Oregon incinerator work halted after operational mistake

By Rob Jordan
Star Staff Writer
12-03-2004

The Army halted operations at an Oregon chemical weapons incinerator similar to Anniston’s on Thursday after workers mistakenly allowed chemical agent to migrate out of a designated area. Working in an out-of-service filter unit used to clean plant exhaust, technicians unclamped the wrong door, causing low levels of agent vapor to escape into an adjacent area, according to a report released by the Army. Safety controls contained the agent and the workers were not exposed, according to the Army. After the incident, workers put the filter unit back in service, thereby drawing the agent back into the filter. Washington Group International, the contractor in charge of operations at Umatilla and Anniston, will review the incident. This marks the third time the Army has shut down the Umatilla incinerator due to operational mistakes and glitches. The incinerator started burning chemical weapons in September.

About Rob Jordan

Rob Jordan covers criminal justice issues for The Star.