Document zo9qOY9d0854gvxVrrpGeKXqn

Monsanto FROM iNAMF * infATinU) W. D. PAPAGEORGE - ST. LOUIS 0^1970 _____ - " JMENTAL PROBLEM OCTOBER STATUS REPORT____ cc H. S. Bergen J. Mason J. E. Springgate p. J. A . Marsh w. S. Clark J. R. Purland M. W. Farrar E. V. John R. E. Keller R. M. Kountz T. L. Gossage P. S. Park .W' R. Richard > J R. Savage E. P. Wheeler - BRUSSELS - TOKYO - 2nd Street - 2nd Street GENERAL; The test to evaluate the disposal of solid waste con taminated with Aroclors in Enviro-Chem Systems1 pilot unit in St. Charles, Missouri has been postponed to the middle of December. Negotiations are underway with a drum reconditioning firm to develop a procedure for recovering contaminated drums. , MARKETING; Marketing has reached agreement with management to continue offering Aroclor 1248 and 1254 to the vacuum industry. The product name will be. Santovac I and Santovac II. Vacuum pumps are small users - from one pint to five gallons initial fill. The typical pump will use the same charge for one to two years. The pumps are under a negative pressure so there is no leakage. Customers and equipment manufacturers will be advised that the material cannot be dumped. Westinghouse has communicated some concern with MCS 1016 as a capacitor fluid. They have noticed a greater effect on polypropylene film. The higher percentage of monochloro compounds may be the cause. We visited a number of dielectric customers in October (both large and small). This will continue through the first two weeks of November. So far, we can report without exception, our customers are being very res ponsive to the "clean-up and close the system" pro gram. They express an earnest management commitment TRAN 090534 COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL HARTOLDMONOQ27395 -2- and a clear Interest In keeping communication open with St. Louis. ENGINEERING; Aroclor Liquid Incineration - CEA 2415 Process design is complete. John Zink's preliminary drawings for the incinerator package have been reviewed and they are in the latter stages of being approved. Zink has indicated shipment by February 15, which is a slight improvement. Drafting and mechanical design are in progress on other elements of the project. MCS 1016 Distillation - CEA 2417 Process design is complete, the distillation column at the Bayou is being dismantled, and mechanical design and drafting are proceeding. Preliminary information from our customers indicates that a project scope change may be in order to remove a percentage of the low boilers as well as the high boilers. The appar ent marketing problem will be reviewed with Research and Marketing. Trlbutyl Phosphate CEA 2371 A pilot plant run revealed a much lower yield on phos phorous oxychloride and butanol. This is being studied. Additional laboratory runs are being made, and another pilot run will be made to establish and resolve the problem. Nonyl-Cumyl Phenyl Diphenyl Phosphate The tentative process report is currently being issued, and Engineering is initiating development of a scope report. JAPAN; No new developments. TRAN 090535 EUROPE: Board of Trade in U.K. is considering classifying polychlorinated biphenyls as hazardous materials. COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL HARTOLDMON0027396 -3- MEDICAL: Toxicity studies underway at Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories on the PCB's continue uneventfully. The beginning of the 90-day studies on rats on HB-40 and Ml'PB were delayed because of the receipt of a shipment of unacceptable rats. Currently these studies are scheduled to start November 2, 1970. We should have the final report in hand by Feb ruary 15, 1971. PUBLIC RELATIONS: Two press queries were handled during the month. Science News, following an interview with Dr. Risebrough, called us to ask why we had not released production and sales figures. The reporter also asked about toxicity studies now under way. The Dayton Journal Herald wrote a lengthy article on the fate of local farmers in the area. Milk had been removed from the market due to higher than acceptable levels of PCB, calves died and some members of one family became ill. The farmers have related their bad luck to the presence of PCB in the area and charged "foot dragging" by Monsanto, the State of Ohio and the FDA In alerting them to the problem. Although the story prominently mentioned Monsanto, it did refer to PCB as a "new problem" and one In which Monsanto is playing a major role to solve. RESEARCH: PCB Analysis - U.S. Fish from Anniston streams and shrimp from Escambia Bay were collected for analysis. Results will be available December 1. Plant effluent streams from two hydraulic fluid customers had 0.01 - 0,09$ chlorinated biphenyl. Impurities in Aroclor Researchers at the University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, have reported finding low levels of polychlorinated dibenzofurans in competitive polychlorinated biphenyls. They also analyzed Aroclor 1260, Lot AK-3, and did not COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL tran 090536 HARTOLDMONOQ27397 I detect any oxygenated impurities. Because of the reported high toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzofurans, a study was undertaken to determine if these, or related compounds exist as Lmpuritlf.s in our products. Low levels (about 25 ppm) of polychlorinated dibenzofurans were confirmed in Phenoclor D.P. 6. a competitor to Aroclor 1260 from Prodelec (France). Aroclor 5^42 appears to contain about 2 ppm polychlorinated dibenzo furans; none were detected in any other Aroclor studied. However, each of the Aroclor 1200 series contains poly chlorinated naphthalenes at varying levels. The Aroclor 5442 contains polychlorinated anthracene or phenanthrene. The Aroclor 1242, 1254, and 1260 samples are the same lots tested for toxicity by Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories. Adsorption of Aroclor from Plant Water Effluent A series of four 5-inch diameter columns (each packed to a bed depth of 5.5 feet with Calgon's Filtrasorb 300 carbon) was placed on stream 10/2 at the Aroclor Sump. To-date the unit has been operating with minimum difficulties at an average flow rate of 2 gpm/ft^ (^1000 cc/min.). The avail able test results indicate an Aroclor reduction in the range (600-2,000 ppb) in the influent to (ND/P 10 ppb) in the effluent of the first columns. Since there has been no indication of a breakthrough in the first column, plans are now to increase the flow to 4 gpm/ft . In a 4 day pilot run, initial concentrations of 40-150 ppb in the effluent of the new limestone pit were reduced to an essentially NDA upon passing through a filter (4 inch diameter tube packed to 5*5 inch depth with carbon) at a flow of 100 cc/min. Tests are now being run under the same conditions utilizing and as the filtering media. 1. NDA - no detectable amount Contact was made with a Monsanto Biodize on 10/5. Biodize has agreed to provide a 2300 gallon clarifier to be used both in a flocculation and a batch adsorption study. A sludge sample and a sample of the new limestone pit effluent have been sent to Denver Equipment Company for an evaluation of solids removal by froth floatation. Pit effluent samples have also been sent to Betz's Waste Water Lab for an eval uation of their different coagulants. Photodegradation of Aroclor TRAN 090537 Preliminary experiments with Aroclor 1242 Indicate that it is easily decomposed by ultraviolet light. A 0.1% solution of Aroclor 1242 in iso-octane shows no significant EC active material after exposure to a 450 watt Hanovia Xenon arc at a distance 4" for 50 minutes. Upon completion of the HARTOLDMON0027398 COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL -5- analysis of all samples taken during the study, a report will be Issued. The' exposure of the Aroclor to ultraviolet : ig.it was carried cut by Dr, Bloomfield In Monsanto Central Research. Biodegradation Testing - St, Louis A three-day sampling of the HB--40 and mono-lsopropyl biphenyl (MIPB) semi-continuous activated sludge units nine weeks after the previous sampling period has shown significant changes in the biodegradation rates. For MIPB, disappear ance rates for the three days by UV analyses were 75* 70 and 77 percent compared with the mean of 67 percent in the previous sampling period. GC analyses indicate that the predominant monoisopropyl biphenyl components are almost completely degraded during the cycle, leaving as the un degraded portion the dialkylated components. For HB-40, the previous sampling period had shown essentially a zero disappearance rate with a high degree of scatter. During the three-day period, disappearance rates of 54, 52 and 58 percent were found. From GC analyses, it appears that the one-ring hydrogenated components are more readily degradable than the two-ring hydrogenated components, Feeding of the MIPB and HB-40 is continuing. An additional sampling period is planned to determine if any further'signi ficant changes will occur. Five additional units are now being added to our setup to per mit simultaneous testing of a greater number of products. Testing of Aroclor 1221 will be started in one of the new units. Biodegradation rate studies on chlorinated biphenyl have not been reproducible. Semi-continuous activated sludge units for Aroclor 1242, Aroclor 1254, MCS 1016 and MCS 1043 were modified to permit use of magnetic stirring. The addition of stirring to the units appears to reduce the degree of scatter to some extent. The method of sampling is now being investigated to determine its contribution to the scatter. No conclusions can be drawn at this time concerning differ ences in biodegradation rates. Some changes in component ratios will be noted for MCS 1016 and MCS 1043. Testing of trichlorobenzene, Arobromchlor 1232, Gulf 200 Bright Stock, Aroclor 5432 and Aroclor 5442 are now started in magneticallystirred units. Aroclor 5460 Eleven lots of current Anniston Plant production were anal yzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) by carbon skeleton GC. The results ranged from 0.32 to 1.29$ PCB. The latter is probably too high to satisfy the FDA for use as a hot melt adhesive in food packaging. TRAN 09053d HARTOLDMONOQ27399 COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL -6- PCB - Environmental Studies - Europe Environmental Studies - At an informal meeting on 24th Sept. ':4-wi high level representatives of the British Nature Con servancy and British Ornithological societies, we gave a presentation of the PCB problem and Monsanto's efforts to deal with it. This was well received and comments approving of Monsanto's cooperative approach were made. Dr. Martin Holdgate, of the British Cabinet Office, who has wide res ponsibility for environmental problems in the U.K., thought that the Monsanto response to the problem was very generous. Among other things he has responsibility for the issue of the NERC report on the deaths of sea-birds in the Irish Sea. He undertook to ensure that Monsanto would see this report in draft before publication and that relevant comment from us would be included. We are still awaiting this draft, but understand that it is being revised at present and we will receive a copy on completion of this revision. We have been told, however, that the report accepts that high levels of PCB's were found in the dead sea-birds and thus although the deaths could not be attributed directly to the presence of PCB's this could have been a contributory factor. The meeting at Stockholm, organized by the Swedish National Environmental Protection Board, was attended. Not very much new information was provided and, generally the meeting discussion was limited and rather an anticlimax. Reference to the Monsanto contribution at CIGRE was made in compli mentary terms. A modified print of this paper was available to the delegates of the Stockholm meeting, but was not read. We presented a summary of the 9 month chronic toxicity trials on rats and dogs (Bio-Test) to counter some alarmist speculation on toxicity to humans. A meeting on analytical problems of PCB's organized by the British Ministry of Agriculture was attended. A preliminary report from the Fisheries Laboratory of the Ministry suggested that no significant levels of PCB's were found in fish from the Severn Estuary. This is perhaps, surprising in view of the location of the Newport Plant. Biodegradation - The Monsanto sponsored project at University College, Bangor has now started. A meeting with Professor Evans and his student was held to discuss the initial program and it was agreed that the elective technique would be used in an attempt to prepare soil cultures capable of degrading Aroclors 1242 and 1254 and specific isomers. Evans claims to have isolated a biphenyl degrading organism which operates through a different ring-splitting mechanism from the pre vious culture (C2). This is being made available to Ruabon for study and is of interest since it opens up the possibility TRAN 090539 HARTOLDMON0027400 COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL 7- - of degrading structures which are stable towards Cg. Analytical results arc awaited on the degradation tests on IDlJlO, MCR 717 (repeat), MCS "(&?., MOS 1016 (repeat), and on tin.- 1 *; 3 " fV :3' : , x :5' hoxae)j'l.orinated biphenyl (repeat). MANUFACTURING: > Anniston Plant POP bevel _In flew err ' A roc lor losses during October averaged >/7/day (.'105 ppb). Four high daily values (iQOO-d'OOO ppb) account' for 1.8 Ib/dny * neglecting those, October average is 1.3 l'b/day. Actions nov.' being taken to reduce upsets. Allabama Rater Improvement Commission Cent acts A meeting was held v/itli the AWIC technical staff. They wore satisfied with the progress made at Anniston on the FOR problem. Plant effluent levels will be reported monthly. tpills '' Cleaning out a plugged liontar drutnoub line caused some to spill on tJie floor which wars absorbed in sand and cleaned up. A leak in a cblorinator pump caused some Aroc.lor to enter the sump where it was contained without leaving the department into the plant waste sewer. P r'.j ' 1. Input data to define magnitude of solid waste disposal problem was published in October. ' Later work has indicated that liontur 5 (Aroclor yiGO bottoms) contains very little POL. If confirmed, this reduces PCB containing bulk solids by 10 11 pounds per year/ 2. Premise approved for spent carbon- (containing PCS) collection and burial. Ultimate disposal by incineration is present plan. COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL TRAN 090540 HARTOLDMON0027401 -8- Projeots^ Rval unt:lonr>_ ._ 5. Removal of PCIV-laden sludge from limestone pit by . ' pumping; wan succossfu? ly demonstrated. This opens the way to longer pit life by removal of solids during, operation of the pit. J|.. Premise for rehabilitation of No. 1 limestone pit by l/l/YO v.fas approved in plant. Project preliminary . estimate is ijjlPM Capital, $2M Dismantling, and (;26M , Mechanical Expense. This estimate will be reviewed and an AFE prepared in November. Cleanout work is presently underway by pumping; (see j5 above) so that the usual ' PCB discharge to Snow's Creek from pit cleanout will be minimized.. Precautions arc being taken to minimize PCB escape during limestone removal. 5. Flow sheet developed for pilot clarifier intended to demonstrate removal of solids (with adsorb Arcelor) from limestone pit effluent. Premise and estimate will be developed by mid-November. 6. Approxinn tely >00 gallons of liquid PCB was removed ' from department sump after 2^ months of operation. "Bklmmer" war. successfully demonstrated with collected , scum being very high in PCB content (POOM ppb). Approval was received to purchase, W. C). Kruminrlch Plant PCB hovels In_Sewer A. For the period 9/22 - 10/15 losses to the river from the treatment plant ranged from H'j"( to ZiHK5 ppb with an average loss of 59Y PPb Bor 8 samples. This is equivalent to 05 Ibs/day. . D. V'GK Laboratory1 s chromatograph for measuring PCB's has been repaired and current schedule of 6 samples/ week will be maintained. Projec'tf^Tc^ lloduco Sewered PCB'_s From_Aroclor Dopc-i_rtmcnt A. Blew tank demister (Est. 20^1) project completed and started up on 10/22. Ho mist dovmstrcam from the . demister was detected using a Brink mist sampler. .Scrubber jet samples have been sent to the laboratory for analysis to verify loss reduction. D. Design package for the project to provide paving, curbs, trenches and catch basin in the tank co.r and ' truck loading areas will be completed in November. COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL TRan 090541 , HARTOLDMON0027402 Program To Eliminate Scv.'crcd PCD ks From Using ^`Pj^tmeiiLs A. Summary report", covering, losses from using departments in October will be issued by November 9. Only reported loss for September was 1 quart from Dept. 251 Facts com:erring major loss on IO/B9 at tho Rip Track will be published separately by the invest.1 gation . ' committee. . D. Project (Ect. 2^1 97 for ,^^90 Expense) to provide 190,000 gallons of intei'.Im storage for scrap Aroclor was completed in October. POD 1. eve Is In Atmosphere A. Vapor samples taken to date arc inconclusive. Some sampling problems are indicated. Sampling program to identify air losses will be completed in November. POB Rework: Project (Est. 2099) Design package completed and safety review hold . for Pkse ill (installation of storage facilities for rework material), N_o:VijK.'r t PI ant.. (v^ep.t oinber_)__ , POP) LevelsIn /Jewcr_ 'PCB's in tho Newport Plant effluent betv.'een 1st September and 9th October ranged from 20 to 992 ppb. There wore 9 high results of 2,998 ppb, 81,099 and 9,099 PPb. The highest of these coincides with leaks from tho Santothcrm pumps cn Jj-NDPA Plant. Excluding the 2 high results, the average figure is 2>l6 ppb. 246 ppb of PCB is equivalent to approximately 2, 46 lbr./day. Information has boon requested from Anniston on trials using carbon treatment for removal of Aroclore from waste effluent. installation of sump level alarms now complete. Spalls_ ' A bunded .area draining into a closed drum has been installod around the Santothcrm pumps on tho 4~NDPA plant. Modifications are in hand to improve the drainage from this area. . COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL TRAN 09054Z HARTOLDMON0027403 -- J.U -- PCB Devein In Atmosphere _ TSD Progress Report; No. 2 on Job No. 27/7139/2292 was issued on 15th October giving results obtained to date on sampling of plant atmosphere for PCB ' contamination. Results are: , Area PCB mg/m3 air Comments 1. Drumming 0.28 . Indoors. 2 roller doors c 2. Chlorination (gr'ound floor) 0. 59 0.12 Enclosed area., large rol.l door open . 2. Santolube 900 . 0,22 Indoors, Normal process c .4. 4-NDP/i (Kxpaii a i o n t ank) 0. 94 Pract. Nil Outdoors Outdoors . 9. Arcelor control room 0.28 Indoors 6. Chlorination (1st floor) 0. 12 Chlorinators shutdown 0.19 0.12 Chlorinators operating ii ii 7. Airbloving room 0. 29 Indoors. Normal1 process conditions Used Drum Disposal Blagdenr. drum reconditioning plant at Barking in Kbsex visited to see a trial to recondition used Aroelor drums. . ` W. B. PAPAQBOROE COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL tran 090543 HARTOLDMON0027404