It will start operations in 2003 to destroy 12.3 percent of the nation's original stockpile of chemical weapons. Colo. - plans to construct a disposal facility are on hold as the Army studies alternative technologies to dispose of 2,611 tons of mustard blister agent. This represents about 8.5 percent of the nation's original chemical weapons inventory. Umatilla Chemical Depot, Ore. - construction of an incineration facility began in 1997 and is 86 percent complete. It will open in 2002 to dispose of 3,717 tons or 11.6 percent of the nation's original stockpile of chemical weapons.
Studies show incineration is a safe means of destroying chemical weapons.
In fact, cigarette smoke and truck exhaust fumes contain far higher concentrations of chlorinated dioxins than the emissions from the Army's thermal destruction plants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eighty-one percent of the country's chemical warfare inventory will be destroyed at the five incineration plants. If the pilot testing is successful, another 9 percent of the stockpile will be processed at the two chemical treatment sites, Daughdrill said. Meanwhile, the Army is assessing technological alternatives to determine the best method for disposing of the remaining 10 percent of munitions. The Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization is dedicated to ensuring that maximum protection is provided to the workers, public and environment during the disposal process, Daughdrill said.