VX Byproduct Leaks at Newport Chemical Depot

Equipment containing a byproduct of the VX nerve agent neutralization process has leaked at Newport Chemical Depot in Indiana, the Indianapolis Star reported today (see GSN, July 1).

The five-gallon spill was contained in a sealed room and endangered no workers, Army spokeswoman Terry Arthur said. The cause of the leaks is not yet known, she said.

Workers were transferring hydrolysate, a byproduct of VX destruction, from a holding tank to a reactor when the spill was discovered. The spilled liquid did not contain VX, according to the Star.

Operations at the plant have been suspended since June 10, when 30 gallons of VX spilled. Work was further delayed when hydrolysate was found to be more flammable than originally thought.

It is not known when operations at the Depot will resume. Arthur said the Army is working to determine what is causing hydrolysate’s increased flammability and whether safety procedures in place are adequate (Tammy Webber, Indianapolis Star, July 14).

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