Anniston Star
August 2, 2002

Scientist panel may review incineration plans

By Matthew Creamer
Star Staff Writer

An independent panel of scientists asked the Army Thursday for information that could kick off a review of controversial plans and procedures at the chemical weapons incinerator near Anniston.

In response to a request last week from U.S. Rep. Bob Riley, R-Ashland, a committee from the National Research Council will decide whether to review aspects of the local incinerator program after it evaluates information to be provided by the Army.

"We have gone to the Army with a request for data," said Don Siebenaler, study director for the council's chemical stockpile disposal committee. "From there we will make further decisions."

Although Siebenaler would not say exactly what the committee is seeking, he said it would follow from Riley's request. Siebenaler said it could take months for the committee to decide whether it will perform the study, which itself could take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years.

However, in a matter of months, the Army could begin burning nerve agent at the incinerator, using a method of destroying rockets that contradicts recommendations issued by the council in 1994.

Contrary to the baseline procedure of draining rockets of liquid agent before they are burned, the process, dubbed "chop and drop" by its critics, involves the feeding of rocket pieces loaded with gelled agent that can't be drained into a furnace.

This, along with recent schedule changes that the Army says will lead to an increase in risk, were both identified as issues of concern in a press release that accompanied Riley's request.

"When we made the request, we fully expected they would look into the matter," said Dan Gans, Riley's chief of staff. "The NRC has always taken an interest in this issue and shares our concerns about public safety. This comes as no surprise."

The NRC's information request to the Army followed a teleconference with officials from the Anniston incinerator as well as the Program for Chemical Demilitarization, which oversees the local operation.

"We work at the pleasure of Congress," said Mike Abrams, spokesman for the incinerator, in an interview. "If Congressman Riley wants this to happen, then we will do everything that's humanly possible to accommodate the congressman and the NRC."

Testing on nerve agent-filled rockets is scheduled to begin in the fall.

The National Research Council is the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences, which advises the federal government on matters of science and technology.