for more information contact:
Craig Williams (859) 986 -7565
for immediate release: Tuesday July 2, 2002
In a letter sent today, Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Wayne Allard (R- CO), both members of Senate Defense Committees, let Undersecretary of Defense Edward "Pete" Aldridge know who they want disposing of the chemical weapons stored in their respective states - and who they don't. In a co-signed letter, the Senators said they were "concerned with evidence that the Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization [PMCD--the office that advocates incineration for both states] is seeking greater control over the implementation of alternative demilitarization technologies in Colorado and Kentucky."
Stating that the demilitarization efforts "must be predicated
on transparency and cooperation" the letter continued, "This
organization [PMCD] in the past has not demonstrated a strong
commitment either in its degree of transparency or coordination
with local officials and concerned citizens."
While criticizing this office, the letter praised the alternative
technology program saying, "In contrast, the independent
managers for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment (ACWA),
are generally well-respected and trusted by local community leaders."
The timing of the letter surrounds the anticipated Acquisition Decision Memorandum by Aldridge which will be the final say on which technology will be used to destroy Colorado's chemical weapons stockpile. The Memorandum is expected to choose neutralization and to be issued on July 8th. It will also direct which office will manage the disposal project. McConnell is concerned because this decision on management in Colorado will "establish a pattern for future Army Chemical Demilitarization sites." A decision on the technology for Kentucky is scheduled for later this year.
"Obviously these two Senators understand the difference between a program run on integrity and honesty and one run on public relations and propaganda," said Craig Williams, director of the Kentucky-based Chemical Weapons Working Group. "Realizing this, both want the chemical weapons in their respective states disposed of under ACWA program management."
Colorado Citizens Advisory Commission Member Ross Vincent said, "It's astounding that PMCD could fight so hard against alternative technologies, but when it becomes apparent that they will be chosen, suddenly they want to control the project. If PMCD gets this program there will be people marching in the streets of Pueblo against them."
It was PMCD that in April of last year was accused of misrepresenting information to a Senate Committee. According to the Senate Defense Committee Report language issued in October of last year, ".......equally troubling to the Committee is that local community groups at stockpile locations and concerned citizens were provided misleading information as recently as August."
According to Calhoun County Alabama Commissioner Eli Henderson, "PMCD has done nothing but lie to us for the past ten years. I wish we would have listened to the Chemical Weapons Working Group beginning back then, we wouldn't be in this mess today." Henderson served 20 years as a U.S. Marine and is also a retired chemical weapons worker at the Anniston, Alabama Depot where an incinerator is scheduled to begin burning its chemical weapons later this year.
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