Weapons Processing Work at Pine Bluff Arsenal to Stop

Chemical weapons disposal at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas will stop for several months while piping in the pollution-abatement system is replaced, the Associated Press reported (see GSN, Dec. 21, 2005).

Work on the piping is expected to be completed in May at the Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Destruction of rockets containing the nerve agent sarin would resume at that point, according to facility press release.

The original antipollution system used plastic piping reinforced with fiberglass. This will be replaced with stronger metallic alloy pipes.

“Similar piping replacements have been accomplished at disposal sites in Umatilla, Ore., and Anniston, Ala.,” the release said.

Site project manager Randy Long said the replacement was long-planned “and we are confident that, once it is completed, the system should operate more efficiently by requiring less routine maintenance” (Associated Press/OregonLive.com, Jan. 12).

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.