PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto (Chair-PW),

J. Maisano, U. LaMotte.

PW & HEALTH COMMITTEE LEGISLATORS: K. Carsky, R. Wishnie, W. Ryan, S. Swanson, P. Noto, T. Abinanti (Chair-Health).

STAFF: Rob Hoch; Sally Schecter; Charlotte Ryer, Sec’y.

ALSO PRESENT: See attached list.

The Committees on Environment and Public Works were called to order at 4:10 p.m.. The Committee on Health will convene when Committee Chair Abinanti arrives (shortly). The purpose of today’s joint meeting is to discuss the situation caused by de-icing at the County Airport. Chair Kaplowitz introduced Commissioner Marvin Church, who then gave an opening statement in which he mentioned that during a meeting held January 15, 1999 with Health Commissioner Dr. Adel -- County Executive Spano directed him to initiate a complete ban on the use of Ethylene Glycol at the County Airport. It was also requested that the Airport staff survey all aviation tenants and ask them to immediately initiate a voluntary ban on that substance. On January 21^st, the Airport Manager reported that every Airport tenant had cooperated fully, and was 100% in compliance with a total ban on Ethylene Glycol de-Icing fluid. Airport Bulletin 99-1 has since been issued, making the prohibition mandatory. Commissioner Church commented that Glycol in Rye Lake is not new, and the Airport has addressed this problem since 1991, and that the Airport run-off is better now, than anytime before the recent action that has been taken. By the end of this year, there should be no Glycol run-off from the Airport, at all. County Executive Spano has instructed WC/DOT to do more to adopt a "good neighbor action plan", which will put the Airport on the "cutting-edge" of environmental sensitivity and responsibility. Commissioner Church continued with a

slide presentation showing the upgrading process of de-icing at the County Airport. The Airport staff will study de-icing alternatives. County Executive Spano’s "good neighbor action plan" has improved telephone complaint services at the Noise Abatement Office; will upgrade the Airport noise monitoring system; establish a coordinated environmental monitoring program {groundwater, soil, air quality, stormwater, and noise}. The stormwater diversion plan should be completed in 1999. Commissioner Church then turned the meeting over to Dr. Adel.

Dr. Adel added that the County is going to great lengths to prevent any de-icing fluids (contaminants) from reaching Rye Lake. To put into perspective, after the recent disturbing reports of contaminants in Rye Lake, the original laboratory reports of testing water (flowing into the Rye Lake distribution system), was reported, in one instance, at less than 50-parts per billion of Ethylene Glycol. The report is the laboratory’s way of saying that the substance is either not present or present in such a small quantity that an accurate measure cannot be made. Another report made was that there were 59-parts per billion of Propylene Glycol. Propylene Glycol is not a substance that constitutes a hazard at that level or at a larger level. Propylene Glycol is a substance that is used in many consumer products sold in retail stores. (A list is in the Environment files.) Dr. Adel summarized by stating that the concerns were generated over the two laboratory reports, and that no finding of the toxic material in the water supply was really ever made. Additional series of testing the waters in Rye Lake is being performed on a weekly basis, to measure the substances of Propylene and Ethylene Glycol in five (5) locations in the communities through which the Rye Lake water flow. Including the tests performed after de-icing, all tests were reported as less than 50-parts per billion. In conclusion, Dr. Adel stated that the determinations, with respect to Propylene and Ethylene Glycol, there appears to be no contamination or health hazard, and with the extra steps the Airport is taking to guarantee, the Airport is not responsible for

any such contamination in the future. Lastly, the bottom-line on this recent past episode, based on a large number of tests, it cannot be documented that a presence of these contaminants were shown. Weekly testing of the water intake at Rye Lake and at the distribution points will continue, to re-assure the public and the Board of Legislators, at any given time.

Board Chairman Latimer stated that he held a meeting on Friday, January 15^th to deal with the next step activities, and circulated a memo to the Committee, to try and create a structure for the Committee to follow.

Commissioner Church then addressed the five (5) questions raised previously by the Committee, noting that he will answer questions 1 and 5; and Deputy Commissioner Stanton will answer questions 2, 3, and 4.

The first question was in regard to Propylene Glycol and Commissioner Church defined that this is now the sole substance being used at the Airport for de-icing. Questions 2, 3, and 4 were related to testing, sampling and run-off issues. Mr. Stanton responded with a brief overview explaining the procedures of testing and sampling water at different locations. He feels that sampling is more effective at the eight (8) out-falls from the Airport, instead of directed sampling from Rye Lake, noting that by the time the run-off reaches Rye Lake, the water has passed through other (possibly) contaminated out-fall(collecting other materials.) Legislator Wishnie asked how long has testing been going on and Mr. Stanton responded, since 1984 at a minimum of two (2) times per month. He also added that sampling will be performed in the Blind Brook water at the Rye Nature Center, and stressed that because it is so far from the Airport, the water there has had many opportunities to be contaminated by other things. He emphasized that everything is tested that the Airport puts into the Blind Brook. In conclusion, he expressed that the reason contamination from other sources is a problem is that both Ethylene and Propylene Glycol are

present in many, many uses off the Airport site (i.e., windshield washer fluid, radiator coolant, anti-freeze, etc.). Mr. Stanton then showed an aerial map of the Airport and the drainage system going directly into the lake. The drawing was taken from the stormwater management plan. In the near future, everything currently flowing from the highway will go into drainage detention basins.

Commissioner Church addressed the last question in regard to on-going review of alternate de-icing study and responded that DOT is developing an RFP dealing with this issue and also providing $350,000 in funds to develop the whole scenario and RFP.

Legislator LaMotte asked Dr. Adel to reiterate the uses of Propylene Glycol in other products (see list is in the Environment files).

Legislator Wishnie questioned that if testing has been going-on since 1992, why did everyone feel threatened or endangered on this particular occasion, and what caused the upset. Mr. Stanton expressed he was unable to directly answer the question, because there have been Glycol in Rye Lake for many years, and at this time, the water in Rye Lake is better than its ever been. There has been a switch from using Ethlyene Glycol (almost totally, over the past 10 years), to totally using Propylene Glycol. The other major change involves the stormwater diversion project, which will change the direction of the run-off (away from the Lake). Legislator Wishnie also questioned the results of the testing leading to the published stories and how they became public knowledge. Legislator Ryan responded that a week prior to the printed articles, there was a meeting held with Joint Waterworks and the test results were announced (early January), noting that a local newspaper reporter happened to be there, covering that particular meeting.

Chair Kaplowitz requested copies of the results of previous tests conducted at the Airport. He also asked should other tests be conducted to look for the Glycols and other contaminants, to preserve the drinking water. He was informed that with the County Executive’s "good neighbor action plan", part of the plan is to put together an overall environmental monitoring system at the Airport that will test all areas (i.e., stormwater run-off, groundwater, soil contamination, air quality, etc.) Mr. Stanton added that Bob Funicello will formulate a program for 1999 allowing snapshots of the environmental conditions at the Airport, and continue to monitor them, over the years, to develop pictures to compare for change.

Legislator Maisano was concerned with the status of the diversion project in relation to the Blind Brook, and the water quality there. He also questioned whether testing had been performed, and if so, what kind, and what were the results? Ms. D’Agroso responded that there is a continuous monitoring system, and there were no reported violations or change in water quality. It was noted, that until the beginning of the diversion project, everything in the Airport (ridgeline) area floated into the Blind Brook without being detained for purposes of flood control or quality treatment. As a result of the detention basins, flood control will be a major benefit, also, future spills and contaminants can be monitored and cleaned in an isolated environment. A brief discussion continued on the de-icing process.

Legislator Pinto, Public Works Chair felt it appropriate, at this time, for Jules Shultz to share his comments regarding information on Ethylene and Propylene Glycol. Mr. Schultz read an article dated January 9, 1999 from the publication "The New Scientist", stating that there are poisonous additives found in both Glycols, which are rust inhibitors. He emphasized the danger of the Glycols entering the water supply from de-icing fluids, as was found through various testing.

While discussing the areas of run-off and drainage, Chair Kaplowitz asked if there was any part of the Airport not included in the proposed stormwater management treatment plan. At this time, there is a corner of the Airport (the old National Guard area) that is not connected to the drainage, and has no aviation activity. The discussion briefly continued. It was noted that DPW should be recognized for the fact that the County and the Airport met compliance with the underground tank removal program, which was also complied at the bus garages.

Chair Kaplowitz, again, mentioned the "good neighbor" policy set by the County Executive, referring to the master plan and the negotiation extension of the terminal capacity agreement, and if will there be an upcoming review. Legislator Noto added that the master plan is long overdue, and the Airport should be re-evaluated in its totality. Bob Funicello clarified that the master plan will be discussed in length at another time, as this meeting’s focus is on de-icing.

Bob Funicello mentioned that there are two issues; (1) master plan/land use plan and use of the Airport, and (2) the on-going environmental impacts from use of the Airport now, and in its future use. The focus of the DOT and his primary function, is to establish a sophisticated monitoring plan, to know all that is happening at the Airport, and to be able to monitor all elements of environmental impact.

Bill Ryan commented on the environmental monitoring noting that he is concerned about the State DOT’s hazardous waste site located between the Airport and Route-120, and asked if the Administration had an update from the site. Gina D’Agrosa tried to get relevant information from State DOT before today’s meeting, but was unsuccessful. She will continue efforts to get updated information to pass on to the Committee members.

With regard to the monitoring process, Board Chairman Latimer commented, inquiring as to how much more resources would be needed (at the State/Federal level) to go beyond the safety factors that are required under permitting processes. There is a certain standard level that has to be met in order to maintain a permit. Now the question is, "Can we go beyond the standard level to provide a greater degree of protection?" If so, the decision-makers (i.e., Legislators, County Administrators, etc.) will need to know if there is a cost, to effectively make a clear decision. Mr. Funicello continued the discussion, explaining the process and steps to be follow in order to ensure effective monitoring.

Legislator LaMotte asked if the EPA has set regulations (nation wide) for airports. She expressed that she is not aware of any other airport with the environmental constraints that is placed on the County Airport. Peter Scherrer responded that all other states, except New York State, has a maximum permit that is run by the EPA. New York State has a "SPDES permit" (from EPA) following the same rules, with additional restrictions for the State. The SPDES permit includes an emphasis on enforcing clean water rules. Legislator Ryan asked if anyone knew the FAA’s current position is on Ethylene Glycol for airports around the country, and he also asked how long it will take for materials to breakdown once it is collected in the detention baisins. Joel Russell explained that the FAA approves fluids for de-icing purposes/ capabilities, they do not yet address the environmental quality issue. Dr. Adel added that the breakdown of materials has to do with lots of different factors, i.e., number of days, temperatures, rainfalls, etc.. He also spoke on water quality and emphasized that the water in Rye Lake and other reservoirs are tested at least twice per year, once by the Health Department, and once by the Westchester Joint Waterworks. The tests are to look for over 100 organic compounds, heavy metals and bacteria.

Karen Shultz added, that in past testing by Westchester Joint Waterworks they never tested for the Glycols, and because of this, she asked about having extensive, state of the art testing for all contaminants.

Chair Kaplowitz thanked the Commissioners and all others for their input and involvement in today’s discussion.

With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Legislator Noto for Public Works; Legislator Maisano for Environment; and Legislator LaMotte for Health, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Dr. Harold Adel, Commissioner WC/Department of Health

Rob Vrana WC/Department of Health

Marvin V. Church, Commissioner WC/Department of Transportation

Henry J. Stanton, Deputy Comm. WC/DOT - Airport

Robert Funicello WC/DOT - Airport

Peter Scherrer WC/DOT - Airport

Joel Russell WC/DOT - Airport

Joyce Lannert, Commissioner WC/Department of Planning

Gina D’Agrosa WC/Department of Planning

Anthony Landi, Commissioner WC/Department of Public Works

Ralph Butler, Deputy Comm. WC/Department of Public Works

Irene Saltzburg Friends of Marshlands

Jules & Karen Shultz Sierra Club/CWCWC

Marian H. Rose FCWC

Gudrun LeLash Pace Law School/FCWC

Nancy Seligson Environmental Mgmt. Committee

Holly Bukofser Environment Committee/Harrison

Katherine McLoughlin NY League/Conservation Voters

Fedora DeLucia Somers (Former Planning Board)

Tom Anderson Journal News/Gannett