Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel
August 14, 2003
Minutes
Attendees: Scott Campbell, Megan Corbin, Bobbi Germond, Doug Finn, Charlie Glazman, Steve Gotelaere, Terry Jacobson, Keith Kesler, Carol Lindberg, Assistant Chief Tad Matheson, Courtney Podvin, Mayor Dave Ross, Sister Genevieve Schillo, Jessa Wicklund.
Visitors: Kurt Schmude, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Jim Hosch, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Industry Representatives: Fred Green, Carrie Kappes, Liz Lundmark, Corey Mead, Dave Podratz, C. L. Russell.
Facilitator: Ann Green, Ann Green Communications, Inc.
Minutes: Ann Green.
The regular meeting of the Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was held on Thursday, August 14, 2003 at the Bong Heritage Center in Superior. The meeting was called to order by facilitator Ann Green at 6:05 p.m. New members Mayor Dave Ross and Terry Jacobson were introduced as were visitors Fred Green and Carrie Kappes from Murphy Oil and guest speaker Kurt Schmude from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Ann reviewed the team agreement/panel expectations. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.
Guest Speaker: What Lives in Our Natural Environment – Kurt Schmude
Kurt Schmude, researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, discussed his research into aquatic benthic (bottom dwelling) macro invertebrates. He described several species of “bugs” that are good indicators of the health of the water in which they are found. Stone flies are found in very clean streams as are May flies and Caddis flies. These three groups are intolerant of change including pollution and temperature fluctuations.
Midge larvae are found everywhere and are used to evaluate toxicity in water. They occur in clean and polluted streams but can be used to monitor water quality as indicated by the species present and their different tolerances. Skuds or side swimmers are the white bugs found under rocks and can be used to evaluate water quality. Saw bugs are very tolerant of pollution. Aquatic worms occur everywhere unless the stream is very polluted.
All these creatures give windows into what is happening in the environment. Evaluating the “bug” life is better than taking water or sediment samples because the “bugs” are not transient and have been living in the system all along.
In response to questions about water quality in the area, Kurt said water quality is very good beyond Lake Superior. He said the macro invertebrates help keep the streams clean by acting as filter in the stream beds.
Refinery Manager Dave Podratz presented the plant update. A copy of his report is attached for those not present. Dave said the Tail Gas unit continues to be plagued with problems that they are researching to determine the cause. A new burner is being designed to avoid automatic shutdowns that cause releases.
Dave announced Murphy’s Board of Directors approved $26 million for a new gasoline hydro-treater which means the refinery will meet the new federal clean fuels regulations for gasoline mandated for 2004 and 2008. This also signals a commitment by the company to the Superior refinery.
There was a small fire in the asphalt tank that was brought under control in minutes. The tank is kept at 300 degrees to allow the asphalt to move. Preliminary findings suggest a problem with the burner caused the problem. The Superior Fire Department responded quickly, Dave added.
The CAP brochure has been completed. Jessa Wicklund has drafted a new web page for the CAP at www.SuperiorCAP.org.
Tad said the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is working to get the shelter-in-place material into the local phone directory. The material also will include information about First Call telephone alert system.
Communications – There was no report.
Emergency Preparedness – Already discussed.
Youth Education – The committee working on the EPA grant is closing in on a new curriculum to be implemented this fall. The mini-grant applications will be sent out in two weeks to Douglas County.
Newton Creek Update
Jim Hosch of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the DNR was proceeding with the cleanup, removing 5,000 yards of contaminated soils and sediments. The material is being hauled to BFI landfill in Sarona, Wisconsin. Jim invited CAP members to review the cleanup site. Interested CAP members should meet on August 22 at 9 a.m. at the refinery conference room.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be Thursday, September 4, 2003 at WITC. The topic will be future plans for the refinery.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. for a tour of the Bong Center.
WITC
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6 p.m. – Meeting