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1 FROM: Commission for the Environment SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting Summary DATE: September 12, 2011 LOCATION: Southern Human Services Center (Chapel Hill) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Kaiser (Chair), Renee Price (Vice Chair), Chris Adams, Lucy Adams, Lynnette Batt, May Becker, Peter Cada, Michele Drostin, Loren Hintz, Michael Hughes, David Neal, Tom O’Dwyer, Gary Saunders, David Welch MEMBERS ABSENT: Clay Hudson STAFF PRESENT: Rich Shaw and Tom Davis _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ I. Call to Order: Kaiser called the meeting to order at approximately 7:32 pm II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – None III. Approval of Minutes – Kaiser asked if there were comments on the May 9 and June 13 meeting summaries. There were no changes; the minutes were approved as written. IV. Proposed CFE Ground Rules – Kaiser re-introduced draft guidelines (or “ground rules”) for member conduct at regular meetings and asked for feedback. Members discussed the need, intent, and potential refinements. C. Adams motioned to approve as written; seconded by Neal. The CFE ground rules were approved by consensus. V. Hydraulic Fracturing – Davis provided an overview of hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) for natural gas extraction and the potential for this activity in Orange County and the North Carolina Piedmont. He explained the technology used to extract oil and natural gas, the kinds of geology suitable for holding and extracting those resources, and the status of legislation that would allow the study of these matters in North Carolina. CFE members asked several questions about the use of water and chemicals for extracting gas, the underground depth of drilling and fracturing activities, the potential adverse affects on groundwater wells, the leasing of mineral rights from landowners, and the potential for extraction of these resources in Orange and nearby counties. VI. Updates and Information Items – CFE members received written materials and brief updates from staff on the following: DEAPR photo contest, Falls and Jordan lakes nutrient management rules, food and organic waste collection and composting, Triangle Land Conservancy’s request for funds (FY 2011-12 budget), Duke Forest seeking re- certification from Rainforest Alliance, and legislative matters (S781 and S709). VII. Committee Breakout – The four standing committees met to discuss and work on priority tasks. Kaiser asked members to be prepared to report on progress in October. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m. Minutes by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff