Wednesday, May 14, 2008
DEPOT: Problem shuts down chemical weapons incinerator
By Franny White, Herald staff writer

Incineration at the Umatilla Chemical Agent Depot Facility has been temporarily stopped as officials investigate why smoke filled part of a furnace area early today.

The incident happened at 7 a.m. in the furnace area of the liquid incinerator, where VX nerve agent was being burned for disposal, said depot spokesman Bruce Henrickson.

No one was injured and there was no danger to the environment or the community, Henrickson said.

Fire alarms went off and automatic dampers closed to prevent any chemical agent from escaping outside the facility.

Henrickson said an apparent blockage in a piping system caused the smoke to escape, but Army officials are investigating to determine the exact cause.

Henrickson said officials should know by Thursday when the incineration can restart.