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JOHN HOGENBIRK PRESIDING

1.0 CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

2.0 INTRODUCTIONS

Members of the PAC and TC introduced themselves to the public in attendance.

3.0 DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

4.0 OPEN FORUM (30 min.)

There were no questions raised from the audience.

5.0 ADDITIONS TO/APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

There was a request to add:

12.1 Update to SSS Schedule

6.0 REPORT ON QUESTIONS/ISSUES RAISED AT LAST PAC MEETING

There were no items that needed to be addressed.

7.0 PRESENTATION

7.1 Feedback from IERP Visit

Dr. Wren updated the PAC on recent communication activities which included the recent release of the Update newsletter, preparing and providing press releases regarding the IERP (Independent Expert Review Panel) visit as well as attending the IERP/TERA meetings in September. He also provided a report on the numerous consultation activities the SARA Group have been involved with, both since inception and most recent calls/e-mails.

Dr. Wren provided the PAC with a presentation that identified all the scientists that made up the IERP that reviewed the Sudbury Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA). He also provided an abbreviated version of their initial comments which followed the IERP session in September. He stated that overall the IERP was impressed with the thoroughness of the study. At this stage, SARA is assessing the IERP comments and the TC and SARA will discuss the path forward and determine what additional work is to be done, if any. As a result of one of the IERP recommendations, SARA will submit additional soil and dust samples for further bioaccessibility analysis.

In reference to the Sudbury Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA), Dr. Wren reported that Draft 2 of this document will be submitted to the TC in mid-December with copies to TERA. A different IERP panel will review this document and a meeting will be scheduled for mid-winter 2007 to go through the same process. Pending the extent and nature of the comments, the final ERA is scheduled for release in late spring/summer.

Dr. Wren made reference to upcoming planned activities as follows:

· The community information session to present the release of the HHRA in the winter of 2007.

· The community information session to present the release of the ERA in the fall of 2007.

· The 25 to 30 page draft reader friendly report should be available for review by PAC in February 2007.

8.0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES

8.1 Minutes of Meeting #28 – September 19, 2006

It was requested to change the wording in 7.1 to read “will continue until 7:30 p.m…” and the typographical error in item 14.0 be corrected.

12-2006 Moved by Laamanen - Cowan: With these amendments the minutes of meeting #28 dated September 19, 2006 was approved. CARRIED

9.0 BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

9.1 Change of Ownership of the Proponents of the SSS

M. Butler forwarded a letter received from Xstrata Nickel to the Chair which was read into the record and re-affirms their commitment to the Sudbury Soils Study. It was recommended that this letter be shared with the TC as well. G. Watson indicated that his superiors are aware of the letter from the CEO of Xstrata Nickel and expects one will be provided from INCO once and/or if there is a takeover.

10.0 NEW BUSINESS

There was no business to discuss.

11.0 TC MEETINGS

11.1 Technical Committee Meeting #50

Key Progress & Decision Summary for Meeting of June 8, 2006

This document was tabled for information.

11.2 Technical Committee Meeting #51

Key Progress & Decision Summary for Meeting of August 10, 2006

This document was tabled for information.

11.3 Technical Committee Meeting #52

Key Progress & Decision Summary for Meeting of October 12, 2006

This document was tabled for information.

12.0 ADDENDUM

12.1 Update to SSS Schedule

Dr. Monet informed those present that as indicated previously, the public release of the HHRA is scheduled for the end of February 2007 and August 2007 is the target date for the public release of the ERA.

Action: The PAC requested an updated schedule be sent to them electronically.

13.0 NEXT PAC MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2007 in Room C10 at Tom Davies Square.

14.0 FOLLOW UP TO PUBLIC SESSION

There were several questions raised from the audience as follows:

Q: Why did this process take five years?

A: Collecting data that was Sudbury specific as opposed to relying on published works, etc. delayed the process significantly. This included doing interviews, collecting fish samples, meat samples, garden and water samples, etc., along with the soils samples. As well, the team encountered many things they didn’t expect and the study turned out to be much larger than expected. The IERP has designated this as a world class study.

Q: Will the public release and the subsequent Open House be held just in Sudbury?

A: The Communications Sub-Committee has recommended that an Open House also be held in the key communities of Falconbridge, Coniston and Copper Cliff.

Q: Who will respond to any health risks?

A: The companies are charged with any remediation that may be found necessary. They have indicated they will do what it takes to reduce those risks. It is possible there may be additional risks to the environment and the report may show that additional efforts may be required than those already in place. It was also noted the agencies (Sudbury & District Health Unit and the Ministry of the Environment) are legislated to ensure that any risk to human health is minimized.

Q: Are there any provisions for soil treatment?

A: If there are soil metal levels that exceed safe practices, a process to complete remediation by the companies is being defined at the present time. The SDHU and the MOE will need to be assured that any possible risks to health are mitigated.

Q: Who is going to regulate what is acceptable for metal levels.

A: This is part of the risk management phase. The intervention levels established have to be agreed to by all members responsible for the Study.

Q: Will biological studies become necessary down the road?

A: At this time, nothing indicates that this is necessary.

Q: What about exposure by employees of the companies?

A: The companies, via their health and safety committees are constantly monitoring the health of their employees and occupational exposure. This is not part of the Sudbury Soils Study.

Q: Will specific recommendations be made?

A: Yes, and these will then form part of the risk management plan.

Q: Could the data collected by utilized for different studies?

A: The data will remain as a legacy for Sudbury and scientists all over the world. All data will become public domain.

15.0 ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

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Chair, John Hogenbirk Recorder, Julie Sabourin