HERMISTON, Ore. -- The disposal of chemical weapons resumed Monday at the Umatilla Chemical Depot with the destruction of four M55 rockets containing the nerve agent sarin, the Army reported.
AP
A M55 rocket containing the chemical agent GB
sarin gas is shown on a video monitor in a press room at the U.S. Army Chemical
Depot in real-time as it is transported through the explosive containment
vestibule at the weapons incineration facility near Hermiston. |
Since operations began Sept. 7, 150 rockets have been moved from their igloo, where they have been stored for decades, to the incinerator. Fifteen have been destroyed so far.
The process was suspended last week for an investigation of how two workers accidentally entered the room where the chemical agent drained from the rockets is being stored.
Since the incident, depot officials say they have tried to improve communication among workers and pair experienced workers with newer employees.
The depot has about 12 percent of the nerve and mustard gas weapons in the United States' stockpile and is under treaty obligation to destroy them.
The process is expected to take about six years.