Army officials to gather more information

By LAWRENCE HAJNA
Courier-Post Staff
CARNEYS POINT

The Army on Friday said it will hold two public meetings in New Jersey and Delaware on DuPont's controversial proposal to treat the waste byproduct of a neutralized nerve agent.

But Army officials say they must gather more technical information from DuPont before scheduling the sessions.

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

He is project manager for the Army Chemical Materials Agency's Alternative Technologies and Approaches Project in Aberdeen, Md.

DuPont has proposed treating 2 million to 4 million gallons of caustic wastewater, known as hydrolysate, from the neutralization of a Cold War-era stockpile of VX nerve agent stored at the Army's Newport Chemical Depot in west-central Indiana.

Elected leaders in both states, including Gov. James E. McGreevey, swiftly requested the Army hold public meetings after learning of the proposal last month.

"We are awaiting the completion of DuPont's analysis of their transportation assessment, ability to treat the wastewater, and the environmental effects of the discharge of the treated water to the Delaware River," Barber said in a statement.

These documents will be available for public review at least 14 days before the public information sessions, Barber said. The comment period will be extended for 30 days after the public information meetings sessions to allow citizens an opportunity to respond.

The Army will conduct the information sessions on consecutive days. DuPont will participate.

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Reach Lawrence Hajna at (856) 486-2466 or lhajna@courierpostonline.com