Document 6BN06x6DxnM26420y26k0dbb1

C.V '.OGriGiiift,`i*CM ^Ji't^LCZATiOs^i'^oriCl = Aoril 25, 1979 tircr.CC o M < ^ /t K - R. C. Ishcim - RIND C^K R. Foohr * G, D. Ingenthron G. Young TO : E. II. Harbison, Jr. APR 2 The attached MIC Q&As are the final version for Mr. Hanley. At this point, of course, he is only interested in reviewing major nev; issues. RCI:smt Att. ff r) f ! -**i ,? U f / > l/j(-U -^ JL iv t I'VLv*-. fch li.iX U .ij JU -*-t ( L j Z L /V 'h U s J j L ^ J z L i a X JL ^ A e * * u y .< . ,/f- Ct.W C&+, J tiu . UV t z , . A f ? PvuronTtiedcstnivt/eQiaCuin-rrSdi^ue<rb-ject to CO 04 5 (i -26- Q: Vi'HAT IS .'J:''CjrO GOING 'TO DO ABOUT DIOXIN CAUSED FISH/FROG/OR CALF KILLS lTiVt STURGEON. A: The clean-up contractor for the railroad has removed all contaminatcd material from the January 10 spill. The EPA has undertaken a very thorough monitoring plan to ensure there is no long-term health problem in Sturgeon. The EPA has taken water and soil samples from the spill site and has taken blood and urine Samples from clean-up workers. The EPA is also coordinating the tissue and blood examination of area livestock. At this p o i n t t h e r e 's no indication that the trace amount of TCDD has anything to do with the reported fish, frog or calf kills-. OCP Cortho-chlorophenol) itself is a product that requires worker protection like gloves and eye protection. It is classified as a corrosive liquid and can cause burns. The emphasis since the January spill has been on containment of the spilled product and removal of the contaminated soil. The EPA feels the two ponds containing dead fish contain enough OCP to have been toxic to the fish. Steps were taken to bulldoze a- dam to prevent overflow from these ponds into, nearby streams. ^ "* Q: WASN'T T9 ERE DIOXIN IN THE CHEMICAL SPILLED IN STURG?%./-'-v;V H O .! A: lie do know that TCDD or dioxin, wh ic h is the p r oduction - ; impurity found in this load of OCF (ortho-c hl o r o ph e n o l ) , .while highly toxic to man was found in quantities so small that we can just barely measure it. Ke found 37 parts per billion in our1 OCP. Another way of stating that is the total load of OCP weighed about 207,000 pounds. The trace contamination of TCDD in that load was 1/S of 1 ounce, and spread evenly throughout the tank car contents. We feel *< confident that the TCDD has had absolutely nothing to do with the animal or fish losses in Sturgeon, and the impurity presented no hazard to the citizens. Se Q: HAVE OTHER TANK CARS OF OCP, SHIPPED SINCE THE STURGEON, MO., ACCIDENT, BEEN CONTAMINATED WITH TCDD? A: Very shortly after the TCDD was discovered, we started to ' analyze the production unit where the OCP (ortho-chlorophenol) *" and its chemical intermedia res arc made. If TCDD is found elsowner i t would K-*v* (, tion ii:nuritv which we would trv to el imina to. V.*e arc looki n~ uni t a n d , a s p a r t of that c o m p l i c a t e d ol h e r h a vc h e s cf t\.;k*X1* 1 W o 111 p v e b a h } y vlior u t h e p n o b l e ^ \ c; 3n t h e e n i t . process, wo k n o w j n j;-i are s n -2GciQ. How long will the OCP be a problem at Sturgeon? A- Vie don't consider the C-CP to be a heal.th problem at Sturgeon. Rather, it is an odor problem, as the smell can be detected at very small amounts. Vie don't know when the smell will fall below the level that can be detected, as some people may be more sensitive to the smell than others. i n Q i J r c ' e r 1- 10 -27- Ar^ ,.0 3 : HO'.; LONG ViILL TJIE OCP BE A HAZARD IN^STRGEON ? Vi -/\ r.'J A: For tuna tel y,pOC P (or tho -c h 1c rop he noi ) ra p id 1y^.b iod eg races. Undjeer lapboratory condciutiioonns "utihe proaducLt in .wwaatteer geoes rfrom / A 0 / 300) pants per million to essentially zerp'ln from two days \y v\v. 1 to two' weeks, depending on condi t ion s . y ` \'U',1d expect any ' v\vI OCPP//'that is in a body of water to degrade completely in u f o weeks..! The reason OCP is stijl around in the water \ \ /now is^evidcntly because it was/frozen and hence d i d n 't ^ havc^t'he opportunity to bii o d e g r a d e . Q: IF OCP IS KILLING FISHES .AND FROGS, HOW DO W E KNOW IT I S N 'T POISONING HUMANS? A: OCP is detectable in taste and smell at extremely low levels. For example, you can taste OCP in v;ater at 1 part per billion. The level to kill 50$ of test animals is 67,000 times that concentration. So you can see our taste is a safety factor _ ^^ j* : r i i. \r _ . . A* Q: HAS- MO NS A N T O SOLD ITS OPTOELECTRONIC DE VGE .AND/OR III-V MATERIALS BUSINESS? A: We have signed an agreement in principle with General Instrument Corporation for General Instrument to acquire M o n s a n t o `s Worldwide Optoelectronic Device and III-V Materials business. The Silicon Products Business Group is unaf fe.cted.by this agreement. U)ilfrCi8nt3l -Subject to Protective Order THE ST. PETERS PLANT DUMPS HAZARDOUS WASTE IN A LANDFILL ADJACENT TO THE INNSBROOK RECREATIONAL .m-vi-'.pU.-*,V. WH AT W A ST E IS DUMPED, HOW HAZARDOUS IS IT AND WILL.IT SOME DAY FIND ITS WAY INTO OUR LAKES? A: The plant's solid waste is about 90.percent' water and calcium, nine percent si 1 i c on , silicate and fluoride and about one percent trace metals. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which has responsibility for industrial waste landfills, has stated that the geology in the landfill area -- a thick deposit o f imper m ea b 1e clay - - p re veu s wa s te ma to r ini from c sc ap in.g the site. nN** H A S M R v.v ; ! ..J J ' .1 i. .0 i, I .) D 1E P O S BUSINESS NOW i'ilAT T:iE LANT-GALi) PROJECT FAILED? A* NNTo<o\*a dd?/ ] '- i <`i: a1 v e yoa. *c h s b c : *; r J a, t* Vh u p r e s e n t t i inc*, - 28- Q: what is tan status of the pcb lawsuits mentioned IN THE 1977 (AND/OR 1978) ANNUAL REPORT? A: Currently Monsanto is a codefendant in three lawsuits alleging $2.1 billion damage to businesses in Alabama and Georgia as a result of PC3 contamination of the Coosa River and Lake V.'eiss. These lawsuits were filed as class actions, but in two of the cases the courts have denied class certification; thus the plaintiffs are proceeding to recover only their individual claims. In addition, the U.S. EPA has filed suit against Outboard Marine Corporation of Waukegan, Michigan, alleging that Outboard Marine discharged PCEs into Waukegan Harbor and Lake Michigan. In N o v e m b e r ^ 1 9 7 S , Outbard M a r i n e , joined Monsanto in that lawsuit. We believe tha.t these suits are without merit and that they will not adversely affect the company. Q: IS MONSANTO DOING ANYTHING TO REMOVE PCBs FROM THE E N VIRONMENT? A: We-are committed to two university studies on d e ve l o p i n g ideas and doing .feasibility studies on how PCBs might be removed from the environment. The- universities involved have been interviewing various candidates to undertake these studies.. We, of course, don't know what -results they may report, but we are hopeful that these research-oriented institutions might produce valuable, unconventional ideas as to how PCBs might be removed. Q: (Only if asked) WHICH UNIVERSITIES ARE INVOLVED? A: The California Institute of Technology and the M a s s a c h u s e t t s Institute of Technology. I might add that the studies are only in the very early stages of development, however. Q: IS MONSANTO DOING ANYTH ING Ai WITH PCBs IN FRONTENA C , MO. ? THE OIL TANK CONTAMINATED A: The final P C 3 storage tank owned by a disposal c o n t r a c t or was removed from the Frontcnac site April 6. The c o n t r a c t o r had shipped the PCBs at the beginning of April to Louisiana, for incineration. Pm *Diro-xi ective subject Order to J -29- IS MON SAN'TO DOING ANYTHING ABOUT TilE PCB-CONTAMI NATED OIL IN DITIMER, MO.? a A disposal contractor had deposited wastes in an open pit near farmland in Dit trier, Mo. This company had a c o nt r a c t with Monsanto to dispose of wasto oil from our C o r p o r a t e Research Center, and had contracts for disposal with many other St. Louis firms at the same time. As soon as we were aware of the problem , we immeciatlcy stopped shipping with the company. Last y car, a suit was filed against the contractor and Monsanto, claiming damages i n c u r r e d .wh en this material allegedly lcaked onto private property. The suit is now' in litigation Q: DOES MONSANTO PLAN TO REINTRODUCE NTA INTO THE U.S.? A: We have asked the EPA to re-evaluate the government's earlier positions on, the use of NT A in the U.S. NT A has been used for nine years in Canada without any p r o b l e m s . W e 're asking the EPA to review exist!ng, safety data and the conclusions of the International Joint Commission with respect to NTA's use' in household detergents. Last year the IJC reported that there is no r e asonable cause for restricting the use of NTA in the Great Lakes Basin. We agree with that conclusion, and hope that the EPA agrees as well. Q: WHY DID MONSANTO SELL FLAVOR/ESSENCE? liHAT SALE PRICE? A: This decision was part of our continuing p r o g r a m to cull those businesses that do not fit into our long-term 'growth plans. In effect, this frees capital for those businesses that would-benefit from additional investment. The sales price was not disc'osec as part of the agreement with Bush Boake Allen, the, purchaser. However, I can report that it does not affect our sales or profits in any m a t e r i a l way. Confidential-Subject to Protective Order Additional, answer to question... In Monsanto playing any role in the nitritc/sorbntc controversy? A. Recently, the USDA and IISW (Food & Drug, Administration) held a joint press conference, proposing that Congress pass legislation v/hich would give some flexibility on banning nitrite. Such flexibility could include allowing the USDA to institute measures such as the one proposed for use of reduced nitrite and sorbate. " \J 't. Q: KHAT IS MONSANTO DOING REGARDING THE INTRODUCTION OF PHOSPHATE LEGISLATION IN VARIOUS STATE LEGISLATURES? A: . Monsanto has been very active m fighting s t-<*fp es tr :c t Lons or bans on phosphate detergent s. The hue and cry to ban . phosphates to protect cur nati o n 's waters is an emotional issue, but not one based on sc ientrfic evidence. Monsanto sponsored studies conducted in ricpcndcntly by both Cornell and Puduc Universities to stud y lake water quality in New York and Indiana. Both states have had detergent phosphate bans since 1973. .Both Purdue and Cornell concluded that the phosph ate restrictions had no effect on their lake water quality. Additionally, we have worked with the Soap and Detergent Association and with our major customers in pres.enting the technical facts on detergent phosphate to the appropriate government bodies. lie are also a plaintiff- in a suit in Michigan challenging the phosphate restrictions there. At Monsanto we believe that the net effect of legislation to ban detergent phosphate is to deprive the public access to a safe, low cost, and highly effective product. Q: IS MONSANTO STILL LOSING MONEY ON SORBATES? A: Competitive conditions created by foreign raanufscturers have required us to price sorbates at u n re a l i s t i c a l l y low levels. Recently, prices have moved upward, though still not to levels t h a t `are required for an adequate rate of return. lie have been very aggressively w o rking in new markets and applications, and we are hopeful that the pricing problems will be resolved eventually. ^ Pt!inill'Su&'8Ctto rJuTeciiye O rd e r Q: IS MONSANTO PLAYING ANY ROLE IN THE NITRITES I N .BACON XuNTROVERSY.? A: Last y e a r , we submitted a proposal to the U.S, Department of Agriculture which would allow the use of a reduced level of nitrites in bacon along with p otassium sorbate. The agency reacted favorably and issued a proposed regulation, which would require the use of a lower nitrite- level with potassium sorbate, with an appropriate time for comment. If the government finalizes the regulation, and we expect action in 1979, then sorbates could be^ used in bacon sometime this year ,and would crpa tc a l 'arge -juApv in. nark-et demand. ' < 2 a { , 0 2 / ? 5 -- f f :C- f -tAcut-r.nV y.d-0 W &f Q: WHAT M S Tl!!: STATHsCiF T;!!: LAWSUITS FII.KD AHA IN ST M O N S A N T O !>'( ' WITH KHGARl) TO TiiNTAClii.OAOi'HHNOL? ,J A : TIierc aro c u r r c r . 1 1y l h r e o ? n i t s i n v o ] v i n ^ cr, 11 i c cont ami n a t c d wi t h pci i i Mchi c/' V' h: nnl t ; C n - r i h o c o u r t s . Two c a s e s a r c in the p v e - r r a i i stage and the t h i r d i s in the compl ai nt s t. a ' e . 'io i ;. Vc \\ a t a r cp ve r a c ur a -j ve s v i o r o us ]. v i n t h e s e n a 11.e rs . 4 -31- Q: IS MONSANTO PLANNING TO BUILD A SILICON PRODUCTION UNIT AT SPARTANBURG, S.C.? A: Our operating management is seriously considering that site, but the proposal has not been brought forward to the CAC or to the board of directors. It the board approves the proposal, we will make a full announcement at that time. Q: 'VERB ..ANY OF MONSANTO'S RUBBER CHEMICAL PRODUCTS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE FIRESTONE 500 TIRE? A: Monsanto is the No. 1 producer of rubber chemicals,, and we sell products to all of the tire companies, including Firestone. (None of which are suspect in the reported problems with this tire.y) Q: ARE PHOSPHATE ESTERS USED IN ANY MONSANTO PRODUCTS, AND V.TTAT IS THE CONCERN ABOUT THEM? A: Phosphate esters are used in some of pur FR additives for plastics and in our hydraulic fluids for industry, areas where they make a vital contribution. In April 1978, EPA's Inter-agency Testing Committee recommended that phosphate esters be placed on the priority list for testing because of the large production volume in the United States and the opportunity for worker exposure to these compounds beyond that encountered at their original site of manufacture. We feel there should be no concerns about the phosphate esters we manufacture and, in fact, we have a testing program that has been underway for the past several years to ensure their acceptability.