Volume 1 Number 1,2,3 Fall 1997

IMPORTANT SPECIAL MEETING

ON NOVEMBER 13, 1997, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
AT THE SOUTH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CENTER
212 EAST ALTA VISTA!
COME, HEAR, SEE, AND EXPRESS YOUR OPINION!!

The Design for the Environment (DfE) has been trying to develop new, improved technologies and technical innovations in the printed circuit board manufacturing process to reduce chemical usage, pollution, and the associated risks to the nearby communities. In other words, SOMEONE IS TRYING TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. The DfE thinks it has something very worthwhile and interesting to share with all of us because they know we all have a particular interest due to the fire, and they want to hear our perspective. The DfE also acknowledges our special place in the scheme of things as this community still is affected by the fire at a circuit board manufacturer that was sited in our midst.

The following people from the DfE project will attend the community meeting on November 13:

Kathy Hart -- EPA Design for the Environment Program -- Washington DC Lori Kincaid -- University of Tennessee - Center for Clean Products and Clean Tech. Greg Pitts -- MCC in Austin -- Microelectronics and Computer Tech Corporation Gary Roper -- H-R Industries (a circuit board shop)

Also Jack Geibig of University of Tennessee, Michael Kerr of Circuit Center, and Steve Bold of Continental Circuits may also attend.

Kathy Hart will explain EPA's DfE program (10 minutes). Lori Kincaid will explain the methodology of the study and an overview of the results of our Cleaner Technologies Substitutes Assessment (approx. 30 min). Then Greg Pitts and Gary Roper will shortly explain what various circuit board companies are doing to improve their environmental performance. Ted Smith will then lead a discussion about the role of communities and workers in the DfE process. We will want to have plenty of time for good discussion and questions and answers. Ted Smith will answer questions, get feedback, etc.

It is not often that people want to hear our opinions and perspective. Please take the time to attend and tell them what you think. You could have a role in making life a little cleaner and safer in your own community and other communities around America.