Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. statement, January 27, 1997

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Richard Cross January 27, 1997 202-225-3061 STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. REGARDING CHEMICAL DEMILITARIZATION AT APG “I am pleased that the U. S. Department of Defense has authorized the U. S. Army to pilot test a neutralization-based process for the destruction of chemical agents stored at Aberdeen Proving Ground. “I am not opposed to the incineration method which the Army has used to destroy chemical stockpiles elsewhere. However, I do believe in site-specific solutions. Accordingly, I believe that technique of neutralization followed by biodegradation is the best method for APG. Indeed, the National Research Council recently concluded a report recommending neutralization at APG. “Since coming to Congress, I have actively lobbied the Army to establish such a pilot program at APG. Additionally, I have pushed for additional funds for the Department of Defense’s Alternative Technology Program. I have worked closely with the Maryland’s Citizens Advisory Commission, an advisory commission charged with representing the community’s interest with respect to the stockpile at Aberdeen. The commission strongly supports the neutralization technique. “The U. S. Army’s Chemical Demilitarization Program at APG will develop both the neutralization technique to be used at APG as well as a similar technology to be used at a pilot program at Newport Chemical Depot in Indiana.”