Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel
March 7, 2002
Attendees: Robyn Bass, Scott Campbell, Mark Diamond, Charlie Glazman, Keith Kesler, Lori Keute, Carol Lindberg, Sister Genevieve Schillo, Kaye Tenerelli, Kate Whitby.
Industry Representatives: Dave Podratz, Liz Lundmark, Corey Mead, Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Facilitator: Mary A. Green, Ann Green Communications, Inc.
Minutes: Mary A. Green.
The regular meeting of the Murphy Oil USA, Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was called to order by facilitator Mary A. Green, beginning at
6:05 p.m., March 7, 2002, at WITC.
Mary welcomed Kaye Tenerelli as a new member. Everyone was introduced. Handouts were reviewed. The agenda was reviewed. The minutes from the February meeting were approved as distributed.
Lawsuit Settlement
David Podratz presented information about the Consent Decree requirements that relate to the lawsuit. [A copy of his presentation is attached to these minutes for those not present.] He said the public comment period ends March 8, 2002. The presentation included elements of the agreement between the refinery and the government; however, the judge has the final say on whether the agreement is approved or not.
Dave talked about the history of the sulfur recovery unit (SRU). He then reviewed the requirements within the consent decree that relate to the SRU and the tail gas treating unit (TGTU). [Details are outlined in the presentation.]
The plant also must submit a plan to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for maintenance and operations of the two units (SRU and TGTU) and any upstream process units. This also includes information from all investigations of any acid gas or tail gas flaring incidents. The company already conducts this type of investigation, but now must formalize the reports and submit to the agency. The requirement formalizes it. The refinery also must implement an improved Leak Detection and Repair Program (LDAR). A new employee has been hired to manage this program. [Details are in the presentation.] Dave said once the program is in place, the employee could be available to talk to the panel about LDAR. Members agreed. To more easily manage the program, Liz Lundmark said the company is working to develop a bar code method for all valves there are more than 9,000 in the refinery. This will make for a more efficient program.
The refinery also must conduct supplemental environmental projects. [Details are found on pages 5 and 6 of the handout.]
Dave talked about the permitting process for any changes to the supplemental environmental projects as well as the requirements for sulfur reductions. [This is found on page 7 of the handout.]
Civil penalties also were outlined. The general fund will receive $4.75 million. Wisconsin will receive $750,000. [More details are on page 8 of the handout.]
Dave said if all elements of the Consent Decree have been met within five years, Murphy Oil can request that it be terminated.
In response to a question, Liz said she does not expect regulations to be tightened to those at which level Murphy Oil will be held. The standards that Murphy must meet under the decree are tougher than the law require.
Dave also said permit regulations are very complex. They are being rewritten by the government to make them easier for understanding.
Plant Report
Dave said February saw much improvement over January for the plant’s report card. [A copy of his report is attached to these minutes.] There were no spills and no air permit exceedances. However, there were six water exceedances. He explained each. He said most were caused from the January shutdown, which overwhelmed the bug population in the waste water treatment unit. New practices have been implemented to minimize this in the future.
There were two first-aid cases in February.
As for operations, Dave said production in February is down from last year. In 2001, the barrels of change rate was 35,856. In 2002, it was 22,104. The market is bad at this time and the refinery is loosing money on every barrel processed.
[Additional information is included in Dave’s handout, which is attached to these minutes for those not present.]
The refinery is working with the city’s waste water treatment plant to receive a grant to study mercury reduction possibilities at refineries. The plant would be the host refinery.
The refinery also is sponsoring a fluorescent bulb recycling program at local hardware stores. This is in conjunction with Superior Water, Light and Power and the city’s waste water treatment plant. The refinery pays for each tube recycled. The SWL&P provides coupons in their billing statements. The city’s waste water treatment plant is coordinating the efforts.
Mark Diamond commended the company for its $250 donation to a local school each week through a program with KDLH-TV.
Committee Reports
Communications – The committee has given presentations to the County Board, Optimist Club, Kiwanis and the Development Office. More than 25 people attended the Optimist Club Meeting, and about 12 people were at the development meeting. Those who agreed to contact groups before the April meeting to offer presentations and the respective group:
· Shrine Club (Charlie Glazman)
· Realtor Group (Bobbi Engstrom Germond)
· Chamber (Dave)
· Lions Club (Bob Brown)
Mary encouraged the group when it gives presentations to invite additional speaking engagements.
Emergency preparedness – Mark said additional funding is being sought for the emergency notification system, and a mechanism to manage the system is being developed. Mary reviewed potential ideas to promote the system once it is in place. [Examples are attached to these minutes for those not present.] Mark and Keith Kesler will keep the panel updated on progress.
Education – Dave will contact Peggy Smith to get an update regarding the grant. Mary asked the panel to think about additional projects that could be worked on while the grant is being sought. She agreed to bring examples to the next meeting. Lori Keute said she will check with a local teacher who has developed a water testing program. Lori said maybe this could be promoted to other teachers. Carol Lindberg said an instructor at UWS has a program she will look into.
Other
The panel talked about the need to further discuss transportation concerns. Mary will work to get someone from the Department of Transportation (DOT) who enforces transportation regulations.
Next Meeting Date and Agenda
If a speaker for the DOT can make the April meeting, that will be arranged. If not, Murphy Oil will make a presentation about Newton Creek. All committees will give reports, as well.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Next Meeting Date: Thursday, April 4, 2002
WITC
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6 p.m. – Meeting
Attachments:
Dave’s Presentation (Summary of Consent Decree)
Plant Report
First Call Examples (2)
Membership List
All:
Newspaper Article