Tooele Suspends VX Disposal for Safety Review

The Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility in Utah on Thursday suspended disposal of spray tanks filled with VX nerve agent for a safety and compliance review, which is expected to take seven to 10 days, the Salt Lake Tribune reported (see GSN, Oct. 1).

Systems contractor EG&G Materials Inc. began the review after new, stricter environmental controls led to an increase in alarms for carbon monoxide and oxygen concentrations, said Alaine Southworth, spokeswoman for the nearby Deseret Chemical Depot in Tooele County.

“This review is a sound course of action and emphasizes the Army’s commitment to air quality,” said Ted Ryba, acting site project manager.

Meanwhile, an employee suspected of silencing an emergency alarm system was fired following an investigation. The employee worked for EG&G’s subcontractor Battelle, according to the Tribune (Dawn House, Salt Lake Tribune, Oct. 22).

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