Document DvpOg9zq24qnJaXJbxRKDz4v5

i&rito |N *-L O C *T tO N -P *O N B i L. J. O'Neill - F3EE - 4-3084 oTt September 15, 1983 SUBJECT Dioxin seepage near Krummrich sirutNCK : T O : M. C. Throdahl - DID D. R. Bishop - F3EE J. D. Wilson f. G3WG At the recent breakfast meeting, you expressed surprise that the company had acknowledged dioxin (not 2,3,7,8 TCDD) seepage from landfills near the Krummrich plant. Attached Is an 18-month old news release with this information. You'll note oh page 2 that we were trying "to determine the origin of the seeps." /e c Attachment Larry J. O'Neill IN IO I REV. 8 / 7 7 1 c o n f i d e n t '-' C07421 f o r RELEASE. IMMEDIATELY Monsanto S. G. Collins " (314) 694-3860 PU9UC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT ' MsRtSRt* Csmssny 0 0 N. L i M k f h B ou ltvaro St. Lauts. M istsun ) ! MONSANTO RELEASES RESULTS ON SEEPAGE ANALYSIS SAUGET, March 31 -- Monsanto Company said today the chemical levels found in seepage samples taken from the banks of the Mississippi River do not pose threats to health or environment. The samples were taken on company property last November.by representatives of the Federal EPA and shared with Monsanto. Although extremely small, ultra-trace amounts in parts per trillion were found of some dioxins, the company analysis of the samples showed no evidence of the highly toxic TCDD dioxin. TCDD is one of 75 chemicals commonly referred to as dioxin and is the only dioxin regulated by the U.S. EPA. The sample results also found small, trace levels of PCBs. Low levels of several other organic-chemical compounds 'including chloroanilines, chloronitrooenzenes, chlorophenols and phenol were detected. "The maximum concentrations of many substances in the seepage were at or below concentrations allowed under Federal and State EPA criteria." Jack Molloy, plant manager at Monsanto's W. G. Krummrich plant in Sauget said. more- -2- Additionally Monsanto analyzed Mississippi River water both up and down stream froa the seeps. "Test results showed no significant differences between the up river and^down river saaples indicating no inpact on the river. No dioxins or PCBs were found in the river water saaples." Molloy said. At St. Louis the Mississippi River flows at approximately 80 Billion gallons of water per ninute. It assiailates groundwater runoff and sewage discharge without appreciable effect. "The flow of the river'is 20 Billion tiaes the seepage flow at the river's edge. The coabination of the seepage flow low levels of chenicals detected and assimilation factor of the river indicate there has been no effect on the Mississippi." Molloy said. The seepage which can be seen at tiaes coaing froa the bank' when the river is low is located along a 300-foot stretch of the river bank south of Monsanto's docking terninal. The company is currently conducting extensive water aonitoring tests and hydrogeological studies to determine the origin of the seeps. Results of this investigation are not expected for several aonths. oOo St. Louis 033182 C07423 CHEMICAL REFERENCE STATEMENT DIOXIH The term dioxin describes e faaily of 75 cheaical compounds. Dioxins are produced as undesirable trace by-products of certain industrial cheaical reactions or froa the coabination of some cheaical substances. Dioxins have also been identified in smoke froa cigarettes, charcoal grills, fireplaces and trash incinerators. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, or TCDD, is the aost toxic dioxin to laboratory aniaals. 2,3,7,8-TCDD is the only dioxin singled out EPA for regulation and controls * PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) PCBs had been used since the 1930s primarily as components of fire resistant insulating fluids in electrical transformers and capacitors. The latest scientific data has shown that PCBs do not pose serious risk of injury to human health; are not human carcinogens; do not affect human reproduction or cause birth defects. C 07424 CHLORANILINB A cheaical interaediate used in the production'of dyes, pharaaceuticals and agricultural cheaicals. CHLORONITROBENZENE A cheaical interaediate used in the production of dyes agricultural cheaicals and rubber cheaicals. CHLOROPHENOL A chemical interaediate used in the production of dyes pharmaceuticals, solvents, wood preservatives and agricultural cheaicals. PHENOL A cheaical interaediate used in the production of several products including resins, pharmaceuticals, solvents and dyes. 0 O0 Co7425