Document 711OJy7dRk6mo0BkXJ82wmmj8

minutes VINYL INSTITUTE HEALTH. SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE^ Hilton and Towers Courtland & Harris Streets, Atlanta, Georgia 30043 11:00a.m.-3:30p.m. NE Tuesday March 8, 1988 Attendees: F. Borrelli, Georgia Gulf Corporation S. Cole, Dow Chemical Company P. de la Cruz, Keller and Heckman W. C. Holbrook, BFGoodrich Company J. C. Ledvina, Vista Chemical Company J. W. Lewis, BFGoodrich Company C. Lunn, Borden Chemicals and Plastics M. N. Scheck, Vinyl Institute P. J. Usinowicz, Air Products and Chemicals REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL RECOGNITION AND OSHA RECORDABLE AWARDS DATA Mrs. Scheck reviewed all calendar year 1987 submissions for the VI Environmental Recognition Awards and the OSHA Recordable Incident Rate Awards. Mr. Ledvina moved that based on formulas previously discussed and approved by the committee, that the numbers should be calculated to two significant figures. The motion was seconded by Mr. Borrelli and approved by voice vote. Based on this motion, the data were clarified so that all input would reflect this motion. Mrs. Scheck noted the first and second place recipients in each category. Mr. Cole asked Mrs. Scheck to check the Dow figures with committee member Mr. Oubre, as Mr. Cole believed that the figures may have been transposed. The committee had an in depth discussion of individual company practices that are reflected in the input used to make calculations for both awards including the definitions of "plant" and "employees". The committee discussed whether to change the formulas to take into account individual company practices. Based on the discussion, it was agreed that this item would be included on the agenda of the committee's next meeting. Mr. Ledvina noted that he had previously suggested that the "second place" notation on the awards be changed to reflect "outstanding" performance. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that this would be implemented beginning with the calendar year 1987 awards. Mr. Holbrook requested Mrs. Scheck to examine improved framing as well }as a mechanism for having the awards mailed directly from the Annual Meeting to the recipients following the presentations. CTL017178 The Vinyl Institute. A Division of The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. Wayne Interchange Plaza II, 155 Route 46 liVesf, Wayne, New Jersey 07470, (201) 890-9299 -2- ANNUAL SAFETY AWARD Mrs. Scheck disseminated the recommendation received for the Vinyl Institute Annual Safety Award and noted the previous recipients. Mr. Ledvina moved that the committee formally recommend to the Vinyl Insti tute Executive Board that the Annual Award be given to Dr. M.N. Johnson and Dr. J. Creech and to BFGoodrich Company for their work in the linkage of vinyl chloride and angiosarcoma of the liver. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cole and approved unanimously (with Mr. Holbrook abstaining). TCLP Mr. Ledvina stated that it is his understanding that the TCLP is to be reproposed during the first half of 1988 and that it will contain changes in procedure and in the organic toxicity characteristics. Mr. Ledvina further noted that he understands that there is some indication that EPA will address the residue issue, as they had not foreseen the regulatory impact. Mr. Ledvina further commented that he understands there will be a provision in the reproposal dealing with impoundments as well as an additional 48 chemicals added (Mr. Ledvina to forward information on this listing to Mrs. Scheck for dissemination with the minutes of this meeting). EPA Proposed Revisions to Hazard Ranking System Mr. Holbrook noted that it is expected that EPA is planning to publish during March 1988, proposed revisions to the Hazard Ranking System. He commented that the Science Advisory Board has already issued a report to EPA. He suggested that after the revisions are published, Mrs. Scheck contact the committee to determine the vinyl industry's interest in submitting comments. Mr. Holbrook offered the assistance of a BFGoodrich Company person to assist in formulating comments. VINYL CHLORIDE TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE In the absence of task force chairman, Art Gellner, Mrs. Scheck noted that the comments on the draft profile must be submitted by the deadline of April 22, 1988. Messrs. Lunn and Borrelli requested Mrs. Scheck to forward copies to them. Mr. de la Cruz noted the significance of assuring that the "public health statement" in the introductory state ment can stand alone and be accurate, as it will be extracted from the document and used by EPA as part of its overall communications program. In response to a question, Mrs. Scheck noted that the task force had not yet met nor scheduled a meeting, but noted that the draft is undergoing review by task force members. Mr. Holbrook stressed the extreme impor tance of the subject and the need for industry attention to this project. CTL017179 -3- EXPOSURE DATE Mr. de la Cruz reviewed the meeting held several months ago with OSHA that gave rise to the request for exposure data. He noted that he has received some data and asked attendees to forward any additional data. He noted that the OSHA field offices have interpreted current policy to require labeling under the Hazard Communication Standard on the theory that all PVC resin must have some RVCM level. SPI V. EPA UPDATE Mr. de la Cruz stated that he anticipates having a final settlement agreement within 2-3 weeks. Mr. de la Cruz reviewed the items of disagreement. He stated that the office within EPA has indicated their preliminary approval and noted that the staff counsel had recommended signature. The proposal needs final approval from the EPA compliance officer, then the EPA Office of General Counsel and Justice Department. In response to a question regarding the procedures following final settlement noted that the Agency is required to publish the new language in the Federal Register with appropriate comment period. He stated that the final disposition of the court case would be held pending this process. NRDC v. EPA Mr. de la Cruz reviewed the findings of the Court of Appeals in NRDC v. EPA, the remand to the Agency to make certain that the standard is health based. He noted that it is EPA's intention to first address the benzene and radionuclides issues (Mr. de la Cruz noted that the Agency policymakers have been briefed on options available under the air toxics initia tives) , but that any rulemaking could be a year away. Mr. Holbrook suggested that it may be useful to schedule the next meeting so as to be briefed by EPA on air toxic initiatives. Mr. Ledvina suggested that this proposal be discussed at the next committee meeting and that the committee develop a potential agenda. TITLE III - SECTION 313 - EMISSIONS REPORTING Mr. Holbrook reviewed the provisions of Section 313 and asked for a company-by-company discussion of background material and data available for use in complying with these provisions. The committee also reviewed the types of public relations activities being considered, including the tiered approach discussed by the CMA. CTL017180 -4- LABELING: OSHA Mr. de la Cruz reviewed the February 19, 1988 citation by OSHA's Baton Rouge office of Occidental/Addis, Louisiana for failure to carry the OSHA citation on bags of resin. Mr. de la Cruz noted that it is his understanding that the company intends to fight this citation on the grounds that the material was above the action level. Mrs. Scheck distributed two charts reflecting company practices on labeling - one was the chart reflecting input received at and since the committee's September 30, 1987 meeting, and the second represents the results of the survey conducted for the Vinyl Institute Executive Board. SAFETY Mr. Cole reviewed the Dow Safety Program - its inception, revi sions/refinements, employee participation mechanism and its impact on performance, and responded to specific questions from committee members. Mr. Cole distributed a sampling of documents used by Dow at the Plaquemine facility as part of its safety program. Following a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the group that the committee should place a high priority on safety issues and develop a mechanism to help one another. In this regard, Frank Borrelli agreed to develop a plan. Mrs. Scheck agreed to re-canvas the committee members regarding individuals and for suggestions on activities/programs in this area, with the goal being an in depth discussion at the next committee meeting. NEW BUSINESS 1. Delaware Study - Mr. Borrelli stated that a study on VCM emissions from landfills is being conducted by Weston for the Delaware State Solid Waste Authority. Sites with/without PVC wastes are being studied. Borrelli commented that this issue was discussed at the AICHE Meeting earlier in the week and noted that Weston is seeking technical expertise on analytical techniques being used. 2. See item above "Safety". ADJOURNMENT AND FUTURE MEETINGS There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.. The next meeting following the May meeting in conjunction with the Vinyl Institute Annual Meeting was tentatively scheduled for July 26th. Respectfully submitted. CTL017181 Meredith N. Scheck