In addition, the assessment of alternatives has brought citizens into the decision-making process in an unprecedented manner. The incineration program is already 13 years behind schedule. It is unlikely to meet the International Treaty deadline of 2007. Legal action against incineration has been initiated in Utah, Alabama and Oregon and serious technical problems have plagued the existing facilities. The cost of alternative technologies for the bulk sites is at least comparable to, and probably lower than, incineration, according to an independent analysis from July 1996 performed by a U.S. Army.
Accidental releases threaten nearby communities.
Neighbors of the proposed incinerators and downwind are deeply concerned about possible accidental releases of large amounts of chemical warfare agents and toxic byproducts. In addition, chronic releases of low levels of chemical warfare agents, as documented at the Utah and Pacific facilities pose risk. Recent reports from Congress, investigating Gulf War Illness, confirm the health risk of low-level exposure to agents currently being burned at the Army incinerators. The incinerators are unsafe. Shutdowns at both existing facilities continue to plague operations and the number of whistleblowers from both plants has increased, now including a former General Manager, a former Chief Safety Officer and a former Chief of Hazardous Waste Management.