Global Security Newswire

The Umatilla Chemical Depot in Oregon is continuing preparations for disposal of more than 2,000 ton containers of mustard blister agent, the Hermiston Herald reported yesterday (see GSN, Nov. 6, 2008).

The Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility has been undergoing conversion since finishing off the depot's stockpile of VX nerve agent in November.

The incineration plant has installed a sealed "glovebox" that would be used to release hydrogen from the bulk containers. Up to five containers can be placed in the box at any one time.

The plant has added a new ventilation system and vent stack and made a number of other modifications, said facility project manager Doug Hamrick.

Equipment for dealing with "heels" -- chunks of dried mustard agent found at the bottom of the containers -- has also been built, while the plant's metal parts furnace has been upgraded to better process the heels, Hamrick said.

Disposal operations are scheduled to begin in April and could last up to two years (Karen Hutchinson-Talaski, Hermiston Herald, Jan. 28).