Re: [CPEO-MEF]

[Vs3trees@aol.com]

In response to comment by LaVonne Stone, Environmental Justice Network,

I agree with you on some of the points you expressed except for your remarks 
about the fencing and the demand for immediate cleanup. 

I think that proponents of the prescribed burning method have used the 
argument that children will trespass on ranges and handle dangerous 
explosives as an excuses to use the burning to clear the land of the UXO 
(unexploded ordnance). The same burning which as you say will emit 
contaminated smoke that effects the lungs of adults and children alike. The 
fences are meant to keep that threat at a minimum. If you demand the 
immediate removal of fencing and also the immediate cleanup you are pushing 
the Army and helping the Army justify the only quick and close to immediate 
cleanup method, which is burning! Furthermore; did you know that one of the 
sites slated for burning is site 44 which has been described in the Army's 
documentation as possibly the most toxic site in the country? Toxic and 
hazardous military waste is found in 7'-10' depths called burial pits on this 
and other sites according to the 1998 Engineering Evaluation and Cost 
Analysis, Army Corps. of Engineers.

When open burned the dangerous chemicals on these sites do not completely 
combust. Many say that a conservative estimate would be that 4/5 of the 
matter will not combust and much of it will be made airborne for all of us 
downwind to breath. The people without a voice will also be in danger of 
loosing their health also. This is not environmental justice for anyone. The 
open burning of toxic and hazardous waste is not safe and it should never be 
allowed even if we have to put up with ugly fences and even if we have to be 
patient about how long the cleanup takes. After all, if it takes longer we 
may all live longer. So let's take a good look at what we are really asking 
for here.

    With all Due Respect,
    Vienna Merritt Moore
    Life 2000 Supporter


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