Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Responsive Records
This notice responds to your October 3, 2018, email (copy enclosed), received by the
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on October 4, 2018, requesting information
under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. You requested
information that you described as: [a]ll correspondence between all MDEQ employees and
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding scheduling a visit to Michigan to
discuss PFAS; as well as [a]ny and all draft agendas that were discussed for the
visit/meeting. (Original formatting modified.)
As to the partial grant, enclosed are copies of responsive records containing non-exempt
information. The DEQ states that, to the best of its knowledge, information, and belief, the
enclosed records represent all of the existing, non-exempt information in the DEQ’s possession
falling within the scope of your request.
As to the partial denial, portions of the enclosed records have been redacted under section
13(1)(a) and (u) of the FOIA, MCL 15.243(1)(a) and (u). Respectively, these exemptions
provide, in part, for the nondisclosure of “[i]nformation of a personal nature if public disclosure
of the information would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual's privacy[,
and] [r]ecords of a public body’s security measures, including . . . passwords, [etc].”
In this particular instance, the exempted information is composed of personal names, email
addresses, telephone numbers, and cellphone numbers; as well as teleconference passcodes.
In raising the privacy exemption, the DEQ relies, in part, on Mager v Dep’t of State Police, 460
Mich 134 (1999), where the Supreme Court distinguished official information that sheds light on
an agency's performance and information about private individuals. The Court concluded that
the FOIA’s core purpose – the citizens’ entitlement “to full and complete information regarding
the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials
and public employees . . . so that they may fully participate in the democratic process” – is not
fostered by disclosure of information about private individuals that reveals little or nothing about
an agency’s conduct.
CONSTITUTION HALL • 525 WEST ALLEGAN STREET • P.O. BOX 30473 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909-7973
www.michigan.gov/deq • (800) 662-9278
Ms. Mikenzie Frost
Page 2
January 18, 2019
As to the partial denial, under Section 10 of the FOIA, MCL 15.240, the DEQ is obligated to
inform you that you may do the following:
1) You may appeal this decision in writing to the Administration Deputy Director,
Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7973.
The writing must specifically state the word “appeal” and identify the basis for which the
disclosure determination should be reversed. The Administration Deputy Director, or her
delegated designee, must respond to the appeal within 10 business days of its receipt.
Under unusual circumstances, the time for response to the appeal may be extended by 10
business days.
2) You may commence a civil action in the Court of Claims within 180 days after the date
of the final determination to deny the request. If you prevail in such an action, the court is to
award reasonable attorney fees, costs, and disbursements, and possible damages.
You may access the DEQ’s website that contains information about our FOIA policy and
procedure, public written summary, and several online databases at
www.michigan.gov/deqfoia.
Enclosures
DEQFOIA
Hello,
Please see this as my formal FOIA request for the following information.
This request is pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. MCLA 15,231, et seq.
Newschannel 3, WWMT CBS is seeking to obtain copies of the following:
‐‐‐ALL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN ALL MDEQ EMPLOYEES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) REGARDING SCHEDULING A VISIT TO MICHIGAN TO DISCUSS PFAS
‐‐‐ANY AND ALL DRAFT AGENDAS THAT WERE DISCUSSED FOR THE VISIT/MEETING
WWMT understands that certain portions of the document may need to be redacted.
WWMT agrees to pay any reasonable costs not exceeding $300 incurred in compiling these
public records as are allowed by the Freedom of Information Act.
We would prefer but not require the documents be provided in digital format.
We also understand you have 5 days to provide us with the information. However, we would
request you waive the 5‐day rule and supply us with the information as soon as possible.
1
If you have any questions, please contact me at 517‐897‐4861
Thank you,
Mikenzie Frost
Political Reporter
Sinclair Broadcast Group
517‐897‐4861
mbfrost@sbgtv.com
2
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ); Karen Vorce (VorceK@michigan.gov); Wierzbicki, David (DEQ); Rothe, Randy (DEQ);
Jury, Michael (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Walters, Kent (DEQ)
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12:01 PM
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t have any
details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by EOA to submit to them
names of key community folks we have engaged with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health departments and
health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to submit for EPA
consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Subject: Accepted: 10:30 Update: EPA visit
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Subject: Accepted: EPA Visit in MI (TBD)
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Subject: Accepted: EPA Visit in MI (TBD)
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2018 8:37 AM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Subject: Accepted: 10:30 Update: EPA visit
1
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Virginia Manolakoudis (ManolakoudisV@michigan.gov); Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov)
Cc: Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Sliver, Steve (DEQ); Zimmer, Nate (DEQ)
Subject: Charleston July 24-27
Date: Tuesday, July 03, 2018 5:20:54 PM
Per our conversation – the attached is the updated version of recommendations for
EPA consideration. As we think of additional orgs, we can continue to submit to
them.
Thanks
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: kelley.jeff@epa.gov
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Brown, Eric (GOV); Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: Details?
Date: Tuesday, October 02, 2018 10:17:51 AM
Thanks
Mel
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV); Sliver, Steve (DEQ);
Dean, Scott (DEQ); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Kory Groetsch (GroetschK@michigan.gov); LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS);
Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Dickerson, Chelsea (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Visit - Parchment Roundtable
Attachments: Agenda MI roundtable 10.1.18-v4.docx
1:00PM
Carol Isaacs
PFAS Action Response Team
1:15PM
Congressional Remarks
1:30 PM
Identifying PFAS
This session will include brief remarks 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
2:00 PM
Communicating PFAS
This session will include brief remarks 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
2:30 PM
Solutions to PFAS
This session will include brief remarks by 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
3:00PM
Closing Remarks
3:15 PM Adjourn
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV); Sliver, Steve (DEQ);
Dean, Scott (DEQ); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Kory Groetsch (GroetschK@michigan.gov); LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS);
Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Dickerson, Chelsea (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Visit - Parchment Roundtable
Attachments: Agenda MI roundtable 10.1.18-v4.docx
1:00PM
Carol Isaacs
PFAS Action Response Team
1:15PM
Congressional Remarks
1:30 PM
Identifying PFAS
This session will include brief remarks 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
2:00 PM
Communicating PFAS
This session will include brief remarks 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
2:30 PM
Solutions to PFAS
This session will include brief remarks by 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
3:00PM
Closing Remarks
3:15 PM Adjourn
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV); Sliver, Steve (DEQ);
Dean, Scott (DEQ); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Kory Groetsch (GroetschK@michigan.gov); LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS);
Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Dickerson, Chelsea (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Visit - Parchment Roundtable
Attachments: Agenda MI roundtable 10.1.18-v4.docx
1:00PM
Carol Isaacs
PFAS Action Response Team
1:15PM
Congressional Remarks
1:30 PM
Identifying PFAS
This session will include brief remarks 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
2:00 PM
Communicating PFAS
This session will include brief remarks 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
2:30 PM
Solutions to PFAS
This session will include brief remarks by 3 panelists followed by discussion among roundtable members.
3:00PM
Closing Remarks
3:15 PM Adjourn
SOM Team:
David Harn, Project Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
David Heywood, District Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV); Sliver, Steve (DEQ);
Dean, Scott (DEQ); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Kory Groetsch (GroetschK@michigan.gov); LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS);
Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Dickerson, Chelsea (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Visit: LUNCH and TRAVEL to Expo Center
-No details on lunch arrangements yet; Be prepared for lunch on your own
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Dickerson, Chelsea (DEQ)
Cc: Peterson, Amy (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: EPA visit - Thurs and Fri
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2018 8:54:11 AM
Hey Miss Chelsea-why don’t you plan to spend next Thursday and Friday with me and Scott for next weeks event?
Even though it is an EPA event, I am sure there will be plenty for us to do because we will have multiple principles
attending.
Plus I think it would be a great experience for you to see firsthand!
Hey all – As MPART representatives of your departments I’m looking to see if you
want to recommend any groups or organizations in your department’s genre who
you’ve been working with on PFAS issues. WE can pass them up to the EPA for
consideration –
Will need them asap since the event is next week.
P.S. – I’ve already inquired with DHHS in separate email… thanks for sending.
Thanks
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: "Brown, Eric (GOV)"
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov); Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: FW: DRAFT DELIBERATIVE - Recommendations for EPA visit
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2018 10:34:11 AM
Attachments: DRAFT DELIBERATIVE Recommendations for participation.docx
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Wells, Eden (DHHS); Minicuci, Angela (DHHS); Kory Groetsch (GroetschK@michigan.gov); MacKenzie-Taylor, Deb
(DHHS)
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) (IsaacsC11@michigan.gov); Sliver, Steve (DEQ)
Subject: Health orgs to recommend to EPA visit -
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 6:40:50 PM
They are looking to do an event on either July 24th or July 25th in Oscoda area – Is
Heidi able to one of these days? If so, please put a hold on her calendar for these
dates. We will be able to confirm soon.
Thanks
Mel.
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: REVIEW: EPA Visit Scope
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 5:54:19 PM
Attachments: 20180619-michigan options-v1 553PM.docx
PFAS community engagement in Michigan
July 24 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Oscoda, Michigan
Option 3
• Site visit in Oscoda – Tour foam; onsite plume
EPA, DEQ, MPART and military (U.S. Air Force)
• One-on-one interviews with local reporters; opportunity to talk about national dialogue on
PFAS, answer questions about national approach
• Large round-table with participants from across Michigan (about 40 people total)
Wurtsmith Air Museum; would need to confirm location availability
o Township officials
o Need Our Waters members
o Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board members
o DoD, Congressional Members, State Legislators
o MPART leadership
o Community group leadership from Rockford, Grayling, Pierson, etc.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: TOUR / BRIEFING of Van Etten Lake beachfront to view foam (if visible);
Tour area of plume. Onsite briefing by DEQ and DoD staff.
(*Could imbed key reporters on this tour)
10:30: EPA Director Stepp OPENS event with Welcome & Purpose - EPA
Director Stepp SPEAKS / PRESENTS; INTROS DEQ Director Grether to
SPEAK / PRESENT
10:40: DEQ Director Grether SPEAKS / PRESENTS; Turns back to Director Stepp
to intro MPART Director Isaacs
10:50: MPART Director Isaacs SPEAKS / PRESENTS; Tuns back to Director Stepp
to introduce Roundtable Purpose
Key Topics
• Learn about how PFAS has impacted their community
• Understand strategies they have implemented and their effectiveness
• Identify additional tools that are needed
• Understand challenges when identifying, finding solutions, and communicating PFAS
• Communicate work and research done by EPA
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: REVIEW: EPA Visit
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 6:06:17 PM
Attachments: 20180619-michigan options-v1 553PM.docx
Heidi – Per our discussion, please review. Recommending this as our feedback to
EPA on how this could be framed. Please advise on your thoughts –
We like to get this back to Jeff Thursday am…
Thanks
Mel.
PFAS community engagement in Michigan
July 24 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Oscoda, Michigan
Option 3
• Site visit in Oscoda – Tour foam; onsite plume
EPA, DEQ, MPART and military (U.S. Air Force)
• One-on-one interviews with local reporters; opportunity to talk about national dialogue on
PFAS, answer questions about national approach
• Large round-table with participants from across Michigan (about 40 people total)
Wurtsmith Air Museum; would need to confirm location availability
o Township officials
o Need Our Waters members
o Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board members
o DoD, Congressional Members, State Legislators
o MPART leadership
o Community group leadership from Rockford, Grayling, Pierson, etc.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: TOUR / BRIEFING of Van Etten Lake beachfront to view foam (if visible);
Tour area of plume. Onsite briefing by DEQ and DoD staff.
(*Could imbed key reporters on this tour)
10:30: EPA Director Stepp OPENS event with Welcome & Purpose - EPA
Director Stepp SPEAKS / PRESENTS; INTROS DEQ Director Grether to
SPEAK / PRESENT
10:40: DEQ Director Grether SPEAKS / PRESENTS; Turns back to Director Stepp
to intro MPART Director Isaacs
10:50: MPART Director Isaacs SPEAKS / PRESENTS; Tuns back to Director Stepp
to introduce Roundtable Purpose
Key Topics
• Learn about how PFAS has impacted their community
• Understand strategies they have implemented and their effectiveness
• Identify additional tools that are needed
• Understand challenges when identifying, finding solutions, and communicating PFAS
• Communicate work and research done by EPA
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Monday, October 01, 2018 1:52:16 PM
xo
From: Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 1:19 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ)
<HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
: Her phone number is 616-866-
Email @yahoo.com
Or @gmail.com
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2018 12:57 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Can I get the phone number and /or email for ?
Thanks
From: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 11:11 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Rockford: City Manager: Thad Beard; Rockford Public Schools- Dr. Michael Shibler,
Concerned Citizens of Rockford,
Algoma Township: Kevin Green & Kelly Sheeran
Plainfield Township: Cameron VanWygarden
Cannon Township: Steve Grimm
I believe that EPA has contact information for all of these people with their CERCLA work at the
Tannery and House Street.
Let me know if you need additional information,
Thanks,
Abby
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>; Wierzbicki, David (DEQ) <WIERZBICKID@michigan.gov>; Rothe, Randy
(DEQ) <ROTHER@michigan.gov>; Jury, Michael (DEQ) <JURYM1@michigan.gov>; Harn, David (DEQ)
<HarnD@michigan.gov>; Heywood, David (DEQ) <HeywoodD1@michigan.gov>; Walters, Kent (DEQ)
<WaltersK7@michigan.gov>
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t have any
details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by EOA to submit to them
names of key community folks we have engaged with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health departments and
health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to submit for EPA
consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Jury, Michael (DEQ)
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Monday, October 01, 2018 1:52:02 PM
Thanks -
From: Jury, Michael (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 1:29 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
, @gmail.com
Michael Jury
Environmental Manager
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Saginaw Bay District Office
Office 989 894 6255, Cell 517 242 9578
Jurym1@michigan.gov
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ); Vorce, Karen (DEQ); Wierzbicki, David (DEQ); Rothe, Randy (DEQ);
Jury, Michael (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Walters, Kent (DEQ)
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t have any
details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by EOA to submit to them
names of key community folks we have engaged with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health departments and
health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to submit for EPA
consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Vorce, Karen (DEQ); Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ)
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Monday, October 01, 2018 1:22:08 PM
Rockstar – Thanks -
From: Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 1:19 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ)
<HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
: Her phone number is 616-866
Email: @yahoo.com
Or @gmail.com
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2018 12:57 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Can I get the phone number and /or email for ?
Thanks
From: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 11:11 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Rockford: City Manager: Thad Beard; Rockford Public Schools- Dr. Michael Shibler,
Concerned Citizens of Rockford,
Algoma Township: Kevin Green & Kelly Sheeran
Plainfield Township: Cameron VanWygarden
Cannon Township: Steve Grimm
I believe that EPA has contact information for all of these people with their CERCLA work at the
Tannery and House Street.
Let me know if you need additional information,
Thanks,
Abby
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>; Wierzbicki, David (DEQ) <WIERZBICKID@michigan.gov>; Rothe, Randy
(DEQ) <ROTHER@michigan.gov>; Jury, Michael (DEQ) <JURYM1@michigan.gov>; Harn, David (DEQ)
<HarnD@michigan.gov>; Heywood, David (DEQ) <HeywoodD1@michigan.gov>; Walters, Kent (DEQ)
<WaltersK7@michigan.gov>
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t have any
details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by EOA to submit to them
names of key community folks we have engaged with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health departments and
health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to submit for EPA
consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: "Rob Britigan"
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Monday, October 01, 2018 12:59:53 PM
Thanks Mayor!
From: Rob Britigan <rbritigan@midlink.com>
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 8:33 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Hi Mel:
Attached is the contact for our City Manager in Parchment.
Rob
Robert D. Britigan III, CPM® · rbritigan@midlink.com
Midlink Business Park · www.midlink.com
5200 East Cork St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
T 269 384.1100 x 120 · F 269 384.1677
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From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) [mailto:BrownM45@michigan.gov]
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ); Vorce, Karen (DEQ); Wierzbicki, David (DEQ); Rothe, Randy (DEQ);
Jury, Michael (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Walters, Kent (DEQ)
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t have any
details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by EOA to submit to them
names of key community folks we have engaged with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health departments and
health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to submit for EPA
consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Walters, Kent (DEQ)
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Monday, October 01, 2018 12:58:37 PM
Mel,
See below for Central Sanitary Landfill Contacts.
Roger is the onsite operations manager, he is at the landfill every day.
Roger Rockburn – Operations Manager
21545 W. Cannonsville Rd.
Pierson, MI 49339
rrockburn@republicservices.com
O: 616-557-7066 C: 616-292-8114
Todd Harland is a general manager for Several Republic Landfills in western and
Northwestern Michigan including CSL
Todd Harland – General Manager
3890 Camp Road
Manistee, MI
tharland@republicservices.com
O: 231-723-4850 C: 231-510-7923
Joe Montello is the regional hydrogeologist for Michigan and states to the east.
Joe Montello – Senior Manager, Hydrogeology
2 Homesteads Rd.
Placitas, NM 87043
jmontello@republicservices.com
O: 505-588-2926 C: 440-759-8459
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>; Wierzbicki, David (DEQ) <WIERZBICKID@michigan.gov>;
Rothe, Randy (DEQ) <ROTHER@michigan.gov>; Jury, Michael (DEQ)
<JURYM1@michigan.gov>; Harn, David (DEQ) <HarnD@michigan.gov>; Heywood,
David (DEQ) <HeywoodD1@michigan.gov>; Walters, Kent (DEQ)
<WaltersK7@michigan.gov>
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t
have any details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by
EOA to submit to them names of key community folks we have engaged
with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health
departments and health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to
submit for EPA consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Jury, Michael (DEQ)
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Monday, October 01, 2018 1:52:34 PM
xo
From: Jury, Michael (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 1:35 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Another couple that have been active are the Coles: @gmail.com
Don’t forget Aaron Weed, Oscoda Township Aaron Weed oscoda@1weed.com
Jeff Moss, Au Sable Township @yahoo.com
Michael Jury
Environmental Manager
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Saginaw Bay District Office
Office 989 894 6255, Cell 517 242 9578
Jurym1@michigan.gov
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ); Vorce, Karen (DEQ); Wierzbicki, David (DEQ); Rothe, Randy (DEQ);
Jury, Michael (DEQ); Harn, David (DEQ); Heywood, David (DEQ); Walters, Kent (DEQ)
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t have any
details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by EOA to submit to them
names of key community folks we have engaged with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health departments and
health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to submit for EPA
consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Kelley, Jeff
Cc: Deamer, Eileen
Subject: RE: EPA Visit
Date: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 9:37:22 AM
Cool - thanks
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, July 3, 2018 8:41 AM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott (DEQ)
<DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>; Feuerstein, Heather
(DEQ) <FeuersteinH@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: EPA visit
I will try to call in. Dicey connection here. Have to walk the road to get one.
On Jul 3, 2018, at 8:19 AM, Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov> wrote:
Thanks -
From: Newcomb, Tammy (DNR)
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 10:48 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA visit to Michigan - List of potential invitees to send to EPA for consideration
Here are there names and contacts for this Mel – not sure where we are at in process, but it might
be helpful.
Lake Erie Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee
Frank Corl gmail.com or 734-439-
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
Dan Eichinger - (517) 346-6475, deichinger@mucc.org
********************************
Tammy J. Newcomb, Ph.D.
Senior Water Policy Advisor
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
(517)284-5832
newcombt@michigan.gov
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 3:46 PM
To: Newcomb, Tammy (DNR) <NEWCOMBT@michigan.gov>
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA visit to Michigan - List of potential invitees to send to EPA for consideration
Thanks Tammy -
From: Newcomb, Tammy (DNR)
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 2:11 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA visit to Michigan - List of potential invitees to send to EPA for consideration
Hi Mel –
I would recommend Michigan United Conservation Clubs and the chair of the Lake Erie Citizens
Fishery Advisory Committee. I can get you their contacts if you think they are appropriate.
tammy
********************************
Tammy J. Newcomb, Ph.D.
Senior Water Policy Advisor
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
(517)284-5832
newcombt@michigan.gov
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:03 PM
To: Deacon, Brad (MDARD) <deaconb9@michigan.gov>; Budds, Bryan (MDOT)
<BuddsB@michigan.gov>; Sehlmeyer, Kevin (LARA) <SehlmeyerK@michigan.gov>; Newcomb,
Tammy (DNR) <NEWCOMBT@michigan.gov>; Edgerly, Jonathan (DMVA)
<JONATHAN.W.EDGERLY.NFG@MAIL.MIL>
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>; Hiipakka, Scott (DTMB)
<HiipakkaS1@michigan.gov>; Sliver, Steve (DEQ) <SLIVERS@michigan.gov>; Wells, Eden (DHHS)
<WellsE3@michigan.gov>; Groetsch, Kory J. (DHHS) <GroetschK@michigan.gov>; LyonCallo, Sarah
(DHHS) <lyoncallos@michigan.gov>; MacKenzie-Taylor, Deb (DHHS) <MACKENZIE-
TAYLORD@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA visit to Michigan - List of potential invitees to send to EPA for consideration
Hey all – As MPART representatives of your departments I’m looking to see if you
want to recommend any groups or organizations in your department’s genre who
you’ve been working with on PFAS issues. WE can pass them up to the EPA for
consideration –
Will need them asap since the event is next week.
P.S. – I’ve already inquired with DHHS in separate email… thanks for sending.
Thanks
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS); Groetsch, Kory J. (DHHS); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Minicuci, Angela (DHHS); MacKenzie-
Taylor, Deb (DHHS)
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Sliver, Steve (DEQ); Todd, Orlando (DHHS)
Subject: RE: Health orgs to recommend to EPA visit -
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:11:05 PM
Cool – thanks – weve added all county Medical Directors to the list
From: LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS)
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 7:08 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Groetsch, Kory J. (DHHS)
<GroetschK@michigan.gov>; Wells, Eden (DHHS) <WellsE3@michigan.gov>; Minicuci, Angela (DHHS)
<MinicuciA@michigan.gov>; MacKenzie-Taylor, Deb (DHHS) <MACKENZIE-TAYLORD@michigan.gov>
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>; Sliver, Steve (DEQ) <SLIVERS@michigan.gov>;
Todd, Orlando (DHHS) <toddo@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Health orgs to recommend to EPA visit -
Orlando Todd is the best person to speak to this so if he disagrees, please take his advice over mine!
But I usually think of the health officer is the “director” of the local health department, the medical
director may be part time or may cover multiple departments. So it is useful to send to each so the
MD is clear what jurisdiction they are being asked about .
Thanks – We will push for the 24th – Expecting EPA write up soon, will send…
Thanks
Mel
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 12:25 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: July 24 and or 25th - EPA visit
Leaving on the 26th, so would prefer the 24th.
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 11:35 AM
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: July 24 and or 25th - EPA visit
They are looking to do an event on either July 24th or July 25th in Oscoda area – Is
Heidi able to one of these days? If so, please put a hold on her calendar for these
dates. We will be able to confirm soon.
Thanks
Mel.
• Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MDMVA) – COL Tim Houchlei
• Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) – Jen Holton
• Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) – Ed Golder
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: RE: REVIEW: EPA Visit
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 6:37:36 PM
Attachments: 20180619-michigan options-v1 553PM.docx
Yes – Good point – How about if Director Stepp leads conversation by posing a few
questions to group for participants to take turns addressing. Then Director Stepp
invites questions from participants for Directors Stepp, Grether and Isaacs to address.
This way EPA can lead with a few key topics that participants get to opine on; but
then participants get to pose their own questions directly to leadership to – win / win?
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 6:15 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: REVIEW: EPA Visit
Looks great as a starting point. How would we structure the roundtable? Would participants have an
opportunity to make a statement or pose questions, etc.,
On Jun 20, 2018, at 6:06 PM, Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov> wrote:
Option 3
• Site visit in Oscoda – Tour foam; onsite plume
EPA, DEQ, MPART and military (U.S. Air Force)
• One-on-one interviews with local reporters; opportunity to talk about national dialogue on
PFAS, answer questions about national approach
• Large round-table with participants from across Michigan (about 40 people total)
Wurtsmith Air Museum; would need to confirm location availability
o Township officials
o Need Our Waters members
o Wurtsmith Restoration Advisory Board members
o DoD, Congressional Members, State Legislators
o MPART leadership
o Community group leadership from Rockford, Grayling, Pierson, etc.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: TOUR / BRIEFING of Van Etten Lake beachfront to view foam (if visible);
Tour area of plume. Onsite briefing by DEQ and DoD staff.
(*Could imbed key reporters on this tour)
10:30: EPA Director Stepp OPENS event with Welcome & Purpose - EPA
Director Stepp SPEAKS / PRESENTS; INTROS DEQ Director Grether to
SPEAK / PRESENT
10:40: DEQ Director Grether SPEAKS / PRESENTS; Turns back to Director Stepp
to intro MPART Director Isaacs
10:50: MPART Director Isaacs SPEAKS / PRESENTS; Tuns back to Director Stepp
to introduce Roundtable Purpose
BACKGROUND
Purpose
• EPA is traveling to a number of states with communities impacted by PFAS to listen to feedback
from the public on ways the agency can best support the work that’s being done at the state,
local, and tribal levels.
• The purpose of these community engagements is to gather facts and listen only. The
information gained will be used to better inform the management plan. EPA officials should
refrain from expressing conclusions or make other forward-looking policy statements other than
restating the Administrator’s four action items.
• Using information from the National Summit, these community engagement events, and input
received through the public docket, EPA plans to develop a PFAS Management Plan for release
later this year.
• These events will play a key role in understanding the challenges states, tribes, and communities
face when they are identifying, addressing and communicating about PFAS.
• Each engagement will be designed to hear directly from the public. It is critical for EPA to hear
the state and local perspective and engage with these communities so that we may find
solutions to these PFAS related challenges.
Key Topics
• Learn about how PFAS has impacted their community
• Understand strategies they have implemented and their effectiveness
• Identify additional tools that are needed
• Understand challenges when identifying, finding solutions, and communicating PFAS
• Communicate work and research done by EPA
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: RE: REVIEW: EPA Visit
Date: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 7:53:36 PM
Sounds good We are going to send on to Cathy’s guy Jeff now for review…
Thanks
Mel
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2018 7:42 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: REVIEW: EPA Visit
Sounds good. Cathy can take the lead.
On Jun 20, 2018, at 6:37 PM, Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov> wrote:
Thank you! Where there any contact info for key residents or municipal leadership?
Mel,
See below for Central Sanitary Landfill Contacts.
Roger is the onsite operations manager, he is at the landfill every day.
Roger Rockburn – Operations Manager
21545 W. Cannonsville Rd.
Pierson, MI 49339
rrockburn@republicservices.com
O: 616-557-7066 C: 616-292-8114
Todd Harland is a general manager for Several Republic Landfills in western and
Northwestern Michigan including CSL
Todd Harland – General Manager
3890 Camp Road
Manistee, MI
tharland@republicservices.com
O: 231-723-4850 C: 231-510-7923
Joe Montello is the regional hydrogeologist for Michigan and states to the east.
Joe Montello – Senior Manager, Hydrogeology
2 Homesteads Rd.
Placitas, NM 87043
jmontello@republicservices.com
O: 505-588-2926 C: 440-759-8459
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 6:12 PM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>; Vorce, Karen (DEQ)
<VorceK@michigan.gov>; Wierzbicki, David (DEQ) <WIERZBICKID@michigan.gov>;
Rothe, Randy (DEQ) <ROTHER@michigan.gov>; Jury, Michael (DEQ)
<JURYM1@michigan.gov>; Harn, David (DEQ) <HarnD@michigan.gov>; Heywood,
David (DEQ) <HeywoodD1@michigan.gov>; Walters, Kent (DEQ)
<WaltersK7@michigan.gov>
Subject: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Importance: High
Hey all – In anticipation of the EPA visit to Michigan next week (we don’t
have any details, will let you know when we do) we have been asked by
EOA to submit to them names of key community folks we have engaged
with during our PFAs activities.
Cn you send me the contact info for:
-CCR, Rockford
Key Neighborhood Assn leaders (Alogma Township area?)
-Grayling Lake Margarethe Neighborhood Assn
-NOW Oscoda (Mike, can you send me info?)
-Alpena folks?
-Richland folks?
-Central Sanitary Landfill folks?
-Parchment folks?
We have already advised EPA that they should invite all local health
departments and health directors
Also any other folks / groups you can think of that we would want to
submit for EPA consideration…
Thanks xo
Mel.
MELANIE BROWN Public Affairs and Engagement
Michigan Department of Enviromental Quality
EMAIL: brownm45@michigan.gov PHONE: 313-220-6215
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Lysanne Harma
Subject: Re: ASSISTANCE - Contact info to recommend to EPA for PFAS visit
Date: Wednesday, October 03, 2018 8:42:00 AM
Thanks Lysanne - we already added you on previous list of recommendations to the EPA :)
On Sep 24, 2018, at 1:58 PM, Jury, Michael (DEQ) <JURYM1@michigan.gov> wrote:
Thanks
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 24, 2018, at 10:36 AM, Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov> wrote:
On Mon, Sep 24, 2018 at 7:50 AM, Isaacs, Carol (GOV)
<IsaacsC11@michigan.gov> wrote:
I think I have people who can be on a phone call about 2pm today.
Thanks -
Thank you -
Ok thanks
On Sep 27, 2018, at 6:24 PM, Deacon, Brad (MDARD) <deaconb9@michigan.gov> wrote:
K thanks
On Sep 26, 2018, at 7:26 PM, Wells, Eden (DHHS) <WellsE3@michigan.gov> wrote:
Looks good so far if I think of anymore I will send you another note!
Got em
On Sep 26, 2018, at 7:26 PM, Wells, Eden (DHHS) <WellsE3@michigan.gov> wrote:
Hi Mel,
Kory
I spoke with J Kelley this morning - they have no confirmed date; still looking at next week -
and are reconsidering doing roundtable and tour... they promise to let us know ASAP.
202-991-0477
Code:
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
To: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Cc: Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Howes, Sarah (DEQ); Shaler, Karen (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Cathy Stepp at Otsego Site Visit/Tour Superfund Events
Attachments: EPA Region 5 Admin Site Visit Briefing 1.docx
Draft Run of Show for Superfund Task Force event at Kalamazoo River 7.9.18 pr markup.docx
It is my understanding that Aaron Keatley and Scott Dean will attend from the Executive Office.
Per Mel Brown, others from the Superfund Section plan to attend.
1p
_____________________________________________
From: Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 5:30 PM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov <mailto:THELENM2@michigan.gov> >; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov <mailto:KeatleyA@michigan.gov> >
Cc: Kneale, Catherine (DEQ) <KnealeC@michigan.gov <mailto:KnealeC@michigan.gov> >; Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov
<mailto:SHIREYK@michigan.gov> >; Boeskool, Travis (DEQ) <BoeskoolT@michigan.gov <mailto:BoeskoolT@michigan.gov> >; Howes, Sarah
(DEQ) <HowesS1@michigan.gov <mailto:HowesS1@michigan.gov> >; Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov
<mailto:BrownM45@michigan.gov> >; Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov <mailto:DeanS4@michigan.gov> >; Brown, Tiffany (DEQ)
<BrownT22@michigan.gov <mailto:BrownT22@michigan.gov> >
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Attached is a one-pager regarding the site, and the proposed Run of Show for the media event. A number of congressional members, other elected
officials and media are invited to the event with Cathy Stepp.
The schedule shows the tour and photo op in the morning of the 24th, Tuesday. Perhaps Aaron would like to go? If not, Kathy or I could attend, as
well as project staff, and district supervisor (Dave Haywood).
517.897.2839 (cell)
517.284.5091 (desk)
Kalamazoo River EPA Administrator Site Visit
The Superfund Task Force Report
Site Update
Site Update
A Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) was issued for Area 3 (Otsego Twp. impoundment) by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) due to the uncontrolled release of
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)-contaminated soils and sediments. Three Responsible Parties
(RPs): Weyerhaeuser, Georgia Pacific and International Paper, are under a Unilateral
Administrative Order (UAO) dated April 2016. Work began on-site in August 2016. Prior to
work commencing, the State removed the Otsego Township dam and installed a temporary
Water Control Structure (WCS) in March 2016, which allowed for upstream water levels to be
manipulated and helped facilitate the remediation. The cleanup effort described in the UAO
covers approximately 1.7 river miles, beginning at the former Otsego Township Dam located at
the base of Bittersweet Ski area, and extending to the M-89 road crossing. The UAO includes:
removal of the WCS; excavation of contaminated instream sediments and bank soils located
within approximately 30-feet of the river to provide a clean buffer; and restoration of the
remediated areas to provide a stable channel. The UAO does not address the remaining 1.7-
miles of instream sediments and banks upstream of M-89, floodplain soils upstream and
downstream of M-89, or the Pine Creek Impoundment in Area 3.
The total cost for the TCRA to the RPs is estimated to be between $30 million and $40 million
when the project finishes. The DNR contributed approximately $3 million for the removal of the
dam and construction of the WCS. A $250,000 grant was secured by the Office of Great Lakes
so the DNR could encumber a contractor to remove the auxiliary spillway structure, which was
not included in the scope of the UAO.
While the size, scale, and cost of the TCRA is immense, the total effort will remove less than 1%
of the mass of total PCBs from the system. In addition, the state still owns highly-contaminated
property from the city of Kalamazoo to Lake Michigan, which includes another high-hazard rated
dam on the River, and large portions of the project area remain unaddressed and
uninvestigated. The total cleanup cost for the Kalamazoo River, not including the other landfills
units, is anticipated to eclipse $1 billion and has been estimated as high as $1.7 billion.
Kalamazoo River EPA Administrator Site Visit
A Site Update and The Superfund Task Force Report
Page 2
The Superfund Task Force Report was issued on July 25, 2017, and provided a list of 5 goals
and 42 recommendations to streamline and improve the Superfund program. The 5 goals in the
report were:
Some of the specific recommendations under those goals applicable to the Kalamazoo River
Superfund site included: developing a “Top 20” list of sites for immediate and intense action and
Administrator involvement – which the Kalamazoo River was one of two sites in Region 5 to be
placed on the list; encouraging the use of adaptive management and interim Record of
Decisions or removal actions to expedite cleanup; national consistency and expedited review of
proposed remedies by the remedy review board (e.g. Contaminated Sediments Technical
Advisory Group); and maximizing the use of special accounts to facilitate cleanup or
redevelopment.
The Kalamazoo River has been utilizing many of the recommendations from the Task Force
since before the report was issued. The issue with progress on the Kalamazoo River is there
has been ongoing litigation between the RPs to determine cost allocation for several years,
previous court rulings are being appealed, and a fourth party is being sued to determine if they
are liable for the contamination in the river (however higher court decisions in similar cases
make their liability unclear).
Hi Scott,
I'm looking to find out if you or anyone else at the MDEQ is aware of any details regarding the
EPA's planned visit to Michigan for PFAS discussions this Thursday and Friday, October 4 and
5.
Those dates were thrown out last week in Washington, D.C. during the Senate subcommittee
hearing regarding PFAS and no one seems to know any more information about the visit.
Thanks,
Mikenzie Frost
Political Reporter
Sinclair Broadcast Group
517-897-4861
mbfrost@sbgtv.com
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Tiernan, Gerald (DEQ); Groetsch, Kory J. (DHHS); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Isaacs, Carol (GOV);
Sliver, Steve (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV); Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS); Kammer, Stephanie
(DEQ); Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Site Visit #2 - Barton Pond Dam to view foam
Date: Thursday, October 04, 2018 10:05:14 AM
Attachments: attachment 1.pdf
ATT00001.htm
From Barton Dam, we will head to the Ann Arbor Water Treatment
Plant at 919 Sunset Rd, Ann Arbor, MI.
You should park in the “Visitor Parking Lot,” the first lot on the right
off of Sunset.
Brian Steglitz will need to wait at the gate of the lot to let everyone
in. He will wait until everyone has arrived.
All - Map for today’s visit to Barton Dam.
FYI
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 7:16 PM
To: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Great, thank you. Agree Scott should go as well.
On Jul 16, 2018, at 6:35 PM, Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov> wrote:
I am likely available if you want someone from the Exec Office there. I’d also suggest
Scott Dean or someone from his team be there as well.
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:21 PM
To: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-
Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-
Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
I am not able to attend this. Recommendations on who from DEQ Lansing
should participate?
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:11 PM
To: DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office
<DEQ-Media-Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>; Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Zimmer,
Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Latest on the proposed EPA RA visit to the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in
the Otsego area.
Kathy Shirey
Assistant Director
RRD/MDEQ
517-420-2503
From: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 2:14 PM
To: Kline, David (DEQ) <KLINED@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
<LeemingS@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Dave, Kathy and Sue,
I just wanted to circle back with you three regarding the EPA Region 5 Regional
Administrator coming on 7/24 to see the Kalamazoo River TCRA. I just got a message
from my on-scene coordinator, Paul Ruesch, who just wanted to make sure that our
Division and Department will be adequately represented. I know everyone is busy and
it is the peak of summer so I just want to make sure that this isn’t forgotten. I will also
be out of town starting Wednesday until Monday, the day before the visit, so I just
want to make sure no additional information is needed from me.
I attached a draft agenda and schedule that Paul Ruesch provided.
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email: PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 4:22:41 PM
Attachments: Draft Run of Show for Superfund Task Force event at Kalamazoo River 7.9.18 pr markup.docx
See attachment
From: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:11 PM
To: DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-
Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>;
Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Latest on the proposed EPA RA visit to the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in the Otsego
area.
Kathy Shirey
Assistant Director
RRD/MDEQ
517-420-2503
From: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 2:14 PM
To: Kline, David (DEQ) <KLINED@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
<LeemingS@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Dave, Kathy and Sue,
I just wanted to circle back with you three regarding the EPA Region 5 Regional Administrator
coming on 7/24 to see the Kalamazoo River TCRA. I just got a message from my on-scene
coordinator, Paul Ruesch, who just wanted to make sure that our Division and Department will be
adequately represented. I know everyone is busy and it is the peak of summer so I just want to make
sure that this isn’t forgotten. I will also be out of town starting Wednesday until Monday, the day
before the visit, so I just want to make sure no additional information is needed from me.
I attached a draft agenda and schedule that Paul Ruesch provided.
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email: PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
From: Isaacs, Carol (GOV)
To: Dean, Scott (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV)
Subject: Fwd: EPA PFAS Visit
Date: Thursday, September 06, 2018 10:30:47 AM
OK
From: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 10:23 AM
To: Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ) <FeuersteinH@michigan.gov>
Cc: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Me in Kzoo on the 24th.
From: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 7:59 AM
To: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
FYI
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 7:16 PM
To: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Great, thank you. Agree Scott should go as well.
On Jul 16, 2018, at 6:35 PM, Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov> wrote:
I am likely available if you want someone from the Exec Office there. I’d also suggest
Scott Dean or someone from his team be there as well.
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:21 PM
To: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-
Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-
Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
I am not able to attend this. Recommendations on who from DEQ Lansing
should participate?
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:11 PM
To: DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office
<DEQ-Media-Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>; Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Zimmer,
Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Latest on the proposed EPA RA visit to the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in
the Otsego area.
Kathy Shirey
Assistant Director
RRD/MDEQ
517-420-2503
From: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 2:14 PM
To: Kline, David (DEQ) <KLINED@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
<LeemingS@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Dave, Kathy and Sue,
I just wanted to circle back with you three regarding the EPA Region 5 Regional
Administrator coming on 7/24 to see the Kalamazoo River TCRA. I just got a message
from my on-scene coordinator, Paul Ruesch, who just wanted to make sure that our
Division and Department will be adequately represented. I know everyone is busy and
it is the peak of summer so I just want to make sure that this isn’t forgotten. I will also
be out of town starting Wednesday until Monday, the day before the visit, so I just
want to make sure no additional information is needed from me.
I attached a draft agenda and schedule that Paul Ruesch provided.
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email: PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
From: Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ); Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
Cc: Kneale, Catherine (DEQ); Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ); Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Howes, Sarah (DEQ); Brown, Melanie
(DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Brown, Tiffany (DEQ)
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Date: Tuesday, July 17, 2018 5:30:05 PM
Attachments: EPA Region 5 Admin Site Visit Briefing 1.docx
Draft Run of Show for Superfund Task Force event at Kalamazoo River 7.9.18 pr markup.docx
Attached is a one-pager regarding the site, and the proposed Run of Show for the media event. A
number of congressional members, other elected officials and media are invited to the event with
Cathy Stepp.
The schedule shows the tour and photo op in the morning of the 24th, Tuesday. Perhaps Aaron
would like to go? If not, Kathy or I could attend, as well as project staff, and district supervisor (Dave
Haywood).
Please advise. thanks.
Sue Leeming, Director
Remediation & Redevelopment Division
Department of Environmental Quality
517.897.2839 (cell)
517.284.5091 (desk)
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:22 PM
To: Leeming, Susan (DEQ) <LeemingS@michigan.gov>
Cc: Kneale, Catherine (DEQ) <KnealeC@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Please see Heidi’s note below.
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:21 PM
To: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-
Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth
(DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>;
Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
I am not able to attend this. Recommendations on who from DEQ Lansing should
participate?
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:11 PM
To: DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-
Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>;
Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Latest on the proposed EPA RA visit to the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in the Otsego
area.
Kathy Shirey
Assistant Director
RRD/MDEQ
517-420-2503
From: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 2:14 PM
To: Kline, David (DEQ) <KLINED@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
<LeemingS@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Dave, Kathy and Sue,
I just wanted to circle back with you three regarding the EPA Region 5 Regional Administrator
coming on 7/24 to see the Kalamazoo River TCRA. I just got a message from my on-scene
coordinator, Paul Ruesch, who just wanted to make sure that our Division and Department will be
adequately represented. I know everyone is busy and it is the peak of summer so I just want to make
sure that this isn’t forgotten. I will also be out of town starting Wednesday until Monday, the day
before the visit, so I just want to make sure no additional information is needed from me.
I attached a draft agenda and schedule that Paul Ruesch provided.
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email: PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
Kalamazoo River EPA Administrator Site Visit
The Superfund Task Force Report
Site Update
Site Update
A Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) was issued for Area 3 (Otsego Twp. impoundment) by
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) due to the uncontrolled release of
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)-contaminated soils and sediments. Three Responsible Parties
(RPs): Weyerhaeuser, Georgia Pacific and International Paper, are under a Unilateral
Administrative Order (UAO) dated April 2016. Work began on-site in August 2016. Prior to
work commencing, the State removed the Otsego Township dam and installed a temporary
Water Control Structure (WCS) in March 2016, which allowed for upstream water levels to be
manipulated and helped facilitate the remediation. The cleanup effort described in the UAO
covers approximately 1.7 river miles, beginning at the former Otsego Township Dam located at
the base of Bittersweet Ski area, and extending to the M-89 road crossing. The UAO includes:
removal of the WCS; excavation of contaminated instream sediments and bank soils located
within approximately 30-feet of the river to provide a clean buffer; and restoration of the
remediated areas to provide a stable channel. The UAO does not address the remaining 1.7-
miles of instream sediments and banks upstream of M-89, floodplain soils upstream and
downstream of M-89, or the Pine Creek Impoundment in Area 3.
The total cost for the TCRA to the RPs is estimated to be between $30 million and $40 million
when the project finishes. The DNR contributed approximately $3 million for the removal of the
dam and construction of the WCS. A $250,000 grant was secured by the Office of Great Lakes
so the DNR could encumber a contractor to remove the auxiliary spillway structure, which was
not included in the scope of the UAO.
While the size, scale, and cost of the TCRA is immense, the total effort will remove less than 1%
of the mass of total PCBs from the system. In addition, the state still owns highly-contaminated
property from the city of Kalamazoo to Lake Michigan, which includes another high-hazard rated
dam on the River, and large portions of the project area remain unaddressed and
uninvestigated. The total cleanup cost for the Kalamazoo River, not including the other landfills
units, is anticipated to eclipse $1 billion and has been estimated as high as $1.7 billion.
Kalamazoo River EPA Administrator Site Visit
A Site Update and The Superfund Task Force Report
Page 2
The Superfund Task Force Report was issued on July 25, 2017, and provided a list of 5 goals
and 42 recommendations to streamline and improve the Superfund program. The 5 goals in the
report were:
Some of the specific recommendations under those goals applicable to the Kalamazoo River
Superfund site included: developing a “Top 20” list of sites for immediate and intense action and
Administrator involvement – which the Kalamazoo River was one of two sites in Region 5 to be
placed on the list; encouraging the use of adaptive management and interim Record of
Decisions or removal actions to expedite cleanup; national consistency and expedited review of
proposed remedies by the remedy review board (e.g. Contaminated Sediments Technical
Advisory Group); and maximizing the use of special accounts to facilitate cleanup or
redevelopment.
The Kalamazoo River has been utilizing many of the recommendations from the Task Force
since before the report was issued. The issue with progress on the Kalamazoo River is there
has been ongoing litigation between the RPs to determine cost allocation for several years,
previous court rulings are being appealed, and a fourth party is being sued to determine if they
are liable for the contamination in the river (however higher court decisions in similar cases
make their liability unclear).
Just talked with EPA Comms – they are doing the site visit right now…
They recommend anyone who comes to wear closed toed shores, bug spray and
sunscreen…
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:21 PM
To: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-
Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth
(DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>;
Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
I am not able to attend this. Recommendations on who from DEQ Lansing should
participate?
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 5:11 PM
To: DEQ-Legislative-Office <DEQ-Legislative-Office@michigan.gov>; DEQ-Media-Office <DEQ-Media-
Office@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>;
Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Latest on the proposed EPA RA visit to the Kalamazoo River Superfund site in the Otsego
area.
Kathy Shirey
Assistant Director
RRD/MDEQ
517-420-2503
From: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 2:14 PM
To: Kline, David (DEQ) <KLINED@michigan.gov>
Cc: Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; Leeming, Susan (DEQ)
<LeemingS@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Dave, Kathy and Sue,
I just wanted to circle back with you three regarding the EPA Region 5 Regional Administrator
coming on 7/24 to see the Kalamazoo River TCRA. I just got a message from my on-scene
coordinator, Paul Ruesch, who just wanted to make sure that our Division and Department will be
adequately represented. I know everyone is busy and it is the peak of summer so I just want to make
sure that this isn’t forgotten. I will also be out of town starting Wednesday until Monday, the day
before the visit, so I just want to make sure no additional information is needed from me.
I attached a draft agenda and schedule that Paul Ruesch provided.
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email: PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
To: Leeming, Susan (DEQ); Keatley, Aaron (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Cc: Kneale, Catherine (DEQ); Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ); Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Howes, Sarah (DEQ); Brown, Melanie
(DEQ); Brown, Tiffany (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Shaler, Karen (DEQ); Cristea, Paula (DEQ)
Subject: RE: EPA RA Visit on 7/24
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 10:18:58 AM
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email: PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: RE: July 24 and or 25th - EPA visit
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 12:24:45 PM
Thanks,
Mikenzie Frost
Political Reporter
Sinclair Broadcast Group
517-897-4861
mbfrost@sbgtv.com
Eric – I believe this is the full list, please note that some staff are set to
participate at specific sites. Let us know if questions.
Thanks
Mel.
Carol Isaacs, MPART Director
Eric Brown, Federal Liaison, Governor’s Office
Heidi Grether, DEQ Director
Steve Sliver, PFAS Project Technical Lead, DEQ
Stephanie Kammer, District Manager, DEQ, (Huron River stops only)
Gerald Tiernan, Environmental Manager, DEQ, (Huron River stops only)
David Harn, Project Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops
only)
David Heywood, District Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo
stops only)
Scott Dean, MPART Communications
Melanie Brown, DEQ External Affairs
Chelsea Dickerson, Project Coordinator, DEQ (Parchment / Kalamazoo
only)
Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive, DHHS
Kory Groestch, Toxicologist, DHHS
Sarah Lyon Callo, Epidemiologist DHHS
From: Brown, Eric (GOV)
Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 9:49 AM
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>; Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
<GretherH@michigan.gov>; Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>;
Zimmer, Mike (GOV) <ZimmerM1@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA Site Visits - Staff representation
Please provide names and titles for all State of Michigan staff attending the EPA site
visits ASAP. I need to relay to our Congressional contacts as well as EPA. Thanks.
--Eric
Eric K. Brown
Deputy Director, Federal Relations
State of Michigan – Governor Rick Snyder
Washington D.C. Office
202.480.7235 (mobile)
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Zimmer, Nate (DEQ); Sliver, Steve (DEQ)
Subject: Canceled: HOLD - EPA Visit to Michigan
Importance: High
Just heard from EPA region five, they will send us a conference call meeting notice shortly for a conversation this
afternoon. Heidi hoping you can dial-in from the road.
Thanks
Mel
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Adler, Ari (GOV); Brown, Eric (GOV)
Subject: DRAFT DELIBERATIVE - Draft EPA Roundtable
Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:33:00 PM
Attachments: Agenda MI roundtable 9.24.18.docx
ATT00001.txt
Talked to Bill and Ari. Lets just go with an EPA announcement but we want an IMMEDIATE supportive statement
from you guys welcoming them in. Can you loop in Ari once it goes?
Great work
Mike
1) Do we have a new date and location (if not, when will we have it)?
2) What are we saying about the negative press that said the meeting we had set was cancelled?
3) Who are we sending - who is representing the department?
Good morning Jeff - Hope you had a great weekend. Can you tell us if next weeks dates have
been confirmed?
Thanks
Mel
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV); Sliver, Steve (DEQ); Kammer, Stephanie (DEQ);
Tiernan, Gerald (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Wells, Eden (DHHS); Groetsch, Kory J. (DHHS); LyonCallo, Sarah
(DHHS); Boeskool, Travis (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Site Visit #2 - Barton Pond Dam to view foam
5:30 p.m. Barton Pond Dam -- to view PFAS Foam (5 minute walk down gravel path from parking lot) (15 minutes)
1010 W. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, Mich.
SOM Team:
David Harn, Project Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
David Heywood, District Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
6:00 p.m. Ann Arbor Water Treatment plant -- tour/briefing in conference room (30 minutes)
919 Sunset Rd., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Participants
* EPA
* Mr. Walberg
* Mrs. Dingell
* MDEQ*
SOM Team:
David Harn, Project Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
David Heywood, District Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
What: This is an opportunity for the local government officials who led the response to the PFAS found in the Parchment drinking water to share their
experience with senior EPA officials and with Rep. Upton. EPA would like to learn more about what happened in Parchment, how the community
responded, and what lessons were learned.
Invitees:
* Parchment Mayor Rob Britigan (rbritigan@parchment.org <mailto:rbritigan@parchment.org> ), 269) 217-0120 [Already confirmed]
* Parchment City Manager Nancy Stoddard (manager@parchment.org <mailto:manager@parchment.org> ) [Already confirmed]
* Jim Rutherford (jaruth@kalcounty com <mailto:jaruth@kalcounty.com> ), Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services [Already confirmed]
* Joe Bonhomme, Parchment utility director, (269) 344-6400
* James Baker, Kalamazoo city engineer, 269-337-8215
* Parchment school superintendent Jason Misner
* Kalamazoo Township Police Chief Bryan Ergang
* Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller
* Jeff Sorenson, Cooper Charter Township supervisor, 269-382-0223, 269-207-1156 (cell)
* Stephanie Moore (Stephanie.Moore@kalcounty.com <mailto:Stephanie.Moore@kalcounty.com> ), Kalamazoo County board chair, 269-547-9002
SOM Team:
David Harn, Project Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
David Heywood, District Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops only)
I just spoke with Congressman Walberg’s staff. They have moved their time and location for the
Thursday site visits to accommodate scheduling conflicts at EPA. I will get a more formal invitation
for the State once Walberg and Dingell finalize the particulars, but this is the most updated plan for
Thursday (10/4):
4:00 PM: Meet Congressman Walberg and Congresswoman Dingell at Klaves Marina on Portage Lake
in Dexter Twp. Spend 30-45 minutes talking about PFAS issues in the Huron River watershed.
Travel to Barton Dam in Ann Arbor with Congressman Walberg and Congresswoman Dingell to view
site where PFAS foam has been reported. They expect this visit to take approximately 10-15 minutes.
No further details yet on Friday itinerary.
More to come,
--Eric
Eric K. Brown
Deputy Director, Federal Relations
State of Michigan – Governor Rick Snyder
Washington D.C. Office
202.480.7235 (mobile)
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ); Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Visit in MI (TBD)
Thanks.
===================================================
---
Jeff Kelley
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
To: Thiede, Kurt
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: EPA Visit to Michigan
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2018 10:48:48 AM
Hi Kurt –
Hope you are well. I was wondering if there was any more clarity on the EPA
Michigan visit. I understand there was some discussion about the first week of
October. Is that still a consideration?
Thanks much,
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
To: Kelley, Jeff
Cc: Zimmer, Nate (DEQ); Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: FW: Draft statement for press
Date: Friday, August 31, 2018 11:23:01 AM
Hi Jeff,
I haven’t heard from Molly and am not familiar with any conversations you may have had with her
office.
This is how we’ve have been describing the cooperation:
Michigan is leading the nation in its response the emerging issue of PFAS contamination.
The support of EPA has been invaluable to Michigan in its multi-agency, state-wide effort
to protect the public from this emerging contaminant.
EPA staff have directly supported the Michigan Department Environmental Quality in a
number of PFAS investigations – including the response in the City of Parchment that
resulted in 3,000 people being protected from PFAS contamination in their drinking water.
Michigan has actively shared it’s learnings on this global contaminant with EPA Region 5
and headquarters in Washington and encourages EPA to continue national research and
rule-making on this emerging contaminant.
Michigan looks forward to continuing this cooperative approach to the global issue of PFAS
and looks forward to continued meetings with EPA both here in Michigan and in
Washington.
From: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2018 2:58 PM
To: Block, Molly <block.molly@epa.gov>
Subject: Re: Draft statement for press
“sought to hold” would seem to beg a follow up question. Would “considered” or “evaluated” or
“discussed” be more clear?
“As the Agency has publicly stated several times, EPA sought to hold a PFAS Community
Engagement event in Michigan similar to those in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania,
Colorado, North Carolina, and Kansas. EPA continues to support ongoing efforts the
State of Michigan has undertaken to deal with community impacted by PFAS.”
Background
EPA coordinated closely with the states and local communities to plan and select
locations for each of the PFAS Community Engagement events. Throughout the
summer, EPA worked to balance the need to take action with the agency’s desire to
hear from as many communities as possible. While EPA is planning on hosting its last
official community engagement event in Leavenworth, Kansas on September 5th, the
Agency’s work to support our state partners, including Michigan, continues. We
encourage those who wish to submit input to do so via our nonregulatory docket at
http://www.regulations.gov: enter Docket ID No. EPA-OW-2018-0270.
From: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: FW: Michigan visit
Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018 8:24:00 AM
FYI
From: Thiede, Kurt <thiede.kurt@epa.gov>
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2018 9:08 PM
To: Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: Michigan visit
Arron,
I’m sorry, I still don’t have specifics. At this point I am guessing it won’t be next week, which I think is
better for you and Heidi. I will keep you posted.
Kurt
On Sep 10, 2018, at 4:31 PM, Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov> wrote:
Hey Kurt - Any clarity yet on the likely date and location for the Michigan public
meeting?
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: FW: Oscoda visit
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 11:21:47 AM
Heidi – Scott and I will talk with Jeff on Thursday afternoon – You will wanna do a call
with Cathy on this as well? May be good -
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 9:01 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Are you guys available on Thursday to start discussing details? I could do 10 a.m. to noon or 4 to 6
p.m. Eastern.
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Kelley, Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2018 7:52 AM
To: 'Brown, Melanie (DEQ)' <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Let’s go with Thursday, Sept. 13.
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) [mailto:BrownM45@michigan.gov]
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2018 12:45 PM
To: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Super – thanks!
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 6, 2018 1:44 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
I’ll check and get back to you ASAP
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) [mailto:BrownM45@michigan.gov]
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2018 12:14 PM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>; Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Importance: High
Thanks MBT –
Jeff – Please see dates below… Do any of these work?
Thanks
Mel.
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, August 6, 2018 12:06 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Shaler, Karen (DEQ)
<SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Mel,
Although the Director has several meetings the week of September 10, the following
dates could be flexible:
Monday, September 10
Tuesday, September 11
Wednesday, NO, the Director will be in Saginaw area with the District
Thursday, September 13
I would prefer to keep Friday open for her in the office as she may be in the UP the
following week.
Thanks.
MBT
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2018 5:47 PM
To: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Cc: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Thanks Jeff –
MBT – Got any dates that work the Heidi?
Thanks
Mel.
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 9:50 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: Oscoda visit
Mel, I’m sure you’re still trying to catch your breath from last night’s meeting, but we’ve been
looking at the calendar and thinking about the long-discussed Oscoda visit. What do you think about
the week of September 10?
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
To: Thiede, Kurt
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Zimmer, Nate (DEQ)
Subject: Follow Up from Call
Date: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 11:41:48 AM
Kurt –
Thank you for your time yesterday, we are looking forward to your visit in August.
There are a couple things I want to raise as follow-up to our discussion. First, before
EPA schedules a visit to Oscoda, we need to have a discussion about past and
ongoing activities, local sentiment and challenges. Second, I ask that Cathy establish
a Region 5 Community Engagement/Response group akin to the Region 1 group
discussed at the PFAS Summit in DC. We believe an opportunity for local groups in
the region to share their varying experiences with EPA would be a good thing all the
way around. Perhaps it would be helpful to check with Alex Dunn regarding their
purpose, structure and deliverables to get a feel for its workings.
Thanks very much,
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Zimmer, Nate (DEQ)
Subject: Fwd: EPA PFAS Visit
Date: Thursday, September 06, 2018 8:32:48 AM
5:30 p.m. Barton Pond Dam -- to view PFAS Foam (5 minute walk down gravel path
from parking lot) (15 minutes)
1010 W. Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor, Mich.
6:00 p.m. Ann Arbor Water Treatment plant -- tour/briefing in conference room (30
minutes)
919 Sunset Rd.
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Participants
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Sliver, Steve (DEQ); Peterson, Amy (DEQ); Adler,
Ari (GOV); Brown, Tiffany (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV)
Subject: Fwd: Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Roundtable in Parchment, Michigan Friday October 5, 2018
Date: Tuesday, October 02, 2018 6:36:13 PM
Attachments: Agenda MI roundtable 10.1.18-v4.docx
ATT00001.htm
FYI
See below for head count and possible space lim tations
Just a heads up here s the full head count as I ha e it for he Ann Arbor sites. This h ng has ballooned n o mo e people han expected. If here are any space issues we may ha e to ha e some folks hold back in the parking lot at the dam or water facil ty. I hope we can get e eryone in though (the Ann Arbor water facili y conference room only holds 30 people) but check ng now. Just wanted you o be p epared.
Mr. Walberg
Mrs. Dinge l
Mr. Upton (Unconfirmed)
EPA
Peter G e att D rec or O fice of G ound Water and D ink ng Water
Aaron R ngel - Cong ess onal Relations
Chr stian Rodrick - Congressional Rela ions
Molly Block - Public Affairs
Peter G e att - O fice of Water
Andrea Dr nkard - Office of Water
Chr stina Wadl ngton - Office of Water
EPA Region 5
Ca hy Stepp Regional Adminis rator
Kurt Thiede - Ch ef of Staff
Jeff Kelley - Director Office of External Communications
Eileen Dreamer - Regional Coo d nator
MDEQ
Carol Isaacs MPART Director
Eric Brown Depu y Director of Federal Rela ions Go ernor's Off ce
Heidi Grether DEQ Director
Ste e Sli er PFAS Project Technical Lead DEQ
Stephanie Kammer Dis rict Manager DEQ
Gerald Tiernan En ironmen al Manager DEQ
Sco t Dean MPART Commun ca ions
Melanie B own DEQ External Affairs
D . Eden Wells Chief Medical Executi e DHHS
Kory G oestch Tox cologist DHHS
Sarah Lyon Callo Epidemiolog st DHHS
- ---Original Message-----
From Rambosk Ke in
Sent Wednesday October 3 2018 5 02 PM
To Brown Eric (GOV)' <BrownE15@michigan.go >
Subject RE State of Mich gan Participants - EPA Meetings/Site V sits
G eat -thanks!
- ---Original Message-----
From Brown Er c (GOV) <B E15@ g g >
Sent Wednesday October 3 2018 5 PM
To Rambosk Ke in <Ke in Rambosk@mail.house.go >
Subject Re S ate of Michigan Part cipants - EPA Meet ngs/Si e Visi s
On Oct 3 2018 at 31 PM Rambosk Ke in <Ke n Rambosk@ma l.house go <mailto Ke in.Rambosk@mail house.go >> wro e
Thanks E ic! Just making sure I ha e this right would all the folks highlighted be attending the two s te isi s Thursday?
Gentlemen - here is he list of pa ticipan s represen ing the S ate on Thursday and Friday. Please note that some staff are set o par icipate at specif c sites only.
Spoke with Carol about this earlier. Waiting on a callback from Michael J.
https://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2018/08/michigan_epa_pfas_forum.html
We were finally able to loop back with HQ this morning. I have an update for you. Perhaps we can touch base at the
end of the day? I have mtgs straight through 4:30 today.
Thank you.
Kurt Thiede
Chief of Staff
EPA Region 5
Kurt –
Good to see you this week in DC. Below are the dates the RAM Center is available
for an EPA PFAS field trip to Michigan.
Peter –
Thank you for all your hard work to make the summit a success. I greatly appreciated
being included as a panelist. I talked with Kurt about a possible Michigan visit in
August, when we could stay at the DNR conference center near Grayling. We could
visit Oscoda from there.
Below are the details from a previous meeting notice. Please let me know if your
would like to discuss further.
Thanks,
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
2:30 PM Site Visit #2 – DEQ briefing on current testing, fish advisory, next steps
3:30 PM Clinton River Watershed; Macomb County
Attendees:
- EPA
- State of Michigan: DEQ Director Grether, MPART Director Isaacs, DHHS Toxicologist, DEQ
Regional staff
-DMVA General Isabelle
- Congressional Delegation / Key State Legislators
- Media: 3-4 members of media key in covering issue: MLive, Detroit news, Detroit Free Press
11:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM
Roundtable Attendees:
- EPA
- State of Michigan: DEQ Director Grether, MPART Director Isaacs
- Congressional Delegation / Key State Legislators (onlookers)
+ Kalamazoo City / County Health representatives
+Cooper Township leadership
+Community Groups:
Concerned Citizens for Responsible Engagement (Rockford)
Need Our Water (Oscoda)
Lake Margarethe Home Owners Association (Grayling)
Anglers of the AuSable Organization
Municipal leadership, Montcalm County (Central Sanitary Landfill site)
Calhoun County Health Department / Springfield Township Municipal leaders (Battle Creek site)
Michigan Manufacturing Association - PFAS Committee
American Water Works Association; Michigan Chapter (water utility operators)
Michigan Water Environment Association (wastewater groups)
Michigan Waste and Recycling Association (privately owned landfills)
Michigan Assoc of Local Public Health
Michigan Assoc of Health Enviro Administrators
From: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ); Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Boeskool, Travis (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Peterson,
Amy (DEQ); Sliver, Steve (DEQ); O"Donnell, David (DEQ); Leeming, Susan (DEQ); Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ);
Kneale, Catherine (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ)
Subject: RE: Action in the Morning for Abby: PFAS Hearing Thursday, September 6, 10:00 a.m.
Date: Thursday, September 06, 2018 11:41:50 AM
FYI…. Representative Dingell just requested/demanded that EPA hold a Community Engagement
meeting in Michigan. She was supported in her request by Representative Upton and Representative
Walberg. EPA, Peter Grevatt indicated his willingness to make arrangements to make that happen.
Abby
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2018 9:44 AM
To: Hendershott, Abigail (DEQ) <HENDERSHOTTA@michigan.gov>
Cc: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>; Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
<BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Boeskool, Travis (DEQ) <BoeskoolT@michigan.gov>; Feuerstein,
Heather (DEQ) <FeuersteinH@michigan.gov>; Peterson, Amy (DEQ) <PETERSONA1@michigan.gov>;
Sliver, Steve (DEQ) <SLIVERS@michigan.gov>; O'Donnell, David (DEQ)
<ODONNELLD@michigan.gov>; Leeming, Susan (DEQ) <LeemingS@michigan.gov>; Shirey, Kathleen
(DEQ) <SHIREYK@michigan.gov>; Kneale, Catherine (DEQ) <KnealeC@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott
(DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: Action in the Morning for Abby: PFAS Hearing Thursday, September 6, 10:00 a.m.
Thanks so much.
Mary Beth,
Since you’re returning tomorrow, I’ll leave this for you to handle.
Mel said to cancel the EPA/Oscoda placeholders you sent for August 16, 20, 21, and
23. Then please check calendars for the week of September 10. Thanks!
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 5:20 PM
To: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>;
Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Adding Aaron as well…
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 5:19 PM
To: 'Kelley, Jeff' <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>;
Shaler, Karen (DEQ) <SHALERK@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Importance: High
Karen – Can you provide us guidance on the best days for Heidi during the week of
September 10th? This is for a PFAS engagement with Region 5.
Thanks
Mel.
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 9:50 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: Oscoda visit
Mel, I’m sure you’re still trying to catch your breath from last night’s meeting, but we’ve been
looking at the calendar and thinking about the long-discussed Oscoda visit. What do you think about
the week of September 10?
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Zimmer, Mike (GOV)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: RE: EPA PFAS Meeting
Date: Tuesday, September 04, 2018 8:26:44 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, September 4, 2018 7:53 AM
To: Zimmer, Mike (GOV) <ZimmerM1@michigan.gov>
Cc: Zimmer, Nate (DEQ) <ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ) <KeatleyA@michigan.gov>;
Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>; Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: EPA PFAS Meeting
1. We don’t know when or where specifically. Initial mentions: week of September 17, Grand Rapids area.
Don’t know when we will. Aaron and I are on our way to an EPA meeting in Chicago and hope to find out more
there.
2. We have repeatedly said that in inaccurate and we have been in discussions all along with them. Just so you
know, they cancelled the meeting scheduled for September 13.
3. Attendees TBD when we know more. Aaron, Scott and I are scheduled to be in the UP that week. I had to bail on
this trip last year due to my detached retina, so think it is important.
Heidi
> On Sep 4, 2018, at 7:41 AM, Zimmer, Mike (GOV) <ZimmerM1@michigan.gov> wrote:
>
> 1) Do we have a new date and location (if not, when will we have it)?
> 2) What are we saying about the negative press that said the meeting we had set was cancelled?
> 3) Who are we sending - who is representing the department?
>
> Sent from my iPad
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: RE: EPA Site Visits - Staff representation
Date: Wednesday, October 03, 2018 11:30:49 AM
He was already on it
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 11:29 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Brown, Eric (GOV) <BrownE15@michigan.gov>; Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>;
Zimmer, Mike (GOV) <ZimmerM1@michigan.gov>; Kammer, Stephanie (DEQ)
<KAMMERS@michigan.gov>; Tiernan, Gerald (DEQ) <TIERNANG@michigan.gov>; Harn, David (DEQ)
<HarnD@michigan.gov>; Heywood, David (DEQ) <HeywoodD1@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott (DEQ)
<DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Wells, Eden (DHHS) <WellsE3@michigan.gov>; Groetsch, Kory J. (DHHS)
<GroetschK@michigan.gov>; LyonCallo, Sarah (DHHS) <lyoncallos@michigan.gov>; Dickerson,
Chelsea (DEQ) <DickersonC@michigan.gov>; Sliver, Steve (DEQ) <SLIVERS@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: EPA Site Visits - Staff representation
Adding Scott Dean to list.
Eric – I believe this is the full list, please note that some staff are set to
participate at specific sites. Let us know if questions.
Thanks
Mel.
Carol Isaacs, MPART Director
Eric Brown, Federal Liaison, Governor’s Office
Heidi Grether, DEQ Director
Steve Sliver, PFAS Project Technical Lead, DEQ
Stephanie Kammer, District Manager, DEQ, (Huron River stops only)
Gerald Tiernan, Environmental Manager, DEQ, (Huron River stops only)
David Harn, Project Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo stops
only)
David Heywood, District Manager, DEQ, (Parchment and Kalamazoo
stops only)
Scott Dean, MPART Communications
Melanie Brown, DEQ External Affairs
Chelsea Dickerson, Project Coordinator, DEQ (Parchment / Kalamazoo
only)
Dr. Eden Wells, Chief Medical Executive, DHHS
Kory Groestch, Toxicologist, DHHS
Sarah Lyon Callo, Epidemiologist DHHS
From: Brown, Eric (GOV)
Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 9:49 AM
To: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>; Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
<GretherH@michigan.gov>; Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>;
Zimmer, Mike (GOV) <ZimmerM1@michigan.gov>
Subject: EPA Site Visits - Staff representation
Please provide names and titles for all State of Michigan staff attending the EPA site
visits ASAP. I need to relay to our Congressional contacts as well as EPA. Thanks.
--Eric
Eric K. Brown
Deputy Director, Federal Relations
State of Michigan – Governor Rick Snyder
Washington D.C. Office
202.480.7235 (mobile)
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Keatley, Aaron (DEQ); Sliver, Steve (DEQ);
Isaacs, Carol (GOV)
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Manolakoudis, Virginia (GOV)
Subject: RE: EPA Visit in MI (TBD)
Date: Friday, August 31, 2018 10:36:40 AM
EPA has canceled their visit to MI on September 13. They will review for a future
date.
I will take off the calendar.
Thank you.
Mary Beth
-----Original Appointment-----
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2018 8:59 AM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ); Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ);
Keatley, Aaron (DEQ); Sliver, Steve (DEQ); Isaacs, Carol (GOV)
Cc: Shaler, Karen (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Manolakoudis, Virginia (GOV)
Subject: EPA Visit in MI (TBD)
When: Thursday, September 13, 2018 8:00 AM-8:00 PM (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
Where: TBD
Please hold all day on September 13. Mel Brown will work with Jeff Kelley of EPA on the logistics and
location.
===================================================
Let’s go with Thursday, Sept. 13.
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Brown, Eric (GOV)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Subject: RE: Friday Schedule
Date: Tuesday, October 02, 2018 2:37:07 PM
From EPA just now: "We are still hammering out a potential site visit for Rep. Upton and will circle around once we
have more info. Invitations for the roundtable on Friday should be going out this afternoon"
-----Original Message-----
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 2:35 PM
To: Brown, Eric (GOV) <BrownE15@michigan.gov>
Cc: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Subject: Friday Schedule
Hi Eric -
I saw the late day schedule for Thursday; do you have the Friday schedule? Am trying make calendar adjustments.
Thanks,
Heidi
Thanks Heidi. Let’s discuss next week. We’ll want to make sure that we are setting up times to meet
with community members as well as touring some of the impacted areas. It will be good to have
perspectives on what makes the most sense from both you and Cathy, and we will certainly defer to
you in terms of what you think will be both most important for us to see and most helpful to your
broader efforts to support community needs in the state.
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) [mailto:GretherH@michigan.gov]
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2018 1:21 PM
To: Grevatt, Peter <Grevatt.Peter@epa.gov>
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ)
<ZimmerN6@michigan.gov>
Subject: Michigan PFAS Sites Summary for Potential EPA Visit
Peter –
Thank you for the discussion earlier this week regarding the PFAS summit and following
actions. We would very much like to host the EPA team in Michigan and have several location
options, depending on what you would like to see. For example, in Kent County, we have
multiple sites that we believe are the result of multiple contamination sources. We know
Wolverine Worldwide is a responsible party, but there is also the Gerald R. Ford Airport, as
well as some other industrial sources. In northern Michigan we have ‘lake foam,’ which
appears to be a reconstituted PFAS substance. We don’t know how or why it forms, or what
exactly it is.
Attached is a summary of Michigan’s PFAS sites that was developed for our legislative partners
that gives a snapshot of each.
I’m happy to discuss your needs/thoughts at your convenience.
Regards,
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Rockford: City Manager: Thad Beard; Rockford Public Schools- Dr. Michael Shibler,
Algoma Township: Kevin Green & Kelly Sheeran
Plainfield Township: Cameron VanWygarden
Cannon Township: Steve Grimm
Oscoda:
Another couple that have been active are the
@gmail.com
Aaron Weed, Oscoda Township Aaron Weed oscoda@1weed.com
Jeff Moss, Au Sable Township @yahoo.com
Parchment:
Mayor Brittigan,
Robert D. Britigan III, CPM® · rbritigan@midlink.com
Midlink Business Park · www.midlink.com
5200 East Cork St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
T 269 384.1100 x 120 · F 269 384.1677
Parchment City Manager: Nancy Stoddard, manager@parchment.org, 269-349-3785
From: Russell, Diane <russell.diane@epa.gov>
Sent: Monday, October 1, 2018 12:32 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: Michigan Stakeholders
Hi Mel – I left you a message – I was hoping to touch base with you about this Friday’s upcoming
public meeting in Kalamazoo? Can you call me today? I have a meeting at 2pm but am otherwise
available.
Thanks!
989-395-3493
Diane Russell
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 5 Superfund Division
Office: 989-395-3493
From: Brown, Eric (GOV)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: RE: Peters, Stabenow Call for EPA Public Meeting on PFAS in Michigan
Date: Friday, September 07, 2018 2:02:06 PM
Thanks Heidi – it’s important to get this scheduled and announced by EPA ASAP, regardless of
location/format.
Eric –
EPA Region 5 has been working to schedule this in consultation with HQ.
Heidi
C. Heidi Grether
Director
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Dingell and Upton are also going to send a similar letter, likely today. Where are we
with scheduling this meeting so that we can all move forward?
On Sep 7, 2018, at 2:29 PM, Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov> wrote:
Do you need this call today or discuss further at Monday’s 9:00 ELT
meeting? What is it you all need to discuss?
We are not in charge of setting this meeting up.
Please advise.
Thanks.
From: Zimmer, Nate (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2018 11:15 AM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott (DEQ)
<DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Peters, Stabenow Call for EPA Public Meeting on PFAS in Michigan
Can we get a phone call? We need to have an answer for Eric ASAP.
Sent from my iPhone
Dingell and Upton are also going to send a similar letter, likely today.
Where are we with scheduling this meeting so that we can all move
forward?
Go blue!
Molly
-----Original Message-----
From: Lyons, Troy
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2018 1:52 PM
To: GretherH@michigan.gov
Cc: Block, Molly <block molly@epa.gov>; Cory, Preston (Katherine) <Cory.Preston@epa.gov>
Subject: Scott dean
It is my understanding that press is not invited to attend the site visits, but I will confirm and report
back.
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 1:40 PM
To: Brown, Eric (GOV) <BrownE15@michigan.gov>
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV) <IsaacsC11@michigan.gov>; Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
<GretherH@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Zimmer, Mike (GOV)
<ZimmerM1@michigan.gov>; Adler, Ari (GOV) <AdlerA@michigan.gov>; Mcbride, Bill (GOV)
<mcbrideb@michigan.gov>
Subject: Re: UPDATE: EPA Thursday Site Visit Details
Thanks Eric - Are they inviting press to this day?
Please see below for details regarding the site visits on Thursday. Congressional staff
has confirmed that the State is welcome to send any relevant officials, including and
especially: Carol, Heidi, and the site technical leads. I will also attend, and I recommend
Mel and/or Scott also attend.
I do not yet have details for the Friday site visits or roundtable. I will provide those
detail as soon as I receive them.
Thursday, 10/4/18
4:00pm-4:45pm – Klave’s Marina at Portage Lake (8789 Mcgregor Rd, Pinckney, MI
48169)
Participants
Mr. Walberg
Mrs. Dingell
MPART/MDEQ
EPA
5:30pm—Barton Pond Dam (1010 W. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI) to view PFAS
Foam (5 minute walk down gravel path from parking lot)
5:45pm 6:00pm—travel to Ann Arbor Water Treatment plant (5-10 mins)
6:00pm-6:30pm—Ann Arbor Water Treatment plant (919 Sunset Rd., Ann Arbor, MI
48103) tour/briefing in conference room
Participants
EPA
Mr. Walberg
Mrs. Dingell
MPART/MDEQ
Laura Rubin, Huron River Watershed Council
State Rep. Adam Zemke
State Rep. Yousef Rabhi
State Rep. Donna Lasinski
State Rep. Ronnie Peterson
State Sen. Rebekah Warren
State Rep-elect Jeff Irwin
Water Commissioner Evan Pratt
Mayor Chris Taylor
From: Adler, Ari (GOV)
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Dean, Scott (DEQ); Brown, Eric (GOV)
Subject: Re: DRAFT DELIBERATIVE - Draft EPA Roundtable
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2018 5:23:27 AM
> On Sep 26, 2018, at 22:33, Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov> wrote:
>
> FYI - Still in draft form; Subject yo change
>
> <Agenda_MI_roundtable_9.24.18.docx>
>
From: Thiede, Kurt
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: Re: Draft statement for press
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2018 4:49:13 PM
Sorry Heidi. Let me catch up to what is going on here. I am out of the office today. I’ll let you
know what I find out.
Kurt Thiede
Chief of Staff
EPA Region 5
On Aug 30, 2018, at 3:42 PM, Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov> wrote:
Kurt -
Am about to board a flight but wanted to get this to you. This is clearly not in the
spirit of our discussion yesterday. What’s going on? Please advise.
Thanks,
Heidi
FYI.
Sent from my iPhone
Well that’s inconvenient. May end up missing the Thursday site visits.
I just spoke with Congressman Walberg’s staff. They have moved their
time and location for the Thursday site visits to accommodate scheduling
conflicts at EPA. I will get a more formal invitation for the State once
Walberg and Dingell finalize the particulars, but this is the most updated
plan for Thursday (10/4):
4:00 PM: Meet Congressman Walberg and Congresswoman Dingell at
Klaves Marina on Portage Lake in Dexter Twp. Spend 30-45 minutes
talking about PFAS issues in the Huron River watershed.
Travel to Barton Dam in Ann Arbor with Congressman Walberg and
Congresswoman Dingell to view site where PFAS foam has been reported.
They expect this visit to take approximately 10-15 minutes.
No further details yet on Friday itinerary.
More to come,
--Eric
Eric K. Brown
Deputy Director, Federal Relations
State of Michigan – Governor Rick Snyder
Washington D.C. Office
202.480.7235 (mobile)
From: Zimmer, Mike (GOV)
To: Brown, Eric (GOV)
Cc: Isaacs, Carol (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Subject: Re: EPA Site Visits
Date: Tuesday, October 02, 2018 11:03:16 AM
I just spoke with Congressman Walberg’s staff. They have moved their time and
location for the Thursday site visits to accommodate scheduling conflicts at EPA. I will
get a more formal invitation for the State once Walberg and Dingell finalize the
particulars, but this is the most updated plan for Thursday (10/4):
4:00 PM: Meet Congressman Walberg and Congresswoman Dingell at Klaves Marina on
Portage Lake in Dexter Twp. Spend 30-45 minutes talking about PFAS issues in the
Huron River watershed.
Travel to Barton Dam in Ann Arbor with Congressman Walberg and Congresswoman
Dingell to view site where PFAS foam has been reported. They expect this visit to take
approximately 10-15 minutes.
No further details yet on Friday itinerary.
More to come,
--Eric
Eric K. Brown
Deputy Director, Federal Relations
State of Michigan – Governor Rick Snyder
Washington D.C. Office
202.480.7235 (mobile)
From: Thiede, Kurt
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: Re: EPA Visit to Michigan
Date: Thursday, September 13, 2018 12:44:31 PM
Sure!
(312) 505-
Thank you
Kurt Thiede
Chief of Staff
EPA Region 5
On Sep 13, 2018, at 11:14 AM, Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov> wrote:
Cool - thanks
> On Sep 6, 2018, at 10:20 AM, Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov> wrote:
>
> Are EPA and DOD up first?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Sep 6, 2018, at 10:10 AM, Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov> wrote:
>>
>> Will do.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Sep 6, 2018, at 9:41 AM, Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov> wrote:
>>>
>>> Please keep us posted and let us know if you need anything. Abby Hendershot will be watching
live. We will catch it later.
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ); Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Subject: Re: Oscoda visit
Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 8:02:53 AM
On Aug 14, 2018, at 11:21 AM, Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov> wrote:
Heidi – Scott and I will talk with Jeff on Thursday afternoon – You will wanna do a
call with Cathy on this as well? May be good -
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 9:01 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Are you guys available on Thursday to start discussing details? I could do 10 a.m. to
noon or 4 to 6 p.m. Eastern.
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Kelley, Jeff
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2018 7:52 AM
To: 'Brown, Melanie (DEQ)' <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Let’s go with Thursday, Sept. 13.
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) [mailto:BrownM45@michigan.gov]
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2018 12:45 PM
To: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Super – thanks!
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 6, 2018 1:44 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
<THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
I’ll check and get back to you ASAP
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) [mailto:BrownM45@michigan.gov]
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2018 12:14 PM
To: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>; Kelley, Jeff
<kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Importance: High
Thanks MBT –
Jeff – Please see dates below… Do any of these work?
Thanks
Mel.
From: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, August 6, 2018 12:06 PM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov>; Shaler, Karen (DEQ)
<SHALERK@michigan.gov>; Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Mel,
Although the Director has several meetings the week of September 10, the
following dates could be flexible:
Monday, September 10
Tuesday, September 11
Wednesday, NO, the Director will be in Saginaw area with the District
Thursday, September 13
I would prefer to keep Friday open for her in the office as she may be in the UP
the following week.
Thanks.
MBT
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2018 5:47 PM
To: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Cc: Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ) <THELENM2@michigan.gov>; Keatley, Aaron (DEQ)
<KeatleyA@michigan.gov>; Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: Oscoda visit
Thanks Jeff –
MBT – Got any dates that work the Heidi?
Thanks
Mel.
From: Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 9:50 AM
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <BrownM45@michigan.gov>
Subject: Oscoda visit
Mel, I’m sure you’re still trying to catch your breath from last night’s meeting, but
we’ve been looking at the calendar and thinking about the long-discussed Oscoda visit.
What do you think about the week of September 10?
---
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
From: Thiede, Kurt
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Stepp, Cathy
Subject: Re: PFAS Update
Date: Friday, September 07, 2018 5:38:32 PM
Thank you. Would you advise we continue to hold the dates we discussed? And,
when do you think you will know details?
Heidi
Heidi,
At this time I do not yet have confirmation on a meeting, a date or a
location. I will certainly keep you posted as I learn more. I don’t anticipate
any decision or announcement this week. You will be my first call when I
learn something concrete.
Kurt
Kurt A. Thiede
Chief of Staff
U.S. EPA, Region 5
Office of the Regional Administrator
77 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604
Email: thiede.kurt@epa.gov
Office: (312) 886-6620
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Zimmer, Mike (GOV); Grether, Heidi (DEQ); Zimmer, Nate (DEQ); Isaacs, Carol (GOV)
Cc: Payne, Nicholas (GOV)
Subject: Re: Parchment epa visit
Date: Monday, September 10, 2018 1:30:53 PM
I spoke with J Kelley this morning - they have no confirmed date; still looking at next week -
and are reconsidering doing roundtable and tour... they promise to let us know ASAP.
Thanks
Mel
_____________________________
From: Thiede, Kurt <thiede.kurt@epa.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2018 4:59 PM
Subject: Sept Mtg
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <brownm45@michigan.gov>
Cc: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <gretherh@michigan.gov>, Kelley, Jeff <kelley.jeff@epa.gov>
Mel,
FYI, a scheduling conflict occurred for the 13th of September. We will continue to look at the
calendar a little further out.
Kurt
Kurt Thiede
Chief of Staff
EPA Region 5
He’s been talking to our HQ folks ... I didn’t get the impression he was asking about this
potential meeting, but about why EPA isn’t having a larger PFAS hearing in Michigan. I’ll
forward you the response that was sent.
------
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
On Aug 28, 2018, at 3:13 PM, Dean, Scott (DEQ) <DeanS4@michigan.gov> wrote:
Be aware that Garret Ellison from MLive has called about this potential meeting and is
writing for tomorrow.
He said he has already spoken to EPA.
I’m concerned he will allege that meeting is not public, exclusive and not transparent.
I told him from DEQ and MPART’s perspective we’re happy to host EPA and open to
shaping the meeting in whatever way is most effective for EPA to learn about the size
and scope of Michigan’s state-wide approach to this emerging contaminant.
I also told him that given the large, spread out nature of Michigan’s response and the
large number of stakeholder groups involved, it might be necessary from a practical
standpoint to limit attendance to a representative cross-section of the various local
stakeholder groups.
From: Kelley, Jeff
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ); Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ); Brown, Melanie (DEQ); Stepp, Cathy; Zimmer, Nate (DEQ);
Keatley, Aaron (DEQ); Feuerstein, Heather (DEQ); Williams, Felicia; Deamer, Eileen; Shaler, Karen (DEQ);
Thiede, Kurt
Subject: Re: Stepp/Grether - Discussion of Oscoda visit or another Michigan visit
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 4:20:55 PM
Here’s the draft I saw ... I think it was sent out this afternoon, but trying to confirm.
EPA coordinated closely with the states and local communities to plan and select locations for
each of the PFAS Community Engagement events. EPA has worked to balance the need to
take action with the agency’s desire to hear from as many communities as possible. While
EPA is hosting its last community engagement event in Leavenworth, Kansas next week, the
agency’s work to support our state partners, including Michigan, continues. For example, EPA
is providing on-the-ground assistance to Michigan and to the Parchment and Rockford
communities, including participating in town hall meetings in each of these communities. EPA
also encourages those who wish to submit additional input to do so via our nonregulatory
docket at http://www.regulations.gov: enter Docket ID No. EPA-OW-2018-0270.
------
Jeff Kelley
Director, Office of External Communications
U.S. EPA Region 5
ph: 312-353-1159
On Aug 28, 2018, at 3:18 PM, Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <GretherH@michigan.gov> wrote:
Be aware that Garret Ellison from MLive has called about this potential
meeting and is writing for tomorrow.
He said he has already spoken to EPA.
I’m concerned he will allege that meeting is not public, exclusive and not
transparent.
I told him from DEQ and MPART’s perspective we’re happy to host EPA
and open to shaping the meeting in whatever way is most effective for
EPA to learn about the size and scope of Michigan’s state-wide approach
to this emerging contaminant.
I also told him that given the large, spread out nature of Michigan’s
response and the large number of stakeholder groups involved, it might
be necessary from a practical standpoint to limit attendance to a
representative cross-section of the various local stakeholder groups.
From: Brown, Melanie (DEQ)
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Cc: Dean, Scott (DEQ); Thelen, Mary Beth (DEQ)
Subject: *FOIA EXEMPT* Re: RA Visit to Otsego-7/24
Date: Monday, July 09, 2018 7:01:29 PM
My notes indicate they were looking to do a celebration of the Superfund task force on a
different date. I just checked in with Jeff, they need to knock out an event acknowledging the
task force anniversary this month… and they’ve decided to make the Otsego Dam at Kzoo
River a quick site visit with a reporter imbed. She will also do a quick stop with the farm
bureau in Kalamazoo as well that day. Then she’s heading back across the lake...
They would like us to continue holding those five August dates as a PFAS possibility.
He will send over in the morning the details on both visits as they invite you to participate if
your schedule permits...
Thanks
Mel
_____________________________
From: Grether, Heidi (DEQ) <gretherh@michigan.gov>
Sent: Monday, July 9, 2018 6:17 PM
Subject: Fwd: RA Visit to Otsego-7/24
To: Brown, Melanie (DEQ) <brownm45@michigan.gov>
Please see note from EPA below announcing a POTENTIAL visit by Cathy Stepp to
Otsego on July 24. Senior DEQ officials are invited to speak, EPA needs to know who
that will be, and they will provide confirmation and details later this week. If you would
like more information on the superfund site in Otsego, RRD can provide that to you.
Please advise, thanks.
Sue Leeming, Director
Remediation & Redevelopment Division
Department of Environmental Quality
517.897.2839 (cell)
517.284.5091 (desk)
From: Kline, David (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2018 3:37 PM
To: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ) <PeabodyD@michigan.gov>; Walczak, Joe (DEQ)
<WALCZAKJ@michigan.gov>; Bradley, John (DEQ) <BRADLEYJ1@michigan.gov>;
Leeming, Susan (DEQ) <LeemingS@michigan.gov>; Shirey, Kathleen (DEQ)
<SHIREYK@michigan.gov>
Cc: Kneale, Catherine (DEQ) <KnealeC@michigan.gov>
Subject: RE: RA Visit to Otsego-7/24
Thanks Dan. Sue/Kathy: FYI.
From: Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2018 3:33 PM
To: Walczak, Joe (DEQ) <WALCZAKJ@michigan.gov>; Kline, David (DEQ)
<KLINED@michigan.gov>; Bradley, John (DEQ) <BRADLEYJ1@michigan.gov>
Subject: FW: RA Visit to Otsego-7/24
Gentlemen,
Just wanted to get this on your radar now, although it appears this is not concrete.
Also, I am not sure what level in the DEQ corresponds to the RA in EPA but we may
want to consider elevating this internally to that person or persons if we would like to
have some Department/Division representation.
Please just put a hold on your calendars if you are free. I was supposed to be on
vacation but if this happens I will do my best to come back a day early so I can attend.
Thanks,
Daniel Peabody
Environmental Quality Analyst
Site Assessment Site Management Unit
Superfund Section
Remediation and Redevelopment Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan St.,
Lansing, MI 48929
Office: (517) 284-5072
Email:PeabodyD@michigan.gov
Office Hours: T,TR,F 0715-1545, MW 0900-1730
From: Ruesch, Paul <ruesch.paul@epa.gov>
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2018 2:06 PM
To: Mills, Mark (DNR) <MILLSM@michigan.gov>; Peabody, Daniel (DEQ)
<PeabodyD@michigan.gov>
Subject: RA Visit to Otsego-7/24
Gentlemen it appears that my Regional Administrator Cathy Stepp is contemplating a
visit to Otsego on JULY 24 from 10:00 – 11:30am. The event will consist of a brief
presentation down on the RDB at the former WCS mostly focusing on the Superfund
Sites Task Force initiative announced one year ago. This being the anniversary they
want to get out and show some accomplishments across the country.
We would like to invite senior DEQ and DNR official(s) to participate in the brief press
remarks at 10:00 then a tour involving stops at BRSA 3 and BRSA 1 (possibly BRSA 8 if it
is further along). Can you please find out if/who could participate from your respective
offices? I will know later this week and should be able to provide more details.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT I WILL NOT BE THERE on 7/24, it will likely be Sam Borries
from my office.
Paul Ruesch
On Scene Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 5
Superfund Division
77 W. Jackson Blvd. (SE-5J)
Chicago, Illinois, USA 60604-3590
Office: 312-886-7898
Cell: 312-919-4382
ruesch.paul@epa.gov