Tests show two batches of VX neutralized

By Howard Greninger/Tribune-Star/Newport

Final laboratory tests confirm the first two batches of the deadly nerve agent VX were neutralized at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility.

Two reactors, each containing 90 gallons of VX, used hot sodium hydroxide and water to neutralize the nerve agent last week.

"Our laboratory analysis have confirmed that the samples taken from the reactors are non-detect for VX with the method detection method of less than 20 parts per billion," said Jeffrey Brubaker, the U.S. Army's site project manager.

The neutralized VX, which forms a liquid byproduct called hydrolysate, has been moved into an interim storage tank and will be moved into a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved storage container.

The hydrolysate was tested through a gas chromatography process. The first batch tested at 14 parts per billion, which is "what we have seen as we have progressed over the last several years, first in a laboratory scale and then in smaller scale reactors. We have typically been in the 14 parts per billion range," Brubaker said.

Over the past five days, Brubaker said more than 13,000 cycles of air monitoring has been completed throughout the Newport facility "and we have had zero detections for chemical agent," he said.

Newport will continue neutralization of more VX today, Brubaker said. "Up to this point, we are extremely pleased with how things are going," Brubaker said. "As we move forward through our controlled start-up plan, we will continue to focus on safety. Therefore, all of our actions are going to be very slow and deliberate."

Currently, the neutralization process takes about six hours. Brubaker said the Army hopes to refine its process to reduce that time. "The goal is 21/2 hours" to process, Brubaker said.

The interior of the first two containers holding VX have been rinsed and "we successfully air monitored the containers and cleared them from the agent drain and glove box," Brubaker said.

The drain and glove box is where VX is removed from its storage container. "The interior of the containers have been washed, commonly referred to as triple rinsing using water and sodium hydroxide," Brubaker said. "At this point, they will be temporarily stored until we can process them through our electrical induction heating system. That system is designed to complete final decontamination and at such time, the containers will be allowed to be released from Army controls."

While details are still being finalized, the containers most likely would be turned over to a metal recycler, Brubaker said.

It is estimated to take 21/2 to 3 years to complete VX stockpile destruction.

The Army National Guard, which stationed forces at the Depot shortly after terrorist attacks in September 2001, last month pulled its forces out of Newport.

Lt. Col. Scott Kimmell, depot commander, said the depot made assessments last year of what is needed for security. "We have taken adequate security precautions, additions in personnel and technical support. The stockpile is more than safe and secure," Kimmell said.

The Newport Chemical Depot, about 30 miles north of Terre Haute, has 1,269 containers of the oily, amber liquid VX stored on site, with each container holding about 180 gallons of nerve agent.

Howard Greninger can be reached at (812) 231-4204 or howard.greninger@tribstar.com.

Story created May 10, 2005 - 09:10:11 CDT.