STAFF: Peter Callahan

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Rivas called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES; JUNE 18, 2002

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MULTICULTURAL HEALTH ISSUES METING AUGUST 1, 2002 NORWALK HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Mr. Callahan stated that this item would take place August 1, 2002 at 6 p.m. at the Health Department. Ms. Rivas encouraged members and the public to attend.

UPDATE ON HATCH & BAILEY PROPERTY

Mr. Callahan reported on the following:

Monitoring for Dust

Mr. Callahan stated that from June 11 through July 12, 2002 daily monitoring were conducted at various times by the Norwalk Health Department inspectors. A detailed report of the inspector’s observations was distributed to the members. He also stated that the inspectors observed sprinklers and wetting by pay loader of the roadway and piles of sand and Solite. He stated that there was little to no dust was observed from the deliveries and moving of the materials.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Mr. Callahan reported that operation at this site was registered with DEP in 1955. A permit was not required unless an inspection revealed a need to more closely monitor the operation.

He also stated that a complete inspection was made by DEP on July 10, 2002 and the findings were as follows:

• Block baking equipment – no emissions – no permit required.
  
• Cement silo – bag house – properly maintained.
  
• Millwork building – bag house – properly maintained.

Mr. Callahan also stated that the Norwalk Health Department would be making the following recommendations to Hatch & Bailey:

• Cement silo – Hatch & Bailey employee should be present when filling in orders to prevent over filling.
  
• Service road to block manufacturing building for dust control, consider laying gravel or a field grating material or continue to water the road.

Solite (black material)

Mr. Callahan stated Solite was manufactured by heating slate to 2000 degrees. The rock explodes thereby creating aggregate and per DEP Inspectors, Solite and the washed sand does not pose a health risk to the area residents due to the fact that potential exposure was at very low concentration. Ms. Hudgins asked for clarification of "low concentration." Mr. Callahan stated that by the time this material travels across property lines, it gets dispersed in the air creating a low level of concentration. He stated that for this to be a health risk, someone would have to breathe it at a very heavy concentration and over an extended period of time.

Sprinkler System

Mr. Callahan stated that Hatch & Bailey have agreed to install a more permanent sprinkler system. Materials have been ordered. The system would operate intermittently, including evenings and weekends.

Leroy Williams asked about the safety information of the Solite. He asked what Solite was made of. Mr. Callahan replied Slate. Mr. Williams asked about the other materials that were on this site. Mr. Callahan replied that the other materials were sand. Mr. Williams stated that sand proposed a health risk. Mr. Callahan replied at a very high concentration and over an extended period of time.

Larry Paulk stated the inspectors who were monitoring the sand situation were up the hill and away from where the activities were occurring and asked how they were able to see anything. Mr. Paulk stated that he went over to talk to the inspectors and told them that they needed to be down the hill at the site where all the activities were occurring.

Ms. Lauricella asked when the DEP’s inspection report would be available to the public. Mr. Callahan replied in two weeks. Ms. Lauricella stated that Hatch & Bailey should be asked for the material safety data sheet of the other materials on site.

Ms. Rivas asked Mr. Paulk to show the activities he has been videotaping.

Mr. Paulk showed a 35-minute video of activities at the Hatch & Bailey site with regards to the dust and truck activities he felt were creating a lot of noise. This was followed by extensive debate concerning the noise level and the need for a protective wall to block the sands. Mr. Mann asked if the pond helped alleviate the dust situation. Mr. Williams stated that the sand was now running off into the street and with the amount of traffic in that area that has become another problem that needed to be rectified. Ms. Lauricella asked if the watering process could be more professional to help keep the dust down. Mr. Mann commented that Hatch & Bailey has indicated that they would install a permanent sprinkler system and he didn’t see the point in stating that the sprinkler system they have was not sufficient. Mr. Mann commented that what was needed from the residents was a list of what was going to resolve the situation for them but noted that this should be within reason. He stated that Hatch & Bailey had the right to be there and as far as he knew they were not doing anything they should not be doing legally. He stated that there are some things that cannot be changed living in an industrial zone and there should be a balance between what the residents were asking for and what Hatch & Bailey can provide. Mr. Wien concurred and stated that they a timeline was also needed to resolve these issues.

Ms. Rivas asked Chief Rilling for an update. Chief Rilling stated that only one truck violation was noted and he would follow up on it. Chief Rilling also stated that the noise level was not high enough to constitute a violation of the Ordinance.

Mr. Paulk stated that there was more than one violation and he called police headquarters. He stated that the police who arrived at his property told him that he could not do anything due to the meetings that has been taken place concerning the Hatch & Bailey issue. Chief Rilling asked Mr. Paulk for the officer’s name. Mr. Paulk replied that he would provide this information to him.

Discussion concerning the fence resumed. Mr. Sumberg stated that the residences needed to come up with a wish list that the members could work with.

Mr. Paulk stated that if this were a white family the fence would go up in no time. Mr. Callahan walked out of the meeting room. Mr. Mann replied that he was not too sure about that. Ms. Rivas stated that this meeting was out of order and she was closing the meeting. Mr. Wien left the meeting room followed by Messrs Sumberg and Rilling. Ms. Rivas commented that this was not fair and at the start of the meeting she had asked everyone to cooperate.

Mr. Mann moved to adjourn the meeting.

HEALTHY FAMILIES PROGRAM

This item was not discussed.

OTHER BUSINESS

There was no Other Business to discuss.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Gerda Adonis

Telesco Secretarial Services

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