Port Arthur City Council Criticism of Veolia Ends With Applause

The Army colonel who oversees the shipment of nerve gas residue to Southeast Texas spoke at Port Arthur City Council.
Council members are upset because the city wasn't informed about the Army's contract with a local company to burn the material.
But Jessica Holloway reports what began with criticism ended with a standing ovation.

Colonel Jesse Barber received a standing ovation today. That came after a long grueling reprimand handed down to Veolia by Port Arthur City Council.

"This wasn't handled from a PR standpoint but it created a firestorm that didn't need to happen," said Councilman John Beard.

Members of the council are angry that an environmental group blamed them for not alerting the public about a contract between Veolia and the U.S. Army. Members of the council made it clear they didn't know either.

"Why did they not let the community know before the shipment came in or before they signed the contract," said Martin Flood.

"I apologize for that if you did not get notice," said Colonel Jesse Barber.

Colonel Jesse Barber admitted he was the man responsbile for the contract and the lack of communication.

"There was a snafu because we didn't get notification out like we had wanted to," said Colonel Barber.

Some council members agreed with Veolia and Colonel Barber, but there were skeptics among the crowd.

"I don't believe any of the dog and pony show we saw today," said Flood.

Councilman Martin Flood is not the only one against the project. An environmental group has been raising questions about the safety of destroying the nerve agent here. Colonel Barber says it's something he's seen across the country.

"The pattern I've seen is they take a section of truth and interweave it with fiction and that's really sad," said Colonel Barber.

Colonel Barber says similar contracts were refused by plants in Ohio and New Jersey because of problems with permits.

"We're not gonna stop the fight. We'll do what we have to do to keep the trucks from coming in," said Flood.

But the majority of counicl members agreed that destroying the chemical weapons is importarnt for the country.

"This is crucial for our nation. Do the right thing. Support your country and thank you for your support," said Colonel Barber.

An environmental group is fighting the contract to destroy the nerve gas residue.
The group has scheduled a protest for tomorrow night at six at the Royal Inn off Highway 73 in Port Acres.