As of Wednesday, approximately 16 gallons of the deadly GB (sarin) nerve agent and its breakdown products had successfully been neutralized as a part of Operation Swift Solution being conducted at the Blue Grass Army Depot.
The project is separate from the overall chemical weapons demilitarization project that is to be complete by 2023.
The “Swift Solution” project began Wednesday, Nov. 12, to break down and dispose of the nerve agent mixture in three ton containers, one of which has leaked in the past.
Two containers have been moved from their original storage igloo to the operations structure housing the CHATS (Chemical Agent Transfer System). The contents of the first container, which contained the least amount of the nerve agent mixture, were successfully drained and neutralized. Neutralization of the contents of the second container is currently under way.
The third container, which is the container that leaked in August 2007, remains in the storage igloo under daily monitoring.
The nerve agent mixture inside the containers is beginning to erode the threads on the containers, which is what caused the 2007 leak.
Operation Swift Solution will safely eliminate all risks associated with the long-term storage of the steel containers and their contents.
A CHATS was brought to the depot from the Edgewood Chemical Activity in Maryland.
The CHATS is being used to destroy the 157 gallons of toxic chemical mixture being stored in three stainless steel containers.
The project is moving along on time, according to Tim Blades of ECBC (Edgewood Chemical Biological Center) who leads the unit operations at the depot.
“Things are going well and we are meeting all of our treatment goals,” Blades said.
The CHATS is essentially a sealed box that allows operators to manually drain the contents of a ton container into a self-contained neutralization reactor.
The waste temporarily will be stored at the depot, then a contract will be formed with a commercial facility to have them provide appropriate disposal.
“I’m pleased with the progress made thus far,” Blades said.
However, there was a slight problem Monday with one of the system’s generators
An error signal was generated Monday in the CHATS monitoring unit, indicating there were problems with a generator’s power output.
All emergency systems were operating and no one was in the structure at the time.
Generators and electrical connections were switched, and the monitoring system was reset.
Follow-up maintenance activities later that day included making adjustments to the filtration system and a 45-second controlled shut-down of the CHATS filter system that resulted in an anticipated monitoring system alarm.
Filtration of the overall operational structure continued as normal. A power outage was tested and the back-up generator functioned as designed, with all equipment and filter systems working properly.
“With the start up of any new operation, there are going to be issues, but hopefully very few unforeseen events,” Blades said.
Army teams including members from the ECBC, the Blue Grass Chemical Activity, the Blue Grass Army Depot and Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, are involved in the destruction effort, with cooperation and oversight from local and state government agencies and daily oversight from the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection.
Visit www.pmacwa.army.mil/ky/swift_solution.htm for previous advisories and additional information.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.
Local News
One down, two to go at depot; leaker monitored
- Local News
-
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Kentucky’s deadline for filing to run for legislative seats was in flux on Monday because a judge did not immediately rule on a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of newly redrawn district boundaries.
Franklin County Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd said he expects to enter a ruling in the case by mid-week.
-
Couple recovering from injuries suffered in weekend house fire
A couple was hospitalized after their home was set ablaze Sunday by a spark from a cigar, according to a county fire official.
County Fire Chief Jim Cox said the city and county fire departments were called to the home at 111 Concord Road in the early afternoon. Waco Volunteer Fire Department and the Richmond Fire Department also responded.
-
EKU closes dining room at Arlington Clubhouse
A Richmond country club is no longer offering dining to members, but remains available for catered events and will be open on certain holidays.
Arlington Country Club, which has been a staple of Eastern Kentucky University for the past 40 years, laid off all dining staff late last week, according to Tom Coffey of the EKU Foundation.
-
Standoff at Super 8 Motel ends peacefully
A bizarre drug-fueled standoff at the Richmond Super 8 Motel ended peacefully with no one hurt, including a child who was in the room with a man that police found wielding two knives.
About 1:53 a.m. Friday, police received a call about a man who was threatening someone with a knife at the motel on North Keeneland Drive, according to Richmond Police Chief Larry Brock.
-
Trial for couple accused of human trafficking delayed
The trial for a Berea couple accused of human trafficking involving their daughters has been delayed.
Despite Monday morning television reports that the trial was beginning Monday, it was postponed because the attorneys are not ready to try the case.
-
Richmond man charged with child porn possession
(Editor’s note: The following story contains graphic information some readers may find offensive.)
A Richmond man has been arrested for possession of child pornography as a result of a nearly one-year investigation by local police.
-
Noted author to deliver keynote address for Black History Month
Almost a year ago, Arnold Rampersad stood in the East Room of the White House as he was presented the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama.
On Thursday, Feb. 16, the noted author will stand in O’Donnell Hall of Eastern Kentucky University’s Student Success Building to deliver the keynote address for the university’s Black History Month observance. Rampersad’s visit is also part of Eastern’s year-long Chautauqua lecture series, and the title of his talk, “Black History: The Challenge of Living with Others,” coincides with this year’s Chautauqua theme, “Living with Others: Challenges and Promises.” -
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, which has built 160 homes for people in need since 1992, is seeking applicants for partner families, according to Judy Flavell, executive director of the organization.
“We really need applicants right now,” Flavell said. “More people can qualify for Habitat homes than people realize.”
Eligible applicants must have lived in Madison or Clark counties for at least one year, have a stable income, be able to pay a modest monthly mortgage and be able to demonstrate that their current housing is overcrowded, physically substandard, too expensive, unsafe, or they are living in subsidized housing, according to Habitat.
For more information about eligibility, or to apply, call Habitat for Humanity at 625-9208 or visit its office at 1417 East Main Street in Richmond. Visit online at habitatmadisonclark.org. -
Occupational therapy dept. at EKU offers program for adults with memory loss
For local adults who are experiencing memory loss related to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the Department of Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University has provided “The Place to Be” for the past two decades.
The department will again sponsor the free eight-week program on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Feb. 9. Participants can attend Thursday and/or Friday. Applications still are being accepted (call 893-0653) for the free service, which is offered in Room 100 of the Dizney Building on EKU’s campus. -
Bible Belt towns in state consider going ‘wet’
In this Appalachian college town where socially conservative views are bedrocks of life, some people want to do what was once unthinkable: legalize liquor sales.
Supporters say passing the measure in Tuesday’s special election in Barbourville would tap a new revenue source in a place where hundreds of jobs are evaporating as one plant shuts down and another cuts its workforce in half. But from the pulpits to the courthouse square, opponents have been pressing their case that uncorking liquor sales would irreparably harm the town of about 3,200. - More Local News Headlines
-
Judge weighs constitutionality of legislative redistricting
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
