Tooele Transcript Bulletin

August 23, 2001

Agent Found After Power Outage

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm Monday night caused a brief power
outage at the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility.

However, as in previous power outages, automatic generators at the chemical
weapons burner failed to turn on, and about a minute passed before the
generators could be manually started.

During that delay, GB nerve agent was detected at three locations inside
the plant but did not leak out into the air or harm any workers, according
to a press release from the facility. Follow-up phone calls to the burner were not returned.

"TOCDF officials are investigating the incident and any necessary
corrective actions will be made after the cause is determined," said the
press release.