Army Stops VX Destruction at Newport

The flammability of the byproduct created by neutralizing VX nerve agent has forced the U.S. Army to indefinitely suspend weapons destruction at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Indiana, the Indianapolis Star reported today (see GSN, June 23).

Officials discovered the flashpoint of hydrolysate wastewater is 68 to 88 degrees. It was previously thought the flashpoint was more than 200 degrees (John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star, July 1). 

Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a chemical will produce enough gas to burn. Materials with higher flashpoints are less flammable or hazardous than materials with lower flashpoints (Greg Webb, GSN, July 1).

Facility spokesman Terry Arthur said there was still minimal danger of wastewater ignition. “It is already being held in containers designed to hold flammable liquid,” he said.

“We have committed a team of engineers to make a full analysis and determine our options so that we can reduce or eliminate the flammability factor," added project manager Col. Jesse Barber.

Neutralization would not resume until the flashpoint question is answered. Operations have been suspended since June 10 when 30 gallons of VX spilled during transfer, the Star reported (Tuohy, Indianapolis Star).

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