Objections Raised to Neutralizing WMDs Next to Sibley Hospital

Sibley Memorial Hospital

These munitions were recovered over the past two years using redundant safety measures including a blast containment structure, a siren, warning signs and instructions for nearby residents to shelter “in place.” None of these safety measures will be in effect during the munitions destruction. The safety arc during recovery was 740 feet, but the safety arc for the destruction has been reduced to 400 feet. We’re dealing with the same munitions, chemical warfare agents and explosives. Why the 340-foot difference?

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2009)

The Corps moved both chemical and coventional munitions safely from American University through Spring Valley to the Interim Holding Facility north of Sibley Hospital. Each munition is safely packaged in a stainless steel Multiple Round Container, which is designed to withstand an accidental explosion. Now the Army claims it's unsafe to transport these same munitions to the the Naval Research Lab.
Environmental Health Group:
"Proposed Munitions Destruction Behind Sibley Hospital"