PC 07/16/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Discussion ensued regarding noise impacts, acceptable noise levels, and mitigations. PUBLIC HEARING REOPENED Matthew Morrison, 5581-A Sonoma Drive, commented that Mr. Cehn was addressing dangers from radioactivity, while the letter from the Department of Health Services is related to radionuclides, which is the actual particulate matter. He advised that he had spoke with Tracy Barreau from the California Department of Health Services, and that she indicated that this particular case is really complex because of the fact that if the Nuclear Laundry only took waste from a nuclear reactor they would know what to look for. He advised that the problem is that they also took waste from Mare Island (a munitions place), from the Lab, and per Mr. Peter MacDonald they may have taken it from Sandia. He stated that the radionuclide is the issue and that there is potential for risk. Mr. Morrison reported that he had contacted the State and that they said that the facility wasn't required to report and that they did not have any records earlier than 1979. He also advised that 1NS was not required to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Health Services and that it was only required to keep accurate records. He noted that if the company is still in business there are records of what the discharges were. He suggested that these are things that should have been looked at and should have been in the EIR. He concluded by stating that he believes it would be in the best interest of the community to get the testing done now, at least at some type of a preliminary stage to identify the scope and whether there is any immediate danger. Peggy Purnell, 2472 Via de los Milagros, stated that she has been on the Groundwater Management Advisory Committee for Zone 7 for four years and advised that she has been exposed to a lot of CEQA processes. She indicated that she is disappointed in what the CEQA process truly is, in that she does not believe it actually does the job it is suppose to do, but since it is the only thing we really have to work with, she is glad it is there. She commented that she had attended a meeting on the Altamont Land Fill regarding the dumping of 10,000 tons of hazard materials there. She stated that agencies such as the Department of Health Services and the Department of Toxic Substance Control are all subject to people in high places being able to make decisions that are not always what they should be and that they are not looking out for the public interest. She stated that she believes the testing should be done now while the project is under the CEQA process. She asked for additional environmental studies to be done on the Bernal property now, prior to approval of the project and/or denial of the EIR on the basis of the new information that has come to light since the preparation of the Final EIR. She suggested that the EIR be recirculated with the additional information and the opportunity for public comment continue. Angelina Summers, 4750 Sutter Gate Avenue, stated that she is also concerned about Zone 7 and the sludge possibly filtering down into the water table. Peggy Pumell retumed to the podium to report that tritium is another problem in the Valley and it is a radionuclide and it can bond itself to the water molecule. Sandy Best, 2532 Tapestry Way, advised that she is a resident of an adjacent development to the Bemal property. She implored the Commission to investigate this situation thoroughly. She advised that she is concerned with the possible contamination, the impact on the schools, the traffic, and impacts on water. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 July 16, 1999