[CPEO-MEF] Experts say Ord burns no worse than big fire

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

California
THE CALIFORNIAN
Experts say Ord burns no worse than big fire
Others at symposium raise health concerns
By Kelly Nix

MARINA -- Experts on both explosives and public health said Wednesday
they aren't certain how smoke resulting from future prescribed burns on
the former Fort Ord will affect nearby residents and students at
California State University, Monterey Bay.

"I think there are a lot of unanswered questions that none of us will
know until it (burn) happens," said Dr. Robert Johnson with the Agency
for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry.

Johnson was one of seven speakers and panelists who visited CSUMB for a
symposium on future burns at the former military base. Taking part were
geologists, fire and health officials and experts in Army explosives.
About 30 students and local

The burns, designed to clear vegetation and millions of rounds of
unexploded ordnance, have faced opposition from residents and others who
say the resulting fumes could be toxic to breathe.

The fires are scheduled sometime before Dec. 31 and would occur at the
former artillery areas known as ranges 43-48. The ranges are littered
with unexploded bullets, old mortar rounds and rockets left over from
military exercises.

Because of the danger the ammunition presents, the fires would be
started and controlled from the air to minimize risk to firefighters.

"Some of this highly explosive material, ... if triggered, could
penetrate a tank," said James Creighton, a Los Gatos-based public
participation consultant.

The Army will pay for temporary housing, food and transportation for
people with health concerns who want to be relocated while the burns
occur, said Creighton, who is coordinating the voluntary-relocation
program.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.californianonline.com/news/stories/20030911/localnews/236413.html

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