Anniston Star
Speak Out
September 12, 2003

More incineration

A recent article in The Anniston Star, “Anniston’s Incinerator — When is notice needed?” included a request from the Kentucky-based Chemical Weapons Working Group for an independent oversight group for the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. I wanted to take this opportunity to assure the community that significant independent oversight is being provided for the facility and its operations. This is demonstrated in the form of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, which has offices on-site and has access to the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A second independent oversight group is the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has conducted numerous, rigorous reviews of the Army’s air monitoring program, and continuously reviews the monitoring data from all operating facilities, including the ANCDF. The CDC has consistently concluded that the Army’s monitoring program is fully protective of our workers and the environment.

A third arm of independent oversight is the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council (NRC). The NRC has done numerous reports on this program, including detailed reviews of the Army’s monitoring system. The Anniston Star has written extensively on reports issued by the NRC.

These groups of scientists and engineers, leaders in their respective fields of study, have used science and facts in formulating and relating their opinions on the disposal program and continue to provide expert oversight. We welcome their oversight and recommendations to ensure safe operations for our workers, our community and our environment.

Our current commitment to safe operations, coupled with the expert, relevant oversight already in place, clearly demonstrates the Army in general, and the ANCDF in particular is way in front of those who are quick to criticize and reluctant to give credit where credit is truly warranted.

Timothy K. Garrett
ANCDF Site Project Manager
Anniston