Monday, May 19, 2008
LEAK: Mustard agent vapors detected at depot
By Mary Hopkin, Herald staff writer

Hermiston--Trace amounts of mustard chemical agent vapors were detected inside an igloo today at the Umatilla Chemical Depot.

The structure, which houses ton containers of mustard chemical agent left over from World War II, has a filtering system that prevents the vapor from leaking outside the structure.

But as a protective measure, a powered filter system was installed, said Michele Martin, a public affairs officer at the chemical depot.

Martin said the crews were monitoring the igloos at 8:30 a.m. when the leak was detected inside.

Workers are able to check for leaks without entering the structures, so no people were exposed or injured, and no mustard was detected outside.

More than 2000 ton containers of mustard agent are stored in igloos in K-Block at the depot.