Document zo9ZXjq6qdr4QYwaQdzXw5346

THE SOCIETY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY. INC. 250 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017 212/573-9400 MEETING NOTICE VCM and PVC Producers Group EPA Committee Atlanta Hilton Hotel Atlanta. Georgia December 5, 1974 9:30 A.M. The next meeting of the VCM aid PVC Producers Group's EPA Committee will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on December 5, 1974. We will be meeting at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel (right at the Airport) at 9:30 a.m. through lunch. We should be able to adjourn by 3:30 p.m. The attached minutes of the October 25 meeting highlight our areas of concern and the need for action. The key items on the agenda for the December 5 meeting will be: 1 - Status of OSHA Standard 2 - Techniques for Emission Control a - Destructive Mechanisms b - Sorptic c - Solvent Extraction 3 - Reports on EPA Monitoring 4 - Other Business As you recall at the last meeting, there is a need to be as open as possible in sharing knowledge "that may lead to solutions to the problems the industry faces. To further this openness a copy of the minutes of the October 25 meeting is being sent to the list of company representatives serving on the VCM and PVC Producers Group. A cover letter will urge that all companies be as open as possible on technology that might help to re solve this industry problem. To follow up on the need to come prepared to talk as openly as possible at the December 5 meeting, will each member of the committee please obtain permission to be as specific as possible on ideas that may be useful to all that have a concern about resolving the problems we face in resolving EPA problems. There is a good possibility that each of you may receive a report on new technology that might be applied to VCM absorption from plant emissions from the Peabody Company. During a recent visit as the SPI office, Dr. John Hayden from Peabody reviewed a preliminary report on some of their activities. I encouraged him to mail copies of this report to each member of the EPA Committee to review. If it seems appropriate we will discuss this report and their proposals at the December 5 meeting. SPI-12227 VINYL INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE BOARD The Omni Royal Orleans 621 St. Louis Street New Orleans, LA 70140 Thursday March 11, 1993 8:00 a.in Attendees: John Avento, Atochem Raymond Azrak, Union Carbide Corporation J. Alan Bailey, Occidental Chemical Corporation Patricia Benkner, Vinyl Institute Robert H. Burnett, Vinyl Institute Peter L. de la Cruz, Keller & Heckman C. A. Gellner, CertainTeed Corporation R. E. Gilbert, Westlake Polymers Roy T. Gottesman, Chemical Management Resources, Inc. William C. Jenkins, GE Specialty Chemicals Peter Hollins, European Vinyls Corporation Monte Kaneko, Mitsubishi Kasei Vinyl Fred E. Krause, The Geon Company R. B. Lienhart, Dow Chemical/CCC Donna Magill, PPG Industries, Inc. David A. Meeker, Edward Howard and Company John L. Russ, Borden Chemicals & Plastics, Chairman Meredith N. Scheck, Vinyl Institute Edwin S. Schiffer, Georgia Gulf Corp. Mark T. Schneider, Vista Chemical Company E. E. Schroeder, Shintech Inc. Nelson E. Stefany, Rohm and Haas Company Victor R. Struber, Witco Corporation I. OPENING OF MEETING/8ELF-INTRODUCTION8 Vice Chairman Edwin Schiffer convened the meeting at 8:00 a.m. followed by a round of self-introductions. II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 9. 1992 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING Mr. Schroeder moved that the minutes of the December 9, 1992 Executive Board meeting as included under Tab A of the Briefing Book for this meeting be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lienhart and approved without objection. SPI-12231 2 III. CHAIRMAN*8 REPORT ON MARCH 10, 1993 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING On behalf of VI Chairman John Russ, Mr. Schiffer noted that the principal subjects covered during the March 10/11 Execu tive Committee meeting would be covered during the discussion on items on the agenda of the Executive Board meeting. He commented that a significant part of the discussion was centered on a review of the current year budget and on a discussion of the preliminary budget for the next fiscal year. He noted that it is anticipated that final expenditures will be within the budgeted amount even with the rapid acceleration of issues which were non-budgeted during the planning phase of the current fiscal year's budget. He commented that during March 11 discussions with Mr. Meeker, the Executive Committee discussed the budget situation in detail and agreement was reached that the communications component of expenditures would be within the parameters of the FY 1992-1993 budget. IV. FINANCIAL REPORT A. Status of Current Expenditures On behalf of VI Treasurer William Patient, Mr. Burnett reviewed the Cash Basis Statement for the Period Through December 31, 1992 as included under Tab B of the Briefing Book. B. Projected Final Budget for FY 1992-1993 Mr. Burnett reviewed the projected final budget for the current fiscal year as included under Tab C of the Briefing Book. He noted the Direct Project expenditures will in total be within the budgeted amount. Mr. Burnett noted that the full year projection for the Communica tions line is too high and commented that agreement was reached with Mr. Meeker that the final number would be no higher than $400,000. In conclusion, Mr. Burnett noted that he is now predicting a surplus, with the level dependent upon the timing of expenditures associated with the recycling project at Envirothene. C. Development of Budget for FY 1993-1994 Mr. Burnett stated that he had prepared two preliminary budgets for the FY 1993-1994 (the period from June 1, 1993 through May 31, 1994). He noted that the first version shows the current structure of the Institute, with an additional $100,000 added to the Communications component to fund an anticipated, needed higher level of activity. The second version of the preliminary budget assumes a Board decision to restructure the Institute , SPI-12232 3 i.e. eliminating the pro-active task forces and creating an Issues Management Committee. Mr. Burnett noted that the final proposed budget would be prepared based upon discussions/decisions at this Executive Board meeting and would be subject to approval at the May 25, 1993 Executive Board meeting held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. V. IS8UEB MANAGEMENT A. Chlorine Issues 1. Chlorine Coordinating Council and Leadership Group Activities Mr. Lienhart stated that the Chlorine Coordinating Council was chartered in June 1992, and that it is operating as a Chemstar panel under the structure of the Chemical Manufacturers* Association. He noted that the major stakeholders have been invited to participate. Mr. Lienhart reviewed the mission of the CCC noting its intention to set policy, strategy and funding for chlorine chemistry activi ties in the advocacy, outreach, and data develop ment areas including polymers. Stewardship activi ties carried out at individual trade associations would continue with individual trade associations serving as partners within this framework. Mr. Lienhart noted that as of March 1, 1993 he is on loan from Dow to the CCC. Relative to funding, Mr. Lienhart noted that for 1993 there is currently implied support of approximately $3 million, and that the funding mechanism is currently being developed. He noted that the funding support for 1994 is anticipated to be at the $6 million level. He noted that as the CCC matures he will be glad to attend VI Executive Board meetings as the CCC representative. 2. Chlorine Institute Project Liaison CCANTOX) Mr. Lienhart noted that the final version of the entire CANTOX work product is anticipated to be received on April 15, 1993. He noted that the peer reviewed document would be published in the Journal of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. He noted that he has had preliminary discussions with Messrs. Burnett and Meeker regarding how the mate rial can be used. Mr. Lienhart summarized current activities related to a special symposium being planned for September 7-10, 1993 in Washington, DC. SPI-12233 4 Mr. Lienhart also briefed the Board on the status of the Chlorine Institute's economic study being conducted by Charles River Associates and high lighted some of the major findings. He noted that the study is scheduled to be released in April, some time after the CANTOX study. 3. Worldwide Greenpeace Strategy Task Force (Brussels Meeting^ Messrs. Burnett and Lienhart summarized the Febru ary 17-19 meetings in Brussels, the first two days of which were on chlorine use issues, with the third day devoted to a discussion of worldwide initiatives related specifically to vinyl. Mr. Burnett noted that based on these meetings it was agreed to hold a follow up session May 17-19, with a similar format. Mr. Meeker noted that this global networking of industry should be helpful in generating coordinated approaches and consistent themes in response to activities of non-governmen tal organizations as well as in implementing pro active communications initiatives. B. Solid Waste 1. Status of Vinvl Institute Recycling Initiatives Mr. Krause, Chairman of the Vinyl Institute Group on Recycling (VIGOR), updated the Board on post consumer recycling initiatives that have occurred since the preparation of the material included under Tab I of the Briefing Book. He specifically noted the operation of the sortation device at Clearvue, the installation of the Frankel technolo gy at Clearvue, the current status of melt filtra tion, and the discussions regarding installation of the autosort device at Envirothene. Mr. Krause also highlighted some recent activities of the American Plastics Council and noted a recent pre sentation to APC on chlorine as a foundation for many plastics beyond vinyl. Mr. Krause also updated the Board on VIGOR'S activ ities with respect to durables, including the bottles-to-pipe project underway with the coopera tion of PW Pipe, and the release of an RFP related to the use of vinyl in recycled products. He further noted that the Building/Construction activ ities of the APC have some projects involving PVC. SPI-12234 5 in closing, Mr. Krause noted that VIGOR is next scheduled to meet on March 12. 2. Coordination with Initiatives of the American Plastics Council On behalf of Mr. Patient, Mr. Burnett noted that APC is involved in government affairs initiatives related to vinyl, specifically in the state legis lative arena. He further noted that several of the APC projects to be considered for funding in the next budget cycle will have vinyl components. C. Outreach Activities Mr. Meeker reviewed the basic elements of the communica tions program and updated the Board on the activities summarized in the quarterly report included under Tab N of the Briefing Book. He noted that the Partners Program is expected to cover 100 cities in 21 states and Canada by the end of the year. He noted that the Greenpeace Response packet has been completed and will be reviewed at the Issues Management Briefing scheduled for March 11. He also described increased focus on activities in the durables market. Mr. Meeker stated that the Monthly Report has been expanded and is now being circulated to designated communications professionals within VI member companies. VI. PRO-ACTIVE TASK GROUPS AND RELATED ISSUES Vinyl Institute Chairman John Russ summarized the discussions that occurred during the January meeting of the Executive Committee. He noted that the recommendations emanating from that session to the full Board include the following: 1) Disband the pro-active committees 2) Expand the activity of the current standing committees and organize an Issues Management Committee 3) Increase financial support for the next fiscal year to the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association from $50,000 to $200,000. Mr. Burnett noted that significant contributions have made by the pro-active committees to the overall work of the Institute. Mr. Burnett noted that the environmental issues have intensified in recent months and that this change in structure should provide for sufficient resources to be responsive to this challenge. Mr. Struber recommended that the pro-active committees meet as previously scheduled at the Annual Meeting for the purpose of making recommendations on activities/projects that need to be continued. In response to a question from Mr. Struber regarding the role of the Issues Management Committee, Mr. Burnett noted that the SP1- 12235 6 Executive Board continues to be the policy setting body within the Institute. Mr. Burnett summarized briefly a focus group session held to discuss the formation of an Issues Management Committee. Mr. Russ added that it is his intention to finalize the specific mission for and composition of the Issues Management Committee at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Struber noted that many of the Affiliate Members of the Institute have had significant and meaningful involvement through the work of the pro-active task forces and that a mechanism is needed to assure that continued involvement at the same level is possible. In response to a question from Mr. Avento regarding the motives for the decision to disband the pro-active groups which have encouraged the participation of the Affiliate and Supporting Members, Mr. Burnett noted that this restructuring is designed to allow for increased emphasis on significant issues. Mr. Azrak noted that he is supportive of the restructuring as long as there remains sufficient avenues for involvement in Institute activities for all categories of members. Mr. Russ noted that he wished to have separate votes on the restructuring and the increased support to Uni-Bell, while recognizing that the final plan for the Issues Management Committee will be presented at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Schroeder moved that the recommendation by the Executive Committee to restructure the Institute be approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Schiffer and approved. Mr. Russ noted that at the March 10 Executive Committee meeting there was substantial discussion on the recommendation to significantly increase the funding to the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association in the FY 1993-1994 budget and on how best to audit the expenditure of the funds provided. Mr. Schneider noted that he had supported the concept dis cussed at the last Board meeting of providing Institute funds on a "matching" basis to those that Uni-Bell raised from other sources. Mr. Russ noted that Uni-Bell has made some progress on raising funds from others, but that they do not at present have a sufficient amount to fund the suggested programs discussed by Robert Walker, Executive Director of Uni-Bell, in his discus sions with individual industry members. Mr. Russ noted that the current thinking regarding supervising the VI investment is two pronged: there are member companies who are also members of Uni-Bell and these representatives are charged by their companies with overseeing the associations programs and finances; and, secondly, Mr. Burnett as Executive Director would be charged with seeing that VI funds are being SPI- 12236 7 appropriately expended. Mr. Russ noted that for this invest ment, VI members would be invited to the Uni-Bell Annual Meeting. Mr. Bailey noted that an alternative approach would be to reduce VI dues by the amount recommended for Uni-Bell support, with individual companies deciding whether to financially support this activity. Mr. Meeker noted that the Pipe Resource Organization has supported projects in the market served by Uni-Bell. At the conclusion of the discussion, Mr. Schiffer moved that the recommendation of the Executive Committee to increase the financial support to Uni-Bell for FY 1993-1994 to $200,000 be approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bailey and approved. VII. LEGISLATIVE. TECHNICAL AMD REGULATORY UPDATE Mr. de la Cruz updated the Board on a number of regulatory activities including the development of comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Hazardous Organics National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants? the current status of the labeling issue related to ozone depleting compounds, and litigation related to the permissible exposure limit for EDC. Background information on these items was contained in the material under Tabs K and L of the Briefing Book. Mrs. Scheck also noted that a hearing was held in North Carolina on a proposal to ban the sale and distribution of PVC containers and that the American Plastics Council had coordi nated speakers for the hearing and will continue carefully monitoring this issue. Mr. Burnett noted that background on recent Technical Commit tee activities is included under Tab J of the Briefing Book. VIII. INTERNATIONAL UPDATE Mr. Hollins updated the Board on recent activity in Europe including: the eco-tax (Belgium); ban on PVC bottles (Swit zerland) ; plastics recycling initiatives being carried out by the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe. Mr. Hollins reviewed recent activities by environmental activists and noted that many European companies have crisis management plans in place as to how to deal with activities that poten tially affect manufacture and distribution of materials. IX.OLD BUSINESS - CALIFORNIA EIR Dr. Gottesman updated the Board on activity related to the completion of the Environmental Impact Report for the expanded use of plastic pipe in California since the completion of the February 17 report to the Board included under Tab H of the SPI- 12237 8 Briefing Book. He noted that the state is now reportedly leaning toward the recirculation of the EIR at the appropriate time. He further noted that a conference call is scheduled for the week of March 15 to discuss the project; an updated report will be provided to the Board as appropriate. X. NEW BU8INESB There was no new business raised at this time. XII. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS A. Annual Meeting/rormat Mr. Burnett reviewed the proposed format for the May 2 426 Annual Meeting and related activities. He noted that the Board Meeting, the General Session and Awards Dinner would be held on May 25. B. Approval of Nominating Committee Mr. Russ stated that as noted in the Program for this meeting, it is in order under the provisions of the Bylaws of the Institute that a Nominating Committee be officially designated to develop a slate of officers. Mr. Russ noted that he has asked Messrs. Bailey and Struber to join him on the three-person Nominating Committee. Mr. Lienhart moved that this committee as designated by Mr. Russ be so named, with Mr. Russ to serve as Chairman. The motion was seconded by Mr. Schneider and approved without objection. C. Finance Committee Organization Mr. Russ stated that as noted in the Program for this meeting the Bylaws call for a Finance Committee to be designated to work with the Executive Director in the preparation of a proposed budget for the following fiscal year with this proposal to be voted on by the full board. Mr. Russ noted that the Executive Committee has been functioning as a finance committee in addition to discussing policy related activities. Mr. Schiffer moved that the Executive Committee have responsibility for the development of a proposed budget for consideration by the Board. This motion was seconded by Mr. Schroeder and approved without objection. D. Designation of Executive Cowmi Mr. Russ noted that beginning during the tenure of his predecessor as Chairman that an Executive Committee composed of the Officers of the Institute had been SPI-12238 9 meeting. He noted that he would like to see this Committee formally designated by the membership. Following discussion, Mr. Schroeder moved that an Executive Committee be designated to work with the chairman and that this committee be composed of the officers of the Institute, the immediate past chair, one representative of the Associate and Affiliate member categories, the Executive Director and Counsel. The motion was seconded by Ms. Magill and approved without objection. XI. ADJOURNMENT/NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 25, 1993 in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the subsequent meeting would be held September 7/8 in Washington, DC. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:10 pm. Respectfully submitted. Meredith N. Scheck Assistant Director SPI-12239