Posted on 01/25/2006 7:40:45 PM PST by NormsRevenge
WHITE HALL, Ark. (AP) -- The nation's second-largest chemical weapons depot beefed up security Wednesday after three people entered a restricted zone.
A security guard patrolling near storage igloos at the Pine Bluff Arsenal saw three people just before midnight Tuesday who were not authorized to be in the area, said Cheryl Avery, a spokeswoman for the 13,000-acre Army complex.
The three had not been found by Wednesday afternoon. It wasn't known if the breach involved outsiders or arsenal workers straying beyond their security clearance.
"We do know that the weapons are safely stored and accounted for," Avery said.
She said arsenal operations continued as usual Wednesday except for the enhanced security. She would not describe the additional measures taken, but guards checked every vehicle leaving the area.
The arsenal is located a half-hour south of Little Rock. In March, crews began destroying its chemical weapons stockpile in compliance with international treaties that call for disposal by 2012.
Kathy Hedrick, spokeswoman for the state Department of Emergency Management, said her office had been notified of the intrusion but was given no indication how serious the incident might be.
The investigation was handled by the Defense Department's security staff at the arsenal
My husband was stationed there back in the sixties. Sleepy half abandoned place, a few officers. But many stores of chem and bio weapons which are stored in those igloos. Right on the river. Security was a joke.
It is a lot different now with the decontamination facility in operation. Bustling place. Largest or one of the largest employers in NE Oregon (I'm sure). No bio weapons.
Oh, I was referring to the Pine Bluff Arsenal.
DANIEL CONNOLLY, Associated Press Writer
Thu Jan 26, 6:06 PM ET
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A guard who reported a security breach inside the nation's second-largest chemical weapons depot may have mistaken wildlife for human intruders, authorities said Thursday.
The commander of the Pine Bluff Arsenal said officials combed the area but found no footprints or other evidence of human intruders.
"There's no doubt in my mind that the officer saw something, but it wasn't human," Col. Brian S. Lindamood said. "At this time I have no idea what it could be."
Lindamood said the officer was patrolling inside a 500-acre secure section of the arsenal where chemical weapons, including nerve agents, are stored.
"He reported that he saw three individuals on foot inside the (secure area) and when he approached in his vehicle they ran into the woods," he said.
Lindamood said the guard was between 70 and 165 feet away at the time and the area was brightly lit. The guard won't face any disciplinary measures.
"In fact, he was commended for the promptness of his report, for the detail contained in his report, and for his diligence in following up until his backup arrived," Lindamood said.
The 13,000-acre Army complex, located a half-hour south of Little Rock, began destroying its chemical weapons stockpile in March to comply with international treaties.
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