"They may be some help with the litter problem but they are no help with solid waste," said Allen Gray, a Mobil spokesman.

A Mobil spokesman, John Lord, responding to inquiries based on reports from trade sources, said that Montgomery Ward's management "endorsed this activity and is participating in it."

Michael J. Kimmitt, a Mobil spokesman, said: "We're not drilling this haphazardly or capriciously.

"We have a policy of taking responsibility and remedying any situation we have caused," said Mark Cohen, a Mobil spokesman.

A Mobil spokesman, Mike Morgan, said in New York that the company would not comment.

The 30-year-old structure stood on a mere third of an acre, too small for upgrading or modernization, said Gail Jamin, a Mobil spokesman.

The glasses are "very effective," according to a Mobil spokesman, Thomas Collins.

A Mobil spokesman could not be immediately reached to comment.

A Mobil spokesman would not comment on reports that a Montgomery Ward management team had offered more than $1 billion for the chain of 315 stores.

The venture depends on whether the embargo remains in effect, a Mobil spokesman, Ray Vaughan, said.