Whistleblower Discloses Violations at Chemical Weapons Depot

WASHINGTON, DC, May 11, 2007 (ENS) - A scientist overseeing chemical weapons storage operations at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Kentucky claims he was fired for reporting worker safety, environmental and data integrity violations, according to legal filings released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, PEER.

The Army facility is already the subject of a criminal grand jury convened by the U.S. Justice Department, looking into these and other lapses at the repository, which holds 500 tons of deadly chemical warfare agents. The weapons are scheduled for destruction under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Kim Schafermeyer, an analytical chemist and industrial hygienist, served at Bluegrass until July 2006 when he was dismissed just before the end of his one year probationary period.

In his April 6, 2007 affidavit filed in support of his legal complaint, Schafermeyer outlines chronic safety and pollution concerns, including direct venting of chemical warfare agent expelled from testing equipment directly into laboratory areas occupied by workers and visitors.

He alleges improper handling of air and waste water samples and flawed monitoring data protocols, including apparent creation of figures when data gaps occurred.

Schafermeyer describes supervisors and certifying officials with no identifiable qualifications and the misuse of congressionally appropriated funds obtained by U.S. Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky earmarked for equipment upgrades.

He alleges threats by base managers in order to stifle reports of any problems.

In addition, other depot employees have come forward with information about the inability to monitor conditions inside the "igloos," structures where the VX nerve gas and other agents are stored in their original rockets, which still contain explosive propellants.

Schafermeyer's case is currently awaiting hearing before a U.S. Department of Labor administrative law judge, although it may be sent back to the federal civil service authorities for processing under the Whistleblower Protection Act rather than under federal environmental laws.

PEER is now taking sworn statements from current and former depot managers. "There will be many more revelations in the coming days out of the chemical weapons operation at Bluegrass," said PEER Executive Director Jeffe Ruch. "Incredibly," he said, "Blue Grass managers are still telling employees that safety and environmental considerations detract from the facility mission."