The agenda was accepted as presented.

Dr. Clark provided an overview entitled "Mercury in the Environment." His presentation is available under separate cover in CD ROM format.

Following Dr. Clark’s presentation several questions were asked concerning the relative importance of sources such as sediment, landfills, inadvertent disposal, e.g. burn barrels, deforestation, and hydro electric reservoirs, as well as the role of snow. Dr. Clark indicated that he would reexamine the issue of sources and provide additional information for the Board under separate cover. He emphasized two points: (1) that combustion sources are significant, and current and proposed regulations will reduce these levels although long time frames will be required, and (2) obtaining information on mercury levels in Areas of Concern (AOCs) is critical in order to assess risk and determine the need and feasability of remediation. Dr. Mergler commented that at the local level, there could be considerable variance in mercury levels in fish for example, comparing two areas of the same lake, or in adjacent lakes. She added that fish with lower levels of mercury were fortunately more relevant to people than species and sizes which contained higher levels of mercury. Dr. Mergler said that micro management was important in advising fish eaters to consume safely. Dr. Clark added that an adequate public health approach to mercury is critical, and that even at background levels there can be cause for concern.

Dr. Bowerman reported that a recent conference call had been held regarding the International Joint Commission (IJC)Annex 2 Special Report and that a meeting of the Annex 2 Task Force is scheduled for December 17-18 ^th in Chicago. He mentioned as well that the Terms of Reference for the Task Force has been approved by the Commission. Dr. Bowerman added that the December 18 ^th meeting is to review Lakewide Management Plan (LAMP) review criteria, to be used in the biennial progress reviews of LAMPs.

Dr. Heathcote commented that with respect to Remedial Action Plans (RAPs), there is a desire to develop a simplified reporting process and template that will allow for IJC evaluation of progress.

Dr. Donahue said that with the impending passage of the Great Lakes Legacy Act, there is an increased relevance for scientific advice to inform decision makers and citizens about clean up priorities.

Dr. Heathcote concluded the discussion by noting that aside from herself, the other Task Force members are Commissioners Schornack and Gourd, Bill Bowerman, Kelly Burch, Craig Mather, Jan Miller and David Ullrich, with Gail Krantzberg as chairperson, and Bruce Kirschner as secretary.

• Work Group on Ecosystem Health

Dr. Carpenter noted that the specific issue of concern regarding Heliobacter was broadened to address other pathogens as well. He then reviewed the invited presentation from Dr. Edge on pathogens in Great Lakes drinking water, and commented that the presence of bacteria, viruses and parasites could cause, as well as contribute to serious illness. Dr. Carpenter said that anyone drinking untreated, or inadequately treated water would be exposed to microbial agents, and that no one knows the seriousness of the problem except when a significant event occurs. Dr. Carpenter then reviewed the program for the Mercury Workshop and the further changes proposed by the Work Group. In brief, he said that since the work from the Faroes would be presented, that it is relevant to also invite the University of Rochester scientists who conducted the Seychelles study, since the results differed. Dr. Carpenter also indicated there would be merit in considering the Hightower study of fish consumption in the Bay area.

Dr. Heathcote queried whether Great Lakes microbiological issues are priorities given the extensive treatment of water by municipalities in the Basin. Dr. Jones agreed, and said part of the problem is related to only understanding acute risk and not understanding risk of chronic exposure. Dr. Carpenter responded that in chronic exposure to microbial populations, the body develops its own immunity. He added that using pathogens as a bio terrorism agent constitutes a real threat when there is no immunity.

Dr. Upshur commented in the case of outbreaks of Cryptosporidium , for example health compromises could have a negative population impact as well as individual consequences.

• Work Group on Parties Implementation

Mr. Unwin provided an update on the priority addressing the "Impact of Urbanization on Great Lakes Water Quality. "He said that an interim final report had been received by the Work Group and had undergone an extensive review. Mr. Unwin noted that a teleconference has been set up for November 22 with the contractor to discuss the review comments. He added that the decision was made to extend the due date for the report to the end of January, in order to allow additional time to include any discussion from the rescheduled workshop, in the report. Mr. Unwin reported that the new date for the workshop is January 8 ^th , 2003 and that it will be held at Metro Hall in Toronto.

Dr. Heathcote added that a further aspect of the priority is to be a review of SOLEC land use indicators. She said that student teams would be reporting on this by the end of March.

Mr. Unwin concluded his remarks by noting that a review of the impact of urbanization for several additional Great Lakes cities was also being done by Christiena Vyver, a student intern in the Regional Office, and that the findings of her report would also be used by the Work Group when formulating its advice to the Commission.

• Work Group on Emerging Issues

Dr. Jones reported that the upcoming "Expert Consultation on Great Lakes Emerging Issues" to be held at Wingspread, February 5 - 7, 2003 was the sole focus of the Work Group’s activities. He said that many of the lead discussants, respondents and participants have been contacted and are now being confirmed. He said that a further step will be to publish the proceedings in a peer reviewed journal. Dr. Jones said that as soon as the key speakers are confirmed, the preliminary program would be available as an information item for the Board.

• Water Quality Board (WQB)

Dr. Bratzel provided a brief summary of the status of the climate change priority, covering the preparation of a white paper to be circulated for comment in early January. He requested that anyone interested in being a peer reviewer to please contact him. Dr. Bratzel announced that the proposed climate change workshop has been rescheduled to mid March, tentatively, March 19-20. He indicated that invitations would be made available to all Science Advisory Board (SAB) members. Dr. Bratzel concluded by stating that the advice to the Commission would be framed in terms of stakeholder sector and outcome, e.g. water quality, ecosystem integrity, biodiversity, municipal infrastructure, and economic activities, and that adaptation options and program and policy implications would also be addressed.

• International Air Quality Advisory Board (IAQAB)

No further update was available at the time of the SAB meeting.

• Council of Great Lakes Research Managers (CGLRM/Council)

Dr. Donahue noted two new nominations, Dr. Ciborowski, University of Windsor and Dr. Andrews, University of Toronto are being proposed, the "IAGLR 2001 Survey of Emerging Research Priorities" has been posted on the Council/IJC web page, and that a new web site has been developed for the coordination of research vessels. Dr. Donahue suggested that a joint issue for the SAB and Council related to the development of an integrated monitoring and observation system for the Great Lakes, needs to revitalized, and perhaps should be considered as 2003 - 2005 IJC Priority. Dr. Donahue concluded by noting the Council’s role in highlighting the IJC, and the Great Lakes during their recent meeting in Chicago.

The secretary reviewed the Board meeting schedule in relation to the schedule provided by Information Services for preparation of the 2001 - 2003 IJC Priorities Report. He noted that the deadline for final Board input is May 26 ^th . Instead of meeting in February, the secretary noted that since two major Board activities were planned for February, perhaps it would be preferable to change the February meeting to April, in order to allow the Work Groups time to develop their findings and recommendations. He proposed holding meeting #128 in Washington, on the occasion of the IJC Spring Semi Annual Meeting, on April 8 ^th . Dr. Jones agreed, and added that a March teleconference call among the Work Group Cochairs would also be needed in advance of the April meeting, to ensure that Work Group input was complete. The secretary said that the subsequent meeting, #129, could possibly be a conference call, depending on the amount of work needed for the Board to sign off on the report. Dr. Jones MOVED that the Board report process include:

• a March conference call among Work Group Co-Chairs to review input to the report;
• a rescheduled SAB meeting #128 be held in Washington D.C. on April 8 ^th ; and
• an optional conference call meeting #129 in May, as required.

The motion was SECONDED by Dr. Carpenter and PASSED by all of those present.

The secretary provided a brief overview of ideas for the upcoming biennial meeting, including a pre-meeting Annex 2 Workshop on September 18, Board run Interactive Forums on Mercury, Alien Invasive Species, and Urbanization/Climate Change on September 19, and a plenary session on September 20, to address the development of a Great Lakes restoration strategy based on the restoration plans of the various agencies and non-government organizations around the basin. The secretary indicated that he would provide a further update on plans for the biennial meeting following Commission consideration at the December IJC Executive meeting.

Mr. Unwin reported that NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) held a public meeting in association with the 2002 SOLEC (State-of-the-Lakes Ecosystem Conference) held October 16-18 in Cleveland to review their strategic plan. He said that the feedback at the meeting was critical of the emphasis on marine environments and oceans and needed that the general consensus was that the agency to be strengthen its Great Lakes responsibilities.

Dr. Donahue added that several meetings addressing ocean policy and governance have recently been held and are planned. He said that the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy held a Great Lakes Regional Meeting on September 24-25 in Chicago, and that the IJC had been invited to participate as part of the Governance Issues Panel. He added that a meeting on Regional Ocean Governance is scheduled for Washington DC, December 9 - 10.

Dr. Donahue commented that the University of Michigan recently held a Great Lakes research symposium that addressed future issues in terms of key themes: Aquatic Nuisance Species, Diversion and Consumptive Uses, Community Health, Fisheries, Sediment, Sustainable Development, Ecological History, Climate Change, Nonpoint Source Contaminants, and Nutrient Loading. He noted that the discussion papers for each topic are available on the Michigan Sea Grant web site at: http://www.miseagrant.org/symposium .

A brief discussion occurred on the status of membership, with the expiration of terms of several members to take effect December 31. Dr. Donahue indicated that he anticipated some changes on the U.S. side, and Dr. Heathcote said that she anticipated that the Canadian terms expiring December 31 would be extended.

The rescheduling of meetings #128, and possibly #129, were addressed under item #8, above, however meeting #130, on the occasion of the IJC Biennial Meeting was discussed and it was agreed to hold the meeting as an evening event and public open house on September 18 ^th . Dr. Donahue said he would confirm that the Great Lakes Commission could possibly host a wine and cheese reception following the meeting.

There being no further business of the Board, Dr. Upshur MOVED that the meeting be adjourned with SECONDING by Dr. Bowerman. The motion was APPROVED by all of those who were present.