Global Security Newswire
Daily News on Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Weapons, Terrorism and Related Issues
Mustard Agent Leak Detected at Blue Grass
A small amount of mustard blister agent has escaped from at least one chemical munition stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky, the Lexington Herald Leader reported on Monday (see GSN, Aug. 24, 2010).
Workers conducting standard checks identified the leaked vapor in a structure used for storage of 155 mm shells.
A specialized filter has been attached to the igloo to ensure that no mustard gas is released into the environment. Blue Grass Chemical Activity, which is charged with ensuring the safe storage of the depot's 523-ton stock of chemical warfare materials, said locals face no danger from the leak.
Elimination of the chemical stockpile at Blue Grass is due to begin in 2018 and to be completed in 2021. It would be the last U.S. installation to finish off materials banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention (see GSN, Feb. 15; Greg Kocher, Lexington Herald Leader, March 12).
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UNSCR 1540 Resource Collection
March 12, 2013
The UNSCR 1540 Resource Collection examines implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, which requires all states to implement measures aimed at preventing non-state actors from acquiring NBC weapons, related materials, and their means of delivery. It details implementation efforts in all of the regions and countries of the world to-date.
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