Monday, February 09, 2004

PENNSVILLE TWP. -- The U.S. Army announced Friday it will hold two public information sessions -- one in New Jersey and one in Delaware -- on the proposal to treat a neutralized byproduct of the deadly nerve agent VX at the DuPont Chambers Works here.

The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency, however, said the date, time and exact location of the two meetings have yet to be finalized.

Information expected to be discussed at the two forums includes the destruction process for the chemical agent at the Newport Chemical Depot in Newport, Ind., where it is currently stored, DuPont's treatment method for the resulting caustic wastewater and how the material will be transported here.

Col. Jesse Barber, project manager for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency's Alternative Technologies and Approaches Project, said in a news release that the meetings will provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions and receive information on the proposed treatment methods and transportation plan.

"We recognize the importance of providing the public a full opportunity to learn about and comment on the plan," said Barber.

An agreement was reached mid-January to extend the public comment period for 60 days after lawmakers had written to the Army requesting more information and an extension period. Environmental groups and members of the public had been expressing their concern since the proposal to treat the nerve agent byproduct at DuPont was first reported in late December.

The comment period will be extended for 30 days after the public information meetings to allow residents an opportunity to provide additional input.

The nerve agent VX was originally manufactured by the U.S. for military use as a chemical weapon and is considered among the deadliest of all chemicals. DuPont is bidding for the contract to process the byproduct here.

Under the proposed contract, the Army would neutralize and destroy stockpiles of the chemical nerve agent VX in Newport, and the waste would then be transported to DuPont Chambers Works bio-degredation facility where it would be further neutralized and treated for disposal.