Document 2qgKJjdRNeqKzdRqwRbDD1jOp

'I * r\ Un<icd S ia ie s EnvmxvT'eniai P fo ie cio n Agency ReoiO' 7 32^ Eau Eleventh Si Kansas C*iy Mo 6-105 Environmental [Mews P/uc A >owa Kansas Missouri Nebraska ricl_ a e\^ r February 11, 1979 Eovena L. Michaels 8l6-374-5&9^ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STURGEON, MISSOURI CHEMICAL SPILL 9,On Friday evening, February the Monsanto Chemical Company told Fnvironmental Protection Agency Region 7 officials that the shipment of chlorinated phenolic compounds, which vas spilled in a rail car derailment in Sturgeon, Mo., on January 10, contained trace quantities of a contaminant known as dioxin (TCDD). Monsanto reported three separate measurements averaging 37" parts per billion (3^j 3^, end 1*0 p.p.b.). The company could not identify which particular forms of TCDD were present. Acting on this information, Harry Gilmer, Region 7 on-scene coordinator, ordered a sample of the extract from the contami nated soil from the spill site sent to the University of Illinois at Champaign' where highly sophisticated analytical equipment is available. With the assistance of EPA Region 7 scientists, Dr. Billy Fairless and Dr. Robert D. Kleopfer, Dr. Carter Cook of the university performed analyses which confirmed the presence of 2-3-7-S TCDD at a level of less than 0.01 p.p.b. Gilmer's team had anticipated the possibility of dioxin con- -more- /-.nr\.* * / . -2 - tamination, and had both performed sore analyses and had questioned Monsanto on this point. According to medical scientists at EPA Eeadquarters in Washington, D.C., the new information is of concern, but presents no cause for change in cleanup procedures currently underway. Dr. Joseph Seifter, Benior medical advisor to the Office of Toxic Substances, stated "The presence of dioxin in the spilled material changes the scope of our review, but does not represent cause for immediate alarm at the levels reported." Dr- Seifter had led a team of medical and public health experts . before a town meeting in Sturgeon on Thursday night, held at the request of Senator Tom Eagleton. Concern among residents is still strong, as odors from the spill linger. Seifter's group answered questions on the known ahd suspected effects of phenol and various chlorinated phenolic compounds, especially orthochlorophenol, which were known at that tine to be present in the spilled material. They were preparing a report of recommendations for further studies in the area to be presented early this week. Additional samples of the shipped material have been obtained from Monsanto by Region 7 officials. These are being pre pared for further analysis. Steven Jellinek, SPA Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances, will be meeting with Seifter's group on Monday to coordinate the further activities. "We intend to take all necessary steps to assure the con tinued identification and removal of these spilled chemicals," declared Jellinek. "SPA Headquarters will provide Region 7 with any assistance needed to complete the job and protect the health of local residents." d S ta le s ^nmentat Protection 'ey jI Business v (or Private Use O ffice o f Public A ffairs Region 7 324 East Eleventh St Kansas City M o &4106 Postage and Fees Paid Environmental P ro te c tio n Agency EPA 335 Third Class B ulk