Document 50RLExwMwrmkq5djKY2jxMveD

Monsanto MONSANTO INDUSTRIAL CHIMICALS CO. 600 N. Llndbtrgh Boulavard St. loula, Mlatourl 63166 Phena: 014) 664-1000 April, 1972 Dear Sir: Since early 1970 we have been advlBlng your company of signifi cant developments relating to the polychlorinated biphenyl (FCB) environmental situation. As you know, many pollution control agencies conduct monitoring programs to evaluate the presence and Impact of many materials on the environment. Some of these programs Include PCB. Recently a representative of a governmental pollution control agency contacted Monsanto requesting Information concerning PCB sales. Specifically, he asked for names and addresses of PCB customers in his area, with the quantities of PCB product sold to each. He stated that this information was being re quested because significant amounts of PCB were being detected in the discharge from sewage treatment facilities in his area. He was Informed that Monsanto considers information of this type confidential and, therefore, does not disclose it outside the Company. He subsequently Informed us that the request for information was being sent to the local federal district attorney for appropriate action. As we have pointed out on numerous occasions to representatives of government and of private groups, Monsanto has long had a ptfllcy, which it continues to follow, of treating information concerning its customers as confidential Information. However, you should be aware that, because of governmental or Judicial orders or requirements or because of a change in ciroumstances resulting from the unique nature of the PCB problem, Monsanto may at some future date be obligated to disclose such informa tion to qualified persons. HONS 092962 unit of Monsanto Company -2 - We wish to strongly re-emphasize with you the Importance of avoiding direct or accidental FCB contamination of feed, food and packaging material and of preventing PCB's from escaping Into the environment. We direct your attention to the recent PDA notice of proposed rule making on PCB's published In the Federal Register, Vol. 37, No. 5^ PP 5705 and following, dated March 18, 1972. If PCB's are still present at your locations you are urged to thoroughly review your procedures and lnspeot your facilities to insure that extreme care is taken In the handling, use, storage, and disposal of these materials. Sincerely, W Manager Environmental Protection HONS 092963