N.J. Lawmakers Question VX Byproduct Transportation

Two New Jersey lawmakers are questioning the U.S. Army’s methods for shipping the byproduct of VX nerve agent destruction following a spill at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Indiana, the New Jersey Courier-Post reported today (see GSN, June 20).

The Army plans to ship byproduct from VX destruction to New Jersey for final disposal.

“The question now becomes, ‘Can the Army load and ship (VX) without further incident?’” said a spokesman for Senator John Corzine (D-N.J.). Representative Rob Andrews (D-N.J.) is also concerned about possible spills, the Courier-Post reported.

Newport spokeswoman Terry Arthur said the proper safety measures are in place. “We know how dangerous VX is.  Everything we do is very deliberate.”

Destruction of VX is scheduled to resume at Newport later this week (Jim Walsh, New Jersey Courier-Post, June 21).  

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