Document 9Jw9vpd6G0eL8ExYe6zra05qV

Monsanto FROM (name-location-phone) K.S. Cahill - G4WD - 4-7518 DATE: subj: REF: TO: September 3, 1991 Benzene Evaporation W. G. Krummrich Plant R. G. Potter - G4NH cc: D. G. Bartolanzo - A2SP W. J. Boyle - 1740 G. F. Fort - G4WT L. J. O'Neill - G4WA D. L. Sliney - G4NJ M. W. Winkel - G5NA L. W. Wassell - G4WF At approximately 3:40 a.m. this morning, employees of the W.G. Krummrich plant observed that an external floating roof on a two million gallon benzene storage tank had sunk, with benzene on top of the roof. Although there was no leak, there was some evaporation of the benzene, and readings indicated that near the storage tank along Route 3, the level was at 60 ppm. OSHA standards for worker exposure during an eight hour shift is 1 ppm. The plant fire department placed a foam cap on the tank to control the evaporation. The Illinois EPA has been notified, along with the Illinois Emergency Services Agency and the National Response Center. The plant's siren was not activated. Plant personnel are currently working to arrange for barges to empty the benzene tank for repairs. Off-site monitoring continues for ambient air conditions. We will continue to monitor the situation, and prepare for media inquiries. Kesvvin SS. Cahill osw - I*-195 STLCOPCB4036163