[CPEO-MEF] Army Delays Release of Information about Chemical Find

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

The following news release can be viewed online at:
http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=1549582
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Alabama
WAFF.COM
Army Delays Release of Information about Chemical Find
December 5, 2003

(Anniston-AP) -- Local officials say they're not pleased with the Army
Corps of Engineers' decision to wait more than a week to reveal the
discovery of a vial containing pre-World War Two chemical agent at the
old Fort McClellan.

Officials said the material did not pose a health threat.

The agency disclosed yesterday that employees of an Army contractor,
Shaw Environmental, found the glass vial on November 21st during the
excavation of scrap material during a clean up operation at the
McClellan site.

Officials said that of eight teaspoons of solution contained in the
sealed vial, less than a half-teaspoon was actual chemical agent.

A special unit sent from Maryland placed the vial in a multiple-layer
sealed container and it was taken to a fenced area with 24-hour guards.

Marilyn Phipps, a spokeswoman for the corps in Mobile, said the
discovery wasn't made public immediately because the agent wasn't near
any housing and did not pose a danger.

Anniston Mayor Chip Howell said the Anniston-Calhoun County Joint Powers
Authority felt the public needed to be notified. Howell said the
discovery was not unexpected since the property was once used for
training exercises. He said that is one reason the area remains under
Army control.

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