Recommendations for the Disposal of Chemical Agents and Munitions (1994) / Chapter Skim
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Findings and Recommendations
Findings and Recommendations
Pages 120-132
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From page 120... ...
Risk analyses of both storage and disposal operations have showI1 that cumulative total risk to the public and to the environment is dominated by storage rather than disposal operations, at least In terms of the risk of acute agent exposure. These risk analyses are being updated, but the evidence is strong that new studies watt not significantly alter this distribution of risk.
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From page 121... ...
These should be developed at an accelerated pace in order that they might prove beneficial within that expeditious schedule. Given the persistent storage risk, the disposal schedule should not be ~ei~berately delayed or interrupted in order to foster the application of emerging alternative agent disposal technologies, particularly since the committee does not believe that any alternative disposal technology will significantly reduce the total processing risk.
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From page 122... ...
The Stockpile Committee is confident that site-spec~fic risk analyses win confirm the wisdom of proceeding promptly. Further, the schedule of the disposal program should not be delayed pending completion of the updated analyses, because they can be conducted concurrently with other activities within the overall construction and operations schedule.
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From page 123... ...
The members of the public in comunun~ties near the chemical stockpile sites have voiced diverse views and opinions regarding the stockpile disposal program, and their desire to have greater access and input into decisions concerning that program. The committee Is public forum, as wed as correspondence and telephone calls to the committee, indicate that the Army is not as well informed of public sentiment as desirable.
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From page 124... ...
Chemical agents and munitions materials have been successfully divided into four distinct process streams having widely differing properties. Separation of these materials for processing in distinct, weBengineered systems provides a safer and more reliable operation than would processing of a mixed stream in a single process.
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From page 125... ...
provided additional assurance that the baseline system is capable of the safe disposal of the Army's chemical stockpile. However, the committee found that OVT identified opportunities for improvements in operations, management practices, and training with regard to safeW, environmental performance, aIld plant efficiency.
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From page 126... ...
In view of the increasing total risk associated with disposal program delays, and recognizing that public opposition might delay the program for a number of reasons, including opposition to incineration, it is imperative that alternative technologies be developed promptly. Recommendation 14A.
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From page 127... ...
Finding 15. There has been continued development of venous research programs involving potential alternatives since the National Research Council report Altemative Technologies for the Destruction of Chemical Agents arid Munitions was issued.
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From page 128... ...
Stockpile Safety Finding 20. A recent MITRE Corporation evaluation of stockpile condition with respect to propellant stabilization in M55 rockets suggests that the stockpile is safe until 2007 or later, whereas a similar Army report suggests 2002.
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From page 129... ...
If surveillance is reduced, it would leave the stockpile subject to dangerous uncertainty. Further, other signs of degradation—gelled mustard, foaming mustard artillery shells, leaking and corroded ton containers suggest that stockpile degradation can adversely affect disposal processes.
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From page 130... ...
r- -- fir ~~ i ~~~~~ -~ Emphasis on overall safety In the selection of technologies for the disposal of chemical agents and munitions leads to a program that also happens to have favorable cost and schedule consequences, which will be of interest to those who must make the final decision. This follows from the unusual circumstance that time and money spent in search of better technology are likely to result in delays that increase overall risk, whatever the characteristics of the new technology.
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From page 131... ...
Findings and Recommendations 131 scope of the Army Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program, and unfair to the affected communities, to use this program for the e~enmental development and pioneering demonstration of new waste disposal technologies that might be used ~ some future facility to dispose of materials far less hazardous than chemical warfare agents.
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