From: Annette Smith <vce@vermontel.net> on 10/10/2001 05:07:40 PM
To:   Jim Reddy <jim.reddy@omya.com>

Hi Jim, Did you have a spill at the plant recently?
Annette

From: jim.reddy@omya.com
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 16:17:29 -0400
To: vce@vermontel.net

We had a release of about 300 gallons of 30% concentration, equivalent to 90 gallons, of propylene glycol.  This is a common food ingredient and cosmetic ingredient, we use it in fact in some of our plants as an additive in our food and pharmaceutical products.  Although it is food grade material, we report everything, and my understanding at this time it is no issue with the state.

From: Annette Smith <vce@vermontel.net> on 10/11/2001 04:59:51 PM
To:   <jim.reddy@omya.com>

How did it happen?

From: jim.reddy@omya.com
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 09:37:30 -0400
To: vce@vermontel.net

As stated in the report filed with the state........"due to a fitting not being sealed"........

Annette Smith <vce@vermontel.net> on 10/12/2001 10:08:27 AM
To: <jim.reddy@omya.com>

So was it human error?  How did 300 gallons get out given all your computerized monitoring?

From: jim.reddy@omya.com
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 10:27:31 -0400
To: vce@vermontel.net

We strive for perfection, learn we are fallible, make improvements, and strive anew.