Anniston Star
March 5, 2003

Inspectors give stockpile at depot a passing grade

By Jason Landers
Star Staff Writer
03-05-2003

BYNUM

A team of Army inspectors has given the Anniston Army Depot a passing grade for safety and security measures at the chemical weapons stockpile.

The team toured the stockpile during an announced inspection last week. Its members reviewed all aspects of the depot's chemical storage mission, including operations, management structures, safety, security and emergency response capabilities.

More than 2,200 tons of deadly nerve and blister agent are aging in 155 earthen-covered concrete bunkers at the depot.

"(Anniston Army Depot) is extremely proud of what we do daily to ensure the safety of our depot employees and local community," said Col. Gerald Bates, the depot commander. "We expected close scrutiny and are pleased with the results."

Inspections either are announced or unannounced. Typically, the Army inspector general's office conducts the reviews every 18 months, but there are instances when the inspection frequency may be prolonged up to 24 months.

The team conducted its last inspection of the Anniston stockpile in February 2001.

"The (inspection team) only validated what I've known since I've been here," said Lt. Col. Robert Jones, who commands activities associated with storing the weapons. "The depot's team has a work force of highly qualified people who are fully committed to safe and secure storage of our chemical stockpile."

The Army plans to burn the stockpile in a billion-dollar incinerator at the depot. Construction of the facility is complete, but the Army has not set a firm date for when the operation will begin.