Minutes Heavy Metal Remediation Committee
September Meeting 2002

In attendance were Bonnie Meyer, Steve MacDonald, Rita Schenck, May Gerstle, Lyman Houghton (and children), Shaheeta Pierce, Nan Hammett, and Ina Whitlock

Introductions and Welcome:
Ina Whitlock, a new attendee and resident of the island, was introduced as a concerned citizen.  Ina came to find out what the committee was up to with regards to the heavy metals issue on the island.  InaÕs phone number is 567-5145.  Her husband has email, but Ina was not familiar with the address.

Minutes were approved with modifications.

Update of Meeting with Public Health:
Rita Schenck attended the meeting at King County Public Health with Dr. Kim Cue, Dr. David Solet, and Nancy Bernard.  Cue and Solet expressed interest in being involved with HMRC.  They requested more information on Cadmium toxicity.  When reviewing the draft symptoms list to be used in medical offices, they recommended an extended list of references.   When discussing treatment alternatives, both Cue and Solet expressed belief in alternative medicine treatments.

Discussion of Draft 2 of Heavy Metal Symptoms Brochure:
Lyman wondered how we intend to share this document with the general public.

According to May, doctors on the island wish to talk with patients and hand out the brochure when necessary.

In reviewing the document, it was agreed upon by the committee that the caution clause be put in the first line so that those reading the document understand that this list of symptoms could be applicable to other health issues as well.

Dr. Kappleman, when meeting with May, expressed a desire to include information as to how to test and what to test.  The committee then brought up the question as to the level of validity of each test.

It was agreed that the options for remediation also be included in the brochure, making sure to include both allopathic and holistic methods and that an actual referral list of practitioners be included.  Initially David Kalman and Eaton were considered for the list; however, May clarified that, at this point, they only work through MDs.  A desire to make connections with Bastyr and Dr. Dompe, who has a practice on the island, was also expressed.

The final review will include a final draft distributed to island doctors with a letter specifying when the committee needs to hear from them if the doctors wish to add or change anything before publication.  The doctors will be given a week to respond.  It must include resources and Rita will be responsible for coordinating resources. ALL RESOURCES DUE TO RITA BY SEPTEMBER 20.

A brochure meeting was scheduled for Friday, September 27 from 3-5:00 p.m. at the library.  This meeting will review and finalize the brochure before it is printed.  Melissa, Shaheeta and May all intend to attend.

According to Bonnie Meyer, Jim White will also be publishing a brochure through KCPH; how ever, his brochure will differ significantly from HMRC. JimÕs focus will be on comparative risks of heavy metal exposure.

Symposium Progress:
The date for the Symposium will be Monday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m.    The actual design of the two hour block was not finalized, but it will include speakers and booths and there was a desire to not have just a "talking heads" evening. Invited speakers will include:
1) David Kalman or David Eaton (UW Environmental Health/ Toxicologists)
2) One island physician
3) One child health specialist
4) Perhaps another person

The focus of the evening may or may not be on children.  The committee wanted to make sure all islanders were included and felt invited.

DOE and KCPH may have a table but will not be included in the list of speakers.

Childcare will be provided and hourly wage will be paid for through the PP grant.

The Symposia sub-committee will include: Steve, May, Shaheeta, and Melissa. Melissa will do resource research.

This will be the first in a series of symposia.  The second may be more extensive and may be held in January 2003.

Update in Other Areas:

Bonnie:
In one week the public health posters will be printed.  They will be printed in 17 languages and will be distributed to schools, preschools, and childcare centers. The committee requested posters also be distributed to doctorsÕ offices. Sally is coordinating the distribution of information in the form of chachkes (magnets, stickers, pencils) to be given away free through related retailers on the island. Nailbrushes are not yet ready for distribution.  Those initially selected were found not to be hygienic.
Nancy Bernard is addressing the training of childcare workers.
Rita: 
The request for clean soil continues, and there is still no certifiable resource to refer to. Rita feels the island will need to start making its own clean soil.  Connecting with sustainable Vashon on this issue would make sense.

Shaheeta:
Shaheeta expressed an interest in pursuing the clean up of Dockton Park.  It was made aware to the committee that there are funds to address this clean up through KCPD. Shaheeta will call King County Park Department.  She may address the concern that composite sampling of the park did not give a clear picture as to the actual toxicity levels in the park, and that the levels in some places are higher than the composite result indicates.

Next General Meeting:
Friday, October 11 from 3-5:00 p.m.