2005-09-02 TMALASEKO2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPRINGER:Im just wondering if, I wasnt at the last meeting but in my reading of the record of it I see that Commissioner Iwashita had a number of concerns about the completeness of the record. And Im wondering if those concerns remain or if you could help bring me up to speed on the discussion of your concerns. IWASHITA:I can tell you what I presently think. Well, I guess Ill answer you this way that in reviewing this matter again before todays proceeding it appears to me the way Rule 14 is written, the rule that controls our actions on this, is theres great or much of the language -. Sections 14-9, portions of 14-8, 14-6, all make reference to this matter, you know, initially being handle by the adjuster, in this case Wood & Tait, and recommendations being presented, and the fact that if this body does not take action within 90 days of receipt of, if this body does not take action within 90 days from the closing of the hearing that the adjusters recommendation becomes final. I did express some questions about the completeness of the recommendationandthereportwereceivedasitdoesntappeartocomplywithsomeofthe requirements of 14-9. But, in any event, the suggestion at the time was, well, thats okay, you know, they did the best they could. So thats how I would respond to your question at this time. SPRINGER:Thank you. GALDONES:Further discussion, further questions? Commissioner Salavea. SALAVEA:To your knowledge was there any impact to the fruit trees on the property from the blowout that you referred to, I think you said in 91, in terms of their fruit-bearing ability? OLSON:The impact from the H2S, no. There was earlier impact from the caustic soda. They had a system, a scrubber system. They used caustic soda to neutralize the H2S that was leaking from the plant and from the wells; and they had a vacuum system set up. It sucked all of this into a central location, and then they poured caustic soda on it; and this was all done in an open air tank. So if they didnt get the mix right, in other words at some point youd have not enough caustic soda, you get the H2S. If you didnt, sometimes thered be too much caustic soda, it would go airborne and it formed this white powder on everything around the plant. It was reported in the newspaper, samples were taken. The Health Department knows about it. You know, they were very ambiguous about it; but samples were sent out and it was analyzed and -. So the short answer to the process, yes, it did affect his crops and it, you know, ate roofs on houses and things like that around the plant. SALAVEA:And currently are his plants still surviving now or have they all withered? OLSON:Well, whoever purchased the place, it doesnt appear that theyre making any effort to continue the farming operation there, so I really cant say. SALAVEA:And to what point did he continue to farm his crops, up to the point that he sold the property? 7