The FBI has received conflicting results from anthrax tests on laboratory equipment recovered from a pond near Frederick, Md., that was searched as part of the bureau’s investigation into the autumn 2001 anthrax attacks, the Washington Post reported today (see GSN, May 23).

Authorities first searched a set of ponds in a forest near Frederick last December.  The winter searches uncovered several pieces of laboratory equipment, including what could be a box that would allow someone to manipulate material inside it while wearing gloves, according to the Post.

Initial tests on the recovered equipment came back positive for anthrax, but a second laboratory reported negative results, according to investigators close to the case.  Tests are continuing, and experts have said testing on the recovered equipment could be difficult because they have been submerged in water for a long period of time.

The differing results has led to an FBI debate as to whether to continue with plans to drain the pond where the equipment was found in an attempt to search for additional evidence, the Post reported.  Some FBI agents are concerned that draining the pond could ultimately be useless and embarrassing, while others have said the initial finds in the pond, including the possible glove box, have given the bureau no choice but to search the pond more thoroughly, sources said.

Maryland state and local officials have said they are awaiting word from the FBI on its decision on draining the pond, which was expected to begin June 1 (Thompson/Lengel, Washington Post, May 30).

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