Anniston Star
August 15, 2003

Incineration remains at standstill for equipment adjustments

By Nathan Solheim
Star Staff Writer
08-16-2003

No agent or munitions were processed Friday at the Anniston Army Depot’s chemical weapons incinerator.

Over the past five days, the Army destroyed GB nerve agent-filled M55 rockets on Wednesday and has processed 32 munitions since Saturday.

Army spokesman Mike Abrams said the facility didn’t process rockets because incinerator officials are letting workers go into the explosion containment room to make some minor adjustments.

Abrams could only speculate on what those adjustments were, and likened the process to tuning a piano.

Wednesday, incinerator officials were adjusting nozzles that spray cutting blades to keep them clean and prevent sparks and also adjusting the system that measures how much agent drains out of the munitions.

“Although people may tire of it, these adjustments are not indicative of any failure,” Abrams said.

The explosion containment room is where rockets are punched and drained of their deadly nerve agent.

Abrams also said the workers are getting an opportunity to do some training in the hot zone with protective suits.

Processing could resume this weekend, Abrams said.

An anti-incinerator rally is scheduled for today.

“Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few days of not processing rockets will give them ammunition for them to ridicule us,” Abrams said. “I fully expect that our operations, as we get out of the initial shakedown phase will, in fact, demonstrate the work force is prepared to do what is necessary in this community.”