[CPEO-MEF] Chemical weapons will be neutralized at Blue Grass Army Depot

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

[Kentucky]
Chemical weapons will be neutralized at Blue Grass Army Depot
The Associated Press
11/21/02 10:17 AM

RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) -- After an 18-year battle, the Pentagon has
abandoned a plan to burn 523 tons of deadly nerve agents and other
chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond, and
instead will neutralize the weapons.

Opponents of incineration, ranging from environmentalists to Sen. Mitch
McConnell, hailed the decision.

Defense Undersecretary Edward "Pete" Aldridge signed a recommendation
Wednesday to the Army saying that neutralizing the weapons by mixing
them with water or a caustic solution, followed by high-pressure
heating, was the "preferred alternative technology" for disposing of the
weapons at the depot in Madison County.

Portions of the memo were made public by environmental groups, and
Pentagon officials confirmed the decision through congressional offices.

After a 30-day comment period, the neutralization plan is expected to be
made final.

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