Citizen groups support changes to weapons disposal permit
By Ronica Brandenburg/Register News Writer

The public was given a voice in the future of chemical weapons destruction Tuesday evening at a public hearing hosted by the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet's Division of Waste Management.

The hearing allowed the public to submit comments, either oral or written, regarding modifications of a hazardous waste permit that would give the Army permission to continue storing the weapons. If approved, the permit would also allow the Army and its contractor, Bechtel-Parsons Blue Grass, to construct, test and operate the chemical weapons disposal facility.

"We want to let the government know that this community wants to continue being informed and involved in this effort," said Craig Williams, director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group based in Berea.

The Kentucky Citizens Advisory Commission (CAC) will be submitting comments on the draft permit, as will the Kentucky Environmental Foundation/Chemical Weapons Working Group.

The permit was tentatively approved July 19 by the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. It was written to destroy only GB agent or "sarin"; however, based on the success of the process, the permit may be expanded as a regular permit to include the destruction fVX and mustard agents.

Williams was the only vocal presenter at Tuesday's hearing and spoke on behalf of the CAC announcing their support for the permit.

"The CAC recognizes and appreciates the efforts put forward by the Cabinet and the permittee(s) in regards to public involvement in the process, the transparency and information sharing that has occurred thus far .

We also appreciate the extra time and effort taken to inform and gather input from the CAC, the Chemical Destruction Citizens Advisory Board (CDCAB) and the general public," Williams said.

Tony Patton, assistant director of the Division of Waste Management, was pleased with the amount of written responses received.

"I was glad to see there is support for these permits because it gets us closer to the point where we're actually neutralizing these agents," he said. "But, people are concerned. They want to make sure that the process is not going to be something that's going to harm them."

The pilot plant is a project of high priority to those at the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, stating that "There is an increasing risk to human health and the environment from long term storage of the aging chemical munitions," according to a statement released in July.

Tuesday marked the last day for comments to be received and considered; however, the permit drafts can be reviewed at the Madison County Public Library (Richmond and Berea branches), the Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office at 301 Highland Park Drive in Richmond or the Division of Waste Management, 14 Reilly Road, Frankfort, Ky.

Ronica Brandenburg can be reached at rbrandenburg@ richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.