Recent startling news that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has reneged on its commitment to provide protective hoods, or gas masks, for Anniston citizens living in the chemical weapons incinerator danger zone is puzzling to the many thousands of people who feel that our community deserves maximum protection in case of an incinerator accident.The explanation itself is startlingly simple — and disturbing. In June 2000 the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) ruled against Families Concerned About Nerve Gas Incineration’s legal appeal of the incinerator permit.
The appeal was based largely on the lack of existing protection for the community in case of an accident with the incinerator and the almost nonexistent liability of the contractor.
ADEM’s ruling, upheld just last week in a Montgomery Appeals Court, affirms that the Army and FEMA do not have to respond in an emergency and thus the responsibility falls to the Calhoun County Commissioners and the County EMA.
The fact that Alabama courts and ADEM would rule against providing maximum safety and meaningful liability protection for their own citizens seems idiotic and self-destructive. Nevertheless it is true — that’s precisely what they have done.
If there’s good news in all this it is that Public Law 99-145, a Congressional directive, mandates “maximum protection for the environment, the general public, and the personnel who are involved in the destruction of the lethal chemical weapons and munitions.”
It’s ironic that in this case federal law is in conflict with interpretations of Alabama law.
There is additional good news and thank God for it: Gov. Siegelman and Sen. Shelby have both pledged that maximum protection must be provided or there will be no incinerator.
Indeed Gov. Siegelman announced on Friday that he will sue to stop the incinerator process if protection was not provided.
Also Rep. Bob Riley has expressed his disappointment with FEMA’s decision. Thank you all. With your strong leadership there is still hope for safe destruction in Anniston.
But the question remains: Why in the name of sanity would ADEM and Alabama courts rule against protecting their own citizens? Crazy in Alabama!
Rufus Kinney
Families Concerned About Nerve Gas Incineration
Jacksonville
How come?
How come TV commercials are stupid and the “shows” are nothing but dirty puns, how come?Rob Mabry
Anniston
