Pesticide production

William Vorley (wtvorley@iastate.edu)
Thu, 12 Dec 1996 16:39:01 -0600

Ciba McIntosh AL (1,355,201 lbs, and 1 CERCLA site, 8 ERNS)
Monsanto Muscatine IA (325,829 lbs)
Monsanto Luling LA (5,017,968 lbs, and 1 CERCLA site, also 29 ERNS)
Amercican Cyanamid Palmyra MO (388,690 lbs)
Cyanamid Agricultural Manati PR (268,980 lbs)
Sandoz Beaumont TX (648,090 lbs)
Rhone-Poulenc Institite WV (898,124 lbs, 7 ERNS)
Rhone-Poulenc Woodbine GA (238,836, 4 ERNS)

My question is, what do these figures mean? These releases vary considerably
in hazard (e.g. solvents like toluene and xylene compared to acids) and
method (to rivers, stored underground, or up the smoke stack). How much do
these releases contribute to a company's environmental liabilities, and
THEIR sustainability? And how much environmental and health impact come from
these highly managed facilities compared with the numerous smaller
formulation plants, generic manufacturers, and agchem dealerships? Has there
ever been a comprehensive review of the impacts of pesticide production?

Sorry that this hits a sustainable ag. list, but any help would be most
appreciated!

Many thanks,

Bill
William T. Vorley
Visiting Scientist
Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, 209 Curtiss Hall, Iowa State
University, Ames, IA 50011-1050 USA
Tel. (515) 2947853 or 2929302 Fax (515)2949696 wtvorley@iastate.edu