Minutes

Attendees: Robyn Bass, Charlie Glazman, Mark Johnson, Keith Kesler, Lori Keute, Carol Lindberg, Courtney Podvin, Sister Genevieve Schillo, Tom Strewler, Jessa Wicklund.

Industry Representatives: Liz Lundmark, Corey Mead, Dave Podratz, Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

Guests: Joe Amato, Murphy Oil USA, Inc.; John Robinson, DNR.

Facilitator: Ann Green, Ann Green Communications, Inc.

Minutes: Ann Green.

Prior to the CAP meeting, the Department of Natural Resources presented information on Newton Creek which was attended by CAP members. Consultants to the DNR reviewed several studies of the Creek and the status of contamination found in the various mediums. The consultants explained that risks from contaminants in the creek exceeded acceptable levels but emphasized that assessment was very conservative. Remedial action would include removal of the contaminated soil sediments, restoring disturbed areas, and planting wetland species.

Schedule for the project includes the completion of the Remedial Action Report, design plan and submit applications for required permits and access by March 3. By April through May 2003, contractors will be bid for remediation work. From June through October 2003, remediation and restoration will be conducted. For the following 12 months, the site will be monitored.

The DNR noted that Murphy Oil had invested in the remediation of its sediment pond and has been working cooperatively for solutions to protect the remediated areas.

The regular meeting of the Murphy Oil USA, Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was called to order by facilitator Ann Green at 7 p.m., March 6, 2003. Ann reviewed the agenda and team agreement. New member Jessa Wicklund was introduced as was guest John Robinson from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Plant Update

Refinery manager, Dave Podratz, provided the written report of plant activities (enclosed for those not present). In addition to reviewing causes behind the two spills, he noted that profit margins are terrible and that the refinery is losing about $5 per barrel. He said crude oil has gotten to $40 per barrel without an equal rise in gasoline prices. The plant will be entering its first maintenance turn around in five years. On site will be several hundred contract employees and the project will last for four weeks.

Unfinished Business

Status of Permit

Dave said the refinery is getting very close to a negotiated permit with the DNR and expects it within days.

Outreach Meeting Critique

Ann asked CAP members to provide feedback from the outreach meeting held last month. Comments included the following:

· Disappointment over low attendance.

· Good program.

· Each presenter did a good job that would provide a good orientation for new members in the future.

· Nice location for the meeting and great cooperation from the school.

· Particularly nice job by Frank and Bob who went off their scripts.

· Attendance may have been related to the lack of a burning issue and that the community is more comfortable with the refinery.

· Surprise that there was no concern over economic issues.

· See attendance as a reflection of apathy in the community and potentially in the country right now.

· The presentations might be adaptable to the communications being done by the Outreach Committee.

· Adding the questionnaires to the Outreach Committee’s presentations would be good.

· Weather may have been a factor and we might try it at a warmer time.

· Consider conducting an outside event in the summer.

· Have a booth at the fair with information about the CAP and Murphy Oil.

· Have information at the mall during the Tree Tales program in April.

· Have a booth at the annual health fair.

· Do an in-class presentation at the high school

· Develop a program for grade school children.

· Develop a website and link it to Murphy’s.

It also was recommended that a thank you letter be sent to the principal of Great Lakes Elementary, Dennis Mertzig, with a copy to superintendent, Jay Mitchell (attached).

In addition to the outreach ideas discussed, Ann shared a draft of an annual report being done by another community advisory panel that might be a way of sending information into the community about what the CAP has accomplished over the last year. CAP members were interested in further discussion on this idea.

Committee Reports

Communications – Dave reported that Robyn Bass is taking an environmental law class and the professor has expressed an interest in having the plant give a presentation to his class. Dave asked for volunteers from the CAP to participate and Carol and Charlie volunteered. Also, six marketing students attended Superior Days and asked to attend a CAP meeting, Charlie Glazman reported.

Emergency Preparedness – Keith Kesler reported there had been no emergencies in the last 30 days.

Ann Green shared information about training of neighbors and schools in how to shelter in place. Discussion followed on how this might become a project of the CAP. Keith said there would need to be great deal of groundwork with other emergency responders before information could be shared community wide. John Robinson noted that the Coast Guard and health departments might partner in such an activity.

After further discussion, it was agreed the next meeting would include continuation of how this idea might be developed along with a discussion of the annual report concept.

Youth Education – Tom Strewler said the fifth grade teachers toured Murphy Oil on February 11 and went on to the fresh water treatment plant at the power company. He said they had lunch at Barker’s Island and discussed how to upgrade academic standards through use of the EPA grant. On April 4, the group will hold a follow up meeting to continue work on the standards.

Tom also said the mini-grant documents can be reproduced in color for 50 cents a page and Dave said that Murphy would pick up the cost of that reproduction.

New Business

Planning for Future Meetings

Because of the late hour, it was agreed that this discussion would be carried over to the next meeting.

Next Meeting Date and Agenda

The next meeting will be a continuation of discussions on the annual report, a shelter in-place outreach project, and completing the calendar for the remainder of the year. Ann also noted that WITC was not available on May 1 and August 7. Keith Kesler said the new emergency response center might be available for our meeting in August. Ann asked CAP members to be prepared to discuss any ideas they would like to discuss for the remainder of the year. She mentioned that a follow up discussion on the Newton Creek/Hog Island Inlet remediation as well as the Clean Fuels Regulations might be appropriate.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Next Meeting Date: Thursday, April 3, 2003

WITC

6 p.m.