To add extra protection during destruction of chemical weapons, the Army has awarded a $15.6 million contract to EG&G Defense Materials for an extra carbon filter system at a Tooele Army Depot arms destruction plant.
The new filter system - designed to give an extra scrub to emissions from incineration of arms before they are released to the atmosphere - was recommended last year by the National Academy of Sciences.The Army said it felt current systems were safe but agreed to add the extra filters, saying it was somewhat like adding suspenders to a belt to hold up pants.
EG&G is the main contractor operating the Tooele Chemical Agent Disposal Facility. Completion of the new work is expected by Sept. 3, 1996.
Tooele stores 42 percent of the nation's chemical arms, which the new plant is scheduled to destroy over the next 10 years.