Document 8VwGXqjx4310VvqxkVg06RD9y

INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: From: Dept: Tel No: 24-Mar-1993 03:30pm CDT Kevin S. Cahill CAHILL, KEVIN S. AT A1 AT A1ST The Chemical Group 314-694-7518 TO: TO: TO: DRAKE, LISA M HERNDON, DIANE B GARY F BARTON ( LMDRAK@CCMAIL ) ( DBHERN@CCMAIL ) ( GFBART @CCMAIL @SSWMB ^CMISSS ) CC: CC: CC: CC: O'NEILL, LAURENCE J. A1 0A1STL WASSELL, LOREN W. @A1 @A1STL CAHILL, KEVIN S. @A1 @A1STL AHSMIT HP @SSWMB @CMISSS Subject: RE: Operation New Spirit I do not wish to throw cold water on what on the surface appears to be a good opportunity, however, there are some details of the operation that should be addressed prior to embracing the program. The information provided to me calls for soil testing in or around the Metro East to characterize the soil before gardening commences. A recent request was made of Monsanto to perform the testing in East St. Louis. You may recall that heavy manufacturing has occurred in the Metro East for over one hundred years, with the W.G. Krummrich plant in operation as a Monsanto facility since 1917. Past disposal practices were not quite as enlightened as today. 'Poking holes' should not be undertaken lightly. Can we determine exact locations of the proposed testing? In addition, residents are likely to inquire as to why Monsanto is testing the soil. The underlying assumption may be that a problem exists. Secondly, I am unclear as to the plant's long term responsibilities. The plant has an active community relations program, and this certainly could become a component, however, more information is required to determine how we leverage the program to the benefit of the plant. Finally, I would be interested in learning of the success of the St. Louis Central West End project, which also focuses on community gardening. I look forward to receiving more details regarding this project. KSC DSW 135103 STLCOPCB4035063