Document OEqmmGKG5oJyZLe6vDeMJJpve

Monsanto COMPANY P O. Box 1507 Ponsdcolo, Florid* 32502 Phono: 1904) 965-6311 August 27, 1969 bcc: B. T. Dean J. E. Lips J. R. Martin D. W. Miller J S. Turner TEXTILES DIVISION Mr. W. E., Tisdale Regional Engineer Florida State Board of Health 50 West Maxwell Street Pensacola, Florida 32501 Dear Mr. Tisdale: During our discussion at Monsanto's Pensacola Plant on August 21, 1969, you requested that we indicate our plan of action concerning the recent prelim inary findings of Dr. Dukes and Dr. Hopkins indicating traces of PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) in the Escambia River and Escambia Bay. As stated to you in this meeting, we were not aware of any PCB being used in our operation. An intensive investigation was undertaken and revealed the presence of a commercial functional fluid containing PCB. While the studies concerning the effects of PCB are preliminary, we do not want or intend that the plant outfall contain anything that might be considered detrimental. Therefore, we have stopped using the material in question until further data has been developed in this area. At the same time, we are continuing a system atic investigation to determine the composition of various other materials of a commercial nature that are being used on our plant. If this investigation reveals any other materials containing PCB, use of such materials will be discontinued in accordance with the above. Our intent is to eliminate this material from our plant effluent. At present the plant does not have the analytical equipment to detect the presence of PCB, so samples are being sent to our Research Center. Equipment will be available within the next week to ten days in our plant laboratories and at that time we shall be able to increase sample frequency with quicker results. We will keep you informed of any further developments in connection with this situation. Sincerely, WTC/dm crt Mr. Donald A. Brown ^?pt "> V A'r 5r4 Walter T. Cline Plant Manager p, 7 / !.- ts _i.vl'mo. MGNS 0903^9