>TOSC Meetings Held in Alpena, Michigan

Summary of TOSC assistance

On February 1, 2001 TOSC released a draft (HTML format and PDF format) work plan for a continuation technical assistance and educational services to the AWQ regarding the National Gypsum CKD pile. This assistance is a continuation of services formally outlined in the March 22, 2000 Assistance Proposal. In the Work Plan TOSC proposes to review and provide comment on Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis (EE/CA) currently being performed by the MDEQ. In addition, TOSC will hold an informational workshop to discuss the review and address some or all of the community questions and concerns related to the investigation. To view the Air/Water QualityStudy/Action Committee's response on the Assistance Proposal, click here.

In October 2000, the MDEQ-ERD released Draft Biological Assessment Report, Phase II Interim Response Investigation for review by the public. Another public meeting is planned to address the findings of the investigative action by early November.

On October 11, 2000, the MDEQ-ERD held a public meeting for comments on the Draft Technical Memorandum #2, Interim Response Investigation. The following morning the Alpena News Online published an article describing the presentation. To view this article, click here.

On October 6, 2000 the Alpena News Online published an update on the revetment construction. To view this article click here.

On September 21, 2000, the Alpena Air and Water Committee and TOSC hosted the second information session on this site. Dr. Guy Meadows gave a detailed review of the revetment being built around a portion of the National Gypsum CKD pile. A glossary and information on revements were distributed. To view these presentations or handouts, click here. To view the article published by the Alpena News Online in regard to this document, click here.

In September 2000, The MDEQ, Environmental Response Division (ERD) released Draft Technical Memorandum #2, Interim Response Investigation for review by the public.

On June 29, 2000, TOSC presented the current status of the National Gypsum CKD site. Shawn McElmurry presented a brief summary of the Michigan Department of Environmental Qualities (MDEQ) site scoring. A site history and summary of operations on the site was also covered by Diane Lickfelt. Dr. Michael Barcelona discussed the CKD pile while Dr. Guy Meadows introduced the review he performed on the proposed revetment. To view these presentations, click here. The final draft of the project profile and work proposal has been sent to the AWQC for distribution to the community. National Gypsum began construction of a revetment intended to protect the shoreline around a portion of the CKD pile. For more on the initial construction activities, see the August 21, 2000 Alpine News Online article. For pictures of the first week of construction, click here.

On March 22, 2000, TOSC returned to Alpena to inform the community on the extent and focus of the assistance TOSC will provide. In meeting with the community, additional concerns were also heard. Dr. Mike Barcelona was introduced as the lead technical consultant. To view his presentation, click here. The final draft of the project profile and work proposal was sent to the AWQ group for distribution to the community.

On January 27, 2000, TOSC attended an Air and Water Quality Committee (AWQC) meeting and explained the scope of TOSC's services. Community members requested assistance to better understand the implications of the cement kiln dust pile on the shores of Thunder Bay. Kirk Riley presented the TOSC program to the citizens of Alpena and offered TOSC as an independent means of evaluating the proposed containment measures available for the cement kiln dust pile.