Document kmwxdX7gQJZXwaZOEqv5wg2aq

HOHSAHTO I'CP POSTURE Result Desired Develop a sound, socially responsible position for Monsanto in PCBs and organize to manage it on an optimum long-term basis. ' Recommendation Monsanto should taXe the offensive on PCBs by initiating a well organized, one to three year program based on the positive tone of our response to the EcXhardt Committee. This program should . include: . The gathering and communication of epidemiological data which currently show no significant negatives in humans exposed to PCBs. One of the studies was done at GE by Dr. SeliXoff. . . Actions designed to accelerate EPA approval of PCD incineration. All incineration has been suspended since April, 1970 and no route exists for PCB disposal. _ - . Commitment to develop a quick, easy to use method of analysis to detect the presence of PCBs. Confusion about the presence of PCBs has led to totally invalid, but emotional media reports. HONS 019372 Monsanto PCD posture -2- * ` Situation Leadership responsibility for the PCB.program should be vested in Mr. Throdahl's Environmental Group for the following reasons: ' . PCBs are the number one environmental ' issue on a Corporate basis. It seems logical that the propgsed program be handled by the Staff Group directly responsible for the environment. . . The Throdahl organization bas ready access to the.necessary skills in DMEH, Environmental Law, Public Relations and Environmental Management. ' . Assignment of responsibility to the Corporate Staff Group directly concerned would minimize the people turnover problem which is a major negative associated with continuation of the program in the Specialty Chemicals Division. . The spokesmanship portion of the program could bo handled by Messrs. Throdahl and Bishop along with the responsible manager Involved. - Incineration of PCDo has been prohibited by the ErA pending formal permit approval of incinerator MQNS 019373 jnsonto PCD posture 3 sites. The prohibition, effective Apr!}. J.0, 3970, has led to a nationwide backlog of PCBs awaiting incineration. Permit approval for one or two incinerators may come in April-May, 1980 after a successful trial burn, assuming no opposition to ' PCB transport from the environmentalists. Since mid-1979, Monsanto's position has slowly shifted toward a more assertive role, concern abo.ut possible negative impact on Monsanto's legal position has inhibited offense actions in the past. Recent epidemiological studies at GE (Selikoff), Meetinghouse (Center for Disease Control) and Sangamon (National institute for Environmental Health) have shown no-significant negatives in humans as a result of PCB exposure. A similar study is under way at WGK. Our response to the Eckhardt Committee will emphasize Monsanto's responsible role in PCBs and the rapidly accumulating epidemiological data which show little or no toxic impact in humans exposed to PCBs. ' Corporate PH (Dan Bishop) is assuming all PCB responsibility from MIC effective December 1. All PCB litigation has boon handled by corporate Law for uomutime. MQNS 019374 .santo PCB Pocture 4- Thore is good ovidenca that tho residual PCBs in the environment are slowly disappearing. For example, herring gull eggs have shown reduced PCB levels lor the past four years in a row. Monsanto has the opportunity to contribute positively to the PCB problem in tho following wayst * 1. Safety Facts - Monsanto can take the lead in assenibling and distributing safety data which _. to date demonstrate reasonable levels of human safety for PCB. ' 2. Consumer Information - Consumer publicity based on safety facts can be used to reverse the widespread fear of PCBs. CFOL would be an excellent vehicle to use in this program. 3. Disposal - a. Incineration - publication of available human safety data should minimize the throat of transportation tie-ups enroute to incineration. b. Recovery from tho Environment - $84K is being spent at MIT and NYU in 1980 in an attempt to develop a feasible recovery/ containment approach for tho environment. Odds of success, however, aro low. HONS 019375 Monsanto pen Posture 5 4. Analytical Method - A quick, foolproof method for PCOs is not available. Such a test might be developed by Monsanto analytical . chemists and distributed broadly through the EPA. HONS 019376