Anniston Star
June 26, 2003

Movement of chemicals to halt during race weeks at Talladega

By Nathan Solheim
Star Staff Writer
06-27-2003

The Army will not move chemical munitions or open any weapons-storage facilities at Anniston Army Depot during race weeks at Talladega Superspeedway, according to an agreement between Talladega County officials and the agency that oversees the chemical weapons incinerator.

Chemical weapons destruction can continue inside the incinerator during a race week, however.

Talladega Superspeedway is 6.5 miles from the incinerator, according to emergency management officials. The Superspeedway draws around 200,000 people to each of its races in April and October. Many race-goers camp out in tents and meander around outside for much of race week.

With little or no way to provide protection, and with sheer numbers making evacuation a near impossibility, local emergency management officials asked the Army to address the issue of race-week crowds. They made the request about two weeks ago, during a meeting of officials from counties closest to the chemical weapons stockpile.

From midnight Thursday through midnight Sunday of the race weeks, the Army will not move munitions or open the igloos where the weapons are stored, said Nelson Bates, director of the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency.

Bates learned of the Army's decision Thursday afternoon.

"This is great news, this is exactly what I wanted to hear," Bates said. "We're in the process of getting equipment to our residents in the immediate response zone, and these were the concerns I had."

Army officials have said the community is most at risk when the weapons are being moved from storage facilities.

"The Army has pledged to work with the folks of Alabama and address their concerns while ultimately eliminating the risk these weapons pose in storage," said Greg Mahall, a spokesman for the Chemical Materials Agency.

Bates said he was satisfied that once the weapons are inside the incinerator the risk of agent getting off post is significantly reduced.

Relatively few race attendees stay through Monday or Tuesday after the events, and they could be evacuated, he said.

"The majority of the people are going to be departing the track right after the race," Bates said. "We have people stay until Tuesday, but it's not an unmanageable amount. If we had to evacuate those people it wouldn't interfere with our plans."

Track officials were out of town Thursday and could not be reached for comment.