POSTED:
4:29 p.m. EDT October 13, 2003
UPDATED: 8:39 a.m. EDT October 14, 2003
JEFFERSON TWP., Ohio -- People who live in Jefferson
Township are relieved after the U.S. Army pulled its contract to bring a
VX nerve gas byproduct to the Miami Valley. 
PermaFix was supposed to treat and breakdown hydrolysate and dump it into
the Montgomery County sewer system. They conducted numerous tests and demonstrations
to prove that they could safely dispose of the chemicals. However, the company
needed community support in order for the $9 million contract to be completed.
They never received that support. Residents in the area said the nerve gas
would create health and ecological problems.
PermaFix released a statement that said they will continue to pursue the
use of the Bio-Fix process to treat chemical weapons. In recent weeks, the
Montgomery County Commission denied PermaFix the permit it would need to
treat hydrolysate.