Umatilla, Ore., weapons disposal to resume in June

Associated Press - May 29, 2008 1:35 PM ET

HERMISTON, Ore. (AP) - Officials say the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility will resume munitions disposal in early June.

The work at the Eastern Oregon plant stopped on May 14 after smoke filled part of a liquid incinerator.

Officials say they learned the smoke erupted after pipes in the pollution abatement system inadvertently plugged.

Depot officials say liquids backed up, releasing steam and smoke. The machinery is controlled robotically. No one was hurt.

The depot's second liquid incinerator has been in a scheduled two-month maintenance project.

So far, the chemical depot has destroyed more than 21,000 of the 155 mm VX projectiles.