[CPEO-MEF]

[Aimee Houghton <aimeeh@cpeo.org>]

[The following letter from Colorado was sent out to Army Headquarters 
yesterday.  It refers to a bomblet containing sarin that was discovered on 
the Rocky Mountain Arsenal early last week. --Aimee]

October 26, 2000

Raymond J. Fatz
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Army
Environment, Safety & Occupational Health
U.S. Army
110 Army Pentagon, Room 2E577
Washington, DC  20310-0110

Dear Ray:

Subject:	Use of Donovan Chamber for destruction of sarin bomblet at 		the 
Rocky Mountain Arsenal

As you know, since discovery of the bomblet containing sarin at the Rocky 
Mountain Arsenal last week, our staff has been working with the Army and 
other interested agencies to determine the safest method for destruction of 
the bomblet.  At the present time, our staff is reviewing the latest plan 
received from the Army last night.

At the same time, we have received reliable information from E.P.A. Region 
I, the Army Corps of Engineers, and others that the Donovan chamber is 
suitable and available for destruction of the sarin bomblet.  We are told 
that the chamber has been used for similar chemicals and achieved high 
destruction efficiency.  It is our understanding that temperatures in the 
chamber reach over 6,000 degrees F; it is our understanding that with open 
detonation, the temperature reached is approximately 3,000 degrees 
F.  Further, we understand that the chamber could be mobilized and be at 
the Rocky Mountain Arsenal within 24 hours.

We also understand that although the Donovan chamber has not yet been 
certified specifically for sarin, that this procedural requirement can be 
waived.

We are requesting that if the Donovan chamber is suitable for destruction 
of the sarin bomblet that it be immediately mobilized to RMA.  Current 
meteorological forecasts are that there may not be suitable weather for 
several days for open detonation.  It is clearly preferable from a public 
health and environmental perspective that any detonation and treatment be 
enclosed if at all feasible.

I look forward to your prompt response to this request.

Sincerely,

Howard Roitman
Director, Hazardous Materials
	and Waste Management Division

cc:	Governor Bill Owens
	Senator Wayne Allard
	Jane E. Norton, Executive Director

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