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E.I. Dupont's VX Nerve Agent/Caustic Wastewater Treatment January 21, 2005 Congressman Rob Andrews Dear Congressman Andrews: I would like to take this opportunity to address the proposed disposal of wastewater from the United States military's VX nerve agent destruction project at the DuPont Chambers Works facility in Deepwater, NJ. While many things remain to be seen, the Development Council has been and will continue to follow the progress of this project and the future impact on the region. As you are aware, the VX nerve agent is currently being stored in the Newport Chemical Depot in Indiana where it will be neutralized into caustic wastewater. After neutralization, the wastewater will be transferred to the Dupont facility for treatment before being released into the Delaware River. In the wake of 9/11, it is clearly important to destroy our obsolete chemical weapons stockpiles in order to eliminate them as potential terrorist targets. However, this must be done in a way that is protective of both human health and the surrounding environment. It is my firm belief that we shall work together in the coming months to ensure that any treatment of this kind be done in the safest manner possible. Reports are still pending from the Center for Disease Control and the New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection. Should they report favorably on this project, the Development Council will support the treatment of the wastewater at the DuPont facility. Sincerely, Marlene Z. Asselta |
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