Re: "VX safety faltering already" (editorial, March 18).

This editorial requires clarification.

First, more than 141 tons of nerve agent VX have been safely destroyed in Indiana -- in an industrial setting -- without exposure to the workers, public or environment.

Second, wastewater leaked inside a contained area and workers safely shut off the leak and contained the liquid. This posed no risk to the workers, public or environment.

Third, your description of the leak made the wastewater sound as deadly as the nerve agent. It is not. It has no detectable nerve agent, no nerve agent characteristics and is a caustic similar to or less caustic than industrial strength liquids transported safely on the highways into and through your state daily.

Fourth, the initial report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency found that transportation and handling of the wastewater could be done safely. However, we are waiting for the final CDC report before deciding on the disposal resolution for wastewater.

Fifth, numerous studies show that transportation and disposal of the wastewater off-site is safe for the workers, public and environment and the wisest use of limited resources. A related project in Maryland has transported more than 7 million gallons of wastewater safely to DuPont's facility.

We will continue working with the CDC and other oversight agencies to ensure that destruction of the nerve agent, and disposal of the resulting wastewater, is accomplished safely for the workers, public and environment.

COL. JESSE L. BARBER U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency Aberdeen Proving Ground Aberdeen, Md.