Depot workers detect additional leaking weapon
By Ronica Brandenburg/Register News Writer

Blue Grass Army Depot workers have located an additional leaking projectile among the two weapons storage igloos where nerve agent was detected July 19.

The projectile, containing mustard agent, has been placed in a leak-proof overpack container, according to a statement released Thursday by the Chemical Material Agency (CMA).

"We keep monitoring the igloos just to make sure that there's not another one leaking somewhere and in this case, it was a precaution that paid off," said Dick Sloan, public affairs officer for Blue Grass Chemical Activity. "The second igloo had high readings earlier, so we're still looking in that one."

Two leaking projectiles were previously located among the two igloos on Aug. 23.

Those projectiles also were contained and the monitoring and filtering of the igloo continued to detect additional leaks. The monitors continued to show traces of mustard agent.

All leaking weapons remain sealed and the two igloos containing them continue to be filtered and monitored, according to the CMA's report.

The agent vapors are detected during the first-entry monitoring system. Each of the 45 active igloos are monitored daily, and the atmosphere of each igloo is tested before workers enter. The air used in the test is then passed through a gas chromatograph that destroys the sample as it analyzes it.

The isolation process used to find leaking munitions is time consuming and the recent excessive heat has further slowed the process, Sloan said.

In order to rid the igloo of leaking agent, it is flushed using a high-powered air filter. Once that has been done, workers dress in protective gear and enter the igloo to make a visual inspection. If the leaking weapon(s) are not found right away, a much more detailed process goes into effect.

Each set of pallets are covered, sealed off and left for 24 hours. Then, workers test the air in each pallet to help determine the specific leaking rocket.

Mustard leaks have occurred twice at the depot in 2002 and 2003.

The CMA reports that there is no danger to the community and local and state emergency preparedness officials have been advised and will be kept informed as isolation procedures continue.

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