[Q]NATION IN BRIEF
Saturday, August 9, 2003; Page A16
Army Base in Alabama Town To Burn Chemical Weapons
ANNISTON, Ala. -- The Army plans to start destroying Cold War-era chemical weapons today at its Anniston incinerator, the first time the military will burn the deadly munitions near a populated area.
Incinerator spokesman Mike Abrams said the incinerator will begin operations this morning unless weather or other factors cause a delay. The timetable to start destroying the weapons came after a federal judge rejected motions by opponents to delay it.
The Army plans only "limited burns" on weekends and between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays until schools and other community buildings near the incinerator are provided with safety pressurization this fall. During this time, the nerve agent GB will be drained from M-55 rockets and destroyed, Abrams said.
The Army's decision came only hours after U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson issued a ruling that cleared the way for the burning to begin.
After his ruling, Sharon McConathy took her granddaughter to pick up safety gear being provided to thousands of Anniston-area people -- protective hoods that resemble gas masks and plastic sheeting for sealing a room in her mobile home in the event of an accident.
"It's real scary," McConathy said. "I think they're putting everybody at risk."
The Army and others in the Anniston area contend that it is far safer to burn the chemical weapons than leave them in the concrete bunkers at the depot. [/Q]
I had the pleasure of guarding this depot in Alabama. I am not sure this is the best place or way to dispose of these materials. I hope nothing happens. It is good to see these things eliminated from our stockpiles.
Peace
Saturday, August 9, 2003; Page A16
Army Base in Alabama Town To Burn Chemical Weapons
ANNISTON, Ala. -- The Army plans to start destroying Cold War-era chemical weapons today at its Anniston incinerator, the first time the military will burn the deadly munitions near a populated area.
Incinerator spokesman Mike Abrams said the incinerator will begin operations this morning unless weather or other factors cause a delay. The timetable to start destroying the weapons came after a federal judge rejected motions by opponents to delay it.
The Army plans only "limited burns" on weekends and between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays until schools and other community buildings near the incinerator are provided with safety pressurization this fall. During this time, the nerve agent GB will be drained from M-55 rockets and destroyed, Abrams said.
The Army's decision came only hours after U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson issued a ruling that cleared the way for the burning to begin.
After his ruling, Sharon McConathy took her granddaughter to pick up safety gear being provided to thousands of Anniston-area people -- protective hoods that resemble gas masks and plastic sheeting for sealing a room in her mobile home in the event of an accident.
"It's real scary," McConathy said. "I think they're putting everybody at risk."
The Army and others in the Anniston area contend that it is far safer to burn the chemical weapons than leave them in the concrete bunkers at the depot. [/Q]
I had the pleasure of guarding this depot in Alabama. I am not sure this is the best place or way to dispose of these materials. I hope nothing happens. It is good to see these things eliminated from our stockpiles.
Peace