Introduction

This Review Committee has entered its second year of existence. The first year saw RMC upgrading the pots and preparing draft engineering plans for the new fume system. This past year, actual ground work was started. In addition, Brent Hanson was hired as their new environmental engineer.

Pot Modernization

RMC has continued modernizing their pots, with over 210 pots being upgraded. It's expected that pots will start being tied into the new fume system by mid-April of 1999 and finished by November, 1999. The rumors are still circulating that potline 1 will be restarted and if so, we can expect several cathode failures.

Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)

The MACT was promulgated October, 1997. RMC is now obligated to follow the schedule put forth by the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between RMC and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Both the MOU and the MACT are available at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's Environment Office for review.

Fume System

The new system is comprised of both dry (alumina) scrubbers and two wet scrubbers. Since the promulgation of the MACT, RMC has started the foundation work and parts of the duct work. Construction will start when spring comes.

This upcoming year will see continuing construction. It is up to the Review Committee to ensure that deadlines are kept and that all unforeseen problems are dealt with in a unified manner.