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Defense Agency says all sites under consideration
August 24, 2006-By John Blair, valleywatch.net editor. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency does little to allay fears that a site near Bedford, in southern Indiana might be used for a weapons test that will detonate 1.4 million pounds of explosives.
Cheri Abdelnour, the head of Public Affairs for the Defense Threat Reduction told Valley Watch in a telephone interview that nothing has been ruled out as a possible test site for her Agency's explosion of more than 1.4 million pounds of non-nuclear material.

In a release from the Agency, known as DTRA, they state, "The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is assessing several possible sites other than the Nevada Test Site for the DIVINE STRAKE experiment; however, it's premature to discuss them until the assessment has been completed."

The test, designed to mimic a nuclear 'bunker buster" bomb, was to be finalized in late June at the Nevada Test Site, but was delayed by fierce local opposition since it was thought the the site, which was home of numerous nuclear tests in the 1950s, would release tons of radioactive material to the air.

Although there is no nuclear material in this bomb, it was thought that nuclear material from previous nuclear tests would be stirred up and released.

While that possibility is remote for the site in southern Lawrence County near Bedford, there is considerable concern that such a massive explosion would irrevocably contaminate groundwater as well as release large volumes of toxic chemicals into the air.

An Environmental Assessment released by the Department Of Defense earlier this year did show that numerous poisons would reach the atmosphere by the bomb which would send a mushroom cloud into the air 10,000 feet high,

According to the Assessment, more than two tons of cyanide compounds, 1,535 pounds of phosgene gas, the primary chemical in “mustard gas” chemical weapons, 1,318 pounds of methylene chloride, a human carcinogen, 2,387 pounds of carbon tetrachloride, another carcinogen and 1,650 pounds of chlorine, a poison, will be released from the giant explosion.

Opposition to the blast is forming throughout southern Indiana and local groups are coalescing with national and regional groups to stop the blast.

Valley Watch is tracking the proposal and we are willing to serve as liaison with opponents across the region and nation. It is suggested that all candidates for federal office, incumbents and challengers, alike, be contacted by people to vehemently express their opposition to this absurd proposal.

It is also important that everyone contact their Senators as well.
Senator Lugar can be contacted at 202-224-4814; and, Senator Bayh can be phoned at 202-224-5623.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/25/opinion/...=th&oref=slogin