A chemical operations crew from the Umatilla Chemical
Depot separate rocket motor and warhead sections on
nine M55 rockets that were sent to an Army lab in
Picatinny, N.J., on June 13 for propellant sampling and
analysis.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The state of Oregon has fined the operator of the Umatilla Chemical Depot weapons disposal facility $41,600 for permit violations.

The Washington Demilitarization Co. operates the incineration facility at the depot to destroy aging stockpiles of chemical weapons dating from the Cold War era.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said Thursday the company agreed to pay the fines and take steps to ensure compliance with its hazardous waste treatment facility permit after two violations.

The agency said the disposal company failed to strictly follow proper air monitoring procedures when incinerating one container and operated under procedures or documents not properly incorporated into the permit.

State officials said the violations did not result in any reported public health hazards or direct environmental harm.