Destruction of chemical agents continues at the Anniston Army Depot. The incinerator began operating in 2003. Since then, it has safely destroyed the entire stockpile of nerve agents (blister agent is currently being destroyed). We are familiar with the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, better known as CSEPP. Through CSEPP, our community has become more prepared, not only for chemical emergencies, but all emergencies. We have become familiar with our evacuation routes and how to shelter-in-place, thanks in part to CSEPP.
Michael Abrams is the Public Affairs Officer for the Anniston Chemical Agency Disposal Facility. Mike was kind enough to answer a few questions on October 25th, about the current status of events at the Anniston Army Depot.
Q: What is left to be destroyed at the Anniston Army Depot?
Abrams: To answer this question, let me state what has been safely demilitarized as of October 25, 2009. To date, the Army civilian employees of the Anniston Chemical Activity and the Team (other civilians, SAIC, and Westinghouse Anniston contractor employees) at the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility have safely processed a total of 405,758 munitions (61.3%) and 314,162 gallons of chemical agent. The Anniston totals include all nerve agent GB munitions (142,428 munitions and 96,078 gallons), all nerve agent VX munitions (219,374 munitions and 196,925 gallons), and 14.6% of the mustard agent munitions (43,956 munitions and 21,159 gallons). What is left is hundreds of thousands of 4.2-inch mortars, artillery shells (105mm and 155mm) and some large bulk containers.
Q: How does this compare with the GB and VX which have already been destroyed?
Abrams: Nerve agents GB and VX are deadly on contact, whether that contact is with the nerve agent in liquid or vapor form. Mustard agent is not necessarily deadly. However, on contact, mustard agent will cause large, painful blisters on exposed skin. The stored mustard agent munitions at Anniston present a level of risk to Anniston Chemical Activity and Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility employees who are well-trained to work safely with the munitions. The mustard agent munitions pose virtually no risk to the surrounding civilian communities or the environment.
Q: When will the work be completed?
Abrams: Officially, we expect all of the mustard munitions in Anniston to be safely demilitarized before the end of 2012. Optimistically, we may be able to complete disposal operations before the end of the year 2011. Regardless, after disposal operations are complete, we will then close the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility over the next 18 to 24 months.
Q: Will chemical weapons from other states be brought in to be destroyed?
Abrams: Simply said…”No.” The Department of Defense (The President’s budget) has requested and Congress has funded the construction of disposal facilities in Colorado and Kentucky. The other U.S. storage sites are currently operating existing disposal facilities or have concluded their respective demilitarization operations.
Q: In addition to the local Emergency Management Agency, who can people speak with if they have questions or concerns about the disposal of chemical weapons at the Anniston Army Depot?
Abrams: We have an Information Office in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Building. It is located at 1330 Quintard Avenue, Anniston. The phone number is 256-238-0120. The public is invited to visit, call, or email (mabrams@ancdf.org) questions or comments.
