Anniston, Alabama Iraq was destroyed on a false accusation of harbouring chemical and biological weapons with which (so they told us) its neighbours could be threatened (not the United States). In the aftermath of Iraq's death at the hands of the nations with the largest arsenal of such prohibited weapons, what kind of death are the United States and Britain deserving of, that murdered Iraq on the basis of a false accusation? SLOW DEATH FROM THEIR OWN LEAKING ARSENAL. - Reni Sentana-Ries Safely Managing Chemical Weapons      Anniston Chemical Activity's mission is to ensure the safe storage of its chemical weapon stockpile. The stockpile at Anniston is maintained on 762 acres in the northeastern portion of the Anniston Army Depot. The 18,133-acre Depot is located 50 miles east of Birmingham, Ala. What is Stored at Anniston?      Chemical munitions have been stored at Anniston since 1961. The stockpile at Anniston consists of cartridges, projectiles, ton containers, rockets and mines containing the nerve agents GB and VX, and blister agent, or mustard. The Army is committed to safely storing these weapons until they are eliminated as part of the Army's Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program.      Anniston stores 2,254 tons, or 7.4 percent of our nation's original stockpile of chemical weapons. The rest of the stockpile is stored at seven other sites located across the continental United States and on Johnston Atoll in the Pacific. Chemical Weapons Storage      Chemical weapons are stored in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. The igloos are approximately 25 feet high, with a varied length of 40-, 60-, or 80-feet. The igloos are constructed of steel-reinforced concrete, topped with approximately 24 inches of soil. They are designed specifically to protect the chemical weapons from external factors, such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events. Anniston maintains a total of 1,300 igloos, 155 of which are dedicated to the storage of chemical weapons.      Chemical agents are also stored in ton containers, which are large steel containers designed specifically to ensure that the agent is stored safely. They are cylindrical and measure approximately 6 feet long and are 3 feet in diameter. Each sidewall of the ton container is about 1 inch thick. They also are equipped with specially designed valves located at one end of each container to minimize the chance of leaks. When empty, ton containers weigh about 1,500 pounds.      Anniston Chemical Activity has a trained, professional workforce dedicated to maintaining the stockpile until it can be safely destroyed. Workers enter the storage igloos regularly to monitor for leaks and inspect the condition of weapons, containers and facilities. Security guards monitor the area 24 hours a day. In addition, an elaborate security system and a double chain-linked fence deter unauthorized personnel from entering the area. Anniston and the Environment      Rolling hills and wooded areas surround Anniston Army Depot providing a natural habitat for a large herd of deer and other small mammals. Lakes encircle the Depot and provide a habitat for a variety of water fowl and fish. Community Involvement      The Army's top priority is managing chemical weapons in a way that is safe for the community, the workers and the environment. To ensure community concerns are heard, the Army encourages open dialogue concerning SBCCOM's mission to safely store our nation's chemical weapons stockpile. If you would like to learn more about the management of chemical weapons at Anniston Chemical Activity, contact the Public Affairs Office at (205) 235-7940 or visit the Anniston Community Outreach Office at the following location:      Anniston Community Outreach Office      1227 Noble Street      Anniston, Ala. 36201      (205) 238-0120   Agent Item Quantity Pounds HT-Blister 4.2-inch Cartridges 183,552 1,064,600 HD-Blister 4.2-inch Cartridges 75,360 452,160 HD-Blister 105mm Cartridges 23,064 68,500 HD-Blister 155mm Projectiles 17,643 206,420 HD-Blister Ton Containers 108 185,080   GB-Nerve 105mm Cartridges 74,014 120,640 GB-Nerve 105mm Projectiles 26 40 GB-Nerve 155mm Projectiles 9,600 62,400 GB-Nerve 8-inch Projectiles 16,026 232,380 GB-Nerve M55 Rockets 42,738 457,300 GB-Nerve M56 Rocket Warheads 24 260   VX-Nerve 155mm Projectiles 139,581 837,480 VX-Nerve Mines 44,131 463,380 VX-Nerve M55 Rockets 35,636 356,360 VX-Nerve M56 Rocket Warheads 26 260      Anniston stores 2,254 tons, or 7.4 percent of our nation's original stockpile of chemical weapons. This page last updated on 28 June 1999. If you have any questions or comments, please email the Anniston Chemical Activity Public Affairs Officer.