[CPEO-MEF] Despite Evidence Army Failed To Fully Investigate WWI Site

[Aimee Houghton <aimeeh@cpeo.org>]

Evidence of D.C. Toxins Unheeded
--New Findings Back '86 Warning to U.S. On Buried Weapons

By Steve Vogel
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 9, 2001; Page A01

The federal government had strong evidence 15 years ago of possible buried
chemical weapons and dangerous ground contamination in an upscale section of
the District, but failed then and in subsequent years to fully investigate
the threat, according to a review of government records and court filings.

Federal analysts who studied old aerial photographs in 1986 warned the Army
of potential burial sites left from chemical weapons testing based at the
American University campus during World War I. The Army did not dig for the
munitions or take soil samples. With the Environmental Protection Agency's
approval, Army officials said nothing to the District government or residents
in the Spring Valley section of Northwest whose homes sat atop the possible 
dumps.

For the full story go to:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33850-2001Jul8.html


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Aimee R. Houghton
Associate Director, CPEO
122 C Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC  20001-2109
tel: 202-662-1888; fax: 202-628-1825
Email: aimeeh@cpeo.org
www.cpeo.org
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