WASHINGTON, (August 27, 2008)—Congressman Ben Chandler (D-KY6), Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) commended a recent policy change at Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) focused on alerting the public to potential health hazards.
A letter written by Chandler, McConnell and Bunning on August 13, 2008 urged the new leadership of Blue Grass Chemical Activity (BGCA) to keep safety measures in place which alerted the public and first responders to all leaks within 5 minutes. The letter expressed that timely information is not only critical to safety, but would help maintain trust between the Commander of BGCA and the public.
In July, the former Commander of BGCA submitted a proposal which would have rescinded this notification policy. However, outcry from community leaders and elected officials helped retain this current safety policy.
“The Senators and I look forward to the final, safe disposal of these chemical weapons, and each one of us agrees that the immediate safety of the citizens of Madison County is of the utmost importance,” Chandler said. “I will continue to work with Senator McConnell and Senator Bunning to make sure that we keep the lines of communication between the Depot and first responders open. Today is a small victory for the people of Central Kentucky, and this decision by the Depot’s leadership shows that, step-by-step, we are making meaningful progress.”
“Reinstating the notification policy will maintain vital communication and help build trust between the BGCA and the community,” McConnell said. “I will continue to work with Congressman Chandler and Senator Bunning on the safe disposal of the chemical weapons stored at the facility, and until that time comes, we will work to ensure the community remains well informed and as safe as possible.”
“I firmly believe we have an obligation to the citizens of Kentucky to dispose of these weapons as quickly and safely as possible,” said Bunning. “But as long as chemical weapons are going to be stored in the area, it is imperative that the community be kept in the loop on safety issues at the Blue Grass Army Depot. I am glad that Congressman Chandler, Senator McConnell and I were able to work together to help make sure the current notification policy remains intact.”
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