Document 37DgGeb8zD1xKkE3Nma1GZjnn

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL TO: R.M. Vining (/l) DATE: March 3, 1969 FROM: R. E. Schneider cc: R. W. Sterrett (/2) John F. Murphy (/3) H. A. Brown W. R. Wright (/4) (/5) 0. F. Stewart - Travelers Best (/6) R. D. Lovick - Libby (/7) R. J. Enjova - Libby (/8) Peter Kostic (/9) F. W. Eaton (/10) SUBJECT: Insite and Environmental Dust Control for Vermiculite Mining and Expanding Operations The attached report on dust control vermiculite mining and expanding operations authored by Messrs. F. W. Eaton, R. J. Enjova and P. Kostic is the result of their initial studies of the dust control problems of the Zonolite operations. The inclination of public agencies to protect the worker at any expense (usually the employer's) seems to be a firmly entrenched political phenomenon which should be of considerable concern to us. Our recent experience at Libby, viewed in light of this public policy, may well create for us a significant financial liability. We also should be concerned with the obligation to our employees; namely, permitting them to perform their services under working conditions which we have good reason to believe are hazardous. The report recommends testing and monitoring procedures with an expenditure of some $423,000 (admittedly a gross estimate) and indicated a continuing monitoring cost of approximately $11,000 per year. I estimate the maintenance costs of the additional capital equipment at approximately 5%, or $30,200 per year. I would suggest you read the attached copy of an article from the October 12, 1968 issue of THE NEW YORKER Magazine. This kind of publicity cannot help but engender sympathy for everyone working under conditions such as those present in our Zonolite operation. I do not believe we should ignore the possibility we may be subjected to substantial financial liability over the next few years. As we continue to gather information as to the potential hazards at Libby and elsewhere in Zonolite, we must be on record about our moral obligation to our employees. Current evidence dictates that we must take prompt action. It is my recommendation that authorization be granted to proceed with the program outlined in this report. RES/pe Attachments R. E. Schneider PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL TO: R.M. Vining (/l) DATE: March 3, 1969 FROM: R. E. Schneider cc: R. W. Sterrett (12) John F. Murphy (/3) H. A. Brown (/4) W. R. Wright (/5) 0. F. Stewart - Travelers Best (16) R. D. Lovick - Libby (IT) R. J. Enjova - Libby (/8) Peter Kostic (/9) F. W. Eaton (/10) SUBJECT: Insite and Environmental Dust Control for Vermiculite Mining and Expanding Operations The attached report on dust control vermiculite mining and expanding operations authored by Messrs. F. W. Eaton, R. J. Enjova and P. Kostic is the result of their initial studies of the dust control problems of the Zonolite operations. The inclination of public agencies to protect the worker at any expense (usually the employer's) seems to be a firmly entrenched political phenomenon which should be of considerable concern to us. Our recent experience at Libby, viewed in light of this public policy, may well create for us a significant financial liability. We also should be concerned with the obligation to our employees; namely, permitting them to perform their services under working conditions which we have good reason to believe are hazardous. The report recommends testing and monitoring procedures with an expenditure of some $423,000 (admittedly a gross estimate) and indicated a continuing monitoring cost of approximately $11,000 per year. I estimate the maintenance costs of the additional capital equipment at approximately 5%, or $30,200 per year. I would suggest you read the attached copy of an article from the October 12, 1968 issue of THE NEW YORKER Magazine. This kind of publicity cannot help but engender sympathy for everyone working under conditions such as those present in our Zonolite operation. I do not believe we should ignore the possibility we may be subjected to substantial financial liability over the next few years. As we continue to gather information as to the potential hazards at Libby and elsewhere in Zonolite, we must be on record about our moral obligation to our employees. Current evidence dictates that we must take prompt action. It is my recommendation that authorization be granted to proceed with the program outlined in this report. RES/pe Attachments R. E. Schneider