Army officials are looking into modifications in disposal for certain nerve agent munitions stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot. A public meeting to describe the proposed changes occurred earlier this week in Richmond.
Leslie Ware, with Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives in Anniston, Ala., participated in the meeting. She said some jelled agent at other depot sites has created some challenges. Ware added it might mean less nerve agent going through neutralization.
“They would have the option of not draining them and putting them into the static detonation chamber without draining them, but I think they would most likely drain and neutralize and put the hydrolysate through the super critical water oxidation. So, that is a possibility that it would reduce the amount of agent, but most likely it would be about the same,” said Ware.
The static detonation chamber process is being used for mustard agent disposal which is slated to start in a week or so. Only after retrofitting the chamber and possibly adding a second detonation chamber would nerve agent go through this process. All this must still get final approval. Citizen comments can be made through June 17th.?
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Central and Eastern Kentucky. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
Would you like to contact the station? Email: WEKU.news@EKU.EDU Twitter: @889WEKU or Facebook.
Thank you!
