Document nNNmak50yXq4YGzGQb20n4Gj8

A SP O ^ ic S it ie s E n v itrv n e n iji P ioiecion Agency R o >o '< 7 3 2 i East Eiewe^ih S( Kansas City ^ 0 6-105 Environmental Wews *owa (Caniaj Mrssoof* NetxasVa ric tV. / C/ <V u Os, 'revive- Cj^ PywiJl February 11, 1979 Rowena L. Michaels 8l6-37^4-- SBq U FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STURGEON, MISSOURI On Friday evening, February 9 the Monsanto Chenical Company CHEMICAL SPILL told Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 officials that the shipment of chlorinated phenolic compounds, vhich vas spilled in a rail car derailment in Sturgeon, Mo., on January 10, contained trace quantities of a contaminant known as dioxin (TCDD). Monsanto reported three separate measurements averaging 37 parts per billion (3^j 3^i 1+0 p.p.b.). The company could not identify vhich particular forms of TCPD were present. Acting on this information, Harry Gilmer, Region 7 on-scene coordinator, ordered a sample of the extract from the contami nated soil from the spill site sent to the University of Illinois at Champaign' where highly sophisticated analytical equipment !.. is available. Vith the assistance of EPA Region 7 scientists, Dr. Billy Fairless and Dr. Robert D. Kleopfer, Dr. Carter Cook of the university performed analyses which confirmed the presence of TCDD at a level of less than 0.01 p.p.b. Gilmer's team had anticipated the possibility of dioxin con- -core- z' -2- tami nation, and had both performed some analyses and had questioned Monsanto on this point. According to medical scientists at KPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the nev information is of concern, but presents no cause for change in cleanup procedures currently underway. Dr. Joseph Seifter, senior cedical advisor to the Office of Toxic Substances, stated "The presence of dioxin in the spilled material changes the scope of our reviev, but does not represent cause for 1mediate alarm at the levels reported." Dr. Seifter had led a tean of cedical and public health experts before a town meeting in Sturgeon on Thursday night, held at the request of Senator Ton Eagleton. Concern among residents is still strong, as odors from the spill linger. Seifter's group answered questions on the known and suspected effects of phenol and various chlorinated phenolic compounds, especially orthochlorophenol, which were known at that time to be present in the spilled material. They were preparing a report of recommendations for further studies in the area to be presented early this week. Additional samples of the shipped material have been obtained from Monsanto by Region 7 officials. These are being pre pared for further analysis. Steven Jellinek, ERA Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances, will be meeting with Seifter's group on Monday to coordinate the further activities. "We intend to take all necessary steps to assure the con tinued identification and removal of these spilled chemicals," declared Jellinek. "ZPA Headquarters will provide Region 7 with any assistance needed to complete the job and protect the health of local residents." UU2U (3S tates 3nmntai Protection <Y >1 B u s m e s s y for Private Use O ffice of Public Affairs Region 7 3 24 East Eleventh St Kansas City M o 64106 P ostage a.->d Pees Paid En vu o n rr^ -it al P ro te c tio n Agency EPA 225 Thug Class