Meeting was called to order by Wisconsin Co-Chair Diane Moore at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. Members present introduced themselves.

Presentations:

Dan Helwig, Supervisor of the Groundwater and Special Studies unit for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), discussed current MPCA mercury research and gave an overview of the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) process. New detection limits for mercury are being used, and previous data is no longer considered good. Pollution prevention is the only solution that seems to work. State of knowledge concerning mercury in environment has changed dramatically.

Carrie Lohse-Hanson, Lake Superior Binational Program Coordinator for the MPCA, gave a demonstration of the portable mercury vapor analyzer called a Lumex. She measured mercury on breath of persons with amalgam fillings, and on button batteries, St. Louis River water and tap water to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument. The Lumex is 1000 times more sensitive than previous measurements of elemental mercury.

After a short break, Diane Moore called the business portion of the meeting to order, and announced that only CAC Board members should stay. Time was allotted for Mark Leibaert to speak in opposition to the Arrowhead-Weston transmission line being proposed by Minnesota and Wisconsin power companies. He said that coal-fired power plants would be used to provide power, which means there will be additional mercury deposition in the area.

Director's Report:

Lynelle Hanson, CAC Executive Director, discussed the present organization of the CAC and stressed that there are decreasing amounts of money for operating funds. Discussion followed. Ideas were suggested:

• Broaden membership; more active and aggressive membership.
• Raise membership dues.
• Solicit support from industry.
• Connect with other environmental groups, e.g. Riverwatch, St. Louis River Board, United Northern Sportsmen.
• Better education of public.
• Have board meetings more often than quarterly.

At the April Executive Board meeting (April 11, 2001) these options will be discussed and action decided on.

Nan Stokes, Secretary