Special section brings together our long debate

A cache of chemical weapons at the Anniston Army Depot waits to be destroyed. From technology to politics to the people caught between, this is what you need to know. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 were not just the story of the year, but for many the story of a lifetime. They also sparked an entirely new interest in arguably the most significant local issue of 2001, that being the area’s debate regarding one of the nation’s most deadly stashes of chemical weapons. The Anniston Army Depot, and therefore the local community, plays host to thousands of rockets and munitions designed to kill. They are stored in heavily fortified igloos and surrounded by well-trained military forces and signs warning of shoot-to-kill orders. International treaties and national policies have the weapons on track for destruction, but two major debates surrounding the local weapons issue continue to stir strong emotions among those of us who live here. Should we burn the weapons in a newly constructed $1 billion incinerator, as is planned to begin in 2002, or should we continue storing the stockpile in our back yard during a wait for some safer method of destruction? Perhaps more important, how prepared are we should an accident or terrorism attack occur today and somehow unleash the unthinkable, a release of a chemical weapon upon ourselves? Do we try to evacuate everyone in the threatened zone, do we learn to shelter in place, or do we learn both of these and any other options available to protect ourselves? Today’s edition of The Anniston Star brings you a collection of stories on the issue published during 2001. The section is meant to serve as an educational tool that teaches the most-discussed emergency preparedness plans and provides insight into the ongoing debates. In addition to the articles, we have included a map that shows evacuation routes and emergency contact information. The section is a community service project by The Star. In addition to its inclusion in today’s edition of the newspaper, several thousand copies of the section will be distributed for free to non-subscribers living near the depot, and copies also are available for free in the office lobby of The Star at 216 W. 10th St., Anniston.

Photo: The Anniston Star The emissions stack of the chemical weapons incineration facility at Anniston Army Depot ARTICLES The road to the burning issue Can the debate about burning chemical weapons wait until technology catches up? Beyond burning A look at the alternatives Run or hide? The Army says an accident leaves no time to flee; county officials doubt sheltering in place works 'Once it's gone, it's gone' The Army says the wait for new methods can't justify the risk of stored munitions A new urgency Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the need to deal with stored chemical weapons has captivated Calhoun County Igloo workers face poison every day Protecting ourselves Neighbors of chemical weapons facilities want to know if emergency plans are adequate or just accepted In the depot's shadow Homeowners find no one wants to buy land next to an incinerator PERSPECTIVES Troy Turner: We need a plan and we need it now John Fleming: Incident at the Tooele incinerator NEED TO KNOW INFO Glossary Timeline Who's Who Phone numbers Evacuation route map Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)