Anniston Star
Speak Out
September 12, 2003

Incineration

AAD’s chemical weapons incinerator is our area's primary environmental/ health concern, but our community’s ability to safeguard the welfare of our citizens is complicated by questions regarding the technology’s safety and by the Army’s reluctance to report problems. The Army, unfortunately, has a history of manipulating public opinion.

In the past the Army has intimidated incinerator workers in Oregon and Utah who called attention to accidents and/or chemical agent releases. They have also bullied workers into not telling the truth (i.e., the recent Oregon lawsuit and a Department of Defense worker survey).

The Army, The Anniston Star, and ADEM now have an opportunity to insist upon the latest perimeter monitors that would maximize safety for our citizens. These monitors, approved by the National Research Council and the U. S. Senate voice, are used by every branch of the military and by the U.N. (and even in Iraq) to detect the presence of chemical agent. Safety must be everyone's primary concern.

Gene Blanton
Jacksonville