Document Oz37xDoZ82zO71QN2RoDez7Jp

V. - MONSANTO CHEMICAL COMPAMY ~ TexaB City, TexaB September 20, 1962 To G. E. Pratt D. H. Smith H, W. Cutcher S. F. Webb J. 35. Boyd On September 7, 1962, while I was walking through the unit, an operator bled down the discharge of F51, apparently because of a vapor-lock. A cloud of HC1 and 7135 fumes floated across the area engulfing an instrument man, some boilermakers, and poBBibly some construction workers. This didn't seem to bother the Monsanto people, who just stepped out of the HC1. I don't believe the operatorseven looked to see if anyone would be bothered by what they were doing, though. This particular pump is troublesome and often vapor-locks. Fll's were the same way and maybe still are, but 1 think we now bleed the pump down through the vent line to Ell, dorft we? Can't we do the same thing with PJ>1' a? We have the reputation in VCM of being the biggest smog and fume producer in the plant. Whether we're ranked first or second makes little difference to someone who walks through and get a snootful of HC1 or to the equipment in the area which Is attacked by condensed acid from HC1 leaks and vents. This practice of ours of bleeding to the pad or atmosphere everything and anything whether it be flammable, poisonous, irritating, a fish killer or just messy may have been acceptable and/or condoned in past years but we must improve. I think, with a little concentration of effort, we can drastically reduce the venting of HC1 and draining of organics to the sewer. This may require some equipment, but I'm sure any reasonable request can be justified based on pollution control. I think the biggest improvement can be made by closer control of vents and drains, venting and draining to barrels and buckets, without spending any money at the present. Will each of you please turn in your ideas for better leak and vent control to Glen Pratt by September 28, indicating what is being done, what can be done immediately, and what can be done later with additional equipment or control. /earn CB* 1017746 RSV0031757