Re: Moving nerve gas waste is criticized

[Susan L Gawarecki <loc@icx.net>]

According to DOT regulations, trucks transporting hazardous chemicals, 
explosives, and radioactive materials are placarded to reflect the 
nature of their load.  Emergency responders are trained to interpret the 
placards and respond to the situation accordingly.  While nerve gas is 
rightfully considered a very hazardous cargo, there are plenty of 
chemical tankers on the roads every day with loads that are every bit as 
dangerous.  Chlorine is routinely transported in bulk for use at water 
treatment plants and swimming pools.  It was once used as a chemical 
weapon.  Nerve gas at least is designed to degrade quickly when exposed 
to the environment so the attacking troops can move in after it's been used.

The DOT publishes a list of chemicals identified by a numerical 
designation on the truck or tank car placard.  If you make note of these 
on the road, you will be quite amazed at the number and variety of 
hazardous materials shipments.  The most common of these, of course, is 
gasoline.  Frankly, I don't see any difference in being killed by a 
crash of a truck carrying nerve gas vs. the explosion of a gasoline tanker.

Susan Gawarecki

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.....................................................
Susan L. Gawarecki, Ph.D., Executive Director
Oak Ridge Reservation Local Oversight Committee
102 Robertsville Road, Suite B, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Toll free 888-770-3073 ~ www.local-oversight.org
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