HYNIX ACID PERMIT GETS NOD
The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) approved Hynix’s permit to in-
crease its release of hydrogen fluoride. HF is a byproduct of the hydrofluoric acid
that is used to etch silicon wafers at Hynix’s west Eugene chip plant
The decision, which was released Sept. 6, came after more than a year of debate
and a review process that included almost 300 public comments. Hynix has been try-
ing since July 2006 to get permission to raise its HF emissions.
Hynix will be allowed to release the 5 tons of HF it requested. This is up from the
1.8 tons for which Hynix previously had approval. Hynix is already releasing more
than the approved 1.8 tons: The plant released 2.06 tons of HF into the air in 2006
and paid an $800 fine for going over the emission limit. This new permit will last until
December 2011.
HF is listed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a possible agent for
use in chemical terrorism. Acute exposure to HF can cause death from cardiac or
respiratory failure, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Chronic inhalation has resulted in “irritation and congestion of the nose, throat, and
bronchi at low levels.”
According to LRAPA Hynix’s emissions release of HF is still “well below” the
threshold that would classify it as “a major industrial source.”
The Hynix plant is located near the Ridgeline Trail, West Eugene Wetlands and the
Nature Conservancy’s Willow Creek Preserve. The area is the primary home of
Fender’s blue butterfly, an endangered species that uses Kincaid’s lupine as its food
source. In his comments on Hynix’s proposal, UO chemistry professor Paul Engelking
cited concerns over HF’s effects on plant life.
The new permit requires more frequent monitoring than the last permit. The
company will test the exhaust stack emissions twice a year, rather than once every
five years.
“Numerous changes” were made to the permit in terms of “monitoring, reporting
and operating parameters,” according to Merlyn Hough, LRAPA director. The permit
was “much better” as a result of the public involvement, he said in LRAPA’s press re-
lease.
The final permit and public responses to it will be posted on LRAPA’s website
(www.lrapa.org) no later than Sept. 14. — Camilla Mortensen
news
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LAWMAKERS
JOIN OFFICES
SEEDY SCIENCE
OSU researchers are beginning a $94,000 study to determine if field burning
smoke harms those who inhale it.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) instigated the study using fees as-
sessed to farmers who still burn their fields, according to a recent R-G (9-7) story.
Last month, in response to a request by Lane County’s Board of Commissioners to
enact an emergency ban on field burning, the Oregon Environmental Quality
Commission (EQC) ruled it lacked enough information on health hazards of field burn-
ing smoke to stop the burn. They voted to ask the Oregon Legislature for $90,000 to
fund a study on the issue.
The $94,000 OSU study is not the study requested by the EQC. It is a separate
study.
The researchers, Dave Stone and Jeffrey Jenkins, are faculty in the OSU
Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology. It isn’t uncommon for private in-
dustries to provide research funding for studies in higher education. Most academics
then publish their findings in peer-reviewed journal to help prevent bias and ensure
high research standards.
This study, because of pressing the time frame of the field burning issue, may come
out in a different form, but Todd Simmons, Director of News & Communication Services
for OSU, said the research will be reviewed, and he stressed the school’s reputation as
a top research university. “We’ve done nothing historically or currently to show bias on
the issue of field burning,” he said.
A copy of the OSU study proposal was sent by the ODA to grass seed growers on an
alternatives-to-field-burning research committee for approval. Copies were not sent to
organizations that are against field burning, such as the Oregon Medical Association.
Simmons said he will try to provide the EW with a copy of the proposal.
The study will use already existing data to assess health risks. Charlie Tebbutt of the
Western Environmental Law Center questioned the need for more studies when there
are “already 2000 peer reviewed studies.” — Camilla Mortensen
10 SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
Five state lawmakers representing the
greater Eugene-Springfield area are now lo-
cated in a central office building in
Springfield. The five celebrated the opening of
their shared district office Sept. 6 with
a public gathering and open house.
The offices are located in the Allied
Building at 1126 Gateway Loop, Suite
128, north of the Gateway Mall.
The purpose of the joint offices is
to improve accessibility to con-
stituents and make the most of state
resources, says Rep. Phil Barnhart. He
is sharing the offices and staffing with
Sen. Vicki Walker and Reps. Nancy
Nathanson, Terry Beyer and Chris
Edwards.
“Many of the benefits that come from this
office space are intangible and difficult to
measure, but are major benefits nonetheless,”
says Barnhart. Some of those are “being able
to host quiet, private meetings rather than
meeting in a coffee shop and having a consis-
tent physical presence for our constitutents.”
Barnhart says state lawmakers tradition-
ally work out of their “basements, dens, spare
bedrooms,” and by having all their staff in
one office, they are able to streamline duties
and avoid duplication.
A crowd of local community, business
and nonprofit leaders turned out for the open
house. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm, but
calling ahead is recommended at 607-9207.
The fax number is 726-9810.
Sen. Vicki Walker with Becky Flynn and Maceo Persson
of Basic Rights Oregon at the new district offices
RICH GROCERS
STIFF UNION
Albertsons, Fred Meyer and Safeway have left their union workers hanging without a con-
tract for the last six months, and the workers are growing restless, according to the union.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 held a protest on Aug. 27 on the
Ferry Street Bridge to inform the community about the negotiations. The union reported “sig-
nificant movement” in mediated negotiations Aug. 28 and has scheduled two more negotiation
sessions in September and another three in October to talk about healthcare.
The Fred Meyer (Kroger) corporation reported “astronomical” profits of $3.3 billion last
year; Albertsons (Supervalu) reported $2.2 billion and Safeway $2.2 billion, according to the
union website. With continuing double digit profits, local union head Jeff McDonald asked,
“What excuses will they use this time? You work hard to make billions for these corporations,
you deserve increases and improvements. Together along with all our union brothers and sisters
around the nation and with our family and friends, we will demand that you too are rewarded.”
—Alan Pittman