East Oregonian
February 2, 2002

Alabama Governor Planning Litigation to Block Incineration of Alabama's Chemical Weapons

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- The governor of Alabama announced Friday his intention to initiate legal actions to block the startup of incineration of chemical weapons in his state, saying, "The federal government has failed to provide the maximum protection necessary for the citizens of Calhoun County, and as governor, I will not stand for it."

The Calhoun County Commission then issued a statement fully supporting Gov. Don Siegelman's actions. The Army's chemical weapons incinerator is on the Anniston Army Depot, located in Jacksonville, Ala.

Citing the reneging on promises made by the Department of Defense, the Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund community preparedness capabilities, the governor also committed to "become personally involved in the permitting process until safety concerns are addressed."

"This is a major step in exposing the Army's incineration program for the shell game it is," said Craig Williams, director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group (CWWG), a coalition of citizens groups who oppose incineration of these cold war weapons. "When the governor follows up on his promise to become involved firsthand in the permitting process he will quickly learn what others have known for a long time: that the Army has cut every corner, twisted every arm and told every tale to get the permit to burn this stuff. They've broken numerous laws and regulations as well and it looks like the 'bodies' will soon be showing up."

Brenda Lindell, an Alabama CWWG coalition member and a leader of Families Concerned About Incinerating Nerve Gas, said even though they lost their first legal challenge to the permit in Alabama, there are more legal actions being developed right now.

"We hope the governor will consider this evidence as he develops his own legal strategy and engages in hands-on oversight of this program," Lindell said.

The Army plans to begin burning sarin (GB) agent in Calhoun County, population 112,000, later this year.