Three suffer from heat stress at VX exercise

By Patricia L. Pastore/Tribune-Star

Three workers were overcome by heat Wednesday at the Newport Chemical Depot while participating in an emergency drill to ensure the community and the depot are prepared for a VX emergency.

Workers employed by Mason & Hanger, contracted by the Army to secure and maintain the chemical depot, suffered from heat stress while wearing rubber protective suits during the drill. One of the workers was treated at West Central Community Hospital and released, said Dennis Lindsey, Army spokesman.

Parsons Technology, the corporation contracted by the Army to design, construct and operate the Chemical Agent Disposal Facility, had no problems during the drill, said John Stewart, Parsons vice-president. Stewart said the disposal facility continued to operate as planned without any ill effects to its staff.

"No one got overheated on Parsons' team and none of the government people any problems," he said.

Media observed the community exercises in Vermillion and Parke counties. Despite the high humidity and 82-degree temperature, the heat didn't appear to be a problem for the participants who were wearing protective gear.

VX, a deadly nerve agent is currently being destroyed at the Chemical Agent Destruction facility on the chemical depot.

A total of 1,269 tons of the lethal agent has been stored at the depot since the 1960s. VX is so deadly that a drop the size of a BB can kill an adult in minutes, the Army has said.

Patricia Pastore can be reached at (812) 231-4271 or pat.pastore@tribstar.com.

Story created June 10, 2005 - 09:06:28 CDT.