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Deseret, Utah
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
(copy without pictures)
Safely Managing Chemical Weapons
Deseret Chemical Depot's mission is to
ensure that the storage of the stockpile remains safe for the
community, the workers and the environment. The Depot, located 20
miles south of Tooele, encompasses 19,400 acres.
What is Stored at Deseret?
Deseret Chemical Depot has been storing
chemical weapons since 1942. The stockpile consists of spray tanks,
cartridges, projectiles, rockets, bombs, ton containers and mines
containing the nerve agents GA, GB, VX, and blister agents mustard
and lewisite. The Army is committed to safely storing these weapons
until they are eliminated as part of the Army's Chemical Stockpile
Disposal Program.
The Depot stores 13,616 tons, or 44.5
percent of our nation's original stockpile of chemical weapons. Seven
other sites located across the continental United States, and on
Johnston Atoll in the Pacific, store the remainder of the stockpile.
Chemical Weapons Storage
There are three types of storage
structures at Deseret Chemical Depot:
-
Two above-ground magazines, 200-feet wide and 200-feet long;
- 68 steel arch igloos, 26-feet wide and 89-feet long; and
- 140 concrete arch igloos, 26-feet wide and 80-feet long.
These earth-covered igloos are designed
specifically to contain the munitions and protect them from damage
caused by deterioration, storms, lightning and other weather-related events.
Experienced and trained workers monitor
the storage area. Regular inspections are performed to monitor for
leaks and inspect the condition of weapons and facilities. These
workers are also involved in regular exercises with state and county
emergency management officials to test readiness for any emergency.
Deseret Chemical Activity has a
trained, professional workforce dedicated to maintaining the
stockpile until it can be safely destroyed. Security features include
a double fence, lighting system, controlled access and video
surveillance in addition to the security guards who patrol the
storage area.
Deseret and the Environment
Deseret Chemical Depot is home to a
variety of wildlife, such as deer, antelope, eagles and foxes.
Community Involvement
The Army recognizes the importance of
public involvement in safely storing America's chemical weapons. The
Army encourages open dialogue concerning SBCCOM's mission to safely
store these weapons. If you would like more information about the
management of chemical weapons at Deseret Chemical Depot, contact the
Public Affairs Office at (801) 833-4577 or visit the Tooele Community
Outreach Office at the following location:
Tooele Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office
54 South Main Street
Tooele, Utah 84074
(801) 882-3773
Agent |
Item |
Quantity |
Pounds |
HT-Blister |
4.2-inch Cartridges |
62,590 |
363,020 |
HD-Blister |
4.2-inch Cartridges |
976 |
5,860 |
HD-Blister |
Ton Containers |
6,398 |
11,383,420 |
H-Blister |
155mm Cartridges |
54,663 |
699,540 |
Lewisite |
Ton Containers |
10 |
25,920 |
|
GA-Nerve |
Ton Containers |
2 |
2,820 |
TGA-Nerve |
Ton Containers |
2 |
1,280 |
TGB-Nerve |
Ton Containers |
7 |
6,960 |
GB-Nerve |
105mm Cartridges |
119,400 |
194,620 |
GB-Nerve |
105mm Projectiles |
679,303 |
1,107,260 |
GB-Nerve |
155mm Projectiles |
89,141 |
579,420 |
GB-Nerve |
M55 Rockets |
28,945 |
309,720 |
GB-Nerve |
M56 Rocket Warhead |
1,056 |
11,300 |
GB-Nerve |
WETEYE |
888 |
308,140 |
GB-Nerve |
750-lb. Bombs |
4,463 |
981,860 |
GB-Nerve |
Ton Containers |
5,709 |
8,598,200 |
|
VX-Nerve |
155mm Projectiles |
53,216 |
319,300 |
VX-Nerve |
Mines |
22,690 |
238,240 |
VX-Nerve |
8-inch Projectiles |
1 |
20 |
VX-Nerve |
M55 Rockets |
3,966 |
39,660 |
VX-Nerve |
Spray Tanks |
862 |
1,168,880 |
VX-Nerve |
Ton Containers |
640 |
910,960 |
Deseret stores 13,616 tons, or 44.5
percent of our nation's original stockpile of chemical weapons.
* as of May 1997
This page last updated on 28 June 1999.
If you have any questions or comments, please email the
Deseret Chemical Depot
Public Affairs Officer. |