encouraged to provide comments to Patty Kelly regarding the fish advisory sign issue by contacting her at 360-396-0049 or kellypl@efanw.navfac.navy.mil.

            Issues regarding the Finding of Suitability of Transfer (FOST) of the property were discussed. It was agreed that the FOST could be accomplished, even with outstanding petroleum issues.

            An Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) to handle certain Record of Decision (ROD) issues was discussed as well. Mr. Murphy explained the ESD is focused on allowing petroleum remediation decisions to be made under existing State of Alaska laws, thereby removing the sites from the CERCLA status. When the ROD was signed, Alaska law was still undergoing comment and promulgation. The ESD is in place of amending the ROD. The ESD does not change the Navy's liability or any decisions made in the ROD.

         3. TAPP Grant Status

            An extension to Dr. Scrudato's contract will be issued by the end of the week.

            Action Item: Mr. Mitchell requested that arrangements be made for Dr. Scrudato to attend the on-island meeting set for May 30th.

2. Discussion Topics
   1. Petro Sites and FFS Presentation

      Mr. Johnson's presentation is attached to these minutes and also available on www.adakupdate.com.

   2. Plans for Upcoming Field Season - OU "A"

      Mr. Walker reported that the following work is planned for the 2001 field season:

      • Free product recovery at Power Plant 3, Arctic Acres, SWMU 62, NMCB, NORPAC and tanker shed.
      • Groundwater monitoring for approximately 180 wells. This information will feed back into the focus feasibility studies and will better delineate the sites.
      • Nine sites are going through the focus feasibility process. Arctic Acres, NMCB, tanker shed, Power Plant 3 and NORPAC will be going through the process as well. The field investigation for those sites will be conducted this summer.
      • The 12" diesel pipeline, which is the problem source of the 18/36 site, will be cleaned and closed this summer. The A1 pipeline will be cleaned and foamed.
      • Additional tanks were discovered in the course of closing the underground storage tanks (UST) in the Shagak area late last season. Those tanks will be evaluated for closure. There was no spilled oil found in the Shagak area.
      • A culvert will be installed at the airport ditch near South Sweeper Creek and the seep pathway will be eliminated. It may be 2002 before the final remedy at 18/36 will be installed. Investigation will continue this field season.
      • A pilot study, which will consider bio slurping, will be conducted at the "B" site of south runway 18/36.
      • Facilities that are structurally unsafe will be demolished. 40 condemned cabins will be burned in place and disposed at Roberts Landfill. Mr. Gates requested that the community be consulted regarding which cabins would be demolished.
   3. OU "B" Presentation
      • RI/FS Report Summary

        Mr. Murphy's presentation is attached to these minutes and also available on www.adakupdate.com.

      • Plans for Upcoming Field Season - OU "B"

        Fencing from a former minefield across from Clam Lagoon will be removed.

3. Public Comments.
   • Discussion Topic, Concerns, Issues Questions.

     Mr. Martin suggested that the time for more action and less studies is at hand, particularly with regard to the fuel remediation.

4. Set Date and Tenative Topics for Next Meeting

   Discussion of fish advisory signs.

   Mr. Gates requested that the 15 focus feasibility studies be reviewed.

   Mr. Gates requested a review/audit of the 1997 pipeline work.

5. Meeting Adjourned.

   The next informal meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2001 in Anchorage. The next formal meeting is scheduled for May 30, 2001 on Adak at 6:00 p.m. Adak time and 7:00 p.m. Anchorage time. (The Anchorage meetings will be held at the ADEC office. 555 Cordova St.). The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:50 p.m.

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