Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel
September 4, 2003
Minutes
Attendees: Bob Browne, Assistant Chief Scott Campbell, Megan Corbin, Bobbi Germond, Doug Finn, Charlie Glazman, Pat Heiser, Terry Jacobson, Mark Johnson, Keith Kesler, Lori Keute, Carol Lindberg, Assistant Chief Tad Matheson, Fariba Pendleton, Courtney Podvin, Sister Genevieve Schillo, Tom Strewler, Jessa Wicklund.
Industry Representatives: Ernie Cagle, Mike Coyle, Liz Lundmark, Corey Mead, Dave Podratz.
Guest: Tod Lyons, Ann Green Communications, Inc.
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, September 4, 2003 at WITC. Facilitator Ann Green called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. She introduced Tod Lyons who will be taking over facilitating duties with next month’s meeting. Tod described his background of community relations and crisis management in the U.S. Coast Guard. All present introduced themselves.
Ann reviewed the agenda and team agreement. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as presented.
Refinery Update
Refinery Manager Dave Podratz reported on refinery activities since the last meeting. A copy of his report is attached for those not present. Dave discussed the unusual number of odor complaints received in the last month. He said the collapse of a floating roof on a crude oil tank probably created the odors. He also discussed reportable air emission events. The refinery is continuing to suffer tail gas and sulfur plant incinerator flame out problems. Corrections for both these issues are underway.
Committee Reports
Communications – CAP members received a copy of the newly printed CAP brochure. Following a suggestion by Charlie Glazman, Ann will email a copy of the brochure to members. Fariba Pendleton suggested the brochures be part of a presentation at a Community Spirit Breakfast.
Jessa Wicklund said she would add the brochure to the CAP website currently under construction.
Emergency Preparedness – Tad Matheson reported shelter-in-place and First Call information can be published in the local telephone book but won’t be able to follow 911 information in the book.
Keith Kesler said terrorism prevention work continues. One difficulty is they are receiving money for training but not to reimburse them for overtime pay.
Youth Education – Tom Strewler said the mini-grant applications go out soon. The CAP will review the applications received at the November meeting.
The EPA grant deadline for finalizing curriculum is coming soon, so work is accelerating.
Odor Complaint Monitoring
Dave said the plant received four odor complaints per year during 2001-2002; recently they have received several. He suspects not everyone with a concern makes a complaint. Although the refinery believes it knows the source of the current problem and is making the necessary fixes, they might not be aware of a future issue unless they get good, consistent data. He asked the CAP to suggest ways the refinery can develop a network of citizens located in all directions around the refinery to be odor observers/reporters.
Discussion followed. It was agreed CAP members would help identify the reporters. A suggested reporting form is attached for CAP review. Both these issues will be further discussed at the next meeting.
Dave presented his analysis of the future challenges the refinery faces, opportunities, and likely future plans. His presentation is attached for those not present. Because Superior is a very small refinery, it won’t see much expansion. However, recent decisions by the corporation to upgrade to meet clean gasoline rules means the future looks good through 2008. Control of operating costs is critical to the future viability.
Dave announced the refinery hopes to construct a wetland next year to deal with tighter regulations on mercury, selenium and chloride. Mercury poses a challenge because it is contained in rainwater at levels over anticipated permit limits. Chloride often comes from runoff of melting snow treated with salt.
The refinery has committed $200,000 to clean up at Hog Island Inlet.
Discussion followed. In response to a question about recent announcements from the Bush Administration, Dave said the changes may well be good for the environment because they allow industry to make small improvements where the old rules hindered such efforts. CAP members discussed mercury from southern power plants.
In response to a question about oil supply in the face of declining numbers of refineries, Dave said heavy imports help keep up with demand, and domestic refineries are running full capacity which was not the case when there were more.
Tad said the Superior Fire Department is inducting members into the Fire Fighters Hall of Fame Friday, September 12 at the Old Fire Hall/Museum. An open house of the Old Fire House is scheduled for the following day.
The next meeting will be Thursday, October 2, 2003 at WITC. Dave will confirm a speaker from the Wisconsin Department of Environmental Protection to discuss Newton Creek.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
WITC
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6 p.m. – Meeting