Breaking News
Posted on Wed, Nov. 14, 2007
Congressmen want immediate action on violations at weapons depot
CENTRAL KENTUCKY BUREAU
Three members of Kentucky's congressional delegation have sent a letter to the Army Chemical Materials Agency calling for "immediate and decisive action" to correct violations that the state Department for Environmental Protection cited at Blue Grass Army Depot.
Republican U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning and U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Versailles, told Dale Ormond, acting director of the agency, they were "gravely concerned" about the violations, which included improper training and chemical storage.
They said they also were troubled by reports from whistle-blowers that the depot "allegedly stifles internal discussion and punishes those who raise concerns about depot safety practices."
The three asked to be briefed in the coming weeks on the problems in the KDEP report and remedies taken.
Spokesmen for the Chemical Materials Agency and depot said Tuesday they had not seen the letter and could not comment on it.