LAST NIGHT'S RAC MEETING

First off kudos to both Tiffany Svensson and Sebastian. They both were firm yet polite in putting forth their positions that the "Gap" needed more attention and investigation. To say that there has been resistance to testing either soil or shallow groundwater in this area is an understatement. As Tiffany pointed out last evening, the term "Gap" is in reference to a gap in our data in this area. This
"Gap" was most pronounced in the 2015 soil testing just barely on the Chemtura/Lanxess property whereby samples were taken from the north end of the Chemtura east side down to just below RPE-5. Then sampling jumped over the lowest lying area along the Chemtura/Stroh border only to be resumed again at the extreme southern most part of the property line.

The initial proposal of four wells (possibly shallow & deep) along the entrance roadway into the Stroh home and farm has been changed to three along the road and one supposedly in the "Gap" area. I had thought from across the room that the proposed well was located OK but Sebastian who was much closer to the map did not. At the end of the meeting I asked Lisa to put the map back up on the screen and then Sebastian and I looked at it again. Sebastian may be right after a closer look but we both agreed that my map (pilfered from a CRA report and then expanded northwards) which has the topographical (surface elevation) lines on it needs to be at the next January 24, 2019 TAG meeting to be certain where to locate either shallow wells or to do soil testing.

Both Sebastian and Tiffany expressed concerns with possible migration of Surficial Aquifer water either northwards or eastwards from the Lanxess site. Now Ramin of Lanxess quickly dismissed their concerns which was wrong to do unless Ramin as he later stated is totally focused on the deeper municipal aquifers and missed the shallow or surficial description.

Ramin to his credit appeared willing to have another meeting immediately after the RAC meeting yesterday to discuss the "Gap" with GHD, TAG, and the MOE (MECP). Tiffany deferred and suggested that it would be better at the January 24/19 TAG meeting with all TAG members present. Ramin, GHD (Lou), and Jason Rice of the MOE will attend that meeting for the discussion. Speaking of the MOE it was they who suggested that Lanxess/GHD move the one well over towards the "Gap". Ramin also at this time made an interesting comment about "...looking for the pipe" apparently in reference to the alleged Interceptor Trench. This is when my exclusion from the discussion is most not in the public interest Sandy. That comment needed clarification and expansion.

Tiffany also spelled out clearly why she and TAG are so concerned with this whole area which includes the "Gap", the Stroh Drain, the Interceptor Trench etc. They are looking for potential sources to the never ending Dioxins/Furans and DDT always found the length of the Canagagigue Creek wherever they are tested for. Tiffany also asked for a commitment from Lanxess that the "Gap" and more will be seriously examined if not immediately then in a later plan but before the finalization of the Risk Assessment for the Creek. She advised it be examined in either the Conceptual Site Model (CSM) of the Creek or else in the Risk Assessment process itself. Ramin agreed.

Off-site pumping well W9 is finally to be starting pumping on January 18, 2019. Long overdue. 2,4-D is being added to the Contaminants of Concern (COC) list. There should be many more.

Joe Kelly made a very good comment regarding high concentrations found at the upstream location of Station #30. He suggested that the contaminants may be coming from the Bolender dump site (ie. landfill).

Ramin very gently and subtly suggested that Mr. Stroh was not being terribly cooperative with Lanxess or the MOE in regards to testing on his property. Hardly a surprise in all the circumstances. Jasin Rice (MOE) advised that the final Creek Report was being delayed as the MOE felt that all their concerns had not been fully answered by Lanxess. Hence it might not be able to get it to TAG in time for them to read it prior to the January 24/19 TAG meeting. Issues include the "Gap" and Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPC). That is good because the COCs have been far too focused and narrowed on Dioxins and DDT to date.

The next RAC meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2019 at 4 pm.

P.S. I was politely advised last evening at RAC by Lanxess that Lanxess is no longer part of or a subsidiary of Bayer.