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Commissioner Ginn stated she had not returned Mr. Marsden's call because she wanted to consult <br />with staff first. She read aloud from several research articles consisting of independent appraisals <br />regarding ozone that revealed significant objective data at several locations where the ozone system had <br />been found to be insufficient and expensive to operate. She could not support something that has not yet <br />been proven safe and sufficient. <br />Mr. Marsden felt she was not referencing currently proven technology. He referred her to two <br />documents included in his handout that refute her statements. He added that there is no history of ozone <br />causing any accident or fatality. Also, in 2001 the FDA approved the use of ozone on all food products. <br />He felt Commissioner Ginn had been handed a pack of lies. <br />Utility Services Director Erik Olson apologized to Mr. Marsden if there was a miscommunication <br />or perception of any guarantee. The process was delayed to obtain information on ozone, especially in <br />relation to water treatment due to their lack of experience with ozone. No purchase has been made. <br />Kimley-Horn and Associates, Post Buckley and CDM were asked to report on the process and all the <br />reports raised a red flag with respect to health issues in enclosed environments. GeoSyntec Consultants <br />was then asked to test the environment inside the building for hydrogen -sulfide (copy of report is with the <br />backup) and they indicate the air is safe within OSHA limits. They are moving forward with chlorine in the <br />scrubber system, and he is going to keep an open mind with a possible application of ozone as a <br />pre-treatment component. The objective is to reduce the odor within safe limits. However, flags have <br />been raised and the process will be monitored very carefully. <br />Commissioner Ginn asked Director Olson if he was concerned about the corrosive effects of ozone <br />and he responded that he would not want to use it on any mechanical equipment. <br />Mr. Marsden cited a list of cities and states that are using ozone and stated that somebody <br />believes in ozone and was sorry to report the County's information was incorrect. <br />Commissioner Ginn commended the staff for their exemplary approach to this situation. <br />May 6, 2003 23 <br />