Document rmpGRQ15X2BapOOEBYb531a

November 30, 1970 Mr. Ben Carpenter Sprague Electric Company Brown Street Plant North Adams, Mass. 01247 Dear Ben: Randy Graham and I enjoyed our visit with you. I am particularly pleased that I had the opportunity to meet you and to discuss in person the price Increase for Aroclor. The price of .Aroclor 1242 will be increased $0.02 per pound, effective 1 January 1971. The new price for tank car shipments will be $0.18 per pound, freight allowed. As 1 stated at the time of our meeting, there are several factors which lead Monsanto to this price Increase decision. Certain of the more highly chlorinated PCBa (polychlorinated biphenyls) have been found to persist in the environment, and my be harmful to sensitive marine and bird species. Due to this PCB environmental pollution problem Monsanto has withdrawn certain Aroclors from non-electrical product applications where confineaient and control of the PCBa are not possible. This has resulted In substantially lower volumes and Increased product costs. we intend to continue to make these products available to the electrical Industry for use in sealed capaoltors and transformers. In doing so, the need to conform with requirements dictated by the PCB environmental problem has resulted in additional increases in manufacturing costa, toxicological testing expenses, and re search costs. Monsanto has historically had a responsible pricing policy on Aroclor. We will continue to operate under the same policy and have approached this price change as one which would provide Monsanto only the minimum necessary revenue required by the true increases in our cost of operation. We look forward to continued close relationships with Sprague DSW 018226 i STLCOPCB4004771 Mr. Ban Carpenter -2Hovenber 30, 1970 Electric. Wi solicit your assistance In the proper headline of these products to minimize losses to the environment. Sincerely, /lee cct P. 0. Benlgnue a. R. Graham H. S. Bergen T. L. Oossage Director of Seles Functional Fluids Sw 018227 STLCOPCB4004772