Leaking gas projectiles put in special cases

Two projectiles seeping mustard gas at the Blue Grass Army Depot have been packed in leak-proof containers.

The leaks were discovered July 19 in one of the depot's storage igloos, which contain several thousand 155mm projectiles.

The containers holding the leaking weapons will remain in the igloo for at least three days to ensure there are no leaks from other projectiles, said Richard Sloan, spokesman for the Blue Grass Chemical Activity.

If readings show no additional leaks, the containers will be moved to another igloo where similar specially packed weapons are stored, he said.

Workers also are looking to narrow the source of another mustard gas leak discovered in another igloo. That igloo's air is being filtered to prevent a leak.

Sloan said workers have been slowed by the recent heat. A worker in a rubber protective suit in 90-degree heat can work only about 10 minutes.

None of the leaks posed any danger to the public, he said.