Chemical weapons destruction continues at most facilities

While chemical weapons processing stopped at Newport this week, other weapons-processing facilities continued to destroy rockets and projectiles. The Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility destroyed 105-mm projectiles and 533 gallons of sarin between Oct. 28 and Thursday. To date the facility has destroyed 93,431 chemical weapons and 81,519 gallons of chemical agent -- about 17 percent of the original stockpile. The Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Pine Bluff, Ark., destroyed 785 sarin-filled rockets and 7,010 pounds of sarin between Oct. 29 and Monday. To date, the facility has destroyed 26,145 rockets and 254,830 pounds of agent, about 3.6 percent of its original stockpile. The Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility destroyed 4,514 pounds of bulk VX between Oct. 26 and Tuesday. To date, the facility has destroyed 55,356 pounds of VX, 2.3 percent of its original stockpile. The Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility destroyed 1,054 sarin-filled rockets and 23,439 pounds of agent between Oct. 28 and Wednesday. To date, the facility has destroyed 38,830 chemical weapons and 415,332 pounds of agent, 5.6 percent of its initial stockpile. The Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Tooele, Utah, is undergoing retooling to begin processing blister agent next year. About Brian Lyman Brian Lyman covers infrastructure and the cities of Heflin and Lincoln for the Anniston Star. He lives in Anniston. Contact Brian Lyman Phone: Fax: E-mail: 256-235-3544 256-241-1991 blyman@annistonstar.com