Chemical Weapon Destruction Report Delayed Again

An Army Chemical Materials Agency report on options for eliminating the U.S. chemical stockpile by 2012, originally due in April, is not expected to be released publicly until late June, the Anniston Star reported yesterday (see GSN, March 7).

Defense Department spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Joe Carpenter said he did not know why the report was delayed. The Pentagon plans to review the document before it is released.

“We need an opportunity to look at it,” Carpenter said. “We may need to ask follow-up questions, and then develop an idea of all those alternatives, what our priorities are, and what we think the best way ahead will be.”

Spokesman Greg Mahall said the Chemical Materials Agency is waiting for the Pentagon’s guidance on the report.

“We have not received official closure on this, although I think it’s safe to say our work is done,” Mahall said.

With relocation removed as an option, the agency is considering alternatives such as relocating disposal equipment and secondary treatment options, the Star reported (Brian Lyman, Anniston Star, May 18).

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